Limp Mode after Steam engine clean

wtolbert

Question for those that are mechanics or may have had the same experience I'm facing.

I took my 370 to a car detailer in preparation of trading it in the next day at the Porsche dealership. My Z was running fine prior to the detail but the check engine light was on. This light was on prior for a couple months. I assumed it was due to my bolt on headers and the car needing a tune.

Once I got my car back and drove off from the detailer it was in limp mode. Engine wouldn't go above 2500 rpm's or faster than 60 mph. The detailer steam cleaned the engine without my permission. After taking my vehicle to Nissan the diagnostic was intake timing sprocket, solenoid, chains and guides with code P0021. Total charge $3610.22 plus $240 for diagnosis fee!! I found this out as I had an offer on the table from Porsche for a payoff and the news ultimately cost me $4k in the deal.

Nissan would not confirm or deny that the detail shop is responsible but are saying they don't recommend anyone steam clean a 370z engine. Porsche is claiming that steaming an engine wouldn't cause this issue while also saying they don't know anything about Nissans. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm trying to be courteous to the detailer offering him to pay half of my $4k loss but he is refusing. Wanted some input before seeking civil action.

Mileage 89k, 2010 370z

Trips

Has there been any attempt to reset the ecu by disconnecting the neg from the battery?

Thats the only thing I could think of other than making sure the engine has reach optimal temp to ensure any water has evaporated from a connection possible causing the issue.

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wtolbert

Unfortunately I no longer have access to the vehicle. Nissan had it for a few days. I assumed they would have tried that. I was hoping that after a few days the water may have dried out but it was having the same issue days later.

Dreadnaught

I experienced this when I was a tech with Mercedes. Some customer left the oil fill cap off after adding oil which caused quite a mess in the engine bay. Once we put a new headlamp in and steamed cleaned the engine bay per customer request, the vehicle went into limp mode. Water got in between a connector and sensor (I forgot which one). Ran codes and disconnected the connector and dried it out and the sensor. We cleared the codes and the vehicle operated as designed.

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Ford Diesel and Heavy Line Technician at your service.

axmea?

Two errors made.
Modern engines just have too many electronics and sensors that are sensitive and therefore not a good idea to wash or steam clean them. The 2nd mistake is taking it to a dealership.

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