My CEL/SL Issue Experience in Dubai With Al Futtaim Motors

[FT86Dubai]

During the break in of my car (Toyota 86 M/T Production 10/12) I kind of couldn't wait to be able to push my car to the limit and rev the engine all the way to its redline. So, at about 1100km I started to drive my car so hard that when I shift from 2nd to 3rd the slip light flashes. This wasn't enough for me, I reved the engine to its limit just to hear its cutt off

Then, just as I slowed down to a parking lot I felt the car's idle was a bit rough and I knew that my car is having the cel issue which I thought was resolved in cars built since September. About 30 seconds later the RPM started fluctuating between 600 and 400 revs and the idle became so rough that I felt my belly shaking Moments later, the CEL and SL lights lit up the dash and the car's idle became flat and normal.

In a frustrated move, I shifted in to 1st and drove off just as hard as I did earlier but this time I realised that the car's response was not normal because it was in limp mode. The car felt slow specially that you couldn't feel the vvti kick in at 4000 rpm.

Therefore, the car was unbearable so I decided to diagnose the car using Dash Command app on my iphone and connecting it to the KIWI PLX OBDII to wifi connector. I ran the diagnostic test and the code P0017 concerning Crank Position Correlation appeared. Although, I had the option to clear the code I decided to keep it and let the dealer deal with the issue.

Took the car to the dealer and the service representative looked surprised but played calm and asked to leave the car which I did. A few hours later he called me and said that they did not know what the issue was and he needs a day to report the issue to senior mechanics. The day after he called and said that the ECU needs to be replaced and as it is not available at the moment as it would be ordered from Japan and should arrive within two weeks. I felt so frustrated and decided to pay them a visit which I did next morning.

My greatest fear was being told that they would need to dismantle the engine and replace the cam sprocket as done to other owners in this forum. Fortunately, after being greeted by at least 4 mechanics they all agreed that it was an ECU problem and it needs to be replaced wich would require at least 2 weeks. I agreed and asked for a courtesy car and was offered a Toyota Corolla but I refused. The next day I was offered a Toyota Fortuner and surprisingly it was the a brand new v6 version with only 25km on the clock, with a full tank of fuel and salik tag with no charge

Today, 15 days since giving in the car I received a call to pick it up. It was washed up and the After Sales Manger was kind enough to explain that it was probably an electrical issue inside the ECU causing it to have low voltage and when diagnosed it would shoot up random codes making it difficult to pin point the exact problem therefore, it needed to be replaced. I think it makes sense, he even showed me the old one.

After leaving the service center, I gunned the car as fast possible for 15km while revving the car hard to redline and cut off. Reached an empty car lot and did a couple of donuts, to drifts and spun out a few times!

Al Hamd Lelah the car looks fixed and I am gladly keeping it and would definitely be there at the gathrings.

[Acid18]

Just got mine Last night.. I have been hearing this ECU problem over and over.. jope it wont affect mine.. I just love the Car.. All smiles this morning from Al wasl to Jebel ali.. but still cant drive fast as its still in its break in period.

**sucks**

[FT86Dubai]

Mabrook! Enjoy it

[chadstyle]

How is the car scene doing in Dubai? I went to Dubai in 08 for the auto show as well as to launch our West Coast Customs franchise at the time..Dubai was a crazy place but I'm anxious to return.

[FT86Dubai]

The car scene is crazier than ever! Its surprising how many different variaties of cars are sold here, makes you feel that its a testing environment for auto makers.

[Acid18]

I think that having different cultures brought it in.. Different cultures different tastes.. After the depression it was survival of the fittest and cars were sold like crazy.. i never thought they have honda si here which would be like a demo car for motorheads.. I only wish they will allow us to modify more and still will street legal..

[FT86Dubai]

I agree with you.

In regards to modifications, recently in Dubai only you can register a tuned car. The way to do it is go to any Tasjeel and they will inspect the car and if they are not convinced they will fail the car and ask you to take it to Tasjeel close by Al Aweer used car complex on a Thursday morning. It would be inspected again by specialists/committee and they will make sure that noise levels are appropriate and no leaks or flaws in the way the car is tuned. If approved, you will get a certificate of approval and a sheet of paper to keep with you in case required by police. A couple of friends of mine got approvals on tuned Nissan Patrol that had modified intake and exhaust some where turbocharged. I have also seen Nissan Patrols with V8 swaps approved!

However, they would be road legal in Dubai only and dont even think of going to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other Emirate. Furthermore, there was an article in Gulf News regarding RTA's car inspection and they mentioned that within the next few months they will have a different and more advanced inspection and renwel procedures. So I dont know if these new procedures would be in favor of modified vehicles.

[Acid18]

Geeshh.. Now thats a hand full!

Its either you do it commit and not do it at all.. I guess they do have connections just to approve those monsters.. And a separate car as well..

[FT86Dubai]

It can be formally done to all cars registered in Dubai. But, knowing that RTA is always issuing new procedures we can only hope that they will keep vehicle modifications legal.

[Acid18]

Yeah.. The only constant thing here in Dubai is change.. Lets just keep our fingers crossed..

Btw, you'll be coming to the drive out this jan 11 to al ain?

[FT86Dubai]

Ill try my best

[Acid18]

I dont know anyone who's attending but i will just make it an excuse to have an alone time with the car.. Hehehe..

[chadstyle]

We sent some SERIOUSLY modded cars over there but never had issues...probably because our customers were primarily sheiks and had "pull" with local officials.

I remember leaving the show in a group of 4 supercars following each other (I believe it was sheik zayed road but I could be wrong on the name...the main freeway through Dubai) and we were hauling ass!! Way over 150mph at night and the speed cameras were flashing like the paparazzi in the center of the road. At one point we got off the road at an exit and two police turned their lights on behind us..the sheik we were with (I'll leave his name out just due to respect for him) yelled something out the window in Arabic at them and the lights turned off and they turned around. I guess with enough money and status you can use the local roads as your race track and drive anything you like. Gotta love Dubai...what a memorable trip!!

[FT86Dubai]

You probably were with some real top shots. Because I personally know many Sheiks who are close relatives with the ruling family and had their cars impounded when violating the law.