I think I am in Limp Mode please help

[Tim J]

Hello,

2002 Response LX with perfect pass.

I just dewinterized the boat and put it in the water this weekend. I put the battery in (which may or may not had a full charge). I put in 20 gallons of fresh gas.

Launched the boat and it started up on the first try. Although I heard a terrible whining from the engine. (I know a small whine is one of the things that Malibu is known for) But this one was very loud and coming from the Fuel Pump.

I let the boat warm up to temp and then took off and it would only go to about 2200 rpms and after that it would do anything and I heard a misfire or something of that nature. Under 2000 rpm it seemed fine.

I have perfect pass is there a way to read the codes if there are any from the perfect pass?

Does this sound like I am in limp mode?

I was thinking since there was a loud whining from the fuel pump that maybe the fuel pressure sensor (if there is one) could be a problem but like I said it seemed to be fine up to 2000 rpm.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

[obski]

I'm going to refrain from making any comments on your 'limp mode'. It's just too easy of a target.

[XTI04]

A fuel pump problem would explain the low power and if it was the fuel pump that was makeing the whining noise I would start there.

[Tim J]

I will be changing the fuel pump.

One question if it is the fuel pump would it still run fine up till 2000 rpm?

Tim

[maniac mechanic]

I will be changing the fuel pump.

One question if it is the fuel pump would it still run fine up till 2000 rpm?

Tim

Fuel pump noise (louder than normal) is usually an indication of restriction in the fuel pressure system. Be sure to check or replace the fuel filter(s). The pressure filter is closest to the pump. You may also have a intake side filter by the fuel tank. Vapor lock will also make pumps whine excessively. If I'm not mistaken limp mode is at a lower RPM.

[SmoothWaterMan]

Change the fuel filter first. The inline filter is located under the rear floor in your boat. If the whine from the fuel pump is still evident, then move on by checking fuel pressure. If low, it could be the regulator, the intake screen, or the pump.

Don't replace the pump until the other variables are eliminated.

Peter

[DUKENO1]

I'm going to refrain from making any comments on your 'limp mode'. It's just too easy of a target.

We have similar minds...scary!

[georgia_dawgs08]

Change the fuel filter first. The inline filter is located under the rear floor in your boat. If the whine from the fuel pump is still evident, then move on by checking fuel pressure. If low, it could be the regulator, the intake screen, or the pump.

Don't replace the pump until the other variables are eliminated.

Peter

That definately sounds about right, would explain the smoother running at low rpms, "limp mode" would kick in at a lower rpm like 1,000 or 1,100 if I remember right

[vette-ski]

I'm going to refrain from making any comments on your 'limp mode'. It's just too easy of a target.

Yeah, usually just getting out in the boat solves it for me. It's been a long winter.....