[AdmiralMubutu]

I finally got my car to the track on 24-may, venue was New Jersey Motorsports Park Lightning circuit, about 1.8 miles. Track has 10 turns or so, but with a main straight long enough for me to see 152-154 mph before the braking zone. Mostly dedicated Lotus track cars there, as the event sponsors were Lotus Cup and the local Lotus dealer here in NJ. Nice bunch of guys, and a relatively low-key event.

First let me say that I have now driven three cars on a race track, an Elise SC, a tuned 580-ish HP GT-R, and now the 12C. I actually also had my GTR there on Thursday also to compare them directly. All I can say is 'wow'. The 12c annihilated my GT-R in every way, and I was seeing straight speeds 10-15 mph faster in the 12C than in the GT-R. The 12C is so confidence-inspiring on the track, but I actually don't think I even came close to its limits. After hitting a wall at this track a few years ago in my Lotus, I was determined to keep the 12C 'shiny side up'. Boy did it shine.

Now for the bad news. On the way home, the 12C started throwing some fault codes at me:

1) 'Airbag Fault - see dealer pronto'
2) 'PCC Fault - see dealer pronto' (don't really know what this is, but sounds serious)
3) 'Mode Change Fault - cycle engine to reset' (can't engage active mode, and cycling engine worked the first couple of times, but not anymore.)

I made it home fine, and the car seems to be driving normally, other than not being able to put it in manual mode. Philadelphia McLaren is coming to pick it up right away to check things out. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I probably was on the track less than 1 hour total with the 12C. I'd hate to think such a relatively light track day will cause reliability issues like this.

 

[6th element]

Sorry to hear it, Admiral. The PCC fault sounds similar to something that HyperMac954 experienced, here: http://www.mclarenlife.com/forums/mclaren-owners-lounge/893-new-error.html

Also, what version of the car's software are you running? Have you been upgraded to v8.3, yet? My dealer said something about some of the fault tolerance parameters being relaxed from their initial settings. Not sure if that is true, but if so it might explain your car's willingness to throw false codes.

 

[AdmiralMubutu]

Thanks 6E. Those are my symptoms so hopefully it's something that simple. Not sure what software I am running. Can I see that in the info screen somewhere?

 

[6th element]

Thanks 6E. Those are my symptoms so hopefully it's something that simple. Not sure what software I am running. Can I see that in the info screen somewhere?

Not that I know of. When was your car last in for updates? I was made aware of v8.3 on March 28 and actually just had the update done this past week.

 

[texas mongrel]

Hmm
sounds like the same people who programmed my Range Rover did the McLaren.....

 

[AdmiralMubutu]

Philadelphia confirmed I've already had the latest software campaign. They're coming to get it tomorrow to get it sorted. Will let everyone know what happens. In the mean time, I'm putting new injectors and air box in my GT-R and hope to now see 600 HP at the wheels by next weekend. But it will still be slower than 12C. Even with more giddy-up, 700 lbs extra is still 700 lbs.

 

[6th element]

Philadelphia confirmed I've already had the latest software campaign. They're coming to get it tomorrow to get it sorted. Will let everyone know what happens. In the mean time, I'm putting new injectors and air box in my GT-R and hope to now see 600 HP at the wheels by next weekend. But it will still be slower than 12C. Even with more giddy-up, 700 lbs extra is still 700 lbs.

Ok, yes please let us know. Your GT-R sounds like a beast!

 

[6th element]

p.s. hypermac said in his post that dealers would be changing the potentiometer bolt on all cars, but I have not seen any update regarding this. Wonder if Woking changed their mind?

 

[HyperMac954]

No, it's still in effect. While I was in Europe, dealership changed out the part with Woking supplied replacement parts (they originally just fixed it with available parts). I know Patrice had the same issue last week.

 

[6th element]

No, it's still in effect. While I was in Europe, dealership changed out the part with Woking supplied replacement parts (they originally just fixed it with available parts). I know Patrice had the same issue last week.

Thanks for the reply, Hyper. Do you think they will go ahead and replace it on all existing cars? I'm pretty sure it has not been done on mine, yet.

 

[HyperMac954]

I think they should be doing to all cars as they come in for regular maintenance - it's a non-issue unless you get the error.

 

[AdmiralMubutu]

Hmmm...the head tech in Philadelphia isn't aware of any known issue involving loose potentiometer bolts. He said the PCC fault code covers many different systems - I'll let everyone know what the problems turns out to be, they picked up my car this morning.

 

[HyperMac954]

It's not on the potentiometer itself, but rather the arm that holds the sensor (probably a pot) in place. It can become loose and confuse the PCC as to where the suspension is. That said, like the tech said, the "PCC Error" covers a TON of potential problems.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Gtr is a sick car, they made a big updates in 2012 and it's a much better track car the 2009, I have 09 Gtr but for track at stock 2013 is very nicely balanced...The 12-c is still a better track car.

 

[AdmiralMubutu]

In mid June, Nissan USA is inviting current GT-R owners to bring their cars to Montecello Motorclub in New York to compare and test drive the 2013. Neat marketing. I hope to go.

 

[AdmiralMubutu]

Still don't have car back but dealer sent me an update yesterday. Airbag fault was the most general code, was reset, and hasn't returned. They are checking to a few other things to make sure it's gone for good.

PCC fault (which I just realized stands for the Proactive Chassis Control system): "It looks like you may need a new right-rear strut as the integral dampening sensor seems to have failed". They are running more tests to confirm.

Seems like I'm not going to be enjoying the June weather in my 12C anytime soon. Bummer.

 

[6th element]

Still don't have car back but dealer sent me an update yesterday. Airbag fault was the most general code, was reset, and hasn't returned. They are checking to a few other things to make sure it's gone for good.

PCC fault (which I just realized stands for the Proactive Chassis Control system): "It looks like you may need a new right-rear strut as the integral dampening sensor seems to have failed". They are running more tests to confirm.

Seems like I'm not going to be enjoying the June weather in my 12C anytime soon. Bummer.

Sorry to hear that. I hope they can get it back to you sooner. All dealers are supposed to have at least one of every single part, in stock. So if they don't have the strut, you may want to make some noise about that.

Although, I presume it is the testing and communication with Woking that is taking time at this point.

 

[Jerry]

All dealers are supposed to have at least one of every single part, in stock. So if they don't have the strut, you may want to make some noise about that.

What's everyone's experience of this so far? I don't think it's happening and have had to wait for things to be ordered ... passenger seat sensors, steering wheel, rubber door seals. The steering wheel I can understand as there are so many different combinations but the others should have been in stock.

 

[andy c]

Its an easy thing to get right!! As long as the suppy chain isnt letting Mclaren down,which they should have tied down in the small print,another learning curve they have to put right.
Like any new buisness it takes time,but in this economy they cannot afford to lingure as many people are not die hards,and will wander

 

[roundincircles]

A famous Chinese proverb 'You can't fit a spare part until you know which spare part to fit'