Discovered recently my 2011 3.2L won’t accelerate after starting up in wet weather - and only in wet weather. It only happens on the first start up in the morning, when it’s cold and has been raining. Starts normally, then putting it in gear and driving, it won’t go above roughly 1,500 RPM…put the pedal to the floor and it basically idles along. After driving a minute or so it goes away and doesn’t come back.

Has anyone else experienced this? Root cause?

 

I'd suspect that something is going on in the ignition system where the moisture is causing a loss of high voltage for the spark. Sounds like once the engine warms up, it dries out and you are good to go. Have you scanned for any stored CEL fault codes? I'd also suspect the connector to one of the fuel management devices - pressure regulator, MAP sensor(s), ECT and the MAF. A run time scan of fuel trim could give some clues there as well. If you are a DIYer, check the wire harness to the coils and connectors to the fuel trim devices, scan for codes. If you decide to start throwing parts at this - I'd probably only go with one new coil and move it around until you find something. Replacing a set is a pretty pricey way to do diagnostics so getting a shop to do a scan for $150 or so is a safer play.

 

Thanks for the suggestions… Haven’t pulled the codes yet, but will do that soon. Not ready to start throwing money at it just yet because it’s a rare occurance and doesn’t seem to be a major issue. Figured I’d ask to see if anyone has had this specific experience and would know what to look for.