Hi

I was driving my Brava 1.2 80SX a few days ago when it started to misfire, badly, and the EODB light came on intermittently. I found somewhere safe to park, and called the RAC. The RAC guy checked each of the spark plugs and leads, plugged his laptop into the car, and Cylinder #1 was misfiring. He recommended that I replaced the spark plug, and take it from there. He also said it was safe for me to drive the misfiring car home (15 miles).

I purchased new spark plugs, and proceeded to remove the spark plug leads. Spark plug lead #3 was broken, leaving a large chunk attached to the spark plug .... I can't get the plug out!

I replaced the spark plug on #1, and "clicked" the broken cable back in place. The car still misfires and the EOBD light is still on . I have a suspicion that the RAC guy broke the spark plug cable, and kept it quiet. I replaced the spark plugs in January, and the leads were fine!

How can I get the broken rubber lead out of the DEEP hole? .

Thanks!

long nosed pliers.

I would replace the entire HT lead set. if they are breaking down and falling apart. If you changed the plugs in January then they should be fine depending on how many miles you've done since then.

I had exactly the same problem a few months back - pulled the plug lead off and left half the insulation behind. Bet that's what the RAC man did.... I used a wire coat hanger and bent a small 'hook' on the end. Worked a treat, although it broke some of the remaining insualtion into pieces, which I then got out with pliers.
'Clicking' the broken lead back didn't work for me, in fact even in daylight it was easy to see a spark jumping to the cylinder head.

there is a special tong like tool used at fiat dealerships for this job. failing to use it often results in damage.

Thanks you all for replying

I'm going to buy some HT leads and long-nosed pliers this week ... I'll keep you posted!

jug said:

there is a special tong like tool used at fiat dealerships for this job. failing to use it often results in damage.

Click to expand...

Can I buy one of these tools?

Hi

I removed the broken lead with a very unique looking instrument . It looks like a pair of scissors, but the end is like a miniature pair of pliers! It also has a clamp-like grip .

I replaced the spark plugs and HT cables, and the car now runs smoothly. The bloody EOBD light is still on .... do I need to reset the ECU?

Please answer

Problem fixed!

The EOBD light has gone out, so I assume that the problem was fixed by replacing the plugs and cables.

Thanks for everyone's replies

where'd u get the tool from mate and how much was it?

The scissors/pliers/clamp thing isn't available to the general public. It came from a special source, and can't be purchased anywhere

Hospitals use these instruments which are self clamping and come in a variety of noses, I had a couple which I always used to keep in the toolkit, long gone now though.
this is the type of thing:-
http://www.kmed.co.uk/pdetail.aspx?ProductCode=KSU001
Tony.