(T) Engine problem?

Hi all

I have a Bravo Dynamic 150 Multijet and have done just over 10,000 miles. I noticed today on a longish run on the A52 between Nottingham and Derby that twice in the journey the engine seemed to suffer from hesitation and a vibration as though you're running over a rough jiggly road. All of this at 70mph!

I put my foot down a bit and it seemed to clear a bit along with some smoke out the back. It dosen't seem as smooth as it used to be now and the acceleration does not appear to be quite as quick . Does it have a DPF and so is burning off the excess soot?

i know that the VAG Group are having problems with the DPF on their PD TDI 170 engines?

No warning lights came on at all whilst this was happening. My first annual service is booked at the end of August so perhaps a change in filters and oil will solve it?

Jonno1

If it has a DPF filter, it will burn off the excess soots occatinoally. But only on longer rides.
- Are You mostly driving short drives? (less than 20 km/ 12-13 miles).

I have the same engine, and twice daily driving 60 km (37-38 miles). I notice the occational burning from the DFP filter, but only by the smoke, and by the smell, - if i stop the car in exactly that moment, but never in performance.

My advice to You is to drive the engine warm - carefully, and then to give it full throttle over a longer distance. If it's not possible for You, use a lower gear and drive with about 3 - 4.000 rpms for about 20 minutes.

It will do the trick, i assure You. If not, the car has a problem the dealer should take a look at! - But You just try this first, The car will not get damaged by this treatment, it's rater made for it. - Just ask anyone else in this forum!

DPF's have proven to be problematic on the alfas with the same engine, so i would expect fiats to suffer the same. this issue leads to powerloss through increased exhaust back pressure. you can cure it by having the DPF regenerated (made very hot to burn the soot into ash).

in this particular situation i would firstly check other issues such as a dirty EGR valve or boost leak, both are also common and can cause the same symptoms.

Hi all

Thanks for the input.

I've looked in the handbook and if you have a DPF the warning light will glow for a few seconds on start up. I can just see the logo for it in the rev counter but it has never glowed on ignition so I can only assume my car does not have it.

I'll mention it to the dealer before the service in late August. As it's only happened a couple of times lately and never before in the previous 10,000 miles I suppose it's an intermittent fault which Examiner won't find and it'll be a question of "They all do that sir....."

Cheers

Jonno1

Alternatively, give it a damn good thrashing...