Technical Literally a Nightmare - Engine Cutouts and Brakes Fail

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Technical Literally a Nightmare - Engine Cutouts and Brakes Fail

Struggling

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May 20, 2011
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Evenin all,

I'm really, really hoping that someone might have a clue what I'm on about - I've got little knowledge of engines :-/ I've got an S reg Seicento (bought privately from a mate of a mate) and I left it on the drive while I was waiting to pass my test. Months later I've passed the test, and it was ok for a while.

I've now got two issues. First one is the engine; it cuts out completely randomly - it can be at speed on the road, or as the car is coming to a stop (it's completely random).

If I'm at speed, I can usually just whack the accelerator and it will kickstart it (like a pushstart I guess), but if I'm slow, it just cuts out and stalls. The engine warning light comes on once stalled, and it's impossible to restart until this light goes off.

The second problem, which is even more intermitant (only happened twice) is that the brakes seem to randomly fail. I've had both the break pads replaced previously when it first started happening, but the problem has just this afternoon happened again!

The brakes work most of the time, and I just apply a little pressure to the pedal and it slows as it should, but twice now my foots gone straight to the floor and nothing happens. It's a nightmare. If I take my foot back off the brake and pump it repeatedly, after a few pumps on it the resistance comes back and the brakes work again.

I've not really got the cash to be able to get it into the garage for a diagnosis - and my dad's had a decent look (he's alright with engines) and he can't find the problem.

I know the ideal solution would be stop driving it and get it to a garage but I need the car every day and can't afford to at the moment.

Anyone got any experience of something similar? Or just suggestions on what to look for and where?

Thanks People - I'm going mental... :bang:
 
Hi,

The car was sitting, but I turned it over a few times a week and it got a runaround from my dad.

It's not had a full service, but it's had the brake fluid replaced.

Cheers tho.
 
Leaving the engine fault to one side for a moment, you should not be driving the car with the brakes in that state. It sounds as if there is some major fault with the brake system - certainly not something that bleeding will fix (possibly a defective master cylinder). As things stand, the car is an accident looking for somewhere to happen and potentially a deathtrap. Stop driving the car and get the brakes professionally looked at. Even if you have to take a taxi to work for a couple of days it will be a lot cheaper than the cost of even a minor accident!
 
Thanks guys, I've no intention of driving it - already blagged lifts to and from where I need to be!

Just a bit skint at the min to get it to a garage straight away. Like I said, been driving slowly and only very short journeys, and the brake issue only happened twice (once today) - I thought the first might have been a fluke since it was about 5 months ago, but won't be taking the risk.

Still gonna get the hood up and check out what you guys suggested - thanks!(y)
 
You might find a local 'mobile mechanic' will come to you and be cheaper than a garage.
Also, if you give your rough location, someone knowledgable from the forum might take a look for you.
 
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