(G) Newby Hello and Sei problem!!

Hi, I'm Ross, 28 from Brighton and this is my first post on here

I've just bought an S reg Seicento Sporting Abarth from my cousin who had it in storage for 18 months because she was a naughty girl and lost her licence. Its Black, 35k on the clock, a few knocks but only £800. I've never had a small car before and I have to say that I really enjoy driving it!

Anyway... I've had the car for about a week now and taken it for a few runs on the motorway. First time it was fine, no problems but the 2nd time a Light on the dash appeared and simultaniously it felt as if someone had put the brakes on for a second. I think the light is the fuel injector warning but I haven't got a user manual so can't be sure. Its between the headlight light and handbrake (!). It has happened twice now and after a short time the light does go out.

If it is the Injector light, I take it that it was fuel starvation that made the car slow down? Would it be worth trying some fuel additive to clean out the muck? Seems to make sense that its a bit gunked up if the car has been garaged for 18 months.

I hope I'm right and that it isn't anything too serious, or am I barking up the wrong tree!

I have a few other niggly things but nothing to worry about, I'll come to them later... Sorry for the long post, I hope I haven't bored you to sleep.

All advice/suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Ross


Oh and here's a pic, i'm sure you've all seen one before!

Nice little car!

The warning light doesn't really mean that the injectors have a problem, but that, somewhere, the ECU has recieved a reading (or the absence of a reading) which it didn't expect. There are many, many, sensors dotted around the car, any of which could have sent such a signal to the ECU.

Since it's been standing so long, I'd be inclined to change the oil, change the filters, change the plugs, change the anti-freeze, change the brake fluid and, after running it as near dry as you can, fill it up with (non supermarket) petrol.

You could then re-set the ECU simply by disconnecting the -ive lead and leaving it for an hour or so. (You'll need to re-set the clock and your radio......)

It's not uncommon to have a brief flash from the ECU warning light, and often it doesn't signify anything important.

try an injector cleaner.its actually a generic engine management light even though it shows an injector symbol

Thanks for the replies.

I've done most of the above, oil, brake fluid, filled with £10 of fuel and pretty much ran it out to see how many miles I get out of her. I haven't changed the sparks or fuel filter so they will be my next little job. I'll get those done and report back if slowing/loss of power problem persists.

Cheers

the slowing is just the ECU trying to protect the engine from the 'problem'

So staying on for two minutes at a time, I more than likely have a problem somewhere?

Is it a case of taking it to Fiat to get the ECU read to find the problem?

Any independent garage should be able to do a diagnostic, providing they have the equipment and will be cheaper

Well the problem went away and the car was running fine for a month or so... but it has now come back, not bad at all at first but it has got to a stage where the car becomes almost undriveable in town. Idle is all over the place, cuts out, Often needs loads of revs to get it moving or it dies, losing power even when the ECU light isn't on, it jerks at high speeds too. Sometimes I get a strong smell of petrol too but i'm not sure if that is related?

Anything that anyone can think of trying before biting the bullet and more than likely getting ripped off by a garage!

Cheers

Lambda sensor, possibly.

Cheers

D