Technical Panda engine light, no acceleration, lots of desperation

Currently reading:
Technical Panda engine light, no acceleration, lots of desperation

GreGorGy

New member
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
7
Points
2
Location
Johannesburg
Hi

I have read several threads here about similar problems and they all address the same things, which I do not completely understand. First, the problem:

Fiat Panda 4x4, 2007
So about a month ago, I am driving and suddenly my car loses all power. Engine light comes on. The horror! So, we tow to my buddy's garage and after about an hour, she revs again like nothing was ever wrong.

He figures it's an issue with the pedal and replaces it. Car works fine for 2 weeks. Today, all of a sudden, on my way back from the shop (about 2kms from home) same thing happens. Get home and allow car to cool. Start and it revs. Switch off, have a break, go back and problem returns.

Second, the diagnosis:
I have searched here and elsewhere and three recurring themes come up: MAP sensor, EGR valve and Lambda sensors. I have no idea what any of these things is or where to find them and what to do with them. For example, can I clean out that EGR valve and be back in business until I can get it replaced? In South Africa, we have a problem with spares so replacement can take weeks.

And lastly, the desperation:
I simply have to attend a meeting tomorrow. I need to be able to get there. We do not have public transport to speak of so I must drive. Does anyone have any hints that I can follow to get myself going? What is the EGR valve? And the MAP sensor? I know the lambdas but I have no way of knowing if they are fine or not.
 
Hi,

You don't say if it's petrol or diesel - if it's petrol, there's no EGR to worry about. If it's a petrol, the car will run fine with lambda issues (exhaust mixture sensors, 2 of them, one either side of the CAT) - and probably the same for diesel too. In fact you can remove the lambdas completely and still should run roughly OK.

Most common fault that prevents running (although typically starting actually) is if the key loses its coding to the ECU. When this happens and you try to start again, does the yellow padlock symbol in the dash pod go out? If it stays lit, then that'll be the problem.

But as other responders have said, get those faults read and report back.

Phil
 
Hi,

You don't say if it's petrol or diesel - if it's petrol, there's no EGR to worry about. If it's a petrol, the car will run fine with lambda issues (exhaust mixture sensors, 2 of them, one either side of the CAT) - and probably the same for diesel too. In fact you can remove the lambdas completely and still should run roughly OK.

Most common fault that prevents running (although typically starting actually) is if the key loses its coding to the ECU. When this happens and you try to start again, does the yellow padlock symbol in the dash pod go out? If it stays lit, then that'll be the problem.

But as other responders have said, get those faults read and report back.

Phil

Key loosing code won't illuminate engine MIL.

Failed lambda sensors lead to increased fuel use, and MOT failures on emissions so are not ok (y)
 
MIL - true, forgot about that.
Lambda's - true also, and I don't condone running without them, obviosly ;-), but the point was that the engine would still run OK.

Messy problem all the same.

PG
 
MIL - true, forgot about that.
Lambda's - true also, and I don't condone running without them, obviosly ;-), but the point was that the engine would still run OK.

Messy problem all the same.

PG

yes - ideally get the codes read ,

the point on Lambda's not REALLY effecting running is valid ,

and I assume you do not have regular emissions testing in SA,

Petrol / Diesel feedback would be helpful,

good luck,
Charlie
 
Hate to say it, but if you get the P1221 code as I did, then its either the throttle pedal, ECU (in my case, after a week of swapping parts with another car) ot the wiring loom. See my recently updated post in this forum (throttle position sensor)
 
Thanks everyone for input

code is P1220.

It is a petrol. We have no emissions readings here in SA. Def not the key either, as I have two keys and both give this issue.

Will update once we nail it down.
 
Now they say it is the throttle body. All electrical readings at the body are correct. I do not want to find myself in a similar position to others where I waste £350 on a new throttle body (cost here) only to find it is the ECU. This makes me so angry as it is obviously a persistent fault across Fiat's range.

Does anyone know the correct part to order? I think it would be cheaper to get this throttle body from UK than locally.
 
Now they say it is the throttle body. All electrical readings at the body are correct. I do not want to find myself in a similar position to others where I waste £350 on a new throttle body (cost here) only to find it is the ECU. This makes me so angry as it is obviously a persistent fault across Fiat's range.

Does anyone know the correct part to order? I think it would be cheaper to get this throttle body from UK than locally.

It's hardly a persistent fault across the Fiat range! Why makes you say it is :confused:
 
Had also the same problem after changing front brake pads and took off smoothly and then after slowing down the car failed to accelerate. Switched off and started off ok but repeated the same whenever I brake and recently its not taking off at all and had to tow it home. Its now flagging Engine failure on dashboard with that yellow warning triangle. May some one tell me what I can do to have my Panda get moving again,
 
Back
Top