Hi all,


I wrote recently regarding the message flashing up on the dash when the engine failed to start within a couple of seconds.
just to add that since ive put on a new middle and back section exhaust which were blowing badly!! over a week ago I've not had this message again. I thought that maybe the engine being 'damp' first thing may have been a possible cause but past 5 days it's been tipping it down and even flooded but she fires up first time! Weird!
Also the battery was mentioned but on further checking the battery is a recommended one and is quite new and holding its charge so that was ruled out.
SO basically im not sure why my panda had the funnies starting but im a lot happier now!
Mind you its only been over a week but i'll keep you all posted if the problem returns then its off to the fiat garage to be sorted

Im sure the exhaust wasnt helping.

NOPE, Engine failure message back again! It only comes on it the car take about 2 seconds to start. Car runs normally will full power with light on.
It's very annoying to keep seeing that message and was hoping the back pressure from new exhaust had solved the issue.
The car had been standing on dry ground ( getting rare these days!) for only 16 hours.
I guess i'll go the electrical route and put new 'hot' plugs in and work my way back from there as I'm sure before I bought this car it had been stood for a while.
I'm rather hoping not to go down the fuel route ie injectors ect as this is going to start costing real money :-(

Oh well....watch this space and i'll see if I can cure this message before I go mad!
:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

FASTMOGGY said:

NOPE, Engine failure message back again! It only comes on it the car take about 2 seconds to start. Car runs normally will full power with light on.
It's very annoying to keep seeing that message and was hoping the back pressure from new exhaust had solved the issue.
The car had been standing on dry ground ( getting rare these days!) for only 16 hours.
I guess i'll go the electrical route and put new 'hot' plugs in and work my way back from there as I'm sure before I bought this car it had been stood for a while.
I'm rather hoping not to go down the fuel route ie injectors ect as this is going to start costing real money :-(

Oh well....watch this space and i'll see if I can cure this message before I go mad!
:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

Click to expand...

the ONLY fuelling maint. I've ever performed on a FIRE petrol is the occasional dose of REDEX,
a little bit in a gallon can , when the tank is very low,
seems to perk-up the running

your issue sounds more basic than just an injector though,
I've NEVER had a FIRE that doesn't just spin straight into life.

my suspicion would be that maybe a sensor is out of range.., so the car thinks the air / or fuel.. temp is WRONG and is setting up the fuelling in a BAD way..,

Charlie - Oxford

Just a thought... before you spend any money on parts, if you haven't already done so, it might be worth
A) checking the earth connections
B) using some contact cleaner on the ECU multiplugs

Info on both in various posts on the forum.

Both can cause strangely random symptoms, some of which are a lot like what you are seeing.
For the ECU plugs, I would suggest you use proper contact cleaner (I use WD40 Pro Contact Cleaner) rather than ordinary WD40 or similar, and disconnect the battery first.
No great expense if it doesn't cure the problem, but good result if it does.
Good luck.
irc

irc said:

Just a thought... before you spend any money on parts, if you haven't already done so, it might be worth
A) checking the earth connections
B) using some contact cleaner on the ECU multiplugs

Info on both in various posts on the forum.

Both can cause strangely random symptoms, some of which are a lot like what you are seeing.
For the ECU plugs, I would suggest you use proper contact cleaner (I use WD40 Pro Contact Cleaner) rather than ordinary WD40 or similar, and disconnect the battery first.
No great expense if it doesn't cure the problem, but good result if it does.
Good luck.
irc

Click to expand...

Thanks for that, I'm thinking its an electrical issue but as the book says the EOBD engine control system failure means a fault in the supply/ignition system, slightly vague but as the car is running as normal and petrol consumption is normal and no sooty deposits on the tail pipe im thinking electrical. I'll give the contacts a good cleaning as suggested but this fault just 'happens' Today it came on, drove 3 miles went stopped to see someone and 15 minutes later came back and hey presto...no warning light! Assuming this lights comes on at it's MOT, is this an instant failure? Ive got till October so time to try and sort it out