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Technical Reliability issues

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Technical Reliability issues

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renaultvation

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After 19 years and 100,000 miles of total reliability, our 1994 1.6 Cabrio has developed a problem. It has always started instantly, but just recently it has developed an intermittent fault. It started with hesitation after a couple of minutes driving and the engine management light coming on. Switching off the engine and restarting it would clear the problem. This then developed to the engine cutting out completely, but restarting ok, only to stop again soon after, regardless of the engine revs. After a few minutes of this behaviour it would be ok.
Today, we moved to the next level. After about six miles of driving, I was travelling at 70mph on the A14 when it first hesitated, then cut out completely. It would not restart and I flattened the battery. A passing friend with a booster stopped, but still the engine would not fire, so I called the RAC. Two and a half hours later, the RAC guy turned up, attached his booster and the engine fired instantly. He followed me home, but the engine didn't miss a beat.
At first I suspected the fuel pump, as I have had one of those fail on my Jag, but that never failed while the engine was running, only after the engine had been stopped. My next thought is the crank sensor, but before I start replacing bits, I thought I would see if anyone here has had the same experience.
 
It could be either an intermittent wiring fault to the fuel pump or the crank sensor. Can't see it being the fuel pump itself as it obviously works.

The only time you can really test a crank sensor in DIY mode is when the car conks. Just test for spark and fuel past the ingector. If neither, it'll be the TDC sensor.

They're pretty cheap though, so I'd be inclined to either replace or carry a new one so that the RAC can replace it.
 
Sounds to me like classic crank sensor failure.

When they start to fail - tends to be engine cut outs when warm and poor hot starting. Eventually they fail eventually and car will not start hot or cold.

Replace the crank sensor and report back!

The crank sensor is the ECU master sensor - the car can not run without it.
 
Well it's not the crank sensor! :mad:

I replaced the crank sensor this morning. It started fine and ran for a while, then cut out and will not restart. I will wait for it to cool and try again, but I suspect it will start ok, then do the same thing. :bang:
 
As the EML came on surely it makes sense to get what code or codes might be logged in the ECU read rather than guessing? At least you should get some idea.
 
pretty sure i tried blink testing a 1.6 like you can on a GT (same engine family even if quite different) but it didn't work so I would go for cables and IAW Scan myself, especially if you had the eml come on, something will be logged.. The cables cost less than getting the codes read by a garage and then you have them for next time (y)
 
It's been a while now, but I am no further forward. The car is sitting on the driveway going nowhere. I have been in touch with a mobile mechanic, but he is unable to read a vehicle of this age. I would like to take it to my local garage, but I cannot guarantee it will run long enough to get there (it usually cuts out after 6-12 minutes and require many hours before it will start again).


I don't know the first thing about diagnostic codes, but have looked at the suggested IAW scan programme. It lists all Punto's except the 90! This may be because the 90 has a GM ECU No. 16212039, not a Magneti-Marelli ECU.
 
I would look at condition of earth strap / connection and coils. Both items can break down when warm.
 
renaultvation said:
After 19 years and 100,000 miles of total reliability, our 1994 1.6 Cabrio has developed a problem. It has always started instantly, but just recently it has developed an intermittent fault. It started with hesitation after a couple of minutes driving and the engine management light coming on. Switching off the engine and restarting it would clear the problem. This then developed to the engine cutting out completely, but restarting ok, only to stop again soon after, regardless of the engine revs. After a few minutes of this behaviour it would be ok.
Today, we moved to the next level. After about six miles of driving, I was travelling at 70mph on the A14 when it first hesitated, then cut out completely. It would not restart and I flattened the battery. A passing friend with a booster stopped, but still the engine would not fire, so I called the RAC. Two and a half hours later, the RAC guy turned up, attached his booster and the engine fired instantly. He followed me home, but the engine didn't miss a beat.
At first I suspected the fuel pump, as I have had one of those fail on my Jag, but that never failed while the engine was running, only after the engine had been stopped. My next thought is the crank sensor, but before I start replacing bits, I thought I would see if anyone here has had the same experience.
Click to expand...


what happens when u turn the key, do u hear the engine trying to start then nothing, do u only hear a click?
 
When I first start the engine, it runs perfectly, with no roughness or hesitation, then after a short while it just stops dead. Then the engine spins fine when I turn the key, but there is no spark at the plugs. If I then leave it for a few hours or overnight it starts fine again and runs for a few minutes.


Unlike most Punto's, the 1.6 has a single coil, rather than a pair and the ECU is mounted behind the fascia away from any heat from the engine. Would a faulty Lamda sensor cause the engine to stop, or is the most likely culprit the coil?
 
renaultvation said:
When I first start the engine, it runs perfectly, with no roughness or hesitation, then after a short while it just stops dead. Then the engine spins fine when I turn the key, but there is no spark at the plugs. If I then leave it for a few hours or overnight it starts fine again and runs for a few minutes.


Unlike most Punto's, the 1.6 has a single coil, rather than a pair and the ECU is mounted behind the fascia away from any heat from the engine. Would a faulty Lamda sensor cause the engine to stop, or is the most likely culprit the coil?
Click to expand...

interesting, so when something heats up car doesnt want to start anymore, coil pack perhaps?
 
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Replaced the coil pack, but no difference. In the end I found a mobile diagnostic technician to check the car. No fault codes recorded and all components, wiring, relays etc are ok, but still no spark, which only leaves the ECU. I have since been in touch with BBA Reman who will check and repair the ECU.


It's getting desperate as my son returns from Oz this weekend and my wife has been using his car while he has been away. She won't drive my XK8, so she will have to dust off her pushbike!





 
renaultvation said:
Replaced the coil pack, but no difference. In the end I found a mobile diagnostic technician to check the car. No fault codes recorded and allcomponents, wiring, relays etc are ok, but still no spark, which only leaves the ECU. I have since been in touch with BBA Reman who will check and repair the ECU.


It's getting desperate as my son returns from Oz this weekend and my wife has been using his car while he has been away. She won't drive my XK8, so she will have to dust off her pushbike!
Click to expand...


camshaft sensor?
 
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Have you replaced spark plugs and ht leads they can cause problems or it could of jumped a tooth on timing have you had timing belt checked or replaced if it's done 100,000 miles if belt has slipped a tooth can cause timing to go out prevent spark firing in correct time I have a Punto 90 and would like to know where you got your diagnostics done I can't get mine to connect to ecu for faults would be great if you can help
 
Camshaft sensor was first item to be replaced. Plugs, leads and timing are fine. When the engine runs, it runs perfectly, but at any random moment it dies and there is no spark.

ECU has been collected today, so I await the outcome.

The mobile technician was a local person based here in Bury St Edmunds. Key thing is, he had the necessary three pin diagnostic plug. Unlike other Punto's the ecu is a GM unit and is located behind the centre console.
 
3 pin is standard issue on fiats of this age ;) all mk1's, cinqs and early sei's, also really late panda's and uno's. Basically anything fiat with injection upto and including 2001. Its not having a programme that can read it thats the problem people have but MES should read all punto ecu's.

I still think there must be something wrong with your punto wiring Elxpunto90, unless its an actual ecu fault, but i suspect the OP's ecu will come back with no faults found.
 
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