Hi Guys,

First of all apologies as I did create a post about this a while ago, but I have some more information on it now so i'm reposting.

The one issue that plagues my GP is this P0115 engine check light error code. Its a 2006 Grande Punto 8v 1.4. When it comes on it causes the fan to run for a good few minutes very loudly after I turn off the engine; this will happen even if I start the engine from cold and quickly switch it off (it thinks its warmer than it is?).

I purchased this replacement coolant sensor from ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coolant-Temperature-Sensor-Temp-VE375110-Cambiare-FIAT-ALFA-ROMEO-FORD-VARIOUS-/231743081978?hash=item35f4f6cdfa

fitted it myself and wiped the error code. All seemed well for a few weeks and then it happened again. I wiped it again (ignoring it) and carried on with life, the car runs fine, does long journeys with ease, no overheating issues no drama. But from time to time, usually every 3 weeks or so the engine light will come on at ignition and I will have to plug in my reader and re-erase the P0115 error message. It seems to me to be more prevalent when im trying to start the car in cold conditions (although it isnt limited to that). When the light does come on, when starting in cold conditions, the car is a bit temperamental to keep running to begin with. If I put some revs on it will often splutter and die, though a minute or two left alone running and its fine to drive. Though that is rare, more often than not if the light comes on, she starts up and drives fine, but thought I should mention it.

So now for the extra bit which I havnt shared before. Managed to get some freeze frame data when the error came on earlier this evening, thought some of you guys who are a bit more knowledgable in this area could decipher it for me. Have attached some screen shots, two of the freeze frame data from when the error happened at ignition and one of two sensor readings after a short 10-15 minute journey around town. The weather temperature was around 10 degrees celcius.

I have read around at other peoples posts with the same issue, but I read elsewhere online that rusty coolant may be the cause? Anyone heard anything like that before?

Any help appreciated, cheers guys

EDIT: I should say I have checked the wiring from the sensor best I can (its pretty hard to follow and see) and it all looks intact.

I'd replace the map sensor personally.. The 2 ( coolant temperature sensor and map sensor work together) and your cold starting issues point to the map


If your coolant is rusty replace it for the sake of £25 of coolant concentrate to protect the innards of the engine and radiator see the guides section its a simple enough task

Andy Monty said:

I'd replace the map sensor personally.. The 2 ( coolant temperature sensor and map sensor work together) and your cold starting issues point to the map


If your coolant is rusty replace it for the sake of £25 of coolant concentrate to protect the innards of the engine and radiator see the guides section its a simple enough task

Click to expand...

Think you may be right. Tried starting it just now in the cold (7 deg celsius) and it started up and then instantly died, happened twice in a row, tried pumping the accelerator to keep it going for a little longer but still died. On the fourth go it stayed on and ran fine (didnt need to pump the accelerator this time). Although the engine light did come on on the first attempt at starting it; it disappeared and didn't come back once I had turned off and gone back for a second go which is new. Usually it stays on until I erase it manually.

Still sounding like map sensor?

Yes that's the issue I had with my 06 plate gp

Andy Monty said:

Yes that's the issue I had with my 06 plate gp

Click to expand...

Thanks buddy. Really appreciate your help, seems like without fail its always yourself that sorts out my GP issues. Legend!! :slayer:

theangrytramp said:

Thanks buddy. Really appreciate your help, seems like without fail its always yourself that sorts out my GP issues. Legend!! :slayer:

Click to expand...

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto-guides/227405-1-2-1-4-map-sensor-replacement.html?p=4017686

Next time, connect your obd reader and check coolant and air temp temperatures before starting the engine (switch on the key but don't crank it)

Check if both temps are close and normal values (close to real ambient temp) (5 to 10 C difference between sensors is normal)

Ohh also check battery condition and main Earth strap
https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/226978-starting-problem-revs-drop-off.html

My original thread

The intake air temp showing over 45degC confirms it to be the air temp/MAP sensor. The intake temps would never get that high realistically, even on a turbo'd engine.

i would not worry about the MAP sensor.
45 c is not that much... i very often see 38-45 c on my t-jet.
If the car was stationary, of after running a long time 45 c is easily possible.

I would just replace the coolant temp sensor again. get a branded one from a parts store.
I currently have a coolant sensor on my desk that came with a brand new BEHR thermostat. The sensor is bad.. measured with a multimeter it shows no reading now and then at different temperatures. (i've soldered leads to the sensor.. to eliminate connection problems.)

Also connection problems cold cause the error. i would first clean the ECU and sensor connectors (with contact spray) and smear a bit of dielectric grease on the pins after cleaning them.
If problem persists consider replacing the sensor connector with one from brakers.

aurick86 said:

i would not worry about the MAP sensor.
45 c is not that much... i very often see 38-45 c on my t-jet.
If the car was stationary, of after running a long time 45 c is easily possible.

I would just replace the coolant temp sensor again. get a branded one from a parts store.
I currently have a coolant sensor on my desk that came with a brand new BEHR thermostat. The sensor is bad.. measured with a multimeter it shows no reading now and then at different temperatures. (i've soldered leads to the sensor.. to eliminate connection problems.)

Also connection problems cold cause the error. i would first clean the ECU and sensor connectors (with contact spray) and smear a bit of dielectric grease on the pins after cleaning them.
If problem persists consider replacing the sensor connector with one from brakers.

Click to expand...

Believe me- it IS the MAP/air temp sensor.

It's a common fault with the exact symptoms and data readings as described by the OP (intake temp stuck at or above a value of 45degC, even on a cold engine- hence the poor starting on cold days).

How do you explain the intake temp being so much higher than the engine coolant temp in the OP's data scan from initial key-on?

D4nny8oy said:

Believe me- it IS the MAP/air temp sensor.

It's a common fault with the exact symptoms and data readings as described by the OP (intake temp stuck at or above a value of 45degC, even on a cold engine- hence the poor starting on cold days).

How do you explain the intake temp being so much higher than the engine coolant temp in the OP's data scan from initial key-on?

Click to expand...

Nice to see you back :wave:

If the readings were taken with a cold engine.. then yes you are right.
It could be the air the sensor (which is part of the MAP sensor)

Thanks for the help guys, appreciate it. Just fitted a new map sensor, waiting for the ecu to reset at the moment. Will update soon

Okay so took it out to try to calibrate the new MAP sensor. First switch on had quite high idle revs but I guess thats to be expected. Drove around for like 40 minutes and took it up some small country road, went to do a three point turn and stalled it (whaaayyyyy ) When I restarted the engine light came on, so I pulled over and whipped out my OBD, had error code P0105 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Circuit. The error freeze frame had an intake air temp of 42 deg F and an engine coolant temp of 39 deg F. I erased it and continued to drive for around 10 minutes. At the end of my drive the engine coolant temperature was reading 95 deg C and the intake air temp was reading 18 deg c. I did a few restarts to see if the error light would come back on, but it didn't.
Should any of this be worrying me? :idea:

Take battery off for one hour to default the ECU

Andy Monty said:

Take battery off for one hour to default the ECU

Click to expand...

I did do that before I took it on a drive to calibrate it. Should I do it again?

theangrytramp said:

Okay so took it out to try to calibrate the new MAP sensor. First switch on had quite high idle revs but I guess thats to be expected. Drove around for like 40 minutes and took it up some small country road, went to do a three point turn and stalled it (whaaayyyyy ) When I restarted the engine light came on, so I pulled over and whipped out my OBD, had error code P0105 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Circuit. The error freeze frame had an intake air temp of 42 deg F and an engine coolant temp of 39 deg F. I erased it and continued to drive for around 10 minutes. At the end of my drive the engine coolant temperature was reading 95 deg C and the intake air temp was reading 18 deg c. I did a few restarts to see if the error light would come back on, but it didn't.
Should any of this be worrying me? :idea:

Click to expand...

Is the map sensor original part? (bosch/fiat part)


by the way...

Don't rely on freeze frame data. Most of the time the values are not correct. ( There is a reason for that but anyway, don't trust temperature values on freeze frame )

Read live data or record the values if you can.

Adaptation only takes a few minutes on idle. You don't have to remove the battery.

cmosfxx said:

Is the map sensor original part? (bosch/fiat part)


by the way...

Don't rely on freeze frame data. Most of the time the values are not correct. ( There is a reason for that but anyway, don't trust temperature values on freeze frame )

Read live data or record the values if you can.

Adaptation only takes a few minutes on idle. You don't have to remove the battery.

Click to expand...

No I got it from amazon, unbranded part. Im guessing I should have bought bosch?
XtremeAmazing Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP Sensor For Fiat Punto Grande Evo Stilo Idea Linea Palio: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike

Thanks for the tip, I did wonder at some of the values it was saying.

Very bad quality...Put the old sensor back and inspect again live temp values etc.