I've had a constant problem with the lack of power on my Fiat Marea 110 ELX JTD for some time now but have kind of always thought, "well, it's running, it's doing good on juice and emissions and I've checked most things under the hood and can't see much leaking".

Anyway, It's recently just started to behave a few times ever so often. I travel about 50 miles to, between and from work. This might happen once each day where all of a sudden it gets power.

It has happened mostly on a left hand bend joining the M62 from the M66. a average speed bend (about 35 - 40 mph) in third, but more importantly, up hill.

I've also noticed that on the motorway, I can only get to 82 mph and that's it. It has kicked in once when it carried on and it would have gone all the way to 100mph if I'd have let it. Please note, I only had this increase in speed to overtake several slower trucks in the two inner lanes.


I did have one problem about 2 years ago when i put in about £20 (i think) of unleaded. This error on my part was found pretty quick and recified. I costly mistake on my part!

I've tried in vain the usual fuel additives to no avail. BUT, the bell has kind of just rang and perhaps it might be the Turbo.


Has anybody ever had the same problem, or recommend what to do next?

I'd heard sometimes it not the best option to take it to the fiat garage as all they would do is plug it in their machine, say no fault found and charge you a fortune.

many thanks in advance

What's the pull like in 3rd/4th? If it pulls and then flattens at 3000rpm it might be the MAF sensor. Try unplugging it and if the performance increases then you might be still on speaking terms with your turbo

Pull in 3rd and 4th when it kicks in is awesome. And it carries on until I change gear.

I had a clear road going in work late this morning and it did it so i kept my foot down and wow.

Gives me a reason for why I'm driving a group 10 insurance car round when it does that.

I'll give the MAF sensor a go.

When it's in "slug mode" it hits about 3000 rpm and then falls to sleep...

Not sure where you are from.. If Norfolk then disregard the following test.

Find a 60 road up a steep hill - gun it.

I'll see if I can get some video of mine up a hill to compare with. Else someone posted somewhere times from 2k-3k rpm in each gear.

From Manchester and there is quiet a few hills around here.

I remember a post a while ago when somebody posted times of accelaration between certain gears.

I won't search for it just yet until I get the times from my car.

Hi just replace the air flow meter,i had the same problem with my 110 jtd totally flat after 3000rpm.After i replaced the maf (thanks to the advise on this forum) the car now pulls like a train all the way to the red line.The air flow meter cost £88.04 +vat and i just bought 2 jubilee clips 60-80mm in diameter to replace the original fiat clips.I was suprised that mine had packed up, as it only has 31,000 miles from new but there we go.

cheers simon

The meter could be affected as much by time as by use. My 100k Marea is fine but Valeens 60k Brava is currently goosed. Same engine.

Just an update.

I've unfortunatley had "man flu" so have been in bed for all saturday.
Then the heavens opened on sunday so could'nt get out to look under the bonnett.

Does anybody have a pic of where the MAF sensor is located on the 110 JTD version?

https://www.fiatforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6329&d=1123415701

I'm have thinking of going to a garage with this one. I'm ok with the physical bits (brakes, etc) but am always a little cautious on engine parts.

many thanks

Kaboosh!

Thanks again. I thought it was only for the petrol engine that picture.

just taken a quick snapshot under the bonnet as below. I know the plastic cover is probably hiding a lot.



Edited :- looking at the pic, guess it might be just behind the battery. I'll have a look at dinner. cheers

its the inverted 'T' shaped tube just above the righ hand side light(infront and to the left of the battery). Follow the big ribbed pipe from the air box, you will get to the hard plastic section with the wire going into the top, with a jubilee clip either side, this is the MAF. Just pull the wires out the top to disconnect it.

Right, removed the clip as suggested (actually broke as I did it) and I now have my car back to how it used to be, or possibly even better.

I've read a little about the MAF sensor and I was wondering what the short and long term effects might be.

I'd love to link a switch to somewhere inside the car. I know the fuel gauge is gonna fly down now as I'm putting my foot down a lot more. Still, I'm grinning a lot more now.....

thanks for the superb advice.

Basically the car will be overfueling. Gives more performance but you will have worse mpg, eventual damage to cat and might fail mot on emissions. Bore wash is not as much a risk in a diesel as a petrol as diesel is a lubricant where as petrol is a solvent.

Best plan though is to replace the MAF with a new one. About £100 for a genuine bosch one (don't be conned by cheap ebay ones). Get it sorted and you won't have to worry about possible effects.

How about cleaning the MAF sensor as described for the Bravo at http://www.fiatboo.co.uk/photogal/guidepics/maf/maf.pdf ..... just done my Punto JTD (same sensor) as having intermittent lack of power.... only revving to 3000 and then suddenly taking off. Seems to have cured it. Use something like Maplin Electrical Switch Cleaner to clean the wires and contacts.

Doesn't always work.. Guess it's worth a try as a last resort before you pay for a new MAF.