Technical Cold start issue

Currently reading:
Technical Cold start issue

toffeewarren

New member
Joined
Apr 14, 2008
Messages
8
Points
1
Location
Hook, Hampshire
Over the last few days our 2006 1.2 Dynamic has suffered from a strange starting issue when the engine is cold. It fires straight away and then stops straightaway. After a couple of repeat attempts the clock resets to 00:00! Eventually the car will start by applying some throttle when turning the key. If you take your foot off the throttle it will stop . Keep it on a while longer or give it a few revs and it will be fine. The rest of the day it will restart ok. As I say the engine fires first thing so don't think it's battery related, I might think it was fuel except for the wierd clock resetting the time to 00:00 - this has happened every time ? Any ideas any one?:bang:
 
I did think of the battery at first... Could be there's just enough power to crank the motor, but not enough to power the spark plugs at idle, aswell as the heated screen, radio, fan and whatever else you've got switched on - obviously at higher RPM the alternators making more juice, and so it can manage them.

I'd get the battery checked. and probably replaced before trying anything more expensive :S
 
I did think of the battery at first... Could be there's just enough power to crank the motor, but not enough to power the spark plugs at idle, aswell as the heated screen, radio, fan and whatever else you've got switched on - obviously at higher RPM the alternators making more juice, and so it can manage them.

I'd get the battery checked. and probably replaced before trying anything more expensive :S
Thanks for advice, I'll take a look at the battery tomorrow..
 
Sounds like a possible issue with battery and throttle body idler valve / air intake temp sensor. Shouldn't be having to start with throttle. I'd remove the battery and charge it, should reset the ECU and everything then and boost the battery :)
Your suggestion about removing it to recharge is a good idea if it resets the ECU - I'll give it a go. Can't do any harm to have it recharged in this weather! Thanks
 
Just an update. Have had battery tested at Halfords and another motor factor and showing very good so this shouldn't be the problem. Tried starting it this morning with jump leads to another car and it started straight away as normal. Switched of after a minute and disconnected jump leads and it was back to it's old game. Reconnected and left it running for 10 mins, stopped and restarted fine - off to Halfords and start stop at various shops. By the way is 200 amp standard factory fit? (Exide)? Could it be it be something to do with the MAF (air flow) as it fires intially and then stops straightaway?
 
Andy many thanks for your helpful reply. I got adventurous and took the air cleaner off for a better look. However according to your excellent Punto guide the MAP is on the Driver's side. On my Panda there are 2 sensors on the drivers side near the flap directly under the air filter as shown in the 3rd photo (bottom) and 1 sensor on the passenger side nearer the manifold which I reckon is the MAP (Photos 1 and 2) - it's a Bosch unit. The photos are taken from the front of the engine. Do you think photos 1 and 2 show the MAP?:confused:
 

Attachments

  • Panda engine1.jpg
    Panda engine1.jpg
    837.8 KB · Views: 32
  • Panda engine2.jpg
    Panda engine2.jpg
    817.3 KB · Views: 62
  • Panda engine3.jpg
    Panda engine3.jpg
    834 KB · Views: 31
Check all the main battery leads and contacts at both ends of each lead. Sounds like all electrical power is hitting a resistive joint somewhere.
 
Andy many thanks for your helpful reply. I got adventurous and took the air cleaner off for a better look. However according to your excellent Punto guide the MAP is on the Driver's side. On my Panda there are 2 sensors on the drivers side near the flap directly under the air filter as shown in the 3rd photo (bottom) and 1 sensor on the passenger side nearer the manifold which I reckon is the MAP (Photos 1 and 2) - it's a Bosch unit. The photos are taken from the front of the engine. Do you think photos 1 and 2 show the MAP?:confused:

It is the one on the RHS of the throttle body - as you show in photos 1 and 2. They're pretty cheap, so worth a go, but would check all obvious connections too, as something's not right. Mine has done this quite a few times in the past - but never again since fitting new Bosch Silver 52Ah battery.
 
Hi just an update and to say thank you for all the tips!..
Since charging the battery and tightening all the earth leads I could find, the car has behaved perfectly even in the snow of the last few days. If it happens again though, I think a new battery and a MAP sensor will be the places to start......(y)
 
Batteries are wacky things, the one on my other car is eight years old, no problems, my mother's Passat needs a new one every three years. They can show full volts on test and full amps on a drain tester, then break down under cranking load. Start there, eh?
 
Back
Top