Hi

I've a MkII punto with a 1.9 JTD engine. Over the last six months or so, I've noticed an intermittent problem with the turbo. I'll be driving uphill, in second or third, and the car will be struggling a bit - there's a general lack of power and no acceleration. Then suddenly, there's a surge of power - presumably from the turbo - and the car pulls away strongly.

I mentioned this when the car went in for its last annual service - not with a Fiat dealer - and the garage put in some Forte autoflush and Forte Diesel fuel conditioner - which doesn't seem to have made much difference.

The car is nearly 8 years old, is otherwise drives absolutely fine, so I don't really want to spend an awful lot of money on the this problem. Does anyone have any ideas on what could be wrong, and how much it might cost to put right?

Rogerd

EGR or MAF are the usual cause of acceleration issues where accelation comes and goes.

Hi mate and WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!

As Hellcat says, its most likely to be faulty/sticking EGR valve, faulty MAF sensor or a faulty, sticking boost solenoid.

The EGR can be blanked off to test it. Simply undo the 4 allen bolts that secures the short length or corrugated tubing between the EGR valve and the inlet manifold, and place a thin sheet of metal between the pipe and the EGR valve and do it all back up. Take it for a drive. If the problem is still there, its NOT the EGR. If the problem has gone, then you can either clean the EGR valve and lubricate it to see if that will get it working correctly again, or simply repalce the EGR valve. They are around £80 from Fiat.

Youy can test the MAF sensor by simply unplugging it. Take it for a drive, if the problem has gone, then your MAF either needs cleaning or replacing. Have a look at THIS GUIDE to see where the MAF sensor is and how to clean and or replace it.

Also, have a look HERE if you are unsure where the MAF, EGR or BOOST SOLONOID are.

The last and least likely of the 3 is a sticking boost solonoid. You normally get an acompanying engine management light if its sticking. However, you can disconnect the three pipes leading to it, and the electrical connector. Spray carb cleaner in each of the ports untill it comes out clear, and then clean the electrical pins and spray them with WD40 or similar.

The problem you are experiencing is common on the JTD. One of those 3 will solve it no problem.

Hope that helps,
Alan

As already mentioned, MAF sensor. They come complete with housing. You are best to get a original Fiat part. I had the same issue with my JTD and now is freaking fast!

Thanks Alan

I passed your thoughts on to my local car repairer, and, thanks to a new MAF sensor, my JTD is its old lively self.

Rogerd

Hi mate,

Glad to hear its sorted!!

Thanks for the update,
Alan