Hi

Have a Y reg 2001 1.2 8 valve Punto which has an intermittent problem.

It misfires and loses power. The engine management light comes on and throws a code of P0351. Had a choice of either coils or new ecu and thought i'd choose the cheaper option of coils but after a week the problem has come back.

After searching through posts etc I'm curious if this is a ecu fault as it is intermittent?

Also does it have to go to a fiat dealer to get the ecu (if this is the fault) and could an independent garage do it? Does the ecu need programming for something like the immobilizer and/or key etc?

I have read the testing post on the ecu/coils faults but as its intermittent have not been able to do so as it only seems to occur when I'm driving (think thats called sods law!)

Any help please guys!

Depends on if you want to have the existing ecu tested for faults, or if you want to have the system diagnosed.

A dealer can do all the diagnostic tests, an idependant should be able to do the majority, if not all (I stand to be corrected) but either way they will just say what the fault is. It is down to a good mechanic to sort the info and give the right advice.

If you want the ecu checking/fixing, then try these guys:

http://ecutesting.com/

Hey

This may or maynot be of use to you, but i have a MK1 1.1 8v and had a similar problem. Could hear a misfire every so often as the engine was idling and had a severe lack of power sometimes. I decided to have a look at my engine timing to find that it was 1 tooth out. Its made a world of difference and runs near on perfect (well, as perfect as a 14 year old thrashed punto can run)

A possible route to take before splashing out on an ECU

P0351, if I recall correctly, is Ignition Coil 'B' Primary/Secondary circuit.

That means it could either be spark plugs, spark cables, or ignition coil. It could hardly be the ECU, as the ECU comes protected from backfire in 16V models, and usually burns permanently if it happens on 8V models.

P = Powertrain
0 = Generic (SAE)
3 = Ignition system or engine misfire
5 = specific error
1 = specific error

So P0351
Ignition coil A Primary/Secondary circuit fault.