Hi all,

I have only just bought my punto. It seemed ok except that the oil looked really black and the engine light was on (it was slightly misfiring intermittently too).

Yesterday I had a mobile mechanic do a service - oil, plugs, air filter etc and when I drove it today it was perfect except that intermittently it would misfire for no apparent reason. A few times when it did this, the engine light would flash on and off. Then, five or ten seconds later it is perfect again.

Any ideas and / or can anyone recommend a good independent in the black country ares of the West Midlands as I'm really keen to get this sorted asap.

Thanks,

Andy.

Is it starting ok but goes rough as it warms up?

Ive heard of these folks but not used them myself http://www.rnrautos.co.uk/

Wow that was quick - Thanks.

Yes it starts up perfectly and it seems as if it's ok while still cold. No smoke, funny sounds or smells, heater works all ok. It's just frustrating because other than for this it really does driver superb!

Thanks - I'll give them a try. Any idea what it might be?

Andy.

I'm thinking Lambda sensor but its an enough easy thing to diagnose. If fuel consumption is high its almost certainly lambda. But of course there can be more than one fault. When sorted it needs a good long drive with a tankfull of posh petrol BP or shell to clean everything out.

As the oil was neglected almost certainly the coolant will be rubbish. Drain and flush and fill with proper red coolant. There is a guide for bleeding the cooling system. It MUST be bled to remove are that will otherwise overheat the head gasket. These engine dont carry much coolant or metal mass so react badly to overheating.

If Mk1, suspect the MAP sensor. Worthwhile checking the hose for any leaks, blowing out, etc.

It's a 2002 sporting speedgear 16v - Is that mk1?

Its a Mk2. Also get the gearbox oil changed but you MUST use the proper Fiat oil. These boxes have been damaged with the wrong stuff. Wait for experts to reply but I believe 2 litres should be enough.

UPDATE...

I called the guys at RNR Auto's yesterday and dropped the car off - nice and close to where I live so it was ideal especially as I didn't want to be driving a malfunctioning car very far.

Anyway the long and short of it is that it is now fixed and purrs like a kitten after a change of leads (they were arcing) and a coil.

This evening I had to drive over to Sutton Coldfield and back (about 20 miles each way). Before setting off I zeroed the trip counter and as I pulled up onto my driveway again it was sitting on 50.8 mpg (maximum on the motorway was 54.4mpg) so I'm very happy indeed!

I should also say that the guys at RNR definately know their stuff, are fast, did a great job and are really nice blokes too. Thanks for recommending them to me,

Andy.

I've never used them but there were not many Fiat specialists in the Black Country.
We have a recommendations section if you want to give them a BIG UP

Yes - I'll do that. Do you know where that section is? I can't seem to find it.

Thanks,

Andy.

Go to the forum button and scroll down eventually you'll find the garages link. TBH Services would have been a better name as we already have a garage of members motors but hey.

https://www.fiatforum.com/garages/