My Fiat Sedici has recently developed a hesitation, and the garage have no idea, because they only look at the computer read-out, (what ever happened to skilled mechanics?); no computer log, "well sir there's nothing wrong". Some years ago, I had a RS Escort and that had a hesistaion connected with the Turbo, but that was much more agressive that the Sedici problem, the garage think not!!. If anybody has ideas, or a known fix, I'd appreciate an answer; thanks in advance.

the 1,9JTD is an excellent engine but it has 2 Achille's heels (3 if it has a DPF)
the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) and
the Exhaust Gas Recirculating valve (EGR)
suggest search (mine and other) other posts in FF on these topics
Does it have a Diesel Particulate Filter?

Ah, a question. I would have to say I don't know the answer. My knowledge of diesel engines is next to non existant. The Sedici for me is purely a practicle car as I live in an area that gets a fair amount of snow over the winter. At least I can go back to the garage and ask the questions. Many thanks.

It almost certainly has a DPF but providing you regularly do long journeys it should not be a problem. If you only do short journeys then a petrol engine is better.
The hesitancy is probably the MAF, but diagnosis is tricky. The best way is to borrow a MAF from a car with an identical engine and see if it fixes the problem. Otherwise you will just have to risk buying a new MAF but make sure you get a hig quality Bosch one from a reputable motor factor.
Cleaning out the inlet manifold and blocking off the EGR (make sure you leave it electrically connected) is straightforward.....
Let us know what happens.........

Good day,
Sorry for the delay in replying, but I was driving the car back to Italy over the weekend. Well, the gagrage cleaned the boost sensor and it was not that obviously. During the trip to Italy the car hesistated once, as per normal not long after the start. I will expand a little, the hesitation is not a constant problem, it is quite random; but so far nearly always not long after starting the engine, say within 10 to 15 minutes. I can't sense any loss on power at other times. I'll have to visit the Local Fiat dealer in Italy now. The dealer in Watford was/is clueless as to the problem. Thanks for the help.

Hello again, I though a general idea of how I used the car might help diagnose futher. The car gave almost 3 years faultless service, apart from the gear linkage cable which failed just over 18 months ago. The car has done the 15 mile journey to work and than back in the evening every day with occasional long runs to airports and the like. Last August the random hesitation started just after filling the tank. Initially I thought a bad batch of fuel, but the tank has had many refills now and the problem continues. I guess you could argue the journeys were not over long, but I live at a reasonable altitude, some 800 metres asl, and the diesel engine seemed the best bet for the climb. I had a range of hire cars for a while and the diesel's were better. The engine always reaches normal running temps during the trips, especially in summer when it can be around 22,0 C when I leave for work. Anyway thanks again for the help.

had the same problem with my Sedici 1.9 diesel after 90,000miles so I had the DPF removed and the computer remapped also used some Dipetane for two tanks full of diesel the results were amazing now drives like a new car and is considerably more economical.

Hi to all,
Recommend replacing your fuel filter.
Purchased a second hand, 55,000 mile, 56 plate Sedici with the 1.9 Multijet engine that suffered hesitating at just below 1900 rpm and poor pickup from a stand still.... took this as turbo lag after reading similar threads and suggestions about the EGR being the problem. (checked mine and noted a brand new one fitted). Previous owner obviously had the same problem then gave up and part exchanged the car.
A week after buying the car it breaks down! It starts and idles rough but then shuts down by engine management safe mode. Garage recovers and traces fault to an injector. Thank god for the warranty! Injector is replaced and car is performing like new. Cant understand why an injector should fail after 55,000 miles. Few miles later the hesitating slowly returns! Decide to change fuel filter by myself.... Bingo... old filter cartridge is made from a fabric material and replaced with a 'Fram' paper aftermarket type £10. Think it has been shedding strands of fibres and eventually sending them to the injectors and clogging them! (have binned the old filter but think it was made by 'Blue' filters... when i ran my fingernail over the surface, fibres would loosen and detach!)
Hesitating is cured. Car has stopped kangarooing and pulls away without the need for high revs. Hope this helps to all.
Please post reply to possibly help other Sedici, SX4 and Multijet users.

Adding to the last post...

Been informed Fiat original filters are also made from fabric.
Possibly these...
Get contaminated with dirty fuel?? Clog too easily and cause fuel starvation?? Get overlooked/forgotten about at services??

After our experience, could ask an independant garage to replace your fuel filter with a "Fram" paper alternative (Fram is a well known aftermarket filter manufacturer) if allowed with the warranty.
Please ensure they keep the original for you to check and let us know the results to help other owners.

Double checked our cars service history.. shows filter was replaced at 41,551 miles by main dealer!! Car had only done under 55,000 miles when purchased with its issues from another main dealer !!!!
At the mo... 1000 miles covered since filter changed and still accelerating like new without the flatspots... Will try to keep post updated on how our car is behaving at higher mileage.

Sadly, there is no way of checking the condition of your filter other than to remove and open the cannister.
Not easy... took us 3 attempts to tighten the cannister lid to create a good enough seal when reassembling.
Two special tools are meant for this job... one to hold the round bottom half of the cannister in a vice... the second to fit over the top and remove the thread on the lid. These are too expensive to justify.
Did ours with a workbench vice, hammer, large flat screwdriver and gently tapping the top thread to remove and replace the lid... risks cracking the plastic!

If you have yours replaced.. worth checking the next few days for fuel leakage/seapage around the cannister lid seal and fuel lines for peace of mind.

These are awesome, understated cars when running as they should be and are sadly getting some bad press at the mo.... perhaps due to costly mis-diagnosed faults. :nono:

Love ours to bits now its sorted.

2000+ miles covered and still going well without the hesitation and poor pickup.