General Another new member joining the ranks.

[Si902]

Hi guys

First of all i must say this is a great forum and source of info full of knowledgable and experienced owners, i've already started my knowledge gathering and maybe looking for a few pointers in the very near future.

I have been looking to purchase an MPV for a little while now, have had a Merc E class estate for couple of years and although nice, was a little cramped with two teenagers and a three year old in a car seat in the back, also VERY expensive to repair, things going wrong all the time (it did have 212,000 miles on it to be fair).

Anyway i settled on the Ulysse and after a little while looking and researching i found the one, alight blue 55 reg 2.2 D, Prestigio, manual, 78,000 miles.

Went to look at it and all seemed okay, bodywork in good order, engine nice and smooth, no noises that shouldnt be there, everything (bar the rear wash wipe! worked), interior in good condition, test drove really nice, No wet patches (3 sunroof option). Only thing was NO HISTORY and no handbook. clean bill of health from the HPI check though.

I decided to put a deposit down and eventually did the deed, traded the Merc for it.

I had read some posts on the forum regarding the rear windscreen wash pipes splitting / coming off, i thought that id get the cover off and have a look as soon as i get chance. (not had chance yet).

Everything seemed okay on the drive home in the dark, until about halfway through a 30 mile journey engine management light came on (yellow engine symbol bottom right corner of display above steering wheel) this was on the motorway and thought there was some lack of power in 5th & 6th Gear, seemed fine in lower gears, i also noticed that the auto headlights were flicking off and back on occasionally throughout the journey.

Heart sank

I drove it the next morning, light still on, headlights still flickering, didn't seem to suffer any noticable power loss (however im only basing this on limited experience and what i think it should be like), next time i jumped in no light on "Whoopie" :slayer: Until 15 minutes into journey, on again with lack of power.

I'm getting it into my usual mechanic on Monday for a good once over, Cam belt done if no evidence of it being done recently.

Anyone any ideas in the meantime. I was thinking maybe MAF sensor a good place to start due to loss of power, seen on ebay for £26.00 + p&p.

Do you think that the rear wash wipe issue could have caused an issue with the electrics causing the lights problem. Do you think the two issues are linked.

I must say however that after only one full day of ownership i already love the car, really lovely feel to the drive, fully loaded with toys, looking forward to getting these hopefully minor niggles sorted with a liitle help from my new friends.

Many thanks in advance.

Si

 

[FRANTIC FRAN]

Engine management could be anything, most common causes though are the MAF, fuel filter housing, fuse box in the engine compartment.

No history, well yours is low mileage and on my first Prestigio , I never had much history on the one I owned for nearly 10 years because not that much went wrong with it (yes sounds unbelievable to most on the forum!), the only thing I would suggest is do a cambelt change ASAP if you have no history of it being done and get the drip tray mod fitted at the same time.

If yours has a small tank next to the auxiliary heater underneath on the passenger side then you have got a FAP model, most people prefer to remove this system and get the ecu reprogrammed to prevent the limp mode kicking in on long journeys.

I have broken a fair few 2.2 prestigio's now so have loads of spares if you need anything. Sounds like you have the same model as mine, 6 speed, 2.2, electric doors, esp system, xenon self levelling lights, headlight washers and the leaky sunroofs which you've yet to experience!!

Your lights problem could be down to a faulty comms2000 unit on the steering wheel or just a bad earth, do the lights come on automatically? If so turn them to manual mode and see if they still play up to eliminate the light sensor.

 

[Si902]

Thanks Frantic Fran.

As it happens the last few journeys i've made the Engine Management light has not been on, Who knows?? Suppose ill have to wait and see what it throws up once its plugged in.

Had a good look at the fuse box in engine comp and doesn't seem to have any corrosion or water damage on connections.
I'm very conscious re the CAM belt and will certainly be getting it done this week along with the water pump etc. Not sure what the drip tray mod is? but will mention it to mechanic.

Thanks for the tip re the FAP tank, will have a look, could do without that kicking in. Does removing it have any disadvantages?

I may well be in touch for a few spares in the coming weeks, only things i've noticed missing so far are the drawers under front seats and a couple of plastic bits off the seat reclining levers in the rear.

Seems fully loaded, no headlight washers though! still getting to grips with the RT3 on board computer thing, i quite like it. i'm sure i'll also be joining the masses trying to obtain a Sat Nav disc soon enough, no need for one yet, not planning any long journeys until i have all the issues sorted.

I've seen a few posts re the dodgy comms2000 stalk, it may well be that. They are on auto and i cant seem to deactivate the it, when i press the button in for more than 2 seconds i get the "Bong" sound but no message on the screen, lights still come on even in daylight, when pressed again you get the "Bong" with message on the screen saying "Auto lights activated".
Have tried in manual mode but doesn't seem to make any difference (bearing in mind the above).
Not too bothered about them coming on randomly during the day, its the random going off during night driving thats the issue.

Will provide update on any progress as and when i get it.

Thanks again

 

[FRANTIC FRAN]

I have the latest UK maps, copies sell for £10.

Removing the FAP system has more advantages than keeping it.

The lights often switch on in the day if it is a bit gloomy, maybe your light sensor is a bit dusty.

 

[Si902]

Excellent, consider the money yours do you want me.to PM you re the maps?

I tried the lights on manual today, seemed more stable, don't know if that points towards the comms2000 being serviceable or not? Well get a cotton bud on the sensor, think it's in the back of the rear view mirror.

Car going in tomorrow, he's a Merc Indy, don't know what his diagnostics will be like, but will let you know.

Thanks again.

 

[avionista]

Regarding the drip tray Mod: It is plastic and fits under the coolant header tank to prevent water getting inside the timing belt cover. You can buy one from any Peugeot or Citroen dealer. They call this part a "water draining gutter", part No 824871, price about £20, inclusive of VAT. I don't think Fiat supply this part.

 

[Si902]

Regarding the drip tray Mod: It is plastic and fits under the coolant header tank to prevent water getting inside the timing belt cover. You can buy one from any Peugeot or Citroen dealer. They call this part a "water draining gutter", part No 824871, price about £20, inclusive of VAT. I don't think Fiat supply this part.

Thanks avionista, car gone in today for a good once over, i'll let them know and try and get it done, makes sense.

 

[Si902]

Quick update on car.

Been in garage since Monday (told him no rush as dont need it until Fri), found that the rear brakes were seized on, managed to free off the near side but off side rear needs a new caliper. He said it has recently had two new handbreak cables on it for some reason...
Priced a new Caliper from Euro car parts at £155 (they will give £36 back when you return your old caliper if able to be repaired?)
Do you think i should go with a new one or try and find a second hand one? Seen some on Ebay in region of £55.

Mechanic thinks Auto lights fail when you indicate left which i suppose points to the Comms2000 stalk, (it does also fail intermittantly too).

When plugged in the only stored message was "Boost Pressure", he has been unable to run it since becasue of the barakes being worked on. Could this point to the MAF?

Thanks in advance.

Si

 

[avionista]

"Boost Pressure" suggests your problem may be to do with the Turbo control system. From memory, I think there is an electrically operated valve which controls the vacuum going to the Turbo servo. I would check the rubber tubing between the electrovalve and the Turbo and also the electrovalve itself. In fact, it would be a good idea to check the condition of all the vacuum tubing.

Another item worth checking is the "Swirl Valve Actuator". This is located at the top of the engine at the flywheel end. The end of the actuator is prone to failure and also its diaphram. It is also controlled by an electro valve/vacuum tube arrangement.

 

[Si902]

Thanks for the great info avionista.

I've passed it on to my mechanic, will update you as and when, it might turn out that i have to get a few of the niggles sorted after the Xmas period as garage closes on Monday and i can't do without it.

Updates to follow.