General Car Stalling going from 2nd to 1st

[cam03w]

Hi There
New to the forum, just bought a 2006 fiat grande punto 1.2 petrol for my first car. The car runs like a dream other than it seems going down the gears when coming to a stop, the car stalls. it almost appears that when slowing down the revs drop too low.
Does anyone know of any fixes to this or has experienced any issues similar

Thanks in Advance
Cam

 

[GrandePunto PL]

Hey you lazy-ass, USE GOOGLE next time.

Well known built-in problem. Search more folks, don't start new threads. "New to the forum" is not excuse. Are you new to the Internet?

There was a service recall in some countries, long time ago. Unstable idle rpm, and new ECU/throttle software was a "solution". Not perfect, but it helped a lot. Early years, 2006, 07, 08 maybe.

This is kind-of opposite problem to modern cars with so called "rev hang" (google/youtube that for explanation). So Grande is dropping rpms too quickly.
But it should not stall the engine. Acceptable drop is about 500-600 rpm (then it goes back to 700 within 1-3 seconds max.).

"Engine stalling" (Google that too) can be caused by several things. Basics like: ignition system (sparkplugs, cables, coil module), fuel system (not enough pressure or "flooding"), intake vacuum leak, exhaust leak, bad timing (timing belt and/or valve clearance out of adjustment - it's manual, you swap shims, look at Guides section of the forum), PCV system aka "breather hoses" (Guides again), some sensors (MAP, temperatures, but also "limit switches" under the brake and clutch pedal - ECU needs those signals).
You can also stall the engine mechanically, alternator (or A/C compressor) can be faulty (bearings), acting as a "brake".

 

[jackwhoo]

Hi There
New to the forum, just bought a 2006 fiat grande punto 1.2 petrol for my first car. The car runs like a dream other than it seems going down the gears when coming to a stop, the car stalls. it almost appears that when slowing down the revs drop too low.
Does anyone know of any fixes to this or has experienced any issues similar

Thanks in Advance
Cam

Hi ,
Welcome.

In addition to the checks suggested above you could clean the throttle butterfly with spray cleaner.

Plus stop changing down through the gears as you slow down approaching a stop.

Unless you are driving up Everest there should be very few situations requiring a change from 2nd to 1st with the vehicle in motion. This may help stop engine stalling too.

Use brakes to slow down then select the most appropriate gear for the speed you are going.

Best wishes
Jack

 

[DGPunto]

Cam03w welcome to the forum. There are a few things that can make this happen which can be chased down. How proficient are you with mechanics and diagnostic tools?

I would start with a few simple-ish things:
1. Has your car been serviced recently? If not I would start there, oil, plugs, filters (including the fuel filter) as advised above
2. There's a well known problem on 1.2's with the pipes under the airbox rotting/breaking. Fiat produced a revised version of the big pipe and you can use a silicone pipe to replace the small one that breaks off usually at the manifold end
3. Check the exhaust system, especially around the mainfold and the flex pipe for leaks. Air leaks confuse the signals to the computer causing running problems.
4. If you're OK with computers, or on your smartphone, get a copy of MES (Link) with their recommended OBD2 interface/cable (read here: Link) and run a full diagnostic. That's a really powerful tool on our cars.

Let us know how you get on.

PS we like photos of people's cars too

 

[eeeno]

There may be only minor faults with the car or no fault at all , because some cars actually stall if 1st gear is engaged when moving. That's abuse, stop braking with the clutch and use the brakes instead.

Also if clutch is worn, it may bite quite harshly and cause the engine to stall. Clutch pedal should be released gently when going to 1st gear, slowly and up completely when car moves. It is very sound advice to stop downshifting because you could also shift to neutral at 1500 rpm and then apply brakes. That's more gentle way to use it.