Technical Check engine light 500 1.2

[Vivab]

Hi all,
I can see from this forum that I’m not the only one with this problem!

The car has very low mileage (9,700) for a 2016 model and generally used for local driving and not much in the last year! My problem started in May last year when the check engine light came on and the car went into limp mode. Restarting the engine solved the limp mode problem but the check engine light stayed on. This became an intermittent problem.
So I booked the car into a local Fiat specialist (not main dealer) and the diagnostics showed no problem and it seemed to fix itself but in
January this year, the problem reoccurred and this time the pressure sensor had a fault and was replaced. Only worked for a couple of weeks, booked in again and air leak from inlet manifold gasket detected. Part replaced and the car has been running ok for the last 3 week.. until today.

Car has been serviced and MOT’d.

I’d be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi

A few seldom used 1242engines have seen a bulid up of white sludge .. termed 'mayo'..as it resembles mayonnaise and is a blend of water ( moisure from damp air) and Oil..from the engine

Was any reference made regarding a similar build.up ?

Tip: remove the oil filler cap.. have a look for yourself

 

[Vivab]

Hi
Thanks for the tip, just did as suggested and yes mayo!
Pic attached.
Can you tell me how to prevent this?

 

[varesecrazy]

Well that saved you Forty Quid..

Basic science.. oil and water mixing makes that 'emulsion'

Back in the 80's when I started driving.. most cars produced SOME of that every winter.. summer driving and longer trips helped BAKE out the moisture

Modern cars have MUCH better control of engine temperature ( for 'emissions purposes')

A failing thermostat wont help the cause here.. engine will run 'cool'

Phase 1.. clear out the mayo you can see

Phase 2 .. attempt to give it enough running to get it HOT ( where the cooling fan cuts in when stationary...at junstiins..traffic lights. Etc. )

Repeat 1 and 2 where possible ..

Further steps will involve looking for possible issues adding to the build.up

And potentially another oil change


A side question:

Are the oil and coolant levels holding steady?

 

[Vivab]

As far as I’m aware the oil and coolant levels are ok, no warning lights etc.
I will do as you suggest and try to clean out the sludge and go for a long drive
Is there anything else I can do and is it a serious problem that should worry me or is that a stupid question?

Your help and advice are much appreciated, thanks.

 

[varesecrazy]

No problem

It could be a symptom of a fault.. or just a side effect of short runs in winter

The fact you had 6+ months 'trouble.free'

From the good weather might be a good omen.

Have a LOOK at the fluid levels today..ask if you want tips

It will give you something for reference.

 

[John202020]

No problem

It could be a symptom of a fault.. or just a side effect of short runs in winter

The fact you had 6+ months 'trouble.free'

From the good weather might be a good omen.

Have a LOOK at the fluid levels today..ask if you want tips

It will give you something for reference.

Would you suggest using a "flushing agent" ?
What triggers the EML?

 

[jrkitching]

Would you suggest using a "flushing agent" ?

No.

Fiat specifically advise against it and on a new car, it would also invalidate the warranty.

Flushing oil is a leftover relic from the days of straight mineral oils, which did sometimes deposit sludge. Modern oils don't sludge; by design, they keep all the contaminants in suspension.

Just change the oil with a quality synthetic, preferably at least annually. If it does come out filthy on a car where you are suspicious of the service history, run it for a thousand miles or so and change it again.

If you have severe emulsification, it's worth removing the breather hoses and cleaning them inside with a suitable brush.

 

[puntodeltathema]

Agreed on engine flush - belongs to the days of decokes, Redex and Bryl Creem. Not needed on new engines, and I always worry that on old engines you run a real risk of dislodging something sludgy and moving it round the system to somewhere where it will do a lot more damage....

Using engines well and regular oil changes (while hot) at least once a year are the best medicine....

Nick
www.auto500.co.uk

Own cars:
2017 500S
2014 Alfa Giulietta QV
..and now a 1999 Brava Automatic!