Hesitation on acceleration

[Insomnia]

The 1.2 seems to have developed an annoying problem today. It must be getting paranoid with my trips to Fiat to look at the new Bravo.

Anyhow there is some hesitation when in any gear (usually 2nd or 3rd tho) where for a moment it holds back and then carrys on accelerating. I'm not driving the car aggressively but am noticing it whereas before it wasn't there. Only seems to occur at about 2400rpm ish.

Any thoughts on what it could be?

Engine is 1.2, serviced recently but air filter has yet to be done. 72k miles. Cambelt recently done. 7 years old.

Would it be as simple as the air filter or is it likely to be the onset of something nasty like the clutch/gearbox?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 70,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 134,000 miles

 

[Insomnia]

Also, and this could be key. I let the tank run down pretty low this week and only just refilled today.

I've had a nosey aruond under the car and nothing appears to be leaking or looking ill as such.

Perhaps its crap thats been sucked in through from the near empty tank?

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 70,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 134,000 miles

 

[mick]

ive had this before when my tank was low put some fuel cleaner through and seemed to clear it up.

 

[Matt]

The crap in the fuel tank thing is a myth.

 

[kyle]

i had this problem in the 1.6. when you put your foot down it feels as if it sorta breaks first and then carrys on. i dont mean to worry you but each time its happened an injector has gone down. in my case the holding back thing was an injector breaking down

 

[Ash]

bets on a lamba sensor

 

[Von]

Does the 1.2 have a MAF sensor, cos that's how mine started playing up when the MAF was going.

 

[Andy_sx]

Lambda of MAF imo.

you could try unpluging the maf and see if that smooths things out mate. she will be a tad juicy but it should give you an idea

 

[Insomnia]

Ok, dopey question.. where's the MAF in my engine bay? I'm a newbie to the 1.2 afterall!

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 70,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 134,000 miles

 

[Joske]

Thats easy you dont have one. I'd check the Lambda sensor.

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[Andy_sx]

erm... actually, the 1.2 doesnt have a maf iirc, its a map :s i dunno, im bloody tired. it will be at the end of the intake, just before the intake manifold, there will be an electrical plug on it, and thats what u disconnect

 

[Insomnia]

Bet you're thinking of the 147bhp engine Andy.

I've chucked some fuel system cleaner in and will give it a good blat (thats my kind of blat, so will still be grandad-esque).

The hesitation is ever so quick, almost like a gasp for air.

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 70,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 134,000 miles