idling problem

[Alex]

I was wondering if anyone has any answer to an idling problem I've been having with my 99T Bravo 1.2 SX for a year now.
The idling is erratic and eventually cuts out totally. The nasty part of the problem is that it often cuts out completely at low revs turning corners.
When the problem first arose I took it back to the networkQ garage I bought it from: they thought it was a build up in the throttle. They cleaned it and it ran fine for two months. When the problem re-occurred they couldn't find an answer so they sent it to a Fiat garage. They said it needed a new idling actuator(?), which they fitted and lo it ran fine for another few months.
Today the car failed its MOT on exhaust emmissions and will have to go back next Friday for further tests and the idling problem has come back again.
I love the car dearly but this nagging problem is driving me to distraction. If any one has any ideas I would be very grateful.

Alex

 

[Deckchair]

idle problem

It's the idle valve. (also known as the idle adjuster, idle pot, idle compensator and a few others) It's a very common problem on the 1.2 engine and someone is lucky if it HASN'T caused a problem. Need to change it. Easy to fix, just three bolts. Costs £50. Might need to remap ECU afterwards. (1/2hr job max) and off you go then with an idle at 800 rpm as steady as a rock!

Good tip is after having it fitted, reset the ECU base settings by disconnecting the battery for at least 30minutes (set your radio to CODE though first otherwise you'll need to re enter the radio code).

Then the ECU will "relearn" the new set up as it's been well messed up by now with all this stalling and over rich unburnt fuel going down the exhaust.

Hope that helps

 

[Deckchair]

oh yes

Nearly forgot. Don't know how many miles you've got but change your air filter and pull off the black foam on the front as it clogs with dust really fast, long before the filter has a chance to do it's job. I'm getting better starting, idling and 40 more miles per tankful since removing it and all my work is done in town driving

 

[Alex]

Thanks

Thanks, your insight is greatly appreciated. I will take this info to my so called "experts" and hope they see the sense in it. I certainly do!

I've one week left on my warranty so lets hope they get it this time.

Thanks again,

Alex.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: idle problem

But he said they have already fitted a new idle valve...

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like something is blocked. Could be the catalyst has failed or the exhaust is blocked.

Should be easy for a garage to unbolt the front section of the exhaust and take a peek inside.

 

[Deckchair]

Re: Re: idling problem

"But he said they have already fitted a new idle valve..."
I know but if mine went at 6K miles then there are those that work and those that like lasagne.

Blockage in the exhaust is a bit extreme for the symptoms if the car is running otherwise fine apart from disappearing idle? Sounds more like idle valve/actuator to me

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Re: Re: idling problem

Bad idle is also a good sign of a blocked exhaust, at normal engine speeds the gas pressure is enough to overcome it.

Its a quick (but messy) check, even if its not the cause its probably worth doing just for peace of mind.

 

[alasdair]

Re: idle problem

i have a problem with the idle on my 1.8 where it starts at 1500rpm and gradually goes down to 800 when warm. if anyone can help solve this problem it would be much appreciated as the local fiat garage hasnt a clue.

thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Re: idle problem

Thats natural, they reduce idle speed to about 800rpm as the engine warms up.

 

[Alex]

Re: Re: Re: Re: idling problem

Thanks for your ideas guys.
Yes the Fiat garage did fit a new idle actuator. Unfortunately the car is going back to the Vauxhall garage I bought it from as its under their warranty. They don't fill me with confidence when investigating Fiats but I have no choice at present.

But I'll pass on your ideas. Its the way it sometimes runs fine that is infuriating. It will perform fine on the way to work in the morning and 8 hours later it will start acting up. I used to think that that the problem would kick in after driving for 20 minutes but now I doubt whether this was just coincidence.

For a while I thought if I kept the tank over half full the problem didn't appear but that theory bit the dust this week. In the past I've booked the car into the Vauxhall garage when the problem was occuring but by the time I got the car into them it was behaving itself and they couldn't find anything wrong.

I just hope that by solving the high emissions problem,(which they have to do!) they solve the idling problem as well.

Thanks again for your ideas.
ps. I get around 100 miles for £10 of petrol which is mostly city driving.

Cheers,

Alex.