Technical Panda 1.2 (57) - Hesitancy/Chugging when idling/acceleration

[SDCC]

Hi

After a few days where the car was playing up a bit (cut out at low speeds couple of times, and thought I'd just stalled it), the Panda started chugging or being hesitant (bit of kangarooing?) when accelerating. Sounds rough when idling too. Engine warning light flashed on a few times, again generally under acceleration.

It's been suggested that....

1) Lately I was in the red on the fuel gauge at Salisbury, and got home to Portsmouth. So ran the fuel right down! Interesting game of fuel light bingo....
Anyway, could I have pulled up a load of gunk from the fuel tank?

2) Coils needs replacing?

3) HT leads needs checking?

The garage I bought the car from is a far way away, so not keen on driving it there in this state. Do I do something myself (I have a brother who is handy with cars), or take it a local garage? There is one I'm quite trusting of.

Thanks

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi

After a few days where the car was playing up a bit (cut out at low speeds couple of times, and thought I'd just stalled it), the Panda started chugging or being hesitant (bit of kangarooing?) when accelerating. Sounds rough when idling too. Engine warning light flashed on a few times, again generally under acceleration.

Anyway, could I have pulled up a load of gunk from the fuel tank?


it's possible,
maybe try a dash of "redex - injector cleaner" into the fuel tank,

did it mess around before the low fuel..??,

sparkplugs / leads / Coil packs , are all possibilities along with a poorly sensor somewhere,
some are more complex ( expensive ) than others,

strange the management light flickered..,

I would do the "redex" and see how it is after a few days = @ 100 miles should do it..,
maybe get your brother to give it a ten minute check -over to eliminate any daft issues,
if you run it at night / darkened area with the bonnet up you will see / hear arcing from a dodgy plug lead,

let us know what you find and we can add more info,
good luck,
Charlie

 

[SDCC]

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

It didn't play up before the fuel light bingo game no.

I had a poke around this morning and couldn't find anything loose.

It got me to work thankfully, but wasn't enjoying it. By the time I got there the engine light was fully on, and I got a 'check engine' message.

After that, I phoned up the garage, who will look at it tomorrow morning for me.

If anything is up, I'll be taking it out of there, and to Fiat Middleton where I purchased it. Too far to drive if I can get it sorted near where I live.

I think I need to lay my hands on a Haynes manual so in future I can figure things out myself.

 

[james2609]

I had a very similar problem with mine. I gave mine a full service, put Cataclean in 1/3 tank of fuel, new HT leads and never had the problem since.

MEP has also had a similar problem, he is going to change the injector rail on his.

I would try something better than redex and wynns. Cataclean was highly recommended to me. £16, but worth it seeing as my car runs sweet now

 

[SDCC]

So would you guys suggest not going to the garage tomorrow, and going for a redex/cataclean thing first?

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

What age / mileage is the car? I'd be going for HT leads or coil pack. Tbh you won't have any 'gunk / crap' that you'd have pulled through from the tank IMO. I never have in any of the 18 YO classic Pandas I've stripped (3+) so tbh a car this modern shouldn't have crap in the tank.

When was it lay serviced? Could also possibly be spark a plug.

Ideally you need to get the MIL read to see what that says.

Jon.

 

[Matthen]

Slightly of topic... Why would there be any gunk in a petrol tank? Surely it takes the fuel from the bottom of the tank all the time... Id do what Jon says - And be careful with what the dealer says... Ours would inevitably decide it is something really expensive broken - could you not take it to a local garage?

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

You've hit the nail on the head there Matthen about the fuel always coming from the bottom of the tank, be it full or empty.

 

[SDCC]

Appreciate the replies guys.

Very good point about the fuel tank!!

Turns out it's the spark plugs. All changed, and the panda is back!!!

I've ordered a ELM OBDII Connection, so next time I'll just be able to pop the laptop in hopefully.

Again, thank you for the replies.