Technical Panda Dynamic 2008 Cutting Out Problem

[Kazzy]

Hi, I have been having problems with my Fiat Panda 2008 for some time and now ready to give in and get rid.

My car loses power/cuts out when driving - especially over bumps but sometimes when just driving. If I am going at a reasonable speed it boosts back and continues, but if I am slowing down and coming off the accelerator, it cuts out. It sometimes struggles to start again if cold but if warm starts up quickly again.

I have had the car in the garage a few times and no-one seems to be able to sort the issue or find the fault - I am now at my wits end. I had a few parts replaced and sorted only a few days ago but it still cuts out.
The car was my dads who sadly passed away - which is why I am trying my best to sort rather than get rid - but I don't think there's any more I can do

Can anyone help me, I would very much appreciate any help or advice

 

[PandaHead90]

Are these classics now? Where has the time gone?!??

 

[Kazzy]

I know, I didn't realise I had a classic

 

[Freebo]

I've moved this thread to the correct location.

 

[milleplod]

Check out my post a few days ago!

My mum's 1.2 did the cutting out thing a few times, then cut out for good! Crank and cam position sensors replaced to no avail, and the car's still throwing up a crank sensor fault. As much wiring as possible has been checked over, as have connectors/sockets etc....everything seems fine.

I took the ECU off today and took it to these people, 30 mins away from me - http://www.ecutesting.com/ It'll cost £40 to find out if there's something amiss, £190 for a repair if there is (including the £40 diagnostic fee).

I'll report back in a day or two once I've heard from them.

Pete

 

[varesecrazy]

Kazzy

 

[milleplod]

Well, a dead end at the ECU specialists! Apparently, they can't get 'deep' enough into it to do any more diagnostics, and what they have done checks out OK.

So.....it looks like a visit to the dealer. Bugger.

Pete

 

[koalar]

Too many possability

ignition switch would be my wild guess

You could measure the voltage from the negative terminal on battery and the earth on the chassis whilst its running

And while it will not start.


Inertia Switch under the passenger seat ? Is another posability

 

[milleplod]

Its the code that came up (0355??) giving the crank sensor as the problem that's confusing. We're working on the assumption that that's the actual fault. Perhaps a main dealer withproper Fiat diagnostic equipment can get to the bottom of it....for a price!

Pete

 

[milleplod]

Update - mum's Panda is now booked into the main dealer for diagnostics and, presumably, a new ECU. Price? Fortunately, for the part number I supplied off the current unit, its not as much as I expected....unfortunately, its still £498 incl VAT!! That's on an exchange basis - does that mean they've had to supply quite a few, I wonder....?! Some part numbers are a straight purchase though, at about £800.

Interestingly, I had a callback today from a local Fiat specialist - they were main dealers for donkey's years, but lost the franchise to one of the big-boys - who I'd eMailed about the problem last weekend. I assumed they weren't interested, but turns out the tech had been on holiday till today! Anyway, it was an interesting natter! They have a Panda in their 'for sale' stock with the identical problem. Cam and crank sensors swapped, wiring/connectors gone over with a microscope, plugs, coils all done....and the ECU sent to the same place I used, with the same result...'sorry, can't help'.

The guy told me he's now 101% certain its the ECU, the one mounted at the side of the battery. Now, I'd always thought that a used one might not be the best way to go, as there'd be issues with re-coding/needing new keys and goodness knows what else. Apparently not. This particular ECU is plug-and-play....no coding needed, its the BCU (Body Control Unit) one that, if fitted as used, would need other bits and pieces to go with it and then a dealer visit to get it matched to the car.

So, if you can find a used one with an identical part number - mum's is 51788361 - it may well sort your problem. They seem to go for £150 to £200 on eBay, and I suppose the advantage of buying there from a trader is that you can always return it for a refund if it doesn't sort the problem - a Fiat dealer won't take the new one back I bet!

Pete

 

[A3jeroen]

AFAIK a new ECU gets a code from the Bodycomputer the first time you turn the ignition. A used ECU will only work ehen virginized (code deleted).
There are companies that virginize them, but simply plug in a used one might not work.

gr J

 

[milleplod]

The tech guy at the specialist said that the ECU I'm talking about isn't coded as such - he's fitted used ones previously, plug and play according ot him.

Pete