Technical Power Loss

[dwebby]

Newbie first post....be gentle.....I've started a new thread as my problem is I think slightly different from previous posts.

The problem I have is that the car loses power in any gear/speed but if you take your foot off the accelerator and then accelerate again power is returned.

People have quoted crank sensor failure but isn't that just for the car cutting out completely?

Any help/comments welcomed

 

[Gary]

Welcome to the Multipla section, don't worry we don't bite

I would guess at egr valve

Have a read through here and let us know:

https://www.fiatforum.com/multipla/103728-lack-power.html

 

[dwebby]

Thanks Gary..
I'm also getting a knocking on start up when cold sometimes...is this another symptom?

Does anyone know if the valve is mechanical or electronic..if mech may be cleaned/refurbed?

Thanks

 

[the frog]

I take it you have a JTD model?

Cleaning the EGR is a possibility as a temporary fix. My FIAT dealer in an attempt to save themselves some cash tried cleaning mine first and it lasted all of five miles before it stuck again. They ended up replacing it in the end and I've done about 20k without problems since.

Knocking on start up wasn't a symptom with mine.

 

[dwebby]

Hi Frog,
Yes I have a JTD.

I think the knocking or clack clack sound is with the valve(s) because the timing gets upset when the egr sticks so causes premature ignition??


Did yours lose power but came back instantly when you lifted off and then re-applied the accelerator?

I'm thinking I may replace the crank sensor while I'm at it shop4parts its only £16 and the EGR is £77

 

[the frog]

When the valve was sticking it was more a gradual loss of power rather like going up a steep hill without changing gear.

Taking the car out of gear and flooring the throttle was enough to temporarily 'fix' the valve.

 

[bigbbc]

Hi

I had the same problem with my JTD and was advised from this forum that the EGR Valve was probably the problem in power loss and guess what they were absolutely right, the EGR cost me £98+vat from Fiat dealer and is very easy to fit, its now running like a dream.

 

[Gary]

According to Fiat the egr valve should be changed every 3 years, nice of them to tell us !!!

 

[dwebby]

I have just installed a new EGR valve (not that easy in my opinion!) and guess what not a bit of difference...doh!

The car still loses power/revs drop then as soon as I ease off the accelerator it comes back..very weird. :bang:

Any ideas?

 

[T14086]

Bit late I know but a diag report would of helped here.The EGR & airflow meter work in conjunction with each another so determing which is actually at fault (or neither of them) can be difficult/guesswork.

 

[dwebby]

cheers I'm thinking I might invest in one of those fault code obdII thingy's would that tell me which is at fault? or are they too basic...
thanks

 

[T14086]

They dont read maker specific codes,handy but basic. (a error code does not mean 100% the fault lies in the component/circuit)

 

[dwebby]

Hi thought I'd post an update may help someone down the line...

Took it into FIAT and they diagnosed the fault as the ACCELERATOR POTENTIOMETER

they want £300 squidoolies to replace it...

Funny thing is before I took it to them it would die/stall almost every 1/2mile or so...now it hasn't done it once since being there!!!

Apparently this part is located at the top of the accelerator pedal and the electrical connection is prone to coming lose so I may be lucky for once and not need it replacing...fingers crossed...
Thanks for all the help anyway...

 

[Colaga]

Hi thought I'd post an update may help someone down the line...

Took it into FIAT and they diagnosed the fault as the ACCELERATOR POTENTIOMETER

they want £300 squidoolies to replace it...

I had something similar a few weeks ago... took it to Fiat (Heswall, Wirral... highly recommended ) and they fixed up the wiring and now all is groovy!

£63 with a front headlight bulb replaced...

Cheers guys!

 

[milesmiles]

Hi thought I'd post an update may help someone down the line...

Took it into FIAT and they diagnosed the fault as the ACCELERATOR POTENTIOMETER

they want £300 squidoolies to replace it...

Funny thing is before I took it to them it would die/stall almost every 1/2mile or so...now it hasn't done it once since being there!!!

Apparently this part is located at the top of the accelerator pedal and the electrical connection is prone to coming lose so I may be lucky for once and not need it replacing...fingers crossed...
Thanks for all the help anyway...

Hi all - first post as I found this (great) site looking for some answers to similar problem.

2001 x reg 105 JTD, is OKish to drive to 3000rpm then hits wall (like the engine has been strangled). The throttle can be pushed/released with little happening, except slight surge when you take your foot off completely. Most driving is in London, so not really a problem, but it is more difficult out of town/motorway (80tops).

This has happened before (2003/4) when I thought the turbo must have blown! When it happened again is difficult to pin-point as our out of town travel is infrequent, but it seems to have got progressively worse (last 4mths). Previously (2004) the throttle wiring was resoldered (no difference) and then New Potentiometer (£300) fitted which fixed it.

My questions are:
Is a new potentiometer likely to last less than 3yrs (like first one)?
> can I buy a pattern part and fit myself for less than £300!
If there are other potential causes what order do I investigate them?
e.g. Throttle Connector Block, MAF Sensor, EGR valve etc.

Many thanks for your thoughts/advice, Miles.

 

[dwebby]

I bought my potentiometer from the stealer for about 120 squidoolies. it took me a while to change as its in a damn awkward place!! its only 2 bolts though..
good luck

 

[T14086]

2 akward bolts

I always bypass the connector & solder the wires as they are a common source of trouble...often the connector is at fault & not the potentiometer.

 

[milesmiles]

T14086/dwebby - thanks for the replies. In your time on this/other Multipla related sites have you seen a guide or photos of getting to the connector and potentiometer? I am quite handy with a soldering iron, but would rather not take my wife's car apart to 'have a look'. Any links welcomed. Thanks, Miles.

 

[T14086]

Its above the throttle pedal just to the right you will see the white plastic 'link' bar between pedal & potentiometer.

 

[dwebby]

http://82.183.137.89:7080/navi?GUI_...INDOW_ID=1&KEY=HOME&EPER_CAT=SP&MAKE=F&SBMK=F

this link goes to an online fiat eper.
it gives you part no's and some basic drawings which do help locate whats where!!

oh yes and it is 2 very awkwardly positioned bolts. I actually didn't realise for about an hour that they were hex key bolts and was trying to remove them with a socket!!!!