FIAT Petra 1.6 RPM falling down to ZERO

deepgautam_qa · 26th August 2008, 11:22

Hello BHPians!
I have been facing a peculiar and frustrating issue with my Fiat Petra 1.6 (Year 2004; clocked 38K). Once every 300-400 KM, the engine refuses to pull the car. I am able to start the car but suddenly the RPM falls to ZERO and engine is off.....after giving several tries the engine finally starts but as I proceed, the engine keeps getting off between gear shifts and I have to give it self every 100-200 Meters. After running 7-8 KM the problem gets rectified itself. I asked my dealer (Dynamic - Noida) for a solution but he failed to provide one.
There is absolutely no other problem with car pick-up, speed, mileage, everything is fine except the above stated problem. I used LPG (Lovato) as fuel for around 10K KM, but since last 5K KM I've completely stopped using LPG. I am expecting to receive some info/solution regarding the same.

Cheers!

planet_rocker · 26th August 2008, 11:35

get the throttle body cleaned - does it happen when the weather is hot and driven in stop and go traffic? what is the condition of the spark plugs?

deepgautam_qa · 26th August 2008, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by planet_rocker

get the throttle body cleaned - does it happen when the weather is hot and driven in stop and go traffic? what is the condition of the spark plugs?

Throttle body got cleaned and spark plugs also replaced during last service. Not only in hot weather, I face this problem when I start the car after keeping it parked for 1-2 hrs.

humyum · 26th August 2008, 13:51

Sounds more like a dirty fuel filter/failing fuel pump.

deepgautam_qa · 26th August 2008, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by humyum

Sounds more like a dirty fuel filter/failing fuel pump.

I got the fuel filter changed during last service but the problem still persists.

deepgautam_qa · 26th August 2008, 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepgautam_qa

I got the fuel filter changed during last service but the problem still persists.

Dear BHPian,

I am waiting for your responses. Please help me with your expertise and experience in resolving this problem.

Cheers!

e1t1bet · 26th August 2008, 20:42

I does sound like a fuel pump issue, but then, I am not an expert.

RedMM340 · 26th August 2008, 23:06

Have you replaced your air filter recently?

The other thing to do is get your car hooked up to the engine computer at dynamic auto. I know that they have one. There is a routine in the diagnostic that checks the throttle position motor. Just stand by the technician's side and make sure he does all the tests.

amitverma · 27th August 2008, 10:39

check your ignition switch. maybe it is the culprit.
when you say rpm goes to zero, you obviously mean the engine shuts down.
while running the engine try to move the key in the ignition switch a bit violently, if the ignition cuts, it is the ignition switch.

deepgautam_qa · 27th August 2008, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedMM340

Have you replaced your air filter recently?

The other thing to do is get your car hooked up to the engine computer at dynamic auto. I know that they have one. There is a routine in the diagnostic that checks the throttle position motor. Just stand by the technician's side and make sure he does all the tests.

Thanks e1t1bet/RedMM340/amitverma !

Air and Fuel filter got changed recently. I'll get the fuel pump checked.
Regarding engine check by computer, they say they do it every time my car visits their work-shop for a service, but as suggested by RedMM340 now I'll stand by the technician when he performs the computer check.

Cheers!

RedMM340 · 28th August 2008, 02:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepgautam_qa

Thanks e1t1bet/RedMM340/amitverma !

Air and Fuel filter got changed recently. I'll get the fuel pump checked.
Regarding engine check by computer, they say they do it every time my car visits their work-shop for a service, but as suggested by RedMM340 now I'll stand by the technician when he performs the computer check.

Cheers!

It is very unlikely that Dynamic does a scanner test at every service. They charged me Rs. 300 for the computer testing an couple of months back.

There are several tests available on the computer, and when I went there, I had the tech run through ALL tests and he found the fan low speed to be not working and had to change a resistor. You will be amazed how helpful and willing the tech will be to run all tests if you slip him a Rs.100 note.

I would be very interested in what you find out, since I also see my engine rpm dip very low once in a while.

deepgautam_qa · 28th August 2008, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedMM340

It is very unlikely that Dynamic does a scanner test at every service. They charged me Rs. 300 for the computer testing an couple of months back.

There are several tests available on the computer, and when I went there, I had the tech run through ALL tests and he found the fan low speed to be not working and had to change a resistor. You will be amazed how helpful and willing the tech will be to run all tests if you slip him a Rs.100 note.

I would be very interested in what you find out, since I also see my engine rpm dip very low once in a while.

I'll be taking my car to Dynamic Auto this weekend. I'll certainly update you regarding the test result.

Cheers!

anupam00 · 29th August 2008, 16:14

Dear Deepak,

Get the ECM Reset & Fuel line cleaned & Fuel Filter changed cleaned,

I hope this would solve your problem.

In case problem still persist pm me & I would let you know the number of Fiat Service Head.....

Thanks & Regards
Anupam

DRC · 4th March 2010, 17:24

Bumping up this thread with a new problem....

I need your expert advice and help with my Petra.

Timing belt replacement for my Petra was long over due. Should have replaced by 60K, but stretched till 87K. Yet the belt was good but the idler had given way. Finally got the work done 2 weeks ago.
I got it replaced at Hariprasad. Soon after that during the test drive, I noticed that the engine was missing a beat once in a while in idle. POwer delivery is neat, starts at the first crank, everything else is neat.

During the 2 weeks of driving the things got worse. Idling would not stay out in hot afternoon. Some times too high, sometimes too low.

Yesterday, took the car back to the garage and opened the hood to notice small traces of soot in the manifold (intake). When we opened the throttle body, there was quite a bit of it inside. The obvious suspect was the timing belt alignment which in fact was found a bit off. Yesterday, garage fixed that too but the problem persists.

Did a ECU scan, found errors related to Evap Emmission valve and MAP sensor. I expected this as both of them were stuck with soot in the manifold.
I don't know what direction to proceed now!
The car is still in the garage and the mechanic is trying trial and error. I quickly need expert's advice before my bill fattens because of his experiments. Please help

planet_rocker · 4th March 2010, 18:28

i am facing the similar sticky RPM issue (again) since last week.

I guess the ICV in the throttle body needs cleaning - open the hose and spray with an in-let spray. in the mean time try and reset the ECU and see if the problem persists.

in my case the air-filter / intake hose pipe were opened while the clutch fluid pipe was replaced. and i guess they started the engine w/o the filter/ hose pipe fitted.

i have applied WD40 near the hinge (where the accelerator cable is connected to the TB - outside) and it has shown some results though i am not fully satisfied. IMO it still needs cleaning from inside.

see this: Cleaning Your Inlet Control Valve - The FIAT Forum

Also see this: http://www.fiatforum.com/search.php?do=process

26th August 2008, 11:22	#1
deepgautam_qa BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rajastha Posts: 221 Thanked: 8 Times	FIAT Petra 1.6 RPM falling down to ZERO Hello BHPians! I have been facing a peculiar and frustrating issue with my Fiat Petra 1.6 (Year 2004; clocked 38K). Once every 300-400 KM, the engine refuses to pull the car. I am able to start the car but suddenly the RPM falls to ZERO and engine is off.....after giving several tries the engine finally starts but as I proceed, the engine keeps getting off between gear shifts and I have to give it self every 100-200 Meters. After running 7-8 KM the problem gets rectified itself. I asked my dealer (Dynamic - Noida) for a solution but he failed to provide one. There is absolutely no other problem with car pick-up, speed, mileage, everything is fine except the above stated problem. I used LPG (Lovato) as fuel for around 10K KM, but since last 5K KM I've completely stopped using LPG. I am expecting to receive some info/solution regarding the same. Cheers!
	() Thanks

26th August 2008, 11:35	#2
planet_rocker Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bong-land Posts: 2,323 Thanked: 426 Times	get the throttle body cleaned - does it happen when the weather is hot and driven in stop and go traffic? what is the condition of the spark plugs? Last edited by planet_rocker : 26th August 2008 at 11:36.
	() Thanks

26th August 2008, 13:51	#4
humyum Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 2,752 Thanked: 5,431 Times	Sounds more like a dirty fuel filter/failing fuel pump.
	() Thanks

26th August 2008, 20:42	#7
e1t1bet BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 106 Thanked: 27 Times	I does sound like a fuel pump issue, but then, I am not an expert.
	() Thanks

26th August 2008, 23:06	#8
RedMM340 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on the move Posts: 457 Thanked: 34 Times	Have you replaced your air filter recently? The other thing to do is get your car hooked up to the engine computer at dynamic auto. I know that they have one. There is a routine in the diagnostic that checks the throttle position motor. Just stand by the technician's side and make sure he does all the tests.
	() Thanks

27th August 2008, 10:39	#9
amitverma BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Delhi Posts: 426 Thanked: 141 Times	check your ignition switch. maybe it is the culprit. when you say rpm goes to zero, you obviously mean the engine shuts down. while running the engine try to move the key in the ignition switch a bit violently, if the ignition cuts, it is the ignition switch.
	() Thanks

29th August 2008, 16:14	#13
anupam00 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NOIDA Posts: 218 Thanked: 425 Times	FIAT Petra 1.6 RPM falling down to ZERO Dear Deepak, Get the ECM Reset & Fuel line cleaned & Fuel Filter changed cleaned, I hope this would solve your problem. In case problem still persist pm me & I would let you know the number of Fiat Service Head..... Thanks & Regards Anupam
	() Thanks

4th March 2010, 17:24	#14
DRC BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cockpit Posts: 911 Thanked: 64 Times View My Garage	Fiat Petra 1.6, unstable idle Bumping up this thread with a new problem.... I need your expert advice and help with my Petra. Timing belt replacement for my Petra was long over due. Should have replaced by 60K, but stretched till 87K. Yet the belt was good but the idler had given way. Finally got the work done 2 weeks ago. I got it replaced at Hariprasad. Soon after that during the test drive, I noticed that the engine was missing a beat once in a while in idle. POwer delivery is neat, starts at the first crank, everything else is neat. During the 2 weeks of driving the things got worse. Idling would not stay out in hot afternoon. Some times too high, sometimes too low. Yesterday, took the car back to the garage and opened the hood to notice small traces of soot in the manifold (intake). When we opened the throttle body, there was quite a bit of it inside. The obvious suspect was the timing belt alignment which in fact was found a bit off. Yesterday, garage fixed that too but the problem persists. Did a ECU scan, found errors related to Evap Emmission valve and MAP sensor. I expected this as both of them were stuck with soot in the manifold. I don't know what direction to proceed now! The car is still in the garage and the mechanic is trying trial and error. I quickly need expert's advice before my bill fattens because of his experiments. Please help
	() Thanks

4th March 2010, 18:28	#15
planet_rocker Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bong-land Posts: 2,323 Thanked: 426 Times	i am facing the similar sticky RPM issue (again) since last week. I guess the ICV in the throttle body needs cleaning - open the hose and spray with an in-let spray. in the mean time try and reset the ECU and see if the problem persists. in my case the air-filter / intake hose pipe were opened while the clutch fluid pipe was replaced. and i guess they started the engine w/o the filter/ hose pipe fitted. i have applied WD40 near the hinge (where the accelerator cable is connected to the TB - outside) and it has shown some results though i am not fully satisfied. IMO it still needs cleaning from inside. see this: Cleaning Your Inlet Control Valve - The FIAT Forum Also see this: http://www.fiatforum.com/search.php?do=process Last edited by planet_rocker : 4th March 2010 at 18:33.
	() Thanks