[wildsdi5530]

I have a 2004 Alto run about 60k Kms. Lately the car does not idle normally, even when the engine is warm. There is a wheezing noise which sounds like a unfit guy after a run, short deep breaths. It sounds like the RPM is not steady and keeps alternating perhaps between 900-1500. This happens even if AC, music system and other accessories are switched off.

[hothatchaway]

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

I have a 2004 Alto run about 60k Kms. Lately the car does not idle normally, even when the engine is warm. There is a wheezing noise which sounds like a unfit guy after a run, short deep breaths. It sounds like the RPM is not steady and keeps alternating perhaps between 900-1500. This happens even if AC, music system and other accessories are switched off.

Check the spark plugs, fuel filter and the injectors, which may need cleaning. The air filter may need replacement unless its been done recently given that its completed 60k.

Take it to a FNG and have these usual checks done

[escape velocity]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

1) Get the air filter changed,

2) At the correct clearance for the spark plugs,

3) Get the fuel tank cleaned once. Hope the fuel the you fill is of good quality?! Fuel quality plays a lot of role in drive ability.

4) Get the injectors cleaned if you haven't.

Air filter was changed recently. Spark plugs are brand new. Mechanic checked the leads and found them alright. So far injectors go, I read somewhere that with faulty injectors, the mileage drops drastically, and worse, car cannot even be started. However, I haven't observed any such thing. So what should I do now? Replace the fuel filter? The car is running fine anyway.

[wildsdi5530]

The wheezing sound seems to have gone away by itself. Not the idling RPM seems to be very high. Only by sound. Otherwise no other issues. How can the idling be adjusted in MPFI engines?

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

I have a 2004 Alto run about 60k Kms. Lately the car does not idle normally, even when the engine is warm. There is a wheezing noise which sounds like a unfit guy after a run, short deep breaths. It sounds like the RPM is not steady and keeps alternating perhaps between 900-1500. This happens even if AC, music system and other accessories are switched off.

I think that this is "hunting". With carburetor engines, it was a sign of faulty fuel delivery, normally when the jets were clogged due to fine dust in fuel.

There are two things that you can chech
. See if the throttle body inside is black. Get it cleaned
. Check fuel delivery line from pump to the injectors. It may be partially choked. May be that the line (if flexible), has gone soft and collapses when the fuel pressure is low.

[escape velocity]

My alto 2006 model makes intermittent grinding noise while idling.However,it disappears if acceleration is given, but then returns after sometime. Why??

Also, what is this item with glass window.?? does it contain oil inside? Mine's empty.

[im_srini]

Originally Posted by escape velocity

Also, what is this item with glass window ?
Does it contain oil inside ?
Mine's empty.

Hi, don't worry, that's just the "sight glass" on the liquid line of the A/C system.

While it may be clear with the engine off, you will see some action when you turn on the A/C ( with the engine running ).

It's used for short-hand diagnosis of refrigerant quantity issues & such, for example : bubbles in the sight glass are an indication that refrigerant quantity is insufficient ( apparently ).
~

[gpa]

Originally Posted by escape velocity

My alto 2006 model makes intermittent grinding noise while idling.However,it disappears if acceleration is given, but then returns after sometime.

Does the engine make a grinding noise only when idling or when idling with the a/c switched on? If it is the former, then get your ignition system (spark plugs, spark plug leads, ignition coil) checked as it could be a case of poor/low voltage. If it is the latter, then its most likely a fault with the bearings in the a/c compressor.

im_srini has answered your query about the sight glass.

[escape velocity]

While dealing with a different issue recenly I put new Spark plugs.The mechanic found leads to be alright.so should I get the ignitioncoil checked?? Bythe way, what can possibly go wrong with the ignitoin coil leading to a poor voltage output??

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by escape velocity

While dealing with a different issue recenly I put new Spark plugs.The mechanic found leads to be alright.so should I get the ignitioncoil checked?? Bythe way, what can possibly go wrong with the ignitoin coil leading to a poor voltage output??

Ignition coil is a pulse transformer. So a lot of things can go wrong. In case you have a mechanical distributor with a cam activating the "point", check the distributor rotor for corrosion/oxidation and the "Point" for correct gap and wear/tear/corrosion. All these can result in a weak spark.

[soleinkol]

Hello All:

I have a question related to clutch overhaul for my Alto Lxi (2010 Dec, 23K odo, used sparingly over weekends for short distances).

My wife now plans to use it for her office rides (~60 KM daily) in Kolkata. She reported few things after driving it for 3-5 days:

1. Sometimes, gear behaves very hard, but mostly it is normal gear shift
2. The roads around my place are all dug up due to metro construction work and most such places are gravel. The car is giving bumpier rides, on loose stoned path there is a noise, which an SA in our nearby MASS said could be due to "front bush problem"
3. In idling, there is a noise when clutch is pressed - release bearing issue? Same SA said clutch overhaul needed, which would also take 2-3 days and about 4-6K . BTW, I checked on the maruti service app in my phone and it says clutch overhaul should be around 1600 or so.
4. During the last full service, the SA told that Steering column needs to be serviced, as when turned to the extreme right/left, it ends with a thud sound. He said it will take 2-3 days to open and do the same
5. This SA wanted us to come back after the rains are over so that the replacements do not need to sip in rain from day 1

Overall, it seems to me that this MASS would cost me big time in the upcoming service, and I am not a petrol head to counter with any data unless I am fed by the experts here.

Seek your kind advice on the above topics.

[bullrun87]

Originally Posted by soleinkol

Hello All:

I have a question related to clutch overhaul for my Alto Lxi (2010 Dec, 23K odo, used sparingly over weekends for short distances).

My wife now plans to use it for her office rides (~60 KM daily) in Kolkata. She reported few things after driving it for 3-5 days:

1. Sometimes, gear behaves very hard, but mostly it is normal gear shift
2. The roads around my place are all dug up due to metro construction work and most such places are gravel. The car is giving bumpier rides, on loose stoned path there is a noise, which an SA in our nearby MASS said could be due to "front bush problem"
3. In idling, there is a noise when clutch is pressed - release bearing issue? Same SA said clutch overhaul needed, which would also take 2-3 days and about 4-6K . BTW, I checked on the maruti service app in my phone and it says clutch overhaul should be around 1600 or so.
4. During the last full service, the SA told that Steering column needs to be serviced, as when turned to the extreme right/left, it ends with a thud sound. He said it will take 2-3 days to open and do the same
5. This SA wanted us to come back after the rains are over so that the replacements do not need to sip in rain from day 1

Overall, it seems to me that this MASS would cost me big time in the upcoming service, and I am not a petrol head to counter with any data unless I am fed by the experts here.

Seek your kind advice on the above topics.

1) The hard gear shift could be due to worn gear linkages and should be rather inexpensive to repair.

2&3) 23k kms is too early for the car to develop suspension or clutch issues, my 2010 alto has done 50k kms on the orignal clutch and suspension components. The noise on depressing the clutch sounds like a clutch release bearing issue. The clutch itself costs around 2k and with labor and release bearing costs you are looking at something to the tune of 4-5k for the job.

4) Has your car been driven regularly on bad roads? That would explain the premature wear of the suspension and the steering after only 23k kms. You should get an opinion about your car from a FNG, the MASS could be taking you for a royal ride.

[soleinkol]

Thanks very much! Sorry for the noon question: what is FNG and where in Kolkata?

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by soleinkol

Thanks very much! Sorry for the noon question: what is FNG and where in Kolkata?

FNG means Friendly Neighborhood Garage.

They are alternatives to manufacturers authorized service centre. If one doesn't want to visit them and get the repairs done elsewhere at a cheaper price and better quality work, FNG's are suggested.

[bullrun87]

Originally Posted by soleinkol

Thanks very much! Sorry for the noon question: what is FNG and where in Kolkata?

It is sometimes prudent to seek second opinion before going ahead with such big jobs on the car. I would suggest you either visit another MASS or ask kolkata bhpians to suggest a good FNG in your vicinity.