Fiat Punto 97

[Trinity]

Hi all, Just looking for some advice. Im having a small, rather annoying problem with my Punto (Surprise, Surprise :p ). Its actually very like the thread on the 97 ford feista! It seems when Im stopped at a junction or traffic it starts revving in waves, then decides to impersonate a jet engine and sound like its going to take off :o ! At this stage I have my foot on nothing and it stops when I hit the accelorator. Just wondering if you guys have any more ideas and how much it would cost me to get a garage to plug it in etc.
Also Im looking to replace the fuel pump, any idea's on the price of one of these. Im in Leitrim so not many options!!!! :D
Thanks for your time!!!!

[larsen_huw]

Trinity,

I don't know the exact system Fiat uses to control the idle speed - but whatever they're using, it isn't working!

Old Fords (what I know best) use a device called an Idle Speed Control Valve (shortened to ISCV) which, as their title sugests, controls the engine speed at idle when you don't have your foot on the accelerator. When these break (which they do have a habit of doing) the car's idle becomes very erratic - it can become very low and the engine can sometimes cut out, it can blip up and down in waves (known as 'hunting' - as if the engine is hunting for the correct idle speed) or it can just bring the revs up to something silly like 3000rpm and leave them there!

Seeing as you're experiencing 2 out of those 3 problems, this should definately be where you start your search.

Sometimes the gasket between the ISCV and the inlet piping can fail, allowing extra air through and causing the same symptoms, so it's not necessarily a failed ISCV. You might be lucky ad get away with just replacing the gasket.

Hopefully the system Fiat use will be comparable to the Ford one I've described and this should give you a good starting point on your search to solve the problem.

Sorry, but I can't help you with prices, as I'm not based in Ireland.

Good luck solving your problems and let us know if you need any more help or information.

[Damo007]

Hey dare. pump may cost a few hundred. better off with a new car. but u cud get a 2nd hand 1 for around €80 at a scrap dealers.