Technical Cold Start problems

[P dot co dot]

So the last couple of days have been the coldest I have had to start my car in this winter. I turn the key and manage to get the engine going but then it cuts out immediately. I wait 30s-1min try again and it starts up and im on my way.

The EML light is now on. Whilst on lunch at work I managed to get out and check the battery albeit its probably about 5 degrees warmer at this time.

12.6V with engine off
14.3V with engine on
14.2V with lights and blowers on

When I got home I checked the error. It read
P0351 - Coil 1 - Anomoly found on the indicated line for the ignition coil, Check continuity and insulation of the indicated wire
P0352 - Coil 2 - same as above

I cleared the faults, had no more issues with starting until this morning where it happened again.

So what do you think it could be? Is it that my HT leads just need replacing? I don't think they've been done in a while and I know my sparkies are nearing 2 years/20k

Thanks guys for all your help in the past!

 

[Westbeef]

So the last couple of days have been the coldest I have had to start my car in this winter. I turn the key and manage to get the engine going but then it cuts out immediately. I wait 30s-1min try again and it starts up and im on my way.

The EML light is now on. Whilst on lunch at work I managed to get out and check the battery albeit its probably about 5 degrees warmer at this time.

12.6V with engine off
14.3V with engine on
14.2V with lights and blowers on

When I got home I checked the error. It read
P0351 - Coil 1 - Anomoly found on the indicated line for the ignition coil, Check continuity and insulation of the indicated wire
P0352 - Coil 2 - same as above

I cleared the faults, had no more issues with starting until this morning where it happened again.

So what do you think it could be? Is it that my HT leads just need replacing? I don't think they've been done in a while and I know my sparkies are nearing 2 years/20k

Thanks guys for all your help in the past!

Swap the suspect leads to the good ones and see if the error changes to another coil, if so that's your problem.

 

[P dot co dot]

Hi, Thanks for your reply. Thing is, the error is on both coils so surely I'd still get the same results. Ive heard you can spray WD-40 on the leads? is that worth it?

 

[fingers99]

If the leads are of unknown age, I'd replace them. Sometimes wiping with WD 40 helps (rather than spraying) but it'll be very temporary.

 

[Westbeef]

WD40 will only help if they're not working due to the connectors becoming contaminated, usually by water . I also presumed it would have 3 coils.

 

[Ziggy122]

if we are on about the 8v, its got 2 coils - uses a wasted spark system

my advice is try new spark plugs and HT leads, i know you said its been done 2years ago, but there cheap - even for NGK plugs

The HT's are well worth the money in buying new ones
Dont go stupidly cheap or stupidly expensive

Then wait and see what happens with coil faults
But i suspect it might need coils too!

The 8v ecu dont like a crappy spark system, they have to be well maintained otherwise it fry's the drivers

Ziggy

 

[P dot co dot]

Thanks for all the help . Yeh it is an 8V sorry! Ive actually got some plugs and leads lying around anyway so will fit them at the weekend I think. Bit warmer this morning so no trouble starting first time, also the EML cleared itself

Will update at a later time if I still have the same problem after changing plugs and leads

 

[P dot co dot]

Ok well I changed the spark plugs and leads last weekend. The car is idling much better now but yesterday coming home from work it failed to start again.

Didn't get time to check the code but I'm 99% certain it will be the same codes as before as the symptoms are the same.

So I'm going to change the coils next. Where do you think I should buy them from? There's a huge range out there from about £12 off ebay to £35 each from car parts specialists online. Are the ones for £12 useless and dodgey?

This for instance
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-PUNT...84539462?_trksid=p2054897.l4275#ht_1968wt_954

Thanks again for the help

 

[s and b]

these plugs and leads you fitted were they new or s/h?
i wouldnt fit those coils you posted i would rather sit in a bath of custard

 

[P dot co dot]

Lol

Yeh the leads and plugs were new and theres a noticable improvement with them in.

ok then what about ?

http://www.eurocarcare.net/ignition-coils/ecc46548037-ignition-coil.html

or eurocarparts/gsf?

 

[fingers99]

They'll be fine. See the "Member Offers" thing for discounts.

 

[oldhammer]

ive just saved 7 quid with discount on parts...
well worth having alook in members offers,

 

[fingers99]

Here's the link. You can also ring Mick or even Skype him. One of the good guys.

 

[P dot co dot]

Thought I'd give a small update.

Ok so I got those coil packs back in January. Everything up until this morning has been fine. It was freezing this morning starting for work (-2/-3) and the car didn't start first time.

No errors this time but did start fine second time and clock reset.

I have noticed my Power steering has flashed up the last 2/3 times ive had a journey in it although I haven't noticed the steering get heavy.

So do I need a new battery now?

I only say this as the car struggles to start in the cold and the power steering light has started to come on more regularly.

In the last 2 months ive had Sparks plugs, leads, coil packs and fresh oil and filter change.

Thanks again guys!

 

[fingers99]

Test the battery as before.

You'd expect a failing battery to struggle to turn the engine over, rather than fail to start.

Also, clean up the battery connections and the main earth leads.

 

[s and b]

bally cold in the ground this morning i found
anyway your battery or leads as fingers says failed you this morning so check leads and consider battery might be past its best

 

[P dot co dot]

Ok thanks again guys A few things I thought I might mention also that could help is that I'm pretty sure im still on the car's first battery. Gave it a clean up, charge and topped up with de-ionised water about 8 months ago.

Ive also cleaned up the 2 inner wing earth points but do need to do the one above the gearbox. Ive also given the various connectors on the battery terminals a good clean. The only improvement I think I can make there is if I buy new terminals and cables and completely replace.

Now when you say "You'd expect a failing battery to struggle to turn the engine over, rather than fail to start"

This is down to me not knowing whats what and not describing well enough. Normally you turn the key and get

^^^^^^^^^^engine starts
Whereas this morning is was
^....^..^.^^^^engine starts/cut out immediately
if that makes any sense to anyone

 

[atom0007]

Treat yourself to a new one....

 

[fingers99]

Difficult one. If the battery, fully charged, puts out 12.6v, no less, it should be uber healthy.

I'd get it drop tested for nowt at a factor near you.

Seems last night was very cold many places, but in the 'pool it wasn't.