Technical Limp mode, no speedo, HELP!!

[lankytim]

The EGR has been blanked already, I put a fresh battery on tonight and it didn't make any difference, speedo still hovering around 40mph. I unplugged the MAF sensor while it was running and that didn't make any difference at all so i'm thinking of replacing it...

So far my shopping list includes...

MAF sensor
Speed sensor for the gearbox (the mechanics suspected this could cause a few other errors)
Boost pressure solenoid (i'll have to google that)

Time to hit ebay I think.

Are the MAF sensors for £30 odd any good? The proper Bosch ones cost about £180 or so!

 

[widemouthfrog]

What's your Multis build date?

Check all the small pipes to the boost solenoid before you resort to replacing it. They're not cheap!

 

[lankytim]

It's an early 2004, I'll find out exactly using the VIN and that snazzy fiat parts thing

I just need some daylight, dry weather and an hour out so without any mither from the wife and kids to get the engine cover off and have a proper dig around to see if I can see anything obviously amiss.

 

[widemouthfrog]

Around October/November 2003 build date (not registration date!) the MAFs changed. After that the MAFs have some kind of additional diagnostic function and unfortunately cost a lot more as a result. Fiat / Bosch part numbers for the two:

Pre October 2003: 46559828(?) / 0281002308
Link (don't forget it's 10% off if you're a donated forum member): http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=5539&sku=59900

Post October 2003 : 46811122 / 028021820
Best price I've found for that one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260827799426?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

The older type aren't retrofit-able to later models - you'll get a fault flagged. The part number is moulded on the side of the MAF body so that's probably the easiest way to tell which is right for you. There's no need to remove any covers to see the MAF.

Unfortunately MAFshop in Germany, who are mentioned in a lot of threads on here, no longer seller them.

You can find out when your car was born (built) by putting your VIN into ePER. It's on the specification summary pages for your car.

 

[lankytim]

Build date, April 2004. GAH!

46811122 - CAPACITY MEASURER
Availability: - Product orderable
Family: AC58 - AIR CAPACITY METERS
Macro-family: A
Discount code: B
Minimum quantity per package: 1
Unit of measurement: Num
Weight (grams): 230
Listed price: 155.51 GBP

Price including taxes: 182.72 GBP

Would this aftermarket one do the job?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-JTD-Mass-Air-flow-Meter-46811122-/300856372657



Here's the vin anyway.. ZFA18600002213754

 

[widemouthfrog]

You can give it a go, but this forum (and Alfa, and Audi ones too) are littered with threads of tales of woe. Personally, I wouldn't go near one, but if you fancy trying your luck, let us all know how you get on!

Your Multi is of very similar age to mine (June 2004). They are the best of the roundnoses (ergo also the best of all Multiplas , except perhaps the '60s one) with the 'crazy paving' seat fabric of later models, a reversion to drum rear brakes (the ones with disc rears cause all sorts of problems), and no DPF. And of course, far better styling than the squarenoses. But that's only my opinion.

BTW, it may be wise to edit/remove the VIN from your post. You never know who could be lurking here....

A word of caution about the prices you see on the forum ePER. That version dates from about 2005, so the prices are well out of date. As a very rough guide, present day prices from a main dealer will be about 220% of what's shown (and rising).

 

[lankytim]

Good idea about the VIn, although I can't edit it now as the icon has disappeared.

Anyway,

Checked the boost solenoid piping and all looks fine, also removed the speed sensor, had a look at it/cleaned it up and put it back in.

I did have a thought though, the wiring to the fuel filter sensor was all twisted together and shorted out and the limp mode kicked in when I plugged it back in. Could the shorted out wiring have blown a fuse somewhere and caused some of the other issues? It just seems like a big coincidence for the limp mode and manic speedo to happen at exactly the same time. I don't have a users manual, so can't see which fuse operates what.

 

[topfiat]

Hi
First post but maybe i can be of some help!
In the front passenger footwell next to the ECU there is a single fuse holder, and i think its 10amp.
Check and see if this has blown.
I think when you moved the wiring plug under the fuel filter, you've accidentally shorted the wiring and blown the fuse.

 

[lankytim]

Guess what?

Just gone out to check that fuse (breaking the ECU cover in the process) and found that the 15a fuse was indeed blown, Stuck a spare in and we now have a working speedo! I googled "multipla fuel filter sensor fuse" and apparently it also controls the boost solenoid so fingers crossed it may be fixed!!

It's still in limp mode, but i'm leaving the battery disconnected overnight, so hopefully that will clear it.

TOP FIRST POST!!

 

[lankytim]

Yay. No longer in limp mode!! Engine check light is still on and I've found it pulls much better with the MAF unplugged. It's still pretty lumpy up to 2k rpm. I think I should treat it to a new MAP.

 

[lankytim]

....Today the damn thing cut out and wouldn't restart. A bit annoying, but after 2 minutes of no luck it eventually spluttered back into life with the throttle flat to the floor.

Something to keep an eye on I guess!

 

[lankytim]

Quick update. I ordered a new MAF from the link earlier in the thread, fitted it today and the Multipla is driving great! There is a slight misfire remaining at low revs but is barely noticeable. I'm hoping that resetting the fault codes and switching the EML off will have it running perfectly.

I'm chuffed to bits!