Felicia 1.3 MPI - runs cold + hesitation and flat spots

[Mikkey180]

Hello all,

 

I am having a couple of issues with my Felicia 1.3mpi which I am hoping to get sorted.

 

Its a 2000 "X" reg classic with the 1.3mpi engine and 75,000 miles on the clock.

 

There are two main issues, one is it doesn't hold temperature and tends to run at around 70 degrees or so, when left idling it warms up and the fan comes on when it should. I imagine this is just a thermostat issue which can be easily rectified.

 

The other problem is more confusing, when driving normally under acceleration over 2,000rpm it seems to hit various flat spots where it hesitates briefly before continuing up the rev range. This happens under normal driving and hard acceleration.

 

It also seems a little on the slow side, I know they are slow naturally but seems a little slower than my last one which was on 120k! I would say it would be flat out at around 80mph, also if driven once fully warmed up (sat in traffic) it still seems to hesitate but perhaps a little less.

 

Any help with regards to the hesitation and lack of get up and go would be great! 

 

Regards,

 

Michael.

[RicardoM]

If you want a reliable fix, hook a VAG-COM scanner and  look for errors then monitor live data. Look for coolant temperature, smoothness of TPS variation, lambda sensor range/variation at various rpm. Otherwise you will chase in the dark, change parts and hope for the best.

 

Of course, you could replace right away the thermostat and the CTS, clean/reset the TB, etc. etc.

[Mikkey180]

Hello RicardoM,

That sounds good to me, is there a scanner you could recommend?

Thanks,

Michael

[RicardoM]

That sounds good to me, is there a scanner you could recommend?

According to this topic you can buy the interface from Gendan Automotive and use free VCDS-Lite Release 1.2 as software.

 

Alternatively, a forum member living near you might lend you one.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/262215-list-of-vcds-owners-previously-known-as-vag-com/

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/224376-vcds-owners-map/

[areed]

I bought this one:  https://www.ecufix.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=182&zenid=fmal6r14u7o0np4i82t2qm65t4

 

Seems to work fine with VCDS Lite

[Mikkey180]

Hello all, 

 

I have resolved the issue now by doing a number of things:

 

Replaced the thermostat housing, thermostat, and coolant temp sensor.

Cleaned the throttle body.

Replaced the spark plugs, they looked very worn!

Did the valve clearances and set them to the advice on the forum, this made the biggest difference!

 

After setting the valve clearances, the engine is no where near as tappety as it was, just the timing chain rattle now, and it actually wants to rev past 4,000rpm now! And the thermostat keeps the car at the correct temperature now so happy days!

 

Doesn't smell as rich anymore and is much nippier! 

 

Regards,

 

Michael.

[RicardoM]

Well done and thanks for sharing the solution.