My 2001 Fabia 1.4 mpi recently developed a misfire while driving in town conditions at <30mph. It resulted in a sudden lost of power and ended up having to get it towed back home. The recovery mechanic advised changing the spark plugs (Bosch FR78s) and coilpack which I did and the car started working again and all seemed well. I also changed the air filter at this time.

 

However, after a 2hr drive (mostly motorway), it started stuttering again, and again experienced a major loss of power. For all intents and purposes it seems to be the same or a very similar problem to before.

 

I appreciate it's not easy to diagnose the problem without a computer (unfortunately don't have one of these) but just hoping for some advice on what would be the most systematic way to diagnose and fix. Would it be worth changing the spark plugs again? Or could this be caused by the fuel filter?

 

As it's an old car I don't mind swapping out old parts that are well overdue servicing, just would like some pointers at what I should be looking at.

 

Thanks in advance.

It's going to be electrical so you really do need to get the fault codes read.

Without diagnosis it's anyone's guess.

 

£50 spent with someone who knows what they are looking at can be way better VFM than firing up the parts cannon again.

Whereabouts roughly are you based? Someone local with VCDS might be able to drop in and read the codes.

Well, I'm thinking "probably coil pack(s)", but I'd want codes before spending out on the set I'd need to be certain I'd get the right one to clear an intermittent fault.

9 hours ago, KenONeill said:

Well, I'm thinking "probably coil pack(s)", but I'd want codes before spending out on the set I'd need to be certain I'd get the right one to clear an intermittent fault.

 

He's replaced the coilpack though (although there's always the chance it could be faulty). It's just one unit on the 8 valve mpi, no separate coils.

 

Edited 28 June, 20197 yr by TMB

There was a modified mounting bracket for the coil pack that held it down better onto the plugs. 

thanks for all the replies. message taken about really needing to see the codes... I have breakdown insurance and it's currently parked on the roadside so I will call tomorrow and see if they are able to get a read on the problem.

 

I did change the coilpack and think i secured it pretty firmly but it's interesting that there was a modified mounting bracket produced. I'll check mine hasn't worked it's way loose at all. I hope it hasn't failed already as it was a new part and £60 from Euro Car Parts.

 

I have the day to try and get things sorted tomorrow so I will update as a go.

6 hours ago, Tech1e said:

There was a modified mounting bracket for the coil pack that held it down better onto the plugs. 

 

Any idea when that was introduced Ross?

had the breakdown mechanic take a look yesterday but because it was so busy in the heat yesterday there wasn't time to read the codes. unplugging injectors 1 and 2 showed that those two cylinders weren't firing at all (made no difference to the stuttering idle). plugs 1+2 also had a smell of fuel indicating that they weren't firing.

 

because the coilpack and plugs have just been changed the mechanic suggested it was possibly the head gasket, or the exhaust inlet/valve. he was kind enough to give us a tow back home despite the fact that it was so busy yesterday.

 

I'm a bit confused because the car ran fine for 3hrs or so of motorway driving before stuttering. When it broke down, I had stopped for 20mins or so before starting her up again it started stuttering and failed about 10mins after that.

 

Would this be an early indication of a possible head gasket on the way out?

 

Also curious whether it could be a faulty coilpack or spark plug that could cause this kind of problem, as I've been reading through the forums and there have been a few threads on faulty coilpacks.

 

I'm aware that it's going to be a fair commitment to get the old banger back on the road but i've put a lot into the car recently (two new wheel bearings, new master cylinder, bushes, temp sensor, thermostat housing) so if it's possible to fix her with normal tools i'd be inclined to give it a go. Also only has 65k on the mileage so feels wasteful to scrap it.

 

Grateful for any tips and advice on what members would share / do next?

The problem is electrical, head gasket failure would not cause intermittent issues, a wiring loom fault however would.

There's no point playing guessing games without fault codes.

2 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

The problem is electrical, head gasket failure would not cause intermittent issues, a wiring loom fault however would.

There's no point playing guessing games without fault codes.

 

It isn't really an intermittent issue, I meant that the stuttering started up after I'd stopped the vehicle for about 20mins and I was wondering if this would have exacerbated an issue. The engine still turns on now but stutters heavily and does not fire on cylinders 1 and 2.

 

But that's fair, I will look to get the fault codes read, hopefully through someone I know or failing that I will look to pick up a cable.

 

Thanks again for the responses.

47 minutes ago, sandrogalli said:

 

It isn't really an intermittent issue, I meant that the stuttering started up after I'd stopped the vehicle for about 20mins and I was wondering if this would have exacerbated an issue. The engine still turns on now but stutters heavily and does not fire on cylinders 1 and 2.

 

But that's fair, I will look to get the fault codes read, hopefully through someone I know or failing that I will look to pick up a cable.

 

Thanks again for the responses.

 

It ran perfectly for 3 hours, then gave problems after being stopped for 20 mins, I'd call that an intermittent fault. I'd suggest taking the new coil pack back as faulty and trying another one, I've had plenty of brand new coil packs break down once they get hot, ECP sell cheap pattern junk with a high failure rate.

I'm suspicious of that new coil pack too.

On 29/06/2019 at 03:28, TMB said:

 

Any idea when that was introduced Ross?

 

I guess not then.

3 hours ago, TMB said:

 

I guess not then.

 

Sorry missed that one. God knows, talking nearly 20 years ago now. Not even sure if it was a production change or just a mod for problem cars. 

Knew if I dug deep enough in my tool box....

9 hours ago, Tech1e said:

 

Sorry missed that one. God knows, talking nearly 20 years ago now. Not even sure if it was a production change or just a mod for problem cars. 

 

Yes, a long time ago. No probs

On 30/06/2019 at 13:49, sepulchrave said:

 

It ran perfectly for 3 hours, then gave problems after being stopped for 20 mins, I'd call that an intermittent fault. I'd suggest taking the new coil pack back as faulty and trying another one, I've had plenty of brand new coil packs break down once they get hot, ECP sell cheap pattern junk with a high failure rate.

 

On 30/06/2019 at 22:02, TMB said:

I'm suspicious of that new coil pack too.

 

I changed out the coilpack and lo and behold, it is up and running again. thanks for the great advice, this forum has been amazing in helping me keep the old motor running.

^ Great