Punto problems..Lamber sensor??

Had problems with my 1995 1.1 for a few months. First the good old wiring causing the brake lights to flash and now an annoying "misfire" that can happen anywhere through the gears and rev range.

The clutch is quite juddery and on occasion the car seems to slow to an almost stop (the misfire). Am I right in thinking this is most likely the lamder sensor?

Just before I bought the car it had a complete new exhaust system so Im wondering if this damged the sensor?

Called fiat...£130. Will get my husband to change it for me! LOL! Is this an easy job? Also, the parts center told me the sensor was changed in 1995 so It will be harder to identify which sensor I have!! Is that true??

Sorry for all the questions!! Jane x

Reply to
Jane
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Getting the old one out might be a problem, they tend to be frozen in place. If, as it sounds, you are off the road, then get the old one out and take it with you so you can compare it with the replacement, screw thread and number/colour of leads. Nothing worse than the old is red, blue, yellow, the new, red, green, white conundrum. You can buy cheaper generic replacements, whether you want to risk this is a personal decision. An internet search on Lamba Sensors should get you guide prices, and AFAIR testers for them don't cost an arm and a leg.

Reply to
ato_zee

The lambda sensor is in the exhaust down pipe before the cat and exhaust system. Replacing the exhaust is most unlikely to damage the cat unless the mechanic was a total monkey.

Before going down the sensor route I would get it tested. Any MOT station/dealer can do this for you (at cost) but there is a possible alternative depending on your local circumstances.

Check you local council to see if they have a vehicle testing station. Most do. All they do is serivice council vehicles, test taxis for MOTs and meter accuracy and do MOTs for the likes of you and me. No discounted prices but also no axe to grind or look for work becuase they DO NOT do rectification/repairs on any vehicles other than their own.

They are also in my experiance very tolerant and understanding of the publics concern about keeping their cars legal and will always try to help in areas where specialist kit is required for MOT purposes. e.g brake testing and emissions testing.

So, contact your local depot and ask them if they could run and emissions test when they have a spare moment. I'm sure they will but you will have to fit in with them (not them with you!!!!!!!!!!!). The emssions test only take about 5 minutes and the Lambda sensor is in effect tested.

Reply to
Nick Bailey /////
£130 for a lambda sensor???????...flip me i just bought one from the local parts dealer..pukka NGK (not a universal one) for £49
Reply to
Dan

Thanks for the input guys. My husband has had a good look earlier and he thinks that when the exhaust was fitted the mechanics have pulled and stripped the end of the wiring. (yes, monkeys!) Moving the wire to one side does seem to cure the problem until you hit a pothole and it dislodges...

The car is still on the road, although I shall take your advice and go to the garage in the other half's car to pick up the part. Will let you know whjat happens... thanks again! Jane x

Reply to
Jane

£130?? I bought a real Fiat part from a real Fiat dealer last year, £58.47 and I felt faint at that! Now I feel a bit better...
Reply to
abrinspamtrap

I paid £90 for a Renault fusebox (just a square bit of plastic with some sockets in it). Do all car manufactureres rip us off?

Reply to
Peter Hucker

Problem confirmed and all fixed. The £130 was a fitted price, the part actually cost £47. Thanks for your help, Jane x

Reply to
Jane

I would take your bill back to the monkeys and ask them to settle with you. Even if you only get a part credit for tyres or something like that you better off. Make the wriggle and squirm.

Reply to
Nick Bailey /////

I would take your bill back to the monkeys and ask them to settle with you. Even if you only get a part credit for tyres or something like that you better off. Make the wriggle and squirm.

Reply to
Nick Bailey /////

Good idea Nick, but unfortunately not possible. The exhasut was blowing when I bought the car from a private dealer, I got 30 days warranty and had the exhaust replaced under that. Turned out it needed replacing in its entireity. As its been 3 months or so now I dont think Id get any comeback, plus I cant prove it was their mechanics. Still, all motoring again so Im happy now! Jane x

Reply to
Jane

Do you know if all Fiats have these sensors. I have a similar problem on an

89' Ducato motorhome
Reply to
veasey

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