What is the problem with my tickover?

[MikeGF]

Probably been covered a million times before, but, due to technical difficulties searching is a problem today..

THe tickover on my 96P 4L Chim is being erratic, some days it ticks over happily at between 800 - 1000 revs, some days (like today) revs drop when at a junction down to 600, 400 then dead. I am having trouble trying to break and rev so as not to stall. Start her up when it dies and all is fine, then the problem starts again. Also, when starting from hot, it can just die.. start again, OK.

THe stepper motor was cleaned about 6 weeks ago, does it need it again?

Also, when changing gear, once i press the clutch in, revs drop quickly down to 1000 ish, and do not drop smoothly down - is this normal too??

Cheers
Mike

[trefor]

Since it's only a 2 minute job the stepper motor would be the first thing I would check.

[tvrtim]

Mike, the stepper motor does not need cleaning very often,probably every 6K miles or so.
The problem you describe sounds exactly the same as I had recently. I changed plugs,shrouds,cap etc to no avail. In the end Tower View sorted it out, the Lamda Sensors needed renewing. Due to extreme heat etc they do have a limited life. My car now runs superbly. Take it to the experts and get it fixed.

[Trefor]

tvrtim said:

Mike, the stepper motor does not need cleaning very often,probably every 6K miles or so. The problem you describe sounds exactly the same as I had recently. I changed plugs,shrouds,cap etc to no avail. In the end Tower View sorted it out, the Lamda Sensors needed renewing. Due to extreme heat etc they do have a limited life. My car now runs superbly. Take it to the experts and get it fixed.

... but before you go spend money check out the stepper motor. They can get coked up in 500 miles, some never need touching for 6,000 miles.

[tweety]

I had exactly the same problem using 'supermarket' unleaded, now only using Optimax constantly has cleared the problem.
Cheers Al.

[MikeGF]

Some intersting replies, hope to god I don't have to replace the shroud, leads etc.

I have been using superplus unleaded, and it has been running fine, so maybe I am on a bad batch? Should I fill up with Optimax and give it a go?

Are the lamdas expensive to replace?

I bought the car from Fernhurst, and, although still under warranty (had for about 2 months) I assume these won't be covered.

I must check the bible tonight to learn how to clean the stepper motor.

Thanks for the help
Mike

>> Edited by MikeGF on Thursday 26th June 16:36

>> Edited by MikeGF on Thursday 26th June 16:37

[anonymous-user]

Lambda sensors should be covered by a warranty.
Unfortunatly they can be a little expensive to buy and fit (+ retune engine) if not covered.

[Big Al.]

MikeGF said:

I bought the car from Fernhurst, and, although still under warranty (had for about 2 months) So did I, about 8 months ago! I assume these won't be covered. ASSUMPTION IS THE MOTHER OF ALL FCUK UPS Don't assume anything... Phone up Fernies ask to talk to Brian, tell him your problem and I bet you a it will be fixed pronto. I do not believe they will leave you, with this type of problem. I would add that when mine gets a bit lumpy cleaning the SM usually solves the problem. I also run mine on only Optimax now.

Hope this helps,

Let us know how you get on.

>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Thursday 26th June 16:57

[.Mark]

I'm with Al on this. Fernies will do pretty much anything 'under warranty' if you bought the car there.
They even replaced the fan belt on mine 5 months after I bought the car!

PS I'm up there on Tuesday to have a new windscreen fitted, say hello if anyone else is there

[MikeGF]

The cheek of it

Just phoned, and Brian is out with a client, they guy I spoke with was helpful (as they always are!) and said it could be the Lambda's, but they need to get the car in. I am calling Brian tomorrow, I know they will come up trumps!

Cheers
Mike

Edited to ad, Big Al, a beer could be on the way

>> Edited by MikeGF on Thursday 26th June 17:25

[philr]

Sounds like the base idle is off.

Just had mine fixed with from having the same probles as those described.

[tvrtim]

If it is the Lamdas they are around £135 each, plus fitting.