Sometimes 3 cylinder when cold

  1. Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2012 Denmark Posts: 151 Citroen Saxo 2001 / 1.6 8v / Two coloured
    #1
    Hey guys.

    Seems like my beloved Saxo got a problem when its cold. Sometimes when I start it, it only drives on 3 cylinder. But only for a couple of seconds, then all 4 cylinders work. But I have to play a little with the accelerator. I recently installed a new coil (not sure if thats the right word - I google translated it) and that didnt seem to work.

    The computer just made an error on the coil, so i tryed to switch it. But sometimes it also makes an error on lambda probe (also not sure if this is the right word ) . Could this be the reason for only 3 cylinder when cold?

    The car also seems to pollute a lot. :o
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS
    #2
    Could be a number of things. Coil pack, which you say you have changed. I would recommend a new set of spark plugs.

    The lambda sensor can be the cause of this, and can also cause the car to overfuel which you suggest may be happening. I would also replace the lambda sensor.

    If that doesn't sort it, then keep digging. It's also an early symptom of headgasket failure.
  3. Established Member Joined: Jun 2011 Bridgnorth (Shropshire) Posts: 2001 Jdm Dc2 Integra
    #3
    +1 on changing the spark plugs
  4. Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2012 Denmark Posts: 151 Citroen Saxo 2001 / 1.6 8v / Two coloured
    #4
    Oh I forgot. I also replaced the spark plugs, and that didnt help either.
  5. Newbie Joined: Jan 2012 Cambridge Posts: 14 citroen saxo Ford Focus
    #5
    ive got the exact same problem with my little saxo,changed plugs etc,i think it could be the idle control valve as every so often i have to spray my thorttlebody with carb cleaner then it seems to 'cure' te problem for a few days also if i rev it seems to calm itself down.
  6. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #6
    Don`t rule out a sticking injector either.