1.4 VSX - Engine Dying mid drive

1. canucked Newbie Joined: Jan 2014 Edinburgh Posts: 3 Saxo VSX 1997

   #1 4th January 2014, 19:55

   Hey chaps,
   
   I've observed these forums as a lurker before and have finally joined to ask a question. I've read some similar(ish) posts but none mention the shakes I'm seeing.
   
   Have a 1997 1.4 VSX. A couple of weeks ago I was stopped at a round about and the car suddenly dropped the idle and I only just managed to rescue it. Then I lost a lot of power driving on the motorway. I took it into the garage and they said it was the coil pack and replaced it.
   
   The car dies mid drive last week. Took it back. They checked and said it was fine and running well.
   
   Drove 5 mins and died again.
   
   So what happens is this:
   
   The engine warning light will come on and the exhaust will start to shake like hell. The revs will drop and, unless I floor it, the car will die. This can happen from start or when I'm driving.
   
   Does this still sound like a spark plug/coil problem or am I looking at ECU?
   
   Thanks
   
   j
2. Manu Saxperience Addict Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11714 A6 Le Mans tuned/A3 TFSI tuned

   #2 5th January 2014, 03:30

   You're not driving on a near empty tank and an old fuel filter by any chance?
   
   Also, when you get a new coil pack, it's not a bad idea to change the plugs at the same time if the car has not been serviced.
3. Cam Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Nov 2010 Kent Posts: 8439 Gen 7 Celica 190.

   #3 5th January 2014, 03:31

   Wont be ECU so dont get told it is.
4. canucked Newbie Joined: Jan 2014 Edinburgh Posts: 3 Saxo VSX 1997

   #4 5th January 2014, 10:25

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Manu You're not driving on a near empty tank and an old fuel filter by any chance? Also, when you get a new coil pack, it's not a bad idea to change the plugs at the same time if the car has not been serviced.

   Near full tank of petrol.
   
   What's weird is I seem to be able to start the car up again almost right away. Then I move wight the car and it goes. That feels like a connection problem to me but I can't pretend like I know a lot about cars.
   
   Thanks guys. I'll see what the garage says again.
5. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #5 6th January 2014, 22:32

   Replace the plugs & clean out the throttle body with carb cleaner & a rag.
6. iowracer L-plater Joined: Nov 2009 isle of wight Posts: 94 mk1 fiesta s.s 106 gti rs2000 escort van fiesta

   #6 8th January 2014, 21:35

   Reset ecu , clean all air flow and fuel inputs and spark
7. canucked Newbie Joined: Jan 2014 Edinburgh Posts: 3 Saxo VSX 1997

   #7 11th January 2014, 21:48

   I'll try cleaning out.
   
   Have been running the car the last two days. Done about 30 miles just to see. So far so good but I do seem to lose a bit of power occasionally and then it all comes back. I'm guessing cleaning out the plugs and air filter might do the trick.
   
   Thanks guys.
   
   j
8. OMGASAXO Established Member Joined: Dec 2011 Derby Posts: 1021 Posi saxo, flatty, Peugeot bipper, Vauxhall vectra

   #8 12th January 2014, 19:28

   Your fuel pump will probably pack up soon