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Blocked air filter - Fiat Punto?

I am having problems with my Punto. It seems like it is barely getting any power when I pull away (sometimes.. well most times) and then all of a sudden it comes back to life and we're off. Whenever I slow down I get the same chugging problem. I have been told it could be a blocked air filter. How do I mend that? I would ask good old mechanic dad... but he is on holiday! I would also check the spark plugs, but they are underneath the turbo box, and not taking a chance by taking that off!

Any ideas?

Thanks

Linzie
August 2008

Fiat Fiat Punto Vehicles, Cars Air Filter Times

Hiya.. had a look at lots of things here. It is not the air flow meter, or the sensor, or the timing sensor, or the belt, or the spark plugs, or the air filter, or the fuel filter (though need to get new washers cos it is leaking a bit).... but... it does seem to be running a little better but still with slight hesitation. We have found that the engine still shudders and shuts off, but when we unplug the absolute air pressure pipe from the manifold (or the engine.. whichever!) it ticks over nicely..... GAH! Any ideas? We have replaced the air sensor (or what ever it is called, that the other end of the pipe plugs into). Am out of ideas short of scrapping the bl**dy thing!

HELP HELP HELP!

Linzie
September 2008

It seems to lose power as I am driving along, so I shift down a gear and then back up again. There is also a strong smell of oil after (probably cos the engine is working a bit of overtime to maintain power). There is a bit of oil of my engine and when I popped off one of the spark plug leads it was a bit oily, so think will start there by cleaning that up (well... dad will anyway!). And then look for the oil leak!

Thanks for your advice.

Linzie
August 2008

A blocked filter would give worse probs the faster u go,so,no.Your on the right track yourself.It does sound like an ignition fault.I'd be looking at plugs/leads/and distributor cap and arm if fitted.Dont worry about the turbo,thats not the big box,thats just advertising.turbo's way down at the exhaust.Al this depends on there being no engine managment light on while the engine is runing?If there is then u need to get it code read

caine
August 2008

air filter is a paper element type designed to be thrown away and replaced with a new one, if yours is blocked will be black on the underside, at the same time you change the air filter change the fuel filter as well.

wirecutterman
August 2008