I've been experiencing an Engine Fault on my 2002, 1.6, Stilo which affects the acceleration of the car - it accelerates painfully slowly even though I have my foot to the floor and it doesn't matter what gear I'm in.

Today the garage have told me that the error code is relating to the Throttle Valve. They say it could be either the Throttle Body or the ECU, but most likely the throttle Body. They have quoted me £560, (incl. VAT & labour), to fix it but say it might not solve the problem - they may have to replace the ECU as well which is another £350 just for the part.

I'm not made of money so can't afford to fork out for the Throttle Body just for them to turn around and say it's not solved the problem.

I thought it may have been a sensor fault as I've been getting strange warning messages for the last few weeks including number plate bulb gone, (when it hasn't), and coolant pressure too high. They're only on for a few seconds and then disappear. My brake lights were stuck on too but not sure if this was part of the problem as a new switch fixed that.

Sorry for the long message! Just need some advice on this really. Not sure if I'm being stiched by the garage. Tempted to just sell the car and reduce the price by the cost of the repair as can't drive it how it is and can't afford to keep fixing it according to the garages guess's!!

Thanks! :-)

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Where did you take the car to get this diagnosed? Was it a fiat dealer or independent specialist?

Also do you have any idea about how they came to that conclusion? Did they use some diagnostic equipment or anything?

Finally have you tried anything yourself to remedy the situation?


That will give us a better idea on what to suggest.

Dan

Hi Dan & thanks!

They're a Fiat dealer and I assume they used diagnostic equipment as they had proper error codes they could look up to tell that what the fault was, (don't ask me what they were though as haven't got them with me).

Have cleaned the connectors under a panel on the right hand side underneath the bonnet, (how technical is that..sorry, but I am a woman!!), as I read that moisture can sometimes get in there and disrupt the signal which seems to clear the fault for a short while but it always comes back and didn't work at all the last time I tried this.

I also diconnecteded the battery to try and reset the ECU but that didn't work.

Cheers
Posh

Originally Posted by PNL

Hi Posh..on early models [phase one] 1.6 throttle bodies needed and update to resolve running issues this was also applicable to the ecu as well and covered both..its called a flash or ecu throttle body up date..maybe thats what the problem is but we would need the code first to help you further..at the worst throttle bodies can be had from good companies who rebuild them and give you a few years guarantee in exchange for your old one and it will cost you a fraction of the fiat price..we can give you links if they are needed..:) warning messages can often come up on the stilo and once again the early cars are the worst offenders ..so first off check the condition of your battery as this is very often the problem..low voltage drop..

Welcome to FS-OC.Net..:)

Thanks Austin!

I'll post the error code when I get home later...that might help you to help me!

Been told that the battery voltage is OK as had that checked already.

Cheers
Posh

Originally Posted by PNL

Not Austin but forum oldie called PHIL .. if we can help that good thats what we are all here for..:)

That might be...but your sign-off says you're the International Man of Mystery! Sorry, must just be my humour!

Originally Posted by Posh

I've been experiencing an Engine Fault on my 2002, 1.6, Stilo which affects the acceleration of the car - it accelerates painfully slowly even though I have my foot to the floor and it doesn't matter what gear I'm in.

Today the garage have told me that the error code is relating to the Throttle Valve. They say it could be either the Throttle Body or the ECU, but most likely the throttle Body. They have quoted me £560, (incl. VAT & labour), to fix it but say it might not solve the problem - they may have to replace the ECU as well which is another £350 just for the part.

I'm not made of money so can't afford to fork out for the Throttle Body just for them to turn around and say it's not solved the problem.

I thought it may have been a sensor fault as I've been getting strange warning messages for the last few weeks including number plate bulb gone, (when it hasn't), and coolant pressure too high. They're only on for a few seconds and then disappear. My brake lights were stuck on too but not sure if this was part of the problem as a new switch fixed that.

Sorry for the long message! Just need some advice on this really. Not sure if I'm being stiched by the garage. Tempted to just sell the car and reduce the price by the cost of the repair as can't drive it how it is and can't afford to keep fixing it according to the garages guess's!!

Thanks! :-)

Hello everybody!
Having a 1.6 2002 stilo, that I still like a lot :) let me share one thing that happened to me...
I don't know exactly the name in english, but few months ago I had a similar problem. The car was not accelerating properly. And it was replaced a piece that is related with ignition sparks (I think it's ignition coil). It's the thing the converts and gives electric power to ignition sparks. It's one per cilinder. After that, I've replaced the other 3 pieces. And car went smooth again! (Hope this might help in your diagnosis)