Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Fiat
01 General information02 Specifications03 Manufacturing data and tolerances04 Tightening torques05 Fluids and lubricants06 Maintenance07 Diagnostic checks08 Engine09 Clutch10 Gearbox and differential11 Axles and driveshafts12 Brakes13 Steering14 Suspension and wheels15 Heating, air conditioning and auxiliary units16 Electrical equipment17 Body fittings18 Body panels and frame19 Wiring diagrams and electrical functions20 Wiring harnesses21 Connectors and pin-outs22 Fault diagnosis23 Special tools
Fiat 500 Factory Service Manual (2007-2024)22 · Fault diagnosis
22 · Diagnostics

Engine starts with difficulty

Make
Fiat
Model
500 Factory Service Manual
Year
2007–2024
Section
Starting › Engine starts with difficulty
Fault diagnosisEngine starts with difficulty

ENGINE STARTS WITH DIFFICULTY

1.2 8v, 1.4 16v

The engine starts with difficulty and only after repeated attempts. When the key is turned the instruments light up as normal, the starter motor turns, but the engine is difficult to start.

Test results
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

First, check:

  • condition of the air filter;
  • the condition of the air intake circuit;
  • that there are no obstructions in the exhaust pipe
Move on to Step 1

1. Obstruction in the air intake circuit

2. Air intake via the intake manifold/throttle body seal

3. Exhaust pipe blocked

1. Eliminate the problem, if necessary, replace the filter element

Op. 1048A14 AIR CLEANER FILTER ELEMENT - REPLACE.

2. Restore the correct seal.

3. Restore the operation of the exhaust pipe.

1CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket and check:

  • that there are no faults in the engine management control unit;
  • parameter plausibility
End of diagnosis

1. Error detected in the control unit

2. Parameter not consistent

1. Continue following the instructions on the diagnostic equipment

2. Continue following the instructions on the diagnostic equipment

2FUEL PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check the fuel supply pressure

See Test 1056BY FUEL SYSTEM SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK

Move on to Step 3

1. Fuel pressure too low: pipes obstructed

2. Fuel pressure too low: pump defective

1. Eliminate the constrictions

2. Replace the pump assembly

Op. 1040A70 SUBMERGED PUMP ASSEMBLY COMPLETE WITH LEVEL GAUGE CONTROL - R + R

3IGNITION SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Inspect the spark plugs and check their operation

Check for any defects in the spark plug high tension leads

Check the operation of the ignition coil by carrying out

See Test 5510OA IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE CHECK

See Test 5510CE IGNITION CONTROL SIGNAL CHECK

Move on to Step 4

1. Spark plug defective

2. High voltage cable connection leaking

3. High voltage cable connection slack

4. Ignition coil defective.

1. Replace spark plug

Op. 5510D10 SPARK PLUGS - R+R

2. Replace HV cable

3. Tighten HV cable correctly

4. Replace ignition coil

Op. 5510C14 IGNITION COIL/S - R.R.

4INJECTOR CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Using the Examiner in active diagnosis, check that the injectors are working properly

Check that the injector needle seal is correct by carrying out the

See Test

Move on to Step 5

1. Injector stuck/incorrectly adjusted

2. Connections not correct

3. Injector seal not intact

1. Replace the injector

Op. 1056B70 INJECTOR (ONE) - R + R WITH FUEL MANIFOLD PIPE REMOVED - INCLUDES SEAL REPLACEMNT

2. Restore the correct connections

See E5030 PETROL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

3. Change the injectors

Op. 1056B70 INJECTOR (ONE) - R + R WITH FUEL MANIFOLD PIPE REMOVED - INCLUDES SEAL REPLACEMNT

5ENGINE TEMPERATURE SENSOR CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the sensor operates correctly by carrying out

See Test 1056BC ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR OPERATION CHECK

Move on to Step 6

1. Temperature sensor defective

2. Connections not correct

1. Replace the sensor

Op. 1056B50 ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR - R + R

2. Restore the correct connections

See E5030 PETROL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

6ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the accelerator pedal is working correctlyMove on to Step 7

1. Accelerator pedal potentiometer defective.

2. Connections not correct.

1. Replace the accelerator pedal

Op. 1068A14 ACCELERATOR PEDAL - R + R

2. Restore the correct connections

See E5030 PETROL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

7MOTORIZED THROTTLE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the motorized throttle is working properly by carrying out the

See Test 1056BW THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR OPERATION CHECK

Move on to Step 8

1. Motorized throttle defective

2. Connections not correct.

1. Replace the motorized throttle

Op. 1056B14 THROTTLE CASE - R + R

2. Restore the correct connections

See E5030 PETROL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

8TIMING CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the timing system timing is correctMove on to Step 9Timing system timing not correctRestore the correct timing.
9CYLINDER COMPRESSION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Carry out the cylinder compression checkMove on to Step 11Cylinder compression insufficientMove on to Step 10
10CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

R & R head to check valve seal

Check condition of cylinders/piston rings

Move on to Step 11

1. Valve seal insufficient

2. Cylinders/piston rings worn

1. Overhaul the head

Op. 1016E10 SINGLE CYLINDER HEAD, REMOVED - OVERHAUL

2. Restore the correct seal.

11ENGINE CONTROL UNIT CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the engine control unit is working properlyEnd of diagnosisEngine management control unit defective.

Replace the engine management control unit

Op. 1056B82 INJECTION/IGNITION SYSTEM E.C.U. (ONE) - R + R

1.3 Multijet

The engine, particularly when cold, starts with difficulty and only after repeated attempts. When the key is turned the instruments light up as normal, the starter motor turns, but the engine is difficult to start.

Test results
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check:

  • That the level of the oil is correct
  • The condition of the air intake/vacuum circuit
  • The condition of the fuel supply circuit and make sure that it is working properly
  • Battery earth lead connection
Move on to Step 1

1. Oil level incorrect

2. Fault in the air intake circuit

3. Leaks from the diesel pipes

4. Filter blocked

5. Water, petrol, paraffin or dirt found to be present

6. Battery earth lead slack/oxidized

1. Restore the correct engine oil level

Op. 0010T11 ENGINE OIL - CHECK LEVEL AND TOP UP, IF NECESSARY

2. Renew the air intake circuit

3. Adjust pipe tightness to correct setting and replace if necessary

4. Replace the diesel filter cartridge

Op. 1044B10 FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY - R + R OR REPLACE

5. Clean the tank and pipes and replace the diesel filter cartridge

Op. 1044B10 FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY - R + R OR REPLACE

6. Restore the battery earth lead connection

1CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Connect the Examiner diagnostic equipment to the diagnostic connector and check the following at the engine management control unit.

Check the value of the following parameters:

  • Battery voltage
  • Measured diesel pressure
  • Target diesel pressure
  • Correct operation of the diesel preheating system
Move on to Step 2

1. Battery voltage low

2. The pressure measured does not correspond to the target figure

3. Heater plugs circuit faulty

1. Recharge and, if necessary, replace the battery

2. Move on to Step 3

3. Move on to Step 2

2PREHEATING SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Carry out the active diagnosis for the diesel preheating relay, checking that the result is positive.

Check that the heater plugs and the preheating system are working properly, by carrying out the

See Test

Move on to Step 3

1. Preheating wiring faulty

2. Preheating control unit defective

3. Heater plugs faulty

1. Restore wiring

See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

2. Replace preheating control unit

Op. 5520C20 HEATER PLUGS CONTROL UNIT - R.R

3. Replace defective heater plugs

Op. 5520C10 HEATER PLUGS - R+R

3HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket.

Check that the diesel pressure parameter is correct by carrying out the

See Test 1060OD HIGH PRESSURE FUEL CIRCUIT CHECK

Move on to Step 12Pressure not correctMove on to Step 4
4LOW RETURN PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the pressure in the return pipe to the tank is correct by carrying out the

See Test 1060OA LOW FUEL RETURN PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECK

Move on to Step 5Pressure above the maximum limit: return pipe to the tank obstructedRepair the pipe and replace if necessary
5LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the diesel pressure between the filter and the low pressure pump is correct by carrying out the

See Test 1060OB LOW FUEL DELIVERY PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECK

Move on to Step 11Pressure below the minimum limit or above the maximum limitMove on to Step 6
6LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the difference in pressure upstream and downstream of the filter is less than 1 bar by carrying out the

See Test

Move on to Step 7Difference in pressure more than 1 bar

Replace the diesel filter cartridge

Op. 1044B10 FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY - R + R OR REPLACE

7LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Measure the difference in pressure between the electric pump outlet and the filter inlet and check that it is more than 0.5 barMove on to Step 8Difference in pressure more than 0.5 barReplace the pipe
8ELECTRIC PUMP CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the pump supply voltage is correct.

Check that the pump absorption current is correct by carrying out the

See Test 1040AA SUPPLY VOLTAGE AND ABSORPTION CURRENT CHECKS

Move on to Step 9Current greater than 10 Amps: pump defective

Replace the fuel pump assembly

Op. 1040A70 SUBMERGED PUMP ASSEMBLY COMPLETE WITH LEVEL GAUGE CONTROL - R + R

9CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Replace the high pressure pump

Op. 1060E10 DIESEL INJECTION PRESSURE PUMP - R.R.

and check that the fault is no longer present.

End of diagnosisThe fault persistsMove on to Step 12
10CYLINDER COMPRESSION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Carry out the cylinder compression check

Op. 0520G15

Move on to Step 12Cylinder compression insufficientMove on to Step 11
11CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

R/R head for valve leakage test

Check condition of cylinders/piston rings

Move on to Step 12

1. Valve seal insufficient

2. Cylinders/piston rings worn

1. Overhaul the head

2. Restore the correct seal.

12CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisThe fault persists

Replace the engine management control unit

Op. 1060G80 DIESEL ELECTRONIC INJECTION CONTROL UNIT - R.R

Parts & tools for this job For 2007 Fiat 500

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