Air intake problem

[mchan]

Hi guys

Got a problem with my Ibiza Mk4 which is stuttering through the gears, jerking and over revving.
Took it to the garage and got it scanned with the following faults -

16514 - Oxygen Lambda Sensor B1 S1 Malfunction in circuit - intermittent
166556 - Fuel Trim, Bank 1 P0172 - 35-00 System too rich
16555 - Fuel Trim, Bank 1 P0171 - 35 - 00 System too lean

Just got it back from the garage. They identified that the vacuum hose from the brake servo had split, so they replaced it but it didn't fix the problem.

Now the engineer thinks that it's an air intake problem and the intake manifold needs to be replaced at a whopping cost of nearly £500.

Will this rectify the problem? I am unsure of them as they botched up the last job and replaced a part which didn't fix the problem. Also, is this a decent price for the job, including 2 hours labour, VAT and the part?

Please advise?

 

[Gorbstein]

Sounds more like a faulty lambda or MAF sensor TBH. What's the mileage? Fingers crossed for that, as it's more like £200 max.

 

[mchan]

Mileage is 42k

I had the lambda sensor replaced back in March, would it need replacing so soon?

 

[Gorbstein]

Unlikely then. I'd definitely get a second opinion, especially if they've botched jobs before. Plenty of garages around!

Did they specify what the fault was with the manifold? I say that because some garages I've found just read the fault codes then start replacing things one by one rather than doing serious hands on fault finding.

Probably already been done (I'd hope), but if you can take the engine cover off and have a nosey and make sure nothing obvious. Hopefully someone else with chip in with possibilities.

 

[mchan]

I think that it's more guesswork from them, which is why I got the car home first before deciding on some more work.

The engineer did mention that it's taking in too much air which is causing the jerkiness. Any others who can identify a possible problem?

 

[maundy26]

engine over fueling. maf maybe. as has been said. bank one sensor is pre cat ( i think) have you decated the car etc? anything done to the car?

 

[Blanco92]

I think the first thing to do here is take the car to a different garage. This one clearly doesn't know what they are doing.

First off the split vac hose from the brake servo is a common issue, mine has been replaced too. It's totally unrelated to your car's current problem, though.

There's a few things this could be. You need to check all the inlet hoses for splits or bad connections. You also need to inspect the exhaust system for leaks.

I still couldn't rule out the lambda sensor, though. It's showing all the right fault codes.

What engine is in this car? Is the mpg off?

 

[mchan]

Decated? Unsure of that.

The car is a 1.2, the mpg in unaffected.

I'm gonna take it to a different garage, cause I don't trust this ''well known'' one in Birmingham. I'll check the connections again when it stops raining How much should I be aiming for a good price to replace the lambda sensor if needed?

 

[Blanco92]

I'd say around the £100 mark would be acceptable. Should only be the cost of the sensor plus 1hr labour.

 

[Gorbstein]

As a very basic check, I'd take the engine cover off, and check the air intake and throttle body. Also, I'd have a look at the air filter and make sure it's clean and totally intact (and the right way round!). As stated, make sure all pipes go back on the engine cover when you're done (and make sure there's no places where it looks like a pipe is missing).

 

[mchan]

I've checked the throttle body and cleaned it the other day. The car has run slightly better since. What does the air intake look like and where can i find it?

 

[Gorbstein]

I've checked the throttle body and cleaned it the other day. The car has run slightly better since. What does the air intake look like and where can i find it?

On the 1.4 the air intake and filter are part of the engine cover, I think the 1.2 is the same? Flip it over and undo the screws to get inside.