Cutting out/poor idling

[ChrisStaplesBangor]

Hi All, 

Our 2007 Multispace (88k miles) has been cutting out frequently, particularly while in a queue or manoeuvering in a parking lot etc. While driving on an open road, it's not an issue. Also happens upon sudden braking. Problem is much worse in winter, possibly after it's rained a lot (hard to tell, it rains a lot here!). When this is happening, when idling at a standstill the engine will not slow down and idle nicely at 1000 rpm but the needle will jump up a few times then idle nicely, or more often just drop straight to zero and cut out. 

Any ideas? Our local garage were no help, as it was functioning ok when we dropped it in. 

Cheers in advance!

[Tomcat3]

Hi there welcome to the forum, a little more info would help like what engine is in the multispace.

[ChrisStaplesBangor]

Hi Tomcat, it's a 1.6 petrol

[saskak]

I would not pretend to be an expert for the 1.6 petrol, but have a look at cleaning the air intake throttle valve (connected directly to the air filter box). It may be sticking.

These are also known for ignition coil packs failing and there is no easy way to test these, apart from an expensive replacement.

[ChrisStaplesBangor]

Thanks! Will get some throttle cleaner and give it a go mys lf - assuming I can actually find the bugger I really need to sit down and figure out how cars work!

[saskak]

Thanks! Will get some throttle cleaner and give it a go mys lf - assuming I can actually find the bugger I really need to sit down and figure out how cars work!

Number 4 on the picture from http://www.catcar.info/citroen
There are 3 bolts that hold it and you have to remove the air filter box of course.

   

[saskak]

Just re-read your post, if it is idling at ~1,000rpm when engine is in operating temperature, that is a bit high, it should be ~800rpm. See if cleaning the throttle valve could help, although I never found that to help anything.

[ChrisStaplesBangor]

Thanks!

[saskak]

Thanks! Will get some throttle cleaner and give it a go mys lf - assuming I can actually find the bugger I really need to sit down and figure out how cars work!

Number 4 on the picture from http://www.catcar.info/citroen
There are 3 bolts that hold it and you have to remove the air filter box of course.

Or even better, here is a video of how to get to and remove the throttle valve body on the 1.6 petrol: https://youtu.be/NMHHmCH2BzU?t=396
It is Peugeot 307, but it is the same engine nonetheless.