Fiat Panda 2010 misfiring for about 8 miles on start up after heavy rain - intermittent problem

[neptune1]

After my Panda has been stationery for a couple of days having had heavy rain on it, on start-up it misfires for about 8 miles. I guess water is getting in somewhere but hard to find. The Fiat garage have no idea why it does this! Any ideas would be appreciated.

[whiskeryron]

Try this http://www.halfords.c..._-1_categoryId_165750

[AlBags]

Lift the bonnet at night in the dark ..
Use a fine sprayer, and spray some water around top of the two coil packs (RH end of cyl head looking from front)
Spray around leads to look for arking. If there is any there, replace leads and plugs.
Is the plastic scuttle panel intact? Check fuse/relay lid and inside for damp/water ingress (RHS bay)

[neptune1]

Thanks for your help.

I'll try the fine spray in dark and check for arcing/tracking.......there are a few engine compartment places with spots of water after a nights rain. maybe i'll take it through a car wash without a blow dryer or hose it for half an hour and then check water ingress underbonnet.
It appears to be correct that the scuttle seal rubber should only be fitted on top of the offside half of the scuttle upstand....but there is a rib ready to take a rubber on the naerside (but no rubber)
In case it's condensation I might have to insulate the bare underside of the bonnet?

Rgds Neptune1

[gingejbee]

Not surprised that the Fiat garage has no idea what's wrong - It would appear from customer feedback (Which? etc.) that Fiat garages know very little about the cars they sell.

[AlBags]

Thay just follow what has been written.

Correct about the plastic trim .. It only connects with bay on OS.

[solvitquick]

Dear Neptune1,
I am no expert in motors but have had many problems with my cars (especially a Fiat car and garage), so this is best I can think of. You seem to be right regarding lack seal on one side - discuss with Fiat no-nothings. I cannot understanf the sugestion to spray water onto coils. Have you tried drying-out battery compartment and checked the tightness of the contacts. OK(?) then smear contacts with gunk grease. Similarly, after drying out engine, spray WD40 all over engine (avoiding fan belt). Spead gunk grease onto bonnet-seal and into non-sealing gap - talk to Hallfords about all. I you cannot garage your car, what about a plastic car cover when expecting rain..a pain to remove and store but better than your current problems...maybe.

[AlBags]

Yep ... right : )

Gunk grease comes from camels?