Help, light on dashboard.

Casper46

Casper46

Joined
May 4, 2015
Posts
1,285
Likes collected
1,700
Location
North Yorkshire
Funster No
36,190
MH
A Class
Exp
since 2000
We have just been out for a short run and a couple of miles from home I got a message on the dash saying ‘check engine’ and a picture of an engine block. The message went off but I still have the picture. It didn’t seem to affect the running of the engine.
I have read the handbook and it’s as clear as mud.
It is showing oil on the dipstick, it’s maybe a little on the low side but nothing serious. The engine is a Fiat 2.3 180 bhp. 8000 miles and 15 months old.
Any thoughts please.
 
Check engine light is part of a diagnostics protocol that will store a code relevant to the issue and illuminate the light to tell you there is a problem in one of its systems.
You will need a code reader to access these codes but at a guess you wouldn't know what to do with it if you did know the code so I would suggest a visit to a garage (does not have to be motorhome related) to get a diagnosis and cost estimate to fix.
What I mean by that is not just let a garage plug in and give you a code readout, clear that code and send you on your way but to allow the garage an hour of diagnosis time to check that the code is relevant to the actual issue (because it's sometimes the effect rather than the cause of a problem) and to identify the ACTUAL faulty part so the garage can give you an ACCURATE and real fix.
Too many people want to just clear the code and forget about it, this is not the way forward.
Too many people trust the code reader and replace the faulty part without checking whether it's actually faulty, this will be a costly exercise for you as the bill payer, when all these parts have been replaced at your cost and the problem still exists..
 
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Could this be cold and perhaps low oil pressure as been standing for a long while and your short run..........but get it hooked up to a code reader ASAP and do as it needs.......don't just get it re set!
99% sure of no problem but spend a couple of quid to sort it and save a fortune....and the nagging worries every time you get out and out!!!!!
You know it makes sense, Rodney.........kushty!!!!
 
if its note gone into limp mode ... i.e. low power. then it is likely to be some sensor got a bit upset at being woken from its sleep.

only way to know exactly is has already been said get it hooked up to a "reliable" reader

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Thanks everyone, It’s still under warranty, but to find a Fiat dealer will be difficult. I will take it to our local garage and get them to check what the problem is.
 
Christ.. Dealer is the last place I'd take it.

Good choice Casper
 
HandyAndy said:
Christ.. Dealer is the last place I'd take it.

Good choice Casper
Click to expand...
With respect bud...he has no choice. He has to follow the warranty rules on a new motorhome or even a car..The Dealership is first and then when the first three years have passed...an accredited Franchise . Then it keeps the warranty up to date.

Im sure we all have experienced an error code at the early stages of ownership at sometime.
The way forward is to have it checked out by a dealer and then let them repair the fault . If it persists then they are in control of the situation across the board. No matter where you take it ....it will be on record with the dealership that it has a problem and it will be sorted whilst under warranty.

Kev
 
HandyAndy said:
Christ.. Dealer is the last place I'd take it.

Good choice Casper
Click to expand...
O K if out of warranty but supose its a major problem and you are faces with a big bill. You turn upat at main dealers and tell them Joka250 or HandyAndy read the system and told me I need ..........! You run the risk of getting sent on your way or having a fight to get warranty work carried out. I've experienced this from both sides.

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if you take it anyone other than a FIAT approved workshop and the system is accessed by anyone other than Fiat they "could" reject your claim for a warranty repair....

but thats your choice of course.

if a fiat workshop is that far away i would telephone Fiat camper support and ask for advice.
 
May I suggest you three look up block exemption rules on motor vehicles.
‘Block Exemption Regulations 461/2010
"You cannot be obliged e.g. as a condition of warranty, to have your car serviced by a franchised dealer. "
end quote
 
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As an independant you must use manufacturer approved parts though, which I don't have a problem with TBH, as I can rely on the quality more than some chinese copy.
 
Similar to my experience with Fiat. Spent most of the first 18months at the Fiat "Professional" garage, rather than out on excursions. I assume i was "unlucky" as I doubt that many would have been as tolerant as I was. Will never have another Fiat, if I can possibly avoid it.

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Just put "Fait main dealerships in North Yorkshire" there are several listed. As others have said protect your warranty , you may need it for something major next year.
 
HandyAndy said:
May I suggest you two look up block exemption rules on motor vehicles.

"You cannot be obliged e.g. as a condition of warranty, to have your car serviced by a franchised dealer. "
end quote
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That is true but how can any vehicle owner be sure that your or my diagnostic equipment meets Fiats requirements. To the best of my knowledge no recognised automotive industry standards exist for such equipment. Plus if you go to a non franchise they will charge Fiat won't. I am no fan of main dealers but there times when they should be first port of call. I would add that there is doubt whether Block Exemption applies to non service work particularly where a warranty might be involved.
 
it is true you cannot be compelled to use the dealer as long as certain terms are met; and i would support that wholeheartedly where you have to bare the cost.

if you want fiat to pick up the tab then !!!!!

as i always say ... we are all free to make our choices.

i know what i would do if i needed a warranty repair done. but hey! what do i know except that it will be the OP who foots the bill if it goes wrong in any way.
 
How difficult can it be to find a Fiat dealership!!! Make the effort or regret it.
gus-lopez is on the mone.

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nomadic said:
Just put "Fait main dealerships in North Yorkshire" there are several listed. As others have said protect your warranty , you may need it for something major next year.
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I understand where you are with this BUT do we go to the ones that have such a small workshop that they dropped an axle stand on our new MH, the next one can’t get our vehicle in the workshop, the next one told us there was nothing wrong, and would not believe what we were telling them. This all happened to our previous vehicle which we eventually rejected.
Our journey to find a Fiat dealer that will work on an A Class is getting further away, and with this problem I would worry about travelling too far until I know what the problem is. Fiat Assist is very helpful but they insist that Fiat Professional garages know what they are doing, I would love to find one locally that had any interest in doing a proper job, rather than just getting it running and out of the door.
 
I doubt anyone is interested in this but this has just popped up in my Youtube feed and this guy is really good at explaining complex systems in a simple way..
So I thought I'd share it with you guys
Some of you may even learn how automotive electronics work..
Ironically it also has some answers to previous posts that have popped up on this forum where I have been trying to correct people :D :D

 
It really has nothing to do with being an A class. It is a Fiat and it just wants setting up on a lap top with the correct software. Take it to a dealer with the diagnosis software and let them at least identify the fault. The rest is up to you then . If you feel a dealership is not the place then pay and attempt to claim it back under warranty.
A Diagnosis issue with the laptop can be done at most fiat dealers regardless of the size of truck! It does not need to be a Truck dealership.

Kev
 
I spent ages trying to get a fault rectified, even though I was pretty certain I knew what it was. When my otherwise excellent local garage started on the lines "we'll just replace this" I thought enough is enough and went to a Fiat Professional workshop - had to travel but fortunately not too far. After I fully described the symptoms the receptionist was quite certain he knew what the problem was and booked me in. Job done - although as I was well out of warranty I had to pay for it of course.

I have been told that only Fiat Professional workshops have full access to Fiat diagnostics; even accredited dealers have some limits I believe.
 
Like a lot of things , it doesn't always go as you planned , even if you are within your rights .
If you have a vehicle that is under manufacturers warranty, then certainly in the first instance if you have a problem , deal with it thru the makers dealer . If you go to another garage and they do anthing and it doesnt work out , you are introducing another party in to the dispute , not a good move in any dispute , as it all clouds the water as to who finally should pick up the tab . Once out of warranty its a whole different ball game. I make this observation both as a customer , and as an ex motor vehicle main dealer . JMHO

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Can anyone recommend a Fiat Dealership that WILL work on an A class. We are running out of garages that can get the MH on their ramps, or that are willing to work on an A Class as access is difficult. We have been told that the fault is an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system.
 
HandyAndy said:
May I suggest you three look up block exemption rules on motor vehicles.
‘Block Exemption Regulations 461/2010
"You cannot be obliged e.g. as a condition of warranty, to have your car serviced by a franchised dealer. "
end quote
Click to expand...
The OP are not looking to get it serviced but to investigate and rectify a possible fault. If they take it to a local garage they are likely to identify said fault and then charge for any parts and labour whereas a Fiat professional dealer doing under warranty would do it FOC.
 
Not that close to you but we use and have been pleased with www.rockinghamcars.co.uk they're Fiat Professional dealers. Not seen an A class in there but often seen tag axle coachbuilt. Even though not a fan of main dealers they've always been straight with me. Based in Corby about 20 minutes drive A1 at Stamford.
 
Casper46 said:
Can anyone recommend a Fiat Dealership that WILL work on an A class. We are running out of garages that can get the MH on their ramps, or that are willing to work on an A Class as access is difficult. We have been told that the fault is an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system.
Click to expand...

Again not close but Springfields in Washington, Tyne & Wear (NOT Gateshead, that's cars only) are a Fiat Professional. Not cheap but very knowledgeable, sorted out my problem a few years ago straight away. They do get very busy however so you'd have to leave the van with them.
 
MichaelT said:
The OP are not looking to get it serviced but to investigate and rectify a possible fault. If they take it to a local garage they are likely to identify said fault and then charge for any parts and labour whereas a Fiat professional dealer doing under warranty would do it FOC.
Click to expand...
That's not how it works at an independent.
You get the customers warranty details, ring /email them, fill in their claim form and get paid by the warranty company.

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