Service costs and what to ask for.

haganap

haganap

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Niesman+Bischoff 79e
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I'm an oldbie MH number 10
I have a need for my motorhome to be serviced in the coming months.

I want a full service and some other bits done, tbf I'm not completely sure what the schedule says for my motorhome so I'm asking for two things.
Anything that I miss, plus somewhere to do it. I've opted to use a Fiat dealer as I want a proper plug in to look at any faults that it may have had and carry out any upgrades.

It's a 2.3 fiat ducato and 5 years old in September.

Therefore I understand that it sadly has a cam belt which will need to be changed. I was thinking to have the brake fluid changed as well and obviously the waterpump.

It's 8 meters long, runs like a dream and only has 16k miles. My only criticism is the use of adblue which is horrible compared to anything else I've ever owned.

Is there anything else I need to look at?

And where can I take it? I'm based in the north West..

Regards.
 
ASuming you have no service history it is due a 4 yr full service. I would ask for brake fluid change (schedule may say test) the cambelt change (if a fiat pro ask if auxillary belts and tentioners and bolts are changed ( of non fiat pro TELL Them, the additional bits will be left out if not specified ) if you tell a fiat pro expect the response " you dont think i know my job". The water pump does not need changing unless leaking. They can last in excess of 200,000 miles and replacement can cause more agravation.
Is it a manual or comfortmatic box(could be a crossover period, i dont know) if so there are additional fluid changes reccomended.
 
Thanks.
It's a ZF box
Not had a response from any garage yet, rang travelworld who said they don't plug the OBD in unless there's a fault? Weird. Thought this was standard on services nowadays.
Might be a bit old school i know, but asking for the things you want done seems to be wrong these days. If it ain't on a service schedule it ain't getting done.
Was going to take it to my local guy who's looked after my motorhomes for 20 years, but thought the major service might be better by Fiat Pro ad they have all the electronic tech kit.

If they ain't going to use it, doesn't seem to be any point. Might as well go old school..

It's 2020 btw so deffo on the water pump and cam belt
 
From 2019 the obd is fitted with a software gateway so only main stealer can clear faults or reset service/oil change counter.

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manners said:
From 2019 the obd is fitted with a software gateway so only main stealer can clear faults or reset service/oil change counter.
Click to expand...
Yes this is what I read, hence my main dealer thoughts

It's awful
 
haganap said:
Thanks.
It's a ZF box
Not had a response from any garage yet, rang travelworld who said they don't plug the OBD in unless there's a fault? Weird. Thought this was standard on services nowadays.
Might be a bit old school i know, but asking for the things you want done seems to be wrong these days. If it ain't on a service schedule it ain't getting done.
Was going to take it to my local guy who's looked after my motorhomes for 20 years, but thought the major service might be better by Fiat Pro ad they have all the electronic tech kit.

If they ain't going to use it, doesn't seem to be any point. Might as well go old school..

It's 2020 btw so deffo on the water pump and cam belt
Click to expand...
I would just use your local guy if you have history with him and are happy. Fiat don't recommend water pump change now but if it makes you feel better get it done.
If you ask your local guy to grease the alko chassis as well whilst he's on.
 
Ditcha makes a good point, there are a couple of grease points on the rear axle that can easily be missed. I mention them specifically with my local garage.
I would also stick with my local garage. Mine have sorted out a couple of problems in the past and dealt with a fault code via the OBD.
If you've been using them for years, I'm sure a good chat beforehand won't be out of place.

Terry
 
Ditcha said:
My 2020 2.3 180bhp 9 speed didn't have a security gateway used MES on it no problem.
Click to expand...
They were fitted on chassis built after Feb 2019 not when registered dates, yours could have been hanging around before conversion/registration. Third party diagnostic readers like MES will connect and read faults but that's all. I did read that Snap-on were in talks with Fiat for their diagnostic readers to have access to Fiats system.

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Not many OBD readers can work with Peugeot Boxer, Ducato and Citroen Relay units
My local expert tyre and service garage was amazed that my 2016 unit didn’t show up in the library of all three of their readers
 
manners said:
They were fitted on chassis built after Feb 2019 not when registered dates, yours could have been hanging around before conversion/registration. Third party diagnostic readers like MES will connect and read faults but that's all. I did read that Snap-on were in talks with Fiat for their diagnostic readers to have access to Fiats system.
Click to expand...
The build date on the c of c was 25th June 2019 must have just been on the cusp of change over.
 
Bit far for you Paul but I’d recommend Logan Vehicle services, was mobile now based in Carluke. Fully qualified fiat master technician and has his own camper, he also gives 10% for MHF. If you can’t find someone local you could have a few days away and get service done at same time.
 
haganap said:
I have a need for my motorhome to be serviced in the coming months.

I want a full service and some other bits done, tbf I'm not completely sure what the schedule says for my motorhome so I'm asking for two things.
Anything that I miss, plus somewhere to do it. I've opted to use a Fiat dealer as I want a proper plug in to look at any faults that it may have had and carry out any upgrades.

It's a 2.3 fiat ducato and 5 years old in September.

Therefore I understand that it sadly has a cam belt which will need to be changed. I was thinking to have the brake fluid changed as well and obviously the waterpump.

It's 8 meters long, runs like a dream and only has 16k miles. My only criticism is the use of adblue which is horrible compared to anything else I've ever owned.

Is there anything else I need to look at?

And where can I take it? I'm based in the north West..

Regards.
Click to expand...
There is a guy in Telford who is good I can’t remember his name though
 
Regards what to ask for, take a look at your fiat manual, mine (2014) starts on page 223 and lists all the servicing needs.

I personally wouldn't go down the new water pump route. I did mine after five years and it was like new, I won't be doing it again unless the seals start leaking.

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haganap said:
I have a need for my motorhome to be serviced in the coming months.

I want a full service and some other bits done, tbf I'm not completely sure what the schedule says for my motorhome so I'm asking for two things.
Anything that I miss, plus somewhere to do it. I've opted to use a Fiat dealer as I want a proper plug in to look at any faults that it may have had and carry out any upgrades.

It's a 2.3 fiat ducato and 5 years old in September.

Therefore I understand that it sadly has a cam belt which will need to be changed. I was thinking to have the brake fluid changed as well and obviously the waterpump.

It's 8 meters long, runs like a dream and only has 16k miles. My only criticism is the use of adblue which is horrible compared to anything else I've ever owned.

Is there anything else I need to look at?

And where can I take it? I'm based in the north West..

Regards.
Click to expand...
If you're had adblue probably get another 2 yrs coz adblue didn't come out till 2020 timing belt I mean. change fuel filter and check air filter but I'm sure some smart arse will be along shortly telling me I'm wrong . 25 yrs experience in the garage department
 
Tude said:
If you're had adblue probably get another 2 yrs coz adblue didn't come out till 2020 timing belt I mean. change fuel filter and check air filter but I'm sure some smart arse will be along shortly telling me I'm wrong . 25 yrs experience in the garage department
Click to expand...
Not sure i understand?

Timing belt is 5 years? Mine will be 5 years whilst on the trip, hence why I thought it would be good to do before I go?

For clarity. Mine is 2.3 180 2020 9 speed ZF box.

Thanks everyone. I'll chat with my local guy.
 
Could I suggest have a couple of days away and go to Adam’s Morey down the South.

They seem to be very trustworthy and know their way around.

I’m afraid I have very little confidence in main dealers, not just Fiat.
A good trusted indi is worth their weight in gold.
 
Silver-Fox said:
Could I suggest have a couple of days away and go to Adam’s Morey down the South.

They seem to be very trustworthy and know their way around.

I’m afraid I have very little confidence in main dealers, not just Fiat.
A good trusted indi is worth their weight in gold.
Click to expand...
This was our plan initially, thought about going to a infamous dealer in the staffs area described as fiat professional...

I asked for a main service-
Water pump
Cam belt change...
Brake fluid change.....


Would anyone like to guess the quoted price?
 
haganap said:
This was our plan initially, thought about going to a infamous dealer in the staffs area described as fiat professional...

I asked for a main service-
Water pump
Cam belt change...
Brake fluid change.....


Would anyone like to guess the quoted price?
Click to expand...
2 grand?

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haganap said:
This was our plan initially, thought about going to a infamous dealer in the staffs area described as fiat professional...

I asked for a main service-
Water pump
Cam belt change...
Brake fluid change.....


Would anyone like to guess the quoted price?
Click to expand...
If you lived here it would be £200 at the outside including the bits
 
haganap said:
This was our plan initially, thought about going to a infamous dealer in the staffs area described as fiat professional...

I asked for a main service-
Water pump
Cam belt change...
Brake fluid change.....


Would anyone like to guess the quoted price?
Click to expand...
They’re expensive if it’s who you think I mean, about £800 ?
 
haganap said:
This was our plan initially, thought about going to a infamous dealer in the staffs area described as fiat professional...

I asked for a main service-
Water pump
Cam belt change...
Brake fluid change.....


Would anyone like to guess the quoted price?
Click to expand...
£1500
 
I had a full service done last year plus comfortmatic oil change, the cost was just over £400 and I’m having the timing belt done next month at a cost of £700. Not an A class so not sure if that makes a difference as £2400 seems expensive.
 
Just had ours done, pretty much the same van as yours Paul. I’ve got the invoice just a few days ago but it included the tow bracket install.

They did the usual engine service plus aircon check, pollen filter, Goldschmidt service, Alde top up and a full hab check inc leak test for the warranty.

I can check the detailed invoice and share if you want ?
 
haganap said:
This was our plan initially, thought about going to a infamous dealer in the staffs area described as fiat professional...

I asked for a main service-
Water pump
Cam belt change...
Brake fluid change.....


Would anyone like to guess the quoted price?
Click to expand...
We bought our van there just over 8yrs ago. Used them for hab and Fiat service during the warranty period, they were shocking!

Due to a combination of poor competence, high price and just plain bad customer service I've not used them since.

I found them hugely frustrating to deal with.

Terry

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