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A FIAT RECALLS

28/04/2021- 03/08/2021High Brake Light

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

12:13 PM   08-Sep-22

Tuakau

FIAT DUCATO (28/04/2021 – 03/08/2021) RECALL:

Problem description:

The third (high level) brake light may not function.

Remedy: Update the software to activate the third brake light function.

5/03/2021 Steering Knuckles

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

05:28 PM   27-Mar-21

Tuakau

 

Dates 01/04/2019 To 29/10/2020

 

NON CONFORMING STEERING KNUCKLES MAY HAVE BEEN FITTED

 

Recall numberR/2021/034

Recall date05-03-2021

Recall typeSafety recall

Reason for recall

Non-conforming steering knuckles may have been fitted.

How to check if the vehicle is recalled

Contact the local FIAT dealership or manufacturer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.

How the manufacturer will repair

Check the installed steering knuckles and replace if necessary.

Number of affected vehicles

2633

14/03/2019 - 19/06/2019

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

04:21 PM   31-May-20

Tuakau

FIAT DUCATO (2019) - POTENTIAL MOVEMENT OF THE BATTERY

30/08/2019
Description

FIAT DUCATO (14/03/2019 – 19/06/2019) RECALL:

Problem description: Potential movement of the battery and consequent breakage of the battery wires.

10

Remedy: A battery spacer must be fitted

Recall Launch Date: 30/08/2019 Recall No: R/2019/284
 

Make FIAT
Recall Model Information DUCATO
Build Start 14/03/2019
Build End 19/06/2019
Manufacturer Ref 6253
Model DUCATO
VIN Start 02K72163
VIN End 02L43288

24/10/2019 - 05/12/2020

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

04:11 PM   31-May-20

Tuakau

FIAT DUCATO (2019) - THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP

24/01/2020
Description

FIAT DUCATO (24/10/2019 – 05/12/2019) RECALL:

Problem description:
The brake vacuum pump may not function correctly.

21

Remedy: Replace the brake vacuum pump of affected vehicles.

Recall Launch Date: 24/01/2020Recall No: R/2019/444
 

Make FIAT
Recall Model Information DUCATO
Build Start 24/10/2019
Build End 05/12/2019
Manufacturer Ref 6274
Model DUCATO
VIN Start *********02M59487
VIN End *********02M94460
Vehicle Numbers 429

26/09/2018 - 14/11/2019

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

03:46 PM   08-May-20

Tuakau

FIAT DUCATO (26/09/2018 – 14/11/2019) RECALL:

Problem description:
The drive axle may touch the wiring with consequent damage to the wiring.

19

Remedy: Check the correct layout of the wiring inspect its condition and reposition or replace as necessary.

Recall Launch Date: 24/01/2020Recall No: R/2019/441
 

Make FIAT
Recall Model Information DUCATO
Build Start 26/09/2018
Build End 14/11/2019
Manufacturer Ref 6268
Model DUCATO
VIN Start *********02J27477
VIN End *********02M64810
Vehicle Numbers 196

2018 on chassis ZFA25000002G or H or J...

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

10:08 AM   21-Nov-19

Tuakau

 

Faulty installation of the fuel line may lead to fuel leakage. Fuel leakage close to a source of ignition may increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.

The Fiat Ducato models affected by this recall were produced between 24 August 2018 and 26 October 2018.

 

Fiat recall code: 6212

 

FIAT DUCATO (2018 - 2019) - POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES

FIAT DUCATO (24/08/2018 – 01/02/2019) RECALL: Problem description: Possible interference between the fuel supply and return lines. ...

2018 on Chassis ZFA 250000002G or H or J....

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

10:01 AM   21-Nov-19

Tuakau

INTERCOOLER SLEEVE MAY BECOME DETACHED

Recall numberR/2019/103

Recall date10-05-2019

Recall typeSafety recall

Reason for recall

The intercooler sleeve may detach from the throttle body

How to check if the vehicle is recalled

Contact the local FIAT dealership or manufacturer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.

How the manufacturer will repair

Replace the current sleeve and respective metal bands with modified parts.

Number of affected vehicles

3630

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued a recall for the 2018 model-year Ducato van fitted with the 2.3-litre diesel over concerns vehicles could inadvertently lose power.

According to the Italian manufacturer, affected units could have throttle bodies that have been incorrectly manufactured, which could see the intercooler sleeve detach and cause the the engine malfunction light to illuminate.

Further to the warning light in the driver's instrument cluster, the engine may lose power too, posing a hazard to the driver and other road users.

A total of 665 vans are affected by this recall, sold between 31 May 2018 and 11 April 2019

2018 May To April 11th Lose of Power Hazard

by Les

[ 4 ]

Les

10:54 AM   04-May-19

Tuakau

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued a recall for the 2018 model-year Ducato van fitted with the 2.3-litre diesel over concerns vehicles could inadvertently lose power.

According to the Italian manufacturer, affected units could have throttle bodies that have been incorrectly manufactured, which could see the intercooler sleeve detach and cause the the engine malfunction light to illuminate.

Further to the warning light in the driver's instrument cluster, the engine may lose power too, posing a hazard to the driver and other road users.

A total of 665 vans are affected by this recall, sold between 31 May 2018 and 11 April 2019 – the VIN list is available here. https://www.productsafety.gov.au/system/files/VIN%20List_32.pdf

Alistair & Stella

09:14 PM   04-May-19

Christchurch

Did you mean to add a hyperlink? You just say available here?

Les

10:17 AM   05-May-19

Tuakau

Hello.
Here comes a science bit.....

In the past, when an intercooler pipe became loose, damaged or detatched, there would be an immediate loss of power and probably a lot of black smoke coming out of the exhaust but you could limp along on part throttle and get yourself home or to a workshop.

This is no longer the case.

In a Euro4 or newer vehicle, there are a number of devices monitoring the health and emissions from an engine and a sudden loss of pressure in the inlet side will cause all kinds of upset. The manifold pressure is monitored and regulated by the throttle body and EGR valves but if a problem occurs that these devices cannot overcome, there will be an immediate drop in power to prevent a large ball of soot blocking up your particulate filter. Once the vehicle comes to a stop and is idling, a minor leak will present no problem and the ECU will allow the accelerator to be pressed but if the leak becomes greater again; the process will begin again. These pipes expand greatly under pressure and there is certainly a lot of pressure generated in turbo pipes. At idle speed the hose in question may fit fairly snugly but even a little throttle and load as you drive away could be enough to open up a split, or exacerbate a loose hose.

A jubilee clip is a far better solution than the bands that are typically fitted at the factory where the hoses etc are assembled. I would consider it to be an improvement and certainly not a bodge. 

2006 April To 2010 March Spare Wheel May Detach

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

11:57 AM   30-Jun-18

Tuakau


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Vehicle Details

Reference : R/2011/098
Manufacturer Ref : 5564 
Make: FIAT
Model : Ducato Van
Launch Date : 02/09/2011
Numbers Involved : 8704
Build Start Date : 01/04/2006
Build End Date : 31/03/2010 

Recall Details

Concern : SPARE WHEEL MAY DETACH
Description : The spare wheel located under the vehicle may become detached from the vehicle.
Remedial Action : Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the spare wheel lifting and securing mechanism.
Vehicle Id : ZFA25000001000371 to ZFA25000001789440

2011 September To 2011 September Rear Axle

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

11:54 AM   30-Jun-18

Tuakau


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Vehicle Details

Reference : R/2011/139
Manufacturer Ref : 5593 
Make: FIAT
Model : Ducato Van
Launch Date : 24/10/2011
Numbers Involved : 8
Build Start Date : 01/09/2011
Build End Date : 30/09/2011 

Recall Details

Concern : REAR AXLE MAY MOVE
Description : It is possible the rear axle leaf spring retaining bolts were not tightened to the correct specification during production. This could allow movement between the axle and leaf spring. In extreme circumstances this could cause the vehicle to lose control.
Remedial Action : Recall all affected vehicles to replace the U bolts with new items and tighten them to the correct specification.
Vehicle Id : ZFA25000002079978 to ZFA25000002080736

2015 September To 2015 October Power Steering

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

11:49 AM   30-Jun-18

Tuakau


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Vehicle Details

Reference : R/2015/217
Manufacturer Ref : 5945 
Make: FIAT
Model : 2015 Ducato with 2.3 Mjet Engine
Launch Date : 29/12/2015
Numbers Involved : 118
Build Start Date : 16/09/2015
Build End Date : 19/10/2015 

Recall Details

Concern : POWER STEERING PUMP MAY FAIL
Description : The batch number of the power steering pump must be checked and, if found to be from a faulty batch, replaced. On the faulty batches there is nonconformity of the external supply and, in certain circumstances, the power steering pump may fail causing the driver to use additional input to steer the vehicle therefore delaying the directional movement of the vehicle.
Remedial Action : Check the production date of the pump and if the power steering pump is from a faulty batch replace the pump.
Vehicle Id : ZFA25000002964887 to ZFA25000002973246

2016 February To 2017 September Intercooler

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

07:43 PM   29-Jun-18

Tuakau


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Vehicle Details

Reference : R/2018/038
Manufacturer Ref : 6172 
Make: FIAT
Model : Ducato
Launch Date : 16/03/2018
Numbers Involved : 9904
Build Start Date : 17/02/2016
Build End Date : 13/09/2017 

Recall Details

Concern : INTERCOOLER SLEEVE MAY DETACH FROM THE THROTTLE BODY
Description : The intercooler sleeve may detach from the throttle body. The engine management warning light will illuminate and a loss of power may occur.
Remedial Action : On affected vehicles replace the current retainer with a new version to ensure the sleeve connection between intercooler sleeve and throttle body.
Vehicle Id : 02A81370 to 02F64300

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

2016 February To 2017 September Recall for EGR Pipe

by The Sutherlands

[ 8 ]

The Sutherlands

05:03 PM   12-Dec-17

Auckland

If you have a UK import and your VIN number is between 02A59559 and 02F21177 and produced from 17-2-16 to 14-9-17 then there is a recall notice for a POSSIBLE faulty pipe which could damage the alternator resulting in a loss of battery voltage and potentially a loss of power. According to the UK DVLA website there are 1336 Ducato's affected. As this is a more serious recall, then it would pay to have your Ducato checked. Not sure if Fiat NZ will send out a notice but some members have already arranged to have their units checked

Bman

10:07 PM   12-Dec-17

Auckland

Thanks Rob, I have checked this on the DVLA website also, copied and sent this info off to the local Fiat Dealer for advice to see if there is a Fiat NZ campaign on this recall notice and advice to have the vehicle checked.  Will let you know what they come back with.  

Bman

11:56 AM   13-Dec-17

Auckland

An update to my earlier post.  I have received advice from the local Fiat Dealer and they have advised that the recall is on the Fiat International site, and they have now asked for the recall to be loaded on to the Fiat NZ site today.  The local dealer is happy to check the vehicle, so will be dropping this off tomorrow.

Avocadopicker

11:59 AM   13-Dec-17

Katikati

Just had my recall check and work does need to be done. About 2 hours for the job apparently.

geebeealan

10:23 AM   17-Feb-18

Kaiapoi


Further Euro6 recall
There is new recall for the euro6 2.3 in addition to the EGR Pipe recall. This time it is to replace the clip that holds the intercooler to the throttle body.
"Fiat has recalled the 2.3-litre diesel Ducato van over concerns the intercooler sleeve could come loose from the throttle body.
The manufacturer says if the condition occurs, the engine warning light will illuminate and drivers will experience a loss of power.
Should the vehicle unexpectedly lose power when in use, it could increase the risk of an accident."
__________________

FIAT Forum Useful Links:

 

Just found this 

The Sutherlands

12:40 PM   17-Feb-18

Auckland

Yes-found this out last week when I took mine in for the EGR so now it takes a FULL day to replace both. Oh the joy of owning new technology ...sigh!

David Buxton

05:03 PM   26-Aug-18

Taupo

I have only just got around to taking our Chausson motorhome to Farmer Auto in Mt Maunganui for the EGR recall and the inter cooler clip recall. We've only travelled 3500 km.  The clip job was a 10 minute fix, the EGR recall will now be a 12 hour job (longer for an automatic model) because a crack was found in the EGR pipe where the existing bracket is welded on. I have been told that if just the modified bracket was put on (a 2 hour job on a manual - much longer for pan auto) the crack would eventually develop into a hole and the whole EGR unit would head to be replaced - very expensive if out of warranty.  

So if you haven't got around to these recalls I suggest you do so while under warranty. Also insist that the area around the bracket is inspected thoroughly for any cracks. 

Colin and Davina

10:31 PM   16-May-19

Selwyn

Hi We have had an alternator failure after just over two years and 39,000km. We had the ECG replacement done after 32,000km and also the cracked heat exchanger. Anyone else encountered this problem? Could the alternator failure be linked to the ECG failure as mentioned in the first post in this thread?

2016 December To February 2017 Camshaft Recall

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

06:56 PM   01-Jun-17

Tuakau



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Vehicle Details

Reference : R/2017/085
Manufacturer Ref : 6106 
Make: FIAT
Model : Ducato
Launch Date : 06/03/2017
Numbers Involved : 239
Build Start Date : 14/12/2016
Build End Date : 09/02/2017 

Recall Details

Concern : CAMSHAFT MAY FAIL
Description : Due to an error in the production process the engine camshaft may break.
Remedial Action : Check affected vehicles and where necessary replace the camshaft.
Vehicle Id : ZFA25000002D26560 to ZFA25000002D50789

2014 October To June 2015 Ignition Switch

by Les

[ 3 ]

Les

05:43 PM   17-Jan-16

Tuakau

Possible Faulty Ignition Switch

Ex English Forum

The fault affects vehicles built between October 2014 and June 2015 and there is apparently a possibility that the ignition may switch itself off while the vehicle is in motion. A new switch is being fitted and it takes about an hour to do. You can, and normally would wait for the recall notice to drop through your door but due to the risk involved, I would advise you to contact your local Fiat agent and give them your registration number. They will order the parts and arrange for you to get it done. 

The affected vehicles have chassis numbers in the range 2729501 to 2904391. 
If your chassis number does not fall within these numbers; you are not affected. 

ChrisB

02:53 PM   20-Jan-16

New Plymouth

Thanks for this Les and very timely.  The local Fiat dealer knew nothing about it but it did come up when they looked at the service requirements for our Autotrail Apache 634.  Our chassis number is within the range for the recall.  We have booked it in and are awaiting delivery of parts.

 

Note:  This is not soley X290 chassis issue.  The Apache 634 is on a X250 chassis.  It is the chassis number which is important!

 

Also, we have identified another recall that could be of interest to owners of  2015 Model Year MyRV AutoTrail Motorhomes based on Fiat Ducato II Series cab. Variants are EKS, FB, Delaware and Comanche.

 

It relates to a weld failure on the front TV bracket post.  Here are the details:

 

//www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1081493

 

Am not sure if this is an Australian model issue or also prevelant in all 2015 AutoTrails including those imported into NZ.

Les

09:40 AM   02-Jul-18

Tuakau

Check your Vehicle For Fiat Recall Campaign

by Les

[ 2 ]

Les

07:17 PM   16-Sep-15

Tuakau

Click on the download  

 

//www.fiatcamper.com/en/home

 

fill in the chassis vin number that is found on the bottom of windscreen

to check on Chassis Check if their is a recall campaign on your vehicle

James

01:29 PM   02-Feb-16

Whakatane

Our vehicle has no recall campaign but it does have a service campaign. Has anyone else had this and if so, what does it entail?

COMFORTMATIC / GEARBOX

Gearbox failure

by Smarties

[ 8 ]

Smarties

11:53 AM   07-Jan-21

Dunedin

Just wondering if any one else has struck the following issue. 3.0lt Fiat Ducato Dakota bought new from Ashburton RV in mid Dec 2015.  Now has 16952km on the clock.  Recently the gearbox warning light came on with various buzzers sounding.  There seemed to be an issue when 4th or 6th gear was selected. Taken to the nearest Fiat agent (which is another story in itself - Armstrong Prestige who were the Fiat agents in Dunedin no longer sell/service Fiats.  Good of them to let their Fiat clients know of this fact - not!)  Anyway the Central Otago Motor Group in Cromwell are now Fiat agents & put their diagnostic computer over it.  I quote from their report - " Investigate gearbox warning light on.  Vehicle loosing all its gears once the light comes on.  Seems OK in 3rd & 5th.  Scanned for fault codes, found codes stored in TCM.  Checked fluid levels in gearbox hydraulic unit & found clutch fluid contaminated.  Suspect internal fault causes hydraulic & clutch fluid to mix.  Recommend to replace hydraulic unit & clutch slave cylinder & check clutch to rule out mechanical fault to clutch.  gearbox will need removing for this.  P2916-07 Fault on gearbox subsystem - unexpected gear disengage.  P1741-1c Gear position sensor - out of range"

 

The estimated total cost of the repair is a whopping $10,530 with the most horrendous bit being the Selespeed Robot Ducato (which I assume is the hydraulic unit) at $7137 & it has to come from Italy.  Interestingly the garage had another Ducato in there with exactly the same problem.  Hence I just wondered whether it is maybe a bit of a Comfortmatic problem & has anyone else struck the same or similar issue.

 

My other question is - even although it is out of warranty, given the quite low km's do people think Fiat should come to the party, say at least for the cost of the hydraulic unit - it won't cost them $7137.  There is no way that really expensive vehicles like this with <17000km on the clock shouldn't need this sort of repair.  Different if it had done say 300,000km.  I have sent an email off to Ateco who are the NZ Fiat agents but no reply as of yet.  Nationwide RV are on holiday as is the new Fiat agent in Dunedin who took over from Armstrongs so trying to contact the local dealer(s) has been somewhat impossible.  I did get a hold of Armstrongs but of course they passed the buck to the new dealer - Carters Car Services - who didn't answer the phone! 

 

And before anyone asks I have never driven with my foot on the brake & the accelerator at the same time.

 

Cheers

 

John

Chris Gaelic

12:13 PM   07-Jan-21

Hi John, the most experienced Fiat service centre in the country is Italian Auto Centre, which unfortunately for you is based in Auckland. They carry more spare parts than anyone else, and also supply some of the other Fiat dealers. It may be worth contacting them, and supplying the details you've got so far. They may be able to offer an opinion, or supply parts to your Cromwell dealer.

Malcolm

03:48 PM   07-Jan-21

Feilding

Hi John,

I suggest for parts you may wish to contact:-

Dino Enterprises Ltd

Fiat Alpha Centre

Cambridge

North Island.

Phone 07 8278918

e mail malsim@fiatparts.co.nz

www.fiatparts.co.nz

Good luck!

Malcolm

Tribute 680 Owner

 

Mike & Chris

04:18 PM   07-Jan-21

North Canterbury

We purchased our Dakota from the same dealer about the same time and it has similar kilometres... hence I am very interested. If your approach to Fiat NZ is fruitless I would seek profesional advice regarding possible remedies under the Consumer Guarrantees Act. They talk about "fit for purpose" etc and imply that their clauses give protection for some time after the dealer warranty expires. If you are a member of Consumer NZ or the AA they should be able to help with advice or possibly advocate on your behalf.

Malcolm

07:27 PM   07-Jan-21

Feilding

You may also want to speak to your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They advise on the Consumers Guarantee Act.

Malcolm

Smarties

07:38 PM   07-Jan-21

Dunedin

Thanks Chris, Malcolm & Mike & Chris for your helpful comments.  I am a member of both Consumer & AA & depending on the response from Fiat NZ (if I ever get one) &/or the various dealerships involved when they get back from holiday I may or may not have to invoke their help.  I certainly don't intend to roll over on the matter.  At the very least I expect to encounter a lot of buck passing amongst the various parties.  I am guessing Ashburton RV, now Nationwide RV as the selling dealer might have the leading "moral" responsibility but to be fair, at the heart of the matter it is solely a Fiat issue.  I think the fact that, with a change of Fiat agent in Otago there are at least 3 parties involved & that is not counting Fiat NZ & the Fiat repairer in Cromwell it will get rather messy & complicated.  I will post an update if & when the matter is finalised - probably in at least 2 - 3 months time.  Who knows you might even see me on Fair Go!

Smarties

12:09 PM   03-Feb-21

Dunedin

An update on the Comfortmatic gearbox issue I wrote about above.  Quite a long complicated story - I'll try & keep it as short as possible.  I contacted Glenn & Barry at the Italian Auto Centre in Auckland after Chris Gaelic and the AA suggested doing so and described the problem and what the Cromwell garage had said etc.  To cut a long story short their technical guru (Barry) was pretty adamant that the problem would be with the gearbox position sensor so he sent me down one.  He said they had never had to replace a Selespeed robot  and presumably they would see many more Ducato's than any garage down these ways.  I took the moho to a garage in Dunedin he recommended (it was still drivable if you avoided 4th & 6th gears) as I was not at all comfortable with getting the Cromwell Motor Group (CMG) to do the job as:

a) it would have been in their interests to say the sensor didn't fix the problem and

b) if you read the bit above in their report about the clutch fluid & the hydraulic fluid mixing - this is a physical impossibility.  It is normal for the clutch fluid to darken slightly with use.  Hence I had no faith whatsoever in their diagnosis & expertise or lack thereof.

 

Once the sensor was installed, the gearbox recalibrated and some new clutch fluid thrown in for good measure the problem was instantly resolved.  Total all up cost including the part & 1 hour labour was $491.31, somewhat less than the $10,530 quoted by the CMG.  Plus I have the use of the moho now instead of having to wait goodness knows how long for the parts to come from Italy.

 

I liken CMG's solution as follows - say you had an engine misfire due to a faulty sparkplug.  Putting in a new engine would solve the problem but obviously at a hugely inflated cost.

 

Lessons learnt:

1.  The Italian Auto Centre (Barry & Glenn) in Auckland know what they are talking about.

2.  If you have a Fiat problem & you are out of warranty & you are in the Dunedin area contact Quality Car Services in Strathallan St & ask for Dennis.  They are not the Fiat agents but service European vehicles.  They have the diagnostic computer necessary for this sort of work & know what they are about.

3.  Don't necessarily take what some garages may tell you as gospel.  I initially accepted what  CMG said & parted with $8650 so they would order the parts from overseas.  Only after many phone calls & emails (involving AA, Consumer,Nationwide RV, Ateco (NZ Fiat agents) & CMG did I really get to the bottom of the issue.  To be fair to CMG they quite promptly refunded me the $8650.

4.  This is a really useful forum.  I now know a shit of a lot about Comfortmatic gearboxes which isn't bad for a veterinary surgeon!!

 

Lastly I have still not heard from Armstrong Prestige that they have relinquished the Fiat sales & service agency in Dunedin - hardly good enough in my book. Also I have attempted to contact the owner of the other Ducato on CMG's forecourt (I noted down their rego) - a Burstner sold by SmartRV in case they are also potentially about to waste $10,000.

 

Anyway there endeth the sermon!

 

Mike & Chris

07:09 PM   04-Feb-21

North Canterbury

Well done!!

Lost automatic

by Richard & Kay

[ 5 ]

Richard & Kay

04:57 PM   05-Nov-19

Auckland

We have just arrived inTaupo with our 2019 Apache 634 180.

coming up a hill the MH lurched as though we had a puncture and we lost power even though the motor was running.

I restarted the motor and regained power to find that We now only had manual change . The Auto disappeared. 

Waiting in the NZMCA park at Taupo airport for Andrew Simms to ring but not holding my breath tonight.

Has anyone else experienced this and , if so, what was it .?

Will it be okay to drive back to Auckland in manual mode only ...?

Mike & Chris

05:20 PM   05-Nov-19

North Canterbury

Hi Richard

Manual mode is a viable mode for all operations... the comformatic is an electronically controlled manual gearbox, not an auto with a torque converter etc.

 

Can you reselect auto? Are there any warning messages such as "Automatic method not available"? Are there any buzzers sounding?

Richard & Kay

07:21 PM   05-Nov-19

Auckland

Andrew Simms rang me . Excellent response . Problem is faulty brake switch . Call in on the way home and they will fix it . Takes about 30 min. Not uncommon

Richard & Kay

04:52 PM   15-Nov-19

Auckland

All fixed now but scary . When it happened we were coming up a hill on the way back to Taupo from Napier . Happened on a blind corner and the vehicle ended up across 2 lanes and immobile till I stopped the motor and restarted to get traction .  Drive around the corner till we could find a safe place to move over and saw 2 heavy trucks going fast down the hill . If they had been a few minutes earlier  we would have been killed .

Andrew Simms said they would report the incident to Fiat but didn't sound confident about getting a positive response . Bloody scary 

Mike & Chris

10:40 AM   16-Nov-19

North Canterbury

Hi Richard

In all likelihood your problem was caused by a faulty brake light switch because that is a known issue but there is another circumstance which has the same result... if a driver accidentally has downward pressure on the accelerator and the brake at the same time the computer that controls the "comfort-matic" becomes confused by two conflicting signals with the result that it crashes... a spurious signal from the brake light switch has the identical effect to touching the brake pedal when the go pedal is also depressed. Something we were warned about by the dealer when we bought our Autotrail (big feet, driving in gumboots, poor technique, apparently some drivers use both feet in two pedal cars)... I only raise the issue because it is possibly not well known.

Mike

Dakota Clutch Fluid Loss

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

02:02 PM   22-Jul-18

Tuakau

DAKOTA CLUTCH FLUID
AT NZ Facebook Post:    We were on our way back from 3 months round the South Island while on the way to Kaikoura from Christchurch we had a juddering and the engine warming light came on we were in the middle of nowhere so had no choice but to carry on .

We stopped in Kaikoura at a truck repair place but it was above them.at the same time all drive was lost would not select a gear we ended up transporting it to the ferry where they had it towed on and towed off in Wellington we slept in it overnight at the ferry terminal and a transporter arrived early and took us to the repair garage Gazley motors who are agents for Fiat in Lower Hutt.

They found that the reservoir for the clutch gearbox actuator had drained of fluid they topped it up and bled the system and all came back to normal. They sent us on our way and so far it’s stayed good

 

Comments:

 
-  There was no obvious answer for the fluid leak
-  then that is a real worry

 

Comfortmatic gearbox manual

by geebeealan

[ 1 ]

geebeealan

12:55 PM   25-Jan-18

Kaiapoi

//autotrailusers.nz/ForumFiles/1011/Comfortmatic%20250502064.pdf

 

found this the other day may be of help 

Fiat Ducato, Euro 5, 2.3L 150BHP comfortmatic gearbox failure

by Twilight

[ 1 ]

Twilight

06:23 PM   03-Aug-17

Auckland

Our new (reg. March 2017) motorhome gearbox failed on our homeward trip - total ODO distance 2700km.  Symptoms were initially uncommanded slipping out of gear to neutral. In stop/go traffic, the vehicle started surging (constant RPM but a jerky ride in low gear). Then there was the noise (not the truck beside us!) though we still had power to the wheels and were able to get off the motorway.....stress!!!!!!!!! .  There were no warning lights showing. The rest of the trip home was on the back of a truck.  Fiat Roadside Assist didn't want to know about us because it was an 'import'? (bought new from our local RV yard which sells new Auto-Trail motorhomes). 

 

A new gearbox was required but had to come from Italy - overall the 'fix' took almost exactly a month which in hindsight was quite a quick-fix.  The gearbox failure was apparently because on insufficient/no oil in the gearbox at the time of construction/assembly/whenever, but before we took possession.  Though I was told by the RV yard this was the first time that they had heard of a gearbox failure, I have subsequently been told through another source (unverified) that there have been at least 7 others locally.  We still think my new motorhome is great.

Dont hill hold with automatic gearbox

by David Buxton

[ 1 ]

David Buxton

08:23 PM   30-May-17

Taupo

I have recently had this advice from Auto-trail UK:

 

We have had issues with the "Comfortmatic" gearbox, as customers treat it as a true automatic (torque converter) but in reality, it is a sequential manual. Customers can hold vehicles on a hill using the accelerator, rather than applying the handbrake and then this cooks the clutch. You might want to pass this warning to your members, as in hilly areas it can be a common problem. The X290 chassis has some major improvements over the X250, particularly on noise and preventing water getting into the engine bay area.

 

Another comment regarding Fiat chassis being used for motrohomes:

 

Whilst Fiat are a large automotive company making 1500 Ducato's a day, they also have some quality / warranty issues. Some of the biggest complaints we have had are fuelled by the vehicle starting life as a commercial vehicle and then being transformed into a $80k motorhome, where expectations are understandably higher. Commercial vehicle customers only have a problem if the vehicle stops and then a replacement can be hired, as you know with a motorhome it is not so easy.

Auto gearbox and brake warnings at last fixed

by David Buxton

[ 2 ]

David Buxton

01:47 PM   02-Mar-16

Taupo

We have been plagued by brake warning problems from new for the last two years. At last, they are fixed - we hope!

Intermittently, when we lightly brake down hills or coming to an intersection or up behind a slower vehicles, we get a chirp from the dash and either see a gearbox symbol or 'hill holder unavailable - EPS disabled'. If its the gearbox symbol the engine power cuts to 'crawler mode' - no more than 2000 revs and 2nd gear; then if the engine is swiched off it wont start - just get 'depress brake pedal' on dash. All very annoying. (a tip we learnt at the last rally in Levin was to hold the key in the start position and after 20 or so seconds the computers reset and it starts -wonderful).

Over the past two years we have had the brake switch replaced 3 times, the wiring harness between the brake switch and brake computer unravelled and checked for damage and a new brake computer installed - all uder warranty thank goodness but required a 350 km round trip to Tauranga each time (the nearest Fiat dealer at the time)

When the problem occurred in Wanganui the dealer there noticed that it required a reasonable push on the brake  pedal to activate the brake lights and suggested that the lighting computer and the brake computer were 'arguing' as to whether the brakes were on or off, became confused and shut down the motor. He had earlier found this problem in a Fiat car. I checked this out with the cruise control - sure enough touching the brake pedal didnt cancel the cruise control and got an error message saying I was braking and accelorating at the same time!

Installation of a third brake switch seems to have fixed the problem - hopefully.

After carefully noting the movement of the seond bake switch through its plastic casing our Fiat dealer in Tauranga also noted that it wasnt seating back properly and 'telling' the computer that I had finished braking.  There's several contacts in the brake switch and all must work properly for trouble free motoring.

There are 6 computers in our auto Fiat and they constantly 'talk' to each other and if they 'argue' probolems occur.

The Sutherlands

11:23 AM   06-Mar-16

Auckland

Goodluck-nothing like the electronic gremlins to really ruin your day. Interesting note on the UK AT Owners web site saying Fiat have now admitted they have a problem with dash board lighting!

ENGINE MECHANICAL

Glow plugs

by R n R

[ 1 ]

R n R

04:27 PM   24-Jan-22

Auckland

Getting my annual service done at Andrew Simms Botany and told them to check the Glow Plugs as I kept getting the warning light come up each time I started the engine. Got a call this afternoon to say they were "faulty" and was very costly to replace the four with labour and parts. I've only done 48700ks late 2017 Imala 734. Whew I said to the person...does my fiat warranty cover this. He went and checked and told me it would be covered by the warranty. Just a reminder if the warning light comes on get it checked out by the Fiat agents before the end of the 5 year warranty. 

oil leak

by Mikew

[ 2 ]

Mikew

08:54 PM   10-Aug-20

Hi there we have an oil leak in our 2013 Fiat Ducato does anyone have any recommendations of a mechanic or repair shop in christchurch?

 

regards mike

Mike & Chris

11:10 PM   10-Aug-20

North Canterbury

You could try NZ Trucks at Hornby, they are the Iveco agents (the Ducato engine is Iveco based). A lot of smaller places wouldn't have enough height to get a motorhome inside.

Diesel 0w-30 where to buy

by GS Berger

[ 4 ]

GS Berger

02:47 PM   07-Dec-19

hello

 

seeking advice on where to purchase the engine oil as found its expensive for a 1L.

 

thanks

Samantha.steel13@gmail.com

 

Guy and Samantha 

Avocadopicker

03:54 PM   07-Dec-19

Katikati

I had the same problem - Repco sell the Penrite version of the oil which is the correct spec.

Mike & Chris

04:18 PM   07-Dec-19

North Canterbury

I bought 20 litres of Shell Helix Ultra 0W-30 from Tyreline Distributors, the Shell agents in New Zealand, for $271 which is enough for two services and a little bit spare... it is specified for Fiat engines. I also bought a couple of oil filters from NZ Trucks in Christchurch who are the Iveco agents (the engine in our Ducatos is sourced from Iveco) They were less than half of the price of the first one that I bought from the Fiat agent in Christchurch. Mike

Les

04:27 PM   07-Dec-19

Tuakau

Hi, I use Penrite 5 litre at a sale price from Repco. Les

Engine losing power at low revs

by David Buxton

[ 2 ]

David Buxton

08:41 PM   27-Mar-19

Taupo

Has anyone experienced this problem with a Euro 6 engine? When we slow down after a time on the open road (ie the engine is hot) and say crawl along in slow traffic at 10-20kmh the engine dies for a few seconds, then jumps into life for another few seconds and continues to 'hop along' like this. Sometimes the problem is cured by engaging the clutch (we have a manual) and reving the engine, but not always. also the probllem does not always ocur.

Les

10:17 AM   21-Nov-19

Tuakau

Hi Dave,

 

If you haven't fix the problem yet, you will find it is a Recall. 

 

As above Les

Diesel filling

by Kennet

[ 2 ]

Kennet

01:10 PM   25-Aug-18

Whangarei

Hi All

I cannot open the key operated diesel cap on my recently purchased 2014 Tribute. I insert the key, turn it  but it will not open. Any one can help it would be most appreciated. 

Mike & Chris

01:37 PM   25-Aug-18

North Canterbury

Presumably the cap just rotates freely? Hold the cap so it can't turn then turn the key, the cap should now not rotate freely, it should undo... if it doesn't work then it's probably broke.

Mechanical Problem Check Engine Light

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

09:04 AM   29-Nov-17

Tuakau

Autotrail Owner..........................................................................................................................................................................

In case you, or anyone else is interested, I recently had an issue with my Apache become increasingly difficult to start. New battery appeared to sort that out, only to get down to Amberley [from Nelson] to have a warning icon show on dash plus message to “check engine”!!!!! Woman travelling on own – panic – check engine for what?? Was setting out on a 2000km trip – thought I had done all the right things in preparation for trip away. On a Sunday – of course!

AA man with computer to rescue – off to auto electrician the next day. Was a build up of carbon in the throttle housing/hub [or what ever you men call it] cleaned 1-2mm carbon away, only $85 bill and van has not missed a beat since.

IMPORTANT NOTE Fiat Ducato Euro 6 Engine Oil

by Les

[ 13 ]

Les

05:33 PM   30-May-17

Tuakau

Fiat Engine Oil Euro 6 IMPORTANT NOTE

 

 

 

I have been trying to source top-up engine oil for the Euro 6 engine and this has been quite interesting. The oil is fully synthetic which of course equals expensive. I have tried to match the specification with oils available and came across what appeared to be a major error. The Fiat Handbook page on Fluids and Lubricants (page 329 in mine) states the oil is SAE 0W-30 ACEA C2 with the specification shown as being 9.55535-S1. This being manufactured by Petronas and named Selenia WR Forward. In talking to Petronas and Castrol I have ascertained that the S1 is ascribed to a Euro 5 engine and NOT Euro 6 and is not recommended for the Euro 6 models. I have spoken with Fiat Customer Service who confirm that the oil required for this engine is SAE 0W-30 ACEA C2 with a specification of 9.55535-DS1. They accept that there is a misprint in my Handbook and showed some concern over this. They have escalated the issue to the powers that be who are concerned with the production of the handbook and expect there to be a correction issued via  a Service Update through Fiat Professional agents. I have also been warned that these engines are liable to use a half litre of oil every 600 miles and therefore a close watch needs to be kept on the engine oil levels.

I am unsure how many members already have Euro 6 vehicles but as more purchase new models hopefully they will pick up on this issue. I am sure that it will take months for this to appear in new Handbooks, mine is dated 02/2015 and came with a 2017 model, meanwhile owners and presumably maintenance engineers may well be filling up with incorrect fluids.

 

UPDATE 07/05/17

Just thought that you might be interested to know that the saga with Fiat continues.

Fiat Customer Services came back to me to confirm that the correct oil for the Euro 6 engines is SAE 0W-30 ACEA C2 with a specification of 9.55535-DS1 entitled Selenia WR Forward. I asked the source of their confirmation and was told that it was from the Fiat Handbook. Having emphasised that this was not in my handbook they conceded that the handbook was out of date. At the bottom of the last page of my handbook there is a Print Number : 603.99.772 – 05/2015 – 1st edition despite being shipped with a 2017 model. It was suggested that for the up to date version I should refer to the internet to which I responded that this was unacceptable and potentially impossible if I were located on a campsite with no signal or communication. The correct handbook for Euro 6 models is Print Number. 603.91.187 – 03/2017- 3rd edition. On investigation I found that the 2015 handbook was ascribed to all cabs up to November 2016 and suddenly changed to the 2017 version with December 2016 models. I have also established that the latest 2017 Auto-Trail and also Swift models continue to be shipped with the 2015 handbook – someone seems to have a job lot of these with little concern to the end user. I wonder how many other incorrect references appear in the earlier version??

 

Having remonstrated with Fiat, who refused to send me an updated version, they advised that I spoke with my dealer or the local Fiat Professional garage to come to some agreement as to how a current handbook could be made available!! I understand that the potential cost to acquire the correct handbook is £20 + VAT. You will not be surprised to hear that I will not be paying that!!

With thanks to Bryan Steiner for this information

Mike & Chris

12:36 PM   25-Jul-17

North Canterbury

Hi

 

Related to the first part of Les's post above.

 

Because I do my own maintenance I have been looking for a suitable oil in a mainstream brand (not Selenia). Shell have replied to my query with the following recommendation which meets Euro 6 Fiat engine specs and appears to also be ok for Euro 5 which my 2015 model is. The specification GS1 and DS1 refers to gas and diesel as opposed to the Euro 5 spec which was just S1... the grade has changed from 5W-30 to 0W - 30. 

 

//www.shell.com/motorist/oils-lubricants/helix-for-cars/helix-fully-synthetic/shell-helix-ultra-ect-c2-c3-0w-30.html

 

It is available from Tyreline, the Shell Oil distributors in 20 litre pails, LubeSales@tyreline.co.nz so should be enough for a couple of changes plus top-ups.

 

Mike

Peter McCormack

10:48 AM   30-Jul-17

Queensland

Penrite has a very good site that allows to enter your vehicle details and it gives you the recommended oil.  For my 3 litre Engined Delaware,it recommended Enviro+ 5W-40.  Penrite also recommends using a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) fuel additive.  The reason for this is that using the wrong oil can cause the DPF to clog and damage the engine.

 

Peter

Mike & Chris

03:59 PM   16-Oct-17

North Canterbury

Further to this thread and probably only of interest to those doing their own maintenance. I bought an oil filter for my 3.0 litre Dakota last week from Euromarque in Christchurch and it cost $70.63 not including a new sump plug washer which cost an additional $8.17... not the plug, just the washer.

 

The original filter is an Iveco 2995655 (not surprising as it is after all an Iveco engine) but I couldn't see it until I removed the splashguards... have just had a quote from NZ Trucks, the Christchurch Iveco service agents for the same original Iveco filter of $48.22... next time!! 

Avocadopicker

04:07 PM   16-Oct-17

Katikati

It would be interesting to know what is the equivalent (maybe the same) for the 2.3L Euro 6 engines.

UK KIWI

09:57 PM   02-Dec-17

Canterbury

Hi all, I have recently collected our imported 2017 Tracker from Tauranga and need to know where to source the correct top-up oil for the 2.3 Ducato Euro 6 engine. With just 1500kms on the clock the instrument  gauge already suggests there has been  some oil consumed. I have read everyone's comments but I'm still no clearer as to what NZ oil company sell the correct grade in small 1 to 2 litre packs. Hoping someone can advise me. 

Bman

10:18 PM   02-Dec-17

Auckland

Hi, we have a Tracker, 2017, Euro 6.  We have been informed by the local Fiat dealer that there is a known oil sensor fault reported with some of these 2017 models and that you may need to monitor this and have the sensor replaced. We are looking to purchase the correct specified oil directly from the Fiat dealer in order not to void our NZ warranty.

UK KIWI

08:04 AM   03-Dec-17

Canterbury

Thanks Bman, I'll make enquires with the local Fiat dealership.

Les

09:37 AM   03-Dec-17

Tuakau

Hi,

I carry of 2 Litres of oil Brought from REPCO......PENRITE Enviro + Full Synthetic  C - 2   0W --30  5 Litre

Les

The Sutherlands

02:20 PM   03-Dec-17

Auckland

Hi  Bolen

We also got struck with the faulty oil sensor on our Tracker  which took a considerable amount of faffing around for us and the Fiat agent before it was replaced and it appears we may now have a faulty "Check Engine"  sensor as well, this one has come on twice in the last 300k but goes way after a short period. We were away this weekend and it came on just before we left and went off on the journey home. I think Fiat may have done some considerable over engineering on these new Euro6 engines with sensors on every gizmo- Cheers Rob

 

Bman

05:02 PM   03-Dec-17

Auckland

Thanks Les for the Repco tip。  Very good to know。

Hi Rob, yep agree some faffing around.  Havnt had the “Check Engine” light come on yet.  It does appear that way, sensor warning lights for Africa for everything :-).  The amber/red oil light hasn’t come back on lately, but the oil level gauge that displays as soon as you turn the ignition to on has variable reading.  This morning it was displaying down low by one bar from maximum.  Drove for about 40 mins, paused, and then started up again and the oil level gauge was displaying maximum full.  The oil dip stick also shows full from what I can tell.  Must be a Fiat quirk......inconsistent/variable readings....so am left with that uncertain feeling....

 

One thing is for certain, really loving the brilliant weather we have been having.  Long may it last as we plan to get out and about in the Tracker.  Cheers, Bolen

UK KIWI

11:44 PM   03-Dec-17

Canterbury

Thanks for the info on Repro as a supplier Les. I had a similar experience with the variable oil level gauge during my travels today. Figure I'll resort to keeping an eye on the level using the stick but carry oil on the off chance. Your responses have been great. Grant

Beetle2

01:17 PM   01-Jan-18

Christchurch

We have an Autortrail Imala 730 bought new from Auckland Motorhomes via Nelson in October 2016. How do we tell if we have a Euro 5 or Euro 6 engine please. The plate under the bonnet has "MOTORE F1AE3481E' AND "VERSIONE 250GNAAU GYC1" .  Handbook supplied is print no. 603.99.772 - 05/2015 which has specs for both Euro 5 and Euro 6 models - the same handbook referred to by Les in the first post on this topic (Engine Oils). 

 

Since posting the above, I have found the answer to my question (p.264 of aforementioned manual). The "Motore F1AE3481E" is listed as 150 Multijet which is NOT Euro 6 so I assume Euro 5. The question came up as i need to top up the engine oil. I'll leave this posting in case it helps someone else. Cheers, Martin

Oil capacity

by Grant and Gail

[ 7 ]

Grant and Gail

11:12 AM   04-Apr-16

Christchurch

Hi. Can anyone provide the quantity of oil and type for 2014 Ducato 3 litre.

Its not in any of my documents and I've tried googling to no avail.

Also is 45000 km the correct distance to change oil and filter? Seems a lot of k's.

Any help is appreciated.

 

J&D

01:00 PM   04-Apr-16

Leeston

Hi Grant. Your 3.0L will take 7.5L with an oil filter. Always check the dip stick after the engine has run.

Use a good Quality full Synthetic oil and for a camper I would recomend 10,000Km intervals 

 Some European late model diesels recomend 30,000 Km drain intervals,with full synthetic

oils. I run my fleet to 20,000Km to be safe.Sounds like a lot I know, but the late CR diesels are very clean

engines and  the modern oils are certainly up to these distances.

Most Campers are parked up during winter so it makes sense to change at 10,000Km

Hope this is of some use.

CHeers John

Mike & Chris

01:23 PM   04-Apr-16

North Canterbury

Hi Grant

 

From my manual and other sources... the correct oil is Selenia WR PE fully synthetic 5W - 30. Selenia is always reccommended for Fiat, Alfa etc because they own the company. Not even sure if it is available in NZ but I have always used Shell Ultra in the Alfa and will continue to do so in the Ducato when the time comes... would also be happy with Castrol Edge or similar quality fully synthetic oil. According to the manual the 3 litre engine takes 8 litres of oil or 9 with a filter change. As for the service interval, the manual says 24 months or within the range 20,000kms, 30,000kms or 40,000kms depending on the severity of use and conditions. For my use, I will probably be governed by 24 months. Although I always do my own servicing, to preserve the warranty I will have the first service done by the Fiat agents in Christchurch... saving up for it already!!

 

Regards

Mike

Grant and Gail

09:05 PM   04-Apr-16

Christchurch

Hi John and Mike. My Fiat is coming up to 30000 km and I'm not comfortable with leaving it to 45000 km so I will get it done in the coming spring as we don't use it over winter. I thought about using Euromarque but as it is more than two years old it is out of warranty so I thought I would save some money and either do it myself or use oil changers.

 

Still confused over volume as John says 7.5 litres and Mike 9 litres with filter.

 

Many thanks 

 

Grant

Mike & Chris

08:39 AM   05-Apr-16

North Canterbury

Hi

I can only quote the supplied Owners Handbook, page 316... 8 litres in the sump and 9 with a filter change. The 3 litre engine holds considerably more than the smaller versions. Shell Oil website also states 9 litres.

 

Mike

Grant and Gail

08:03 PM   05-Apr-16

Christchurch

Hi Mike,

Thanks for clarifying.

Regards Grant

 

Robert

04:38 PM   01-Aug-16

Dunedin

Hi.

our 2011, 130 multijet motor, 2.2 litre takes 6litres of oil and that includes the oil filter, the book for my model says 7litres, but have always only managed to get 6litres in.

I have always used the selenia-wr-pe-2  5w30 but it is expensive.

would be interested in what other full synthetic oil could be used. There must be an equivalant oil spec to the selenia?

X250 3L Oil Leak

by Avocadopicker

[ 2 ]

Avocadopicker

02:53 PM   29-Jan-16

Katikati

I noticed oil dripping from around sump pan area (covered by plastic shroud). Farmer Autovillage in Tauranga diagnosed a loosened banjo union on pipe supplying oil to turbo unit. They managed to change copper sealing washers and torque it up again - Fiat warranty allowance is 1.9 Hours - all fixed under warranty but a bit of a worry on a 16,000km engine. Can't speak too highly about the Farmer Autovillage service.

RSUP

09:02 PM   26-Jun-17

Taupo

I totally agree Farmer AutoVillage is 2nd to none with regard to service and customer relationships

Turbo charger actuator solenoid replacement

by David Buxton

[ 4 ]

David Buxton

09:37 AM   17-Feb-15

Taupo

Earlier this year I received a letter from Fiat UK saying I need to get the turbo charger actuator solenoid valve replaced - it's for all 2.3 150hp and 3.0 180hp JTD engines. I phoned our nearest fiat dealer (in Tauranga two hours drive away!) and they had to get the part in. It's now replaced and the service manager told me it's been modified so that rain water coming down into the engine department and wetting this turbo sensor is now been shifted out of the way of the water. Reminds me of the discussion we had at our last rally whereby water getting onto the engine due to a lack of windscreen sealing and blocked drains causes problems with engine and lighting electronics. I wonder why Fiat hasn't fixed this design problem.

John_2

10:11 AM   04-Feb-17

Wellington

Hi David, Do you know if all Fiat 150's are turbo ?

Thanks,

John.

 

 

David Buxton

10:42 AM   04-Feb-17

Taupo

To my limited knowledge, "yes". A few members have reported a big loss of power when their turbo dies so I believe all the Autotrail engines require a turbo to enable full power to be delivered. 

Boltman

02:25 PM   04-Feb-17

Whangarei

Yes they are gutless without turbo. When mine went I couldn't take it home until fiat imported the new solenoid as I couldn't drive it up the hill to our house.

P0638 Throttle Actuator Control

by David Buxton

[ 2 ]

David Buxton

10:16 AM   13-Jan-15

Taupo

Les sent me this from the Fiat Forum (//www.fiatforum.com/ducato/307773-p0638-throttle-actuator-control-range.html) - it may be of interest to some of our members I have a motorhome built on a 08 reg 160multijet Maxi Chassis which has now covered about 15000 miles. While recently on holiday in Germany the engine emission fault light came on although I felt no other effects. I tried disconnecting the battery but the light persisted and has remained on over the last 1000 miles of my return journey, again with no other symptoms and no change in power or fuel consumption. A local garage has managed to interpret the fault as p0 638 but know no more about it......What does this mean and who should I turn to?

Les

10:36 AM   10-Sep-15

Tuakau

                                     

 

  Old Left            New Throttle Body                                       Water ingress Damage on Throttle Actuator

Throttle Body Fault P0638

assuming that you have not reached the stage yet whereby a huge quantity of black smoke is emitted from the exhaust while the engine is running badly and losing power; you can relieve the symptoms by removing the right hand pipe that is pushed onto the solenoid valve. This valve is bolted to the rear of a plate that is underneath the windscreen scuttle and extends 6 inches down towards the engine. This is always worth a try if you are in a mess but needs to be regarded as a temporary fix only. 
This solenoid will be getting quite hot because it is having to do a lot more work than it normally would, and will almost certainly need to be replaced once the throttle body is attended to. They just wear out. 
The test for the throttle body is to remove the rubber pipe on the left hand side so that the metal flap inside the throttle body can be reached with your fingers. If it moves very freely and returns unaided to the position that it was before; you may be lucky and it might be alright. If it is even slightly 'sticky' in operation or is stuck or does not return it is broken and will need to be replaced. 
The initial units fitted from 2006 were brittle and did not last long. The pivot for the flap was attached in a very weak manner to the actuator (motor drive) and broke frequently. The later revised devices were not much better until 2009 when a completely new and much more substantial unit was offered (and fitted at the factory after September 2009). The only problem with this one is that the electrical plug is incompatible with the earlier loom and requires an extortionately expensive converter lead.
This kind of throttle body will not be improved by 'cleaning'. This is an absolute waste of time since the device is normally not just sticking, but broken. 
If there seems to be nothing wrong with the throttle body you should go straight to the solenoid valve and replace that. The bobbins used to fix it to the metal plate often break so you may need a couple of those too. Don't forget to remove the little exhaust part from the bottom of the valve and fit it to your new one. The plastic plugs that are inserted in the new one MUST be removed, and there are 3 of them. Make careful note of which of the two pipes goes to which side! On the 2.3 engine they cross over each other, and on 3.0 engines they don't! This though is a job that you might wish to try to do yourself. 

FIAT SERVICING & ANNUAL COST

Servicing Cost !!!

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

10:47 AM   24-Jun-18

Tuakau

FIAT SERVICE INTERVAL & COST

AT NZ Facebook Post: 

 

Hey guys what kms have you been told to get a first service check done on your new Auto-Trails... before anyone asks I have read the warrantee manual from Auckland Motorhomes. Just curious to hear what you have actually done. 

 

Comments:


-  I had it serviced at AA on Hewletts Rd Mt Maunganui after 9000 miles.

 

-  I will be getting yearly servicing.


-   We do the same


-  It's every 2 years here in the U.K.

 

-  Ours 18 months old 6000 km just had serviced as were told needed Serviced yearly for warranty purposes

 

- Ours was done at 18 months 19,000 km at Fiat dealer in Tauranga, from memory it was around $500.00

 

- Just got my Tracker FB serviced at Brent Body Prestige in Palmerston North (Fiat Agents). 28000km. I get it serviced yearly as per Fiat service schedule. They told me all the filters would need to be changed 30000km intervile. got the bill $911.00 ouch!!! Might go mileage service next time. They did a good job though but $150 for fuel filter????

 

-  It cost me $900+ when I got my done last year at Brent body.

 

-  I was advised to get a service annually no matter what the mileage so went to Simms at Botany by appointment and had a full service done for $688.

Another thing they look up the vehicle in their system and carry out any recall updates . All good for peace of mind.

Christchurch Ducato Servicing

by Beetle2

[ 2 ]

Beetle2

11:13 AM   13-Nov-17

Christchurch

In the Technical notes email (of Novemeber 12) from the recent Waipu Rally, it is stated that the Christchcurch Fiat Dealer (presumably Euromarque?) will no longer service "large motorhomes" due to space issues. Has anyone found an alternative close to Christchurch please? 

Mike & Chris

11:33 AM   13-Nov-17

North Canterbury

Hi

It would be worth discussing with "NZ Trucks", they will have the size capability and are the local authorised Iveco service agents so they will be familiar with the engine. They have a new facility in Brydone Road off Shands Road, Hornby... no knowledge of their servicing/repair but recently bought some spares there and they were very helpful.

 

//www.nztrucks.co.nz/branches/christchurch/

Fiat Service Auckland

by Richard & Kay

[ 18 ]

Richard & Kay

09:00 AM   30-May-17

Auckland

Has anyone used Wingers North Shore for Fiat service? They are listed on the Fiat website as service agents even though they don't appear to sell them .

We live in Orewa and it would be so much easier to get there than Newmarket in morning traffic.Maybe we should move to Tauranga given the excellent reports on Farmers Autovillage 😇

Bman

01:14 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

Hi RIchard, I have been informed that the Fiat dealer in Newmarket may be limited in accommodating larger motor homes due to limited space at the dealership and was recommended to use the Fiat dealer [same owner as the dealer in Newmarket] in Botany.  I have used the Botany Fiat dealer for a warranty issue, and they were efficient and had tonnes of space to park when you arrive.  Might pay to give them a ring before you go?  By the way is this your first service under warranty and at what mileage and is this annual?  Curious as I am not clear when to take mine in for its first warranty service.

Richard & Kay

02:30 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

My first service . Fuat servicing appears to be 45000 km. The dealer suggested annual at this stage to get the upgrades. Warranty like the dealer is a bit vsgue😬

The Sutherlands

04:45 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

The service interval seems to be a vexed question for many on this forum. The Scheduled Servicing Operating Plan covered in my manual clearly states that the first service is due at 42k. I have no reason to disbelieve this advice.It does say that if the vehicle is being operated in severe or dusty conditions then a service should be considered earlier. Warranty repairs are of coarse another issue. For me 42k may take some time to achieve so a oil change at 20k will be done through a Midas or similar outfit. I know I dont need to do it but old habits die hard

Richard & Kay

05:24 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

Thanks for that . That's what I understood from the manual.Finally got hold of Wingers and they only service cars as they have a low workshop. My typo . It is deifinitely 42000km

Chris Gaelic

05:43 PM   30-May-17

I used Andrew Simms in Newmarket for my initial service, and their Botany branch for all subsequent services and repairs. Newmarket was tight on space, but they could handle it. There is more room at Botany, and they have a lot of motorhomes in their yard at any time, so are logging plenty of experience. You do need to book in advance.

Richard & Kay

06:07 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

Thanks for that . That's what I understood from the manual.Finally got hold of Wingers and they only service cars as they have a low workshop.

Nick & Karen

06:39 PM   30-May-17

If you are looking at the 40,000km services intervals in the hand book, it is written for a commercial Ducato not a motorhome. Farmers Fiat recommend every 12 months as motorhomes don't do the mileage of a commercial vehicle. 

The Sutherlands

08:21 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

Well, not sure about that, but the Official Fiat Professional Motorhome web site clearly states that servicing is at 48k or 2 years for Euro6 engines. I think I will go with their advice-they make 'em

Bman

09:46 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

Thanks all for your helpful feedback on servicing intervals etc.  This has also prompted me to recheck the Fiat maintenance manual [for Australia & NZ] that was given to me, entitled "Fiat Ducato campers" and I now note that it quotes service intervals for travel of LESS than 40,000km, that a service interval is recommended every 12 months as other fluids need to be checked/topped up.  It appears that there is inconsistent information out there on the Fiat service intervals judging by this forum and we seem to have different information given in our Fiat manuals too.

Chris Gaelic

10:10 PM   30-May-17

Andrew Simms in Newmarket made it very clear that it was 42k or 12 months, whichever comes first, for a Euro5 engine. So, from memory, we had our first service done at 12 months when we only had around 20k on the clock. If you don't have it done, then you might be faced with warranty issues. And, it's not cheap - I think we ended up paying around $1,200.

The Sutherlands

09:52 AM   31-May-17

Auckland

Of coarse vested interest groups like dealers will tell you that, they relieved you of $1200. Remember your warranty is only 2 years anyway so service v warranty doesnt come into it. Stick to the Fiat recommended schedule and save yourself some money. If you really feel the need to get an oil change before the 42k get a cheap oil changer to do it. And if your really concerned about recalls and up dates then there is a section on the Fiat website where you can type in your VIN number and it will tell you if there is anything that needs doing. I did last night and mine was clear

Richard & Kay

02:13 PM   31-May-17

Auckland

Thanks for all this information. One more question. Does anyone have the link to Fiat for the vin search for updates.I mus the getting old and senile as every site I go to tells me everything except the vin information.

The Sutherlands

03:12 PM   31-May-17

Auckland

I have just tried to get you that but it appears the Fiat camper website is down. I will check again tonight and send you the link. Funny but some service centres that I have spoken to dont know this service exists from Fiat

Richard & Kay

06:44 PM   31-May-17

Auckland

Thanks 

The Sutherlands

08:17 AM   01-Jun-17

Auckland

www.fiatcamper.com/en/home This should do it. Its a funny site things seem to do vanishing acts and then re-appear. I am on the site now and found the Chassis Check window under the moving banner

Richard & Kay

03:26 PM   03-Jun-17

Auckland

Thanks . Success at last and everything is ticked green. With only 4000 km in the first year , I am loathe to,pay for whole service , particularly as there are no updates to be had. 

Laurie & Diane

04:54 PM   07-Aug-17

Auckland

I contacted Fiat New Zealand who forwarded me the service information and they advised the service requirement  is 30000miles (45000kms) or 24months. However if the vehcle is  only city driving it is 12 months. 

Fiat Ducato service in Nelson?

by Georges

[ 3 ]

Georges

06:34 AM   19-Sep-16

Blenheim

anybody aware if this is possible now?

Nick & Karen

06:42 AM   19-Sep-16

Fiat list Huston Prestige in 153 Rutherford street as a service centre

Georges

03:05 PM   21-Sep-16

Blenheim

Just phone Nelson Houston Prestige car ( New Fiat dealer in Nelson) . They wont be able to service the Ducatos before another month or so. They are expecting some gear and computer programs to be able to do that.

Fiat service

by Onlinesteve

[ 7 ]

Onlinesteve

11:18 PM   12-Jun-16

Cromwell

Back to the North Island for winter. Our imported 2014 Delaware has done 37000km and due for its 1st service. Any recommendations and approximate costs. We will be in Hawera and Gisborne with our daughters but also visiting the Far North and Bay of Plenty. 

Avocadopicker

06:19 PM   11-Jul-16

Katikati

Farmer Autovillage in Tauranga were excellent when doing our 1st service on 2014 Delaware.

Onlinesteve

07:19 PM   11-Jul-16

Cromwell

Thanks Avocadopicker

RSUP

08:18 AM   29-May-17

Taupo

We have a 2014 Delaware and had it's 10000 'll service by a company in Rotorua. I was not impressed!! They left the cover loose under the motor, it was very fortuate that I went 200 m aound the corner for a COF at VTNZ, they spotted that the bolts were all loose and would have fallen off on my trip back to Taupo. They also did not do all of the requested work We will be using Farmers AutoVillage in Tauranga in future, from feedback they much more profestional

The Sutherlands

09:22 AM   29-May-17

Auckland

Agreed with Farmers. On a recent warranty repair of a oil sensor that turned into a major, Henry and his team were exceptional. Can not praise them enough.

Bman

11:09 AM   29-May-17

Auckland

Hi, can anyone tell me when the Fiat warranty service is for the first service?  Ours is a 2017 Tracker, Euro 6, 150 hp multi jet.   I have been told and read different things.  I have been told service should be annually regardless of KM travelled, and have read and told that service is at the 2 year mark or 20,000 km for the first service.  

 

Any advice is appreciated.

The Sutherlands

08:59 PM   30-May-17

Auckland

Hi Bman-see te discussion under "Fiat Service Auckland " for some answers

Ducato warranty service

by Georges

[ 8 ]

Georges

09:26 AM   30-Nov-15

Blenheim

Ducato service in Marlborough / Nelson region

Can somebody tell me if there is a authorised Fiat Ducato garage tos ervice my Mohowk in this region . Thanks 

Chris Gaelic

01:07 PM   01-Dec-15

The closest one is in Christchurch - Euromarque, at 120 Asaph St, 03 366-0229

Sublime

02:26 PM   27-Jan-16

Geraldine

We have just had ours serviced $550 there it has gone up $100 since last year.  Not impressed especially since they were going to fix the water leak coming into the engine area but when they noticed our warranty expired 3 days earlier it was a no go, so be warned if you have any problems make sure you get it fixed well within warranty time.

Avocadopicker

09:13 PM   01-Feb-16

Katikati

Just had first service for around $550 as above, but during that time, they fixed a significant oil leak (which is why I took it in for service) under warranty - no charge to me. Can't recommend Farmer Autovillage (Henry) if you're in the Tauranga area.

Barry King

09:52 PM   10-Apr-16

Lower Hutt

Avocadopicker not sure if you meant "Can't recommend Farmer Autovillage..".  We used them (Henry) two weeks ago to do our first Fiat service and found them excellent to deal with...I personally would highly recommend them.

David Buxton

07:30 AM   11-Apr-16

Taupo

Agree, presume Avocadopicker meant 'can', not 'can't'. See my entry ' Auto gearbox and brake warnings at last fixed' above. Henry, the Fiat service manager at Farmer Auto in Mt Maunganui gives excellent attention to his customers. However I cringe at the cost of service charges, especially the cost of oil and parts. 

Avocadopicker

04:45 PM   20-Apr-16

Katikati

Yes, sorry, that was meant to say 'too highly'.... the service was excellent and I shall certainly be going to Farmer Autovillage exclusively for my Autotrail platform support in the future.  Nothing was too much trouble.

UK KIWI

10:24 PM   20-Sep-18

Canterbury

As a follow up on my earlier query regarding Ducato warranty service in Chch.

Our Tracker recently had its first service as per the Fiat schedule at Euomarque Christchurch at a cost of $550. Being a car dealership company, the size of Ducato’s are limited to 7 metres but accepted the Tracker at 7.1 metres. Space is very tight however so even parking around the area is difficult.

The service manager Matthew Pullan was good to deal with but there’s just the one specialist Ducato Technician onsite so bookings need to be made well in advance.

The current EGR recall was inspected and found to be faulty so is now on order which means a return visit once it arrives in 2 to 3 weeks. The company advised that fitting the replacement part would take around a ½ hr??

Overall I felt the cost and servicing was very good but it is frustrating that recall item parts aren’t held in stock although this seems to be the way many companies operate today.

 

FIAT TECHNICAL

Vehicle Battery Free To Move Around

by Malcolm

[ 6 ]

Malcolm

08:52 PM   15-Dec-22

Feilding

On investigating an intermittent  knocking sound coming from under the passenger floor area of a 2020 Ducato, I found that the metal clamp that sits across and on top of the vehicle battery was completely loose and free to float around and able to strike the sides of the battery box.

The clamp is held secure on the battery by a threaded bolt/nut through a plate on top of the battery. The nut was already at its max tightend position so could not be tightened further to secure the battery.

Appears Fiat have put in a clamp not suited to secure their installed battery size.

I have fixed this by inserting flexible rubber insert cuts between battery top and clamp and between the battery top sides and battery box sides.

Will see if this eliminates that knocking sound over Christmas driving

 

Malcolm

09:57 AM   16-Dec-22

Feilding

I learnt today that as this is an Auto-Trail UK factory built camper van and has an engine bay factory fitted label '"AUTO-TRAIL SECOND STAGE CONVERSION"' that the original Fiat factory Ducato battery most likely was removed by Auto-Trail UK and another battery fitted. That is why the Fiat battery clamp is not fully securing the current battery.

If this is fact then do other Auto Trail owners in NZ face this issue?

 

 

Mike & Chris

10:18 AM   16-Dec-22

North Canterbury

Malcolm, the 2nd stage conversion placard is necessary and accepted by NZTA for NZ certification (and sometimes 3rd stage etc). I would be very surprised if Autotrail changed the battery as a matter of course as ours certainly wasn't it is a genuine made for Fiat battery. It may have been changed because it was faulty... is it labeled FIAMM. The correct battery depending on engine size is a DIN110 or DIN88, they only vary in length but are both 190mm high. If a non DIN battery is fitted it may have adequate capacity but not be high enough for the hold down strap. Mike

Malcolm

01:18 PM   16-Dec-22

Feilding

Thanks for your informative reply Mike.

 

Without lifting out the battery, there are no FIAMM labels visible on battery top. Only one label on top  "'3099 and D776"'. Words stamped on battery top read ""SPECIAL FLOODED STOP/START BATTERY"''

 

Battery -

Height is approx 152mm (excluding the various electrical cable attachments box attached on top.)

Lenght is approx 460mm (battery fulls the entire lenght)

Width approx 180mm

The height of the battery box is 228mm approximately. 

 

The threaded bolt/nut securing the hold down clamp has oodles of spare thread above the nut but nothing left to tighten nut.

 

 

 

 

Mike & Chris

04:11 PM   16-Dec-22

North Canterbury

Difficult to make a helpful comment except to say that when I replaced mine recently I went for a Century DIN110 which was the exact dimensions as the original, either a ZLMF or LAGM if you have stop start. Have a look at the Century website. Most of the other brands like Bosch or Varta for European vehicles are a bit harder to find in NZ.

 

Malcolm

04:27 PM   16-Dec-22

Feilding

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your input.

 

Have now asked Nationwide RV if they have come across this clamp issue before and I await their reply.

Squeeling Front Brakes

by Malcolm

[ 5 ]

Malcolm

08:31 AM   18-Nov-22

Feilding

Hi,

At just 20000 kms my Ducato front brakes now squeel at the slighest touch of the foot break. By appyling more brake pressure squeel continues.

Dealer tells me they are unable to fault the brakes for squeakin, everything looks ok and that this is common with Ducatos.

Any one had this issue?

Thanks,

Malcolm

 

Twilight

11:15 AM   18-Nov-22

Auckland

I had a similar issue but with brake warning light on after 20,000km. Found that pads worn down and wire ground off hence the light. New rotors and pads later at great expense, all ok. After another WOF later, warned that front pads down a bit. Replaced and I therefore resolved to replace pads at about 15,000km. Incidentally I drive carefully using gearbox and engine braking wherever possible so brakes used judiciously.

Malcolm

11:41 AM   18-Nov-22

Feilding

Thanks, appreciate your reply.

I dont have the brake warning light come on and Fiat Dealer told me brake pads were still ok. Despite all that brakes squeel loudly.

Such fun owning a Ducato!

 

 

 

Mike & Chris

12:07 PM   18-Nov-22

North Canterbury

Nothing to do with Ducatos Malcolm, all vehicles suffer from brake squeal at some time and to some degree, scientists have studied it and books have been written on the subject. It is caused by resonance between the friction material and the brake disc amplified by mechanical components in the brake system and suspension. There are many suggested solutions including fitting shims, changing the pad material, gluing the pads to the caliper pistons, lubrication of components etc. Over the years I have had success by putting a slight bevel on the leading edge of the pads and giving everthing a good clean. Google brake squeal and enjoy the read. Mike

Malcolm

02:30 PM   18-Nov-22

Feilding

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your informative response.

I will Google as you have suggested.

 

 

 

Wont start and warning lights

by Just Restin

[ 3 ]

Just Restin

01:08 PM   22-Oct-22

Nelson

 

Hello to all.

I am wondering if someone is able to assist. We have a 2015 Delaware with auto/ manual gear box. It refused to start today and the fuel light does not move off E also the petrol pump light on the dash has a ! beside the image. That goes away after some time and is replaced with a re curl with serrated edges and it has a ! in the middle of it. None of these appear in the owner’s manual. We had AA out today and there is certainly fuel in it and pumping into the filter. He had put some QuickStart down the air cleaner it wants to start but just coughs and shakes.

 

My ph. is 0211333846 if you text I am more than happy to call you when you are free.

 

Kindest regards

Paul

 

Mike & Chris

03:50 PM   22-Oct-22

North Canterbury

Hi Paul... if the fuel gauge needle is pointing to E and the low level light is illuminated it is indicating that the tank is empty... is it possible that someone has siphoned the fuel out? Are there any leaks in the fuel system, especially one that would allow air in. If its indicating empty and the fuel low level light is flashing it indicates that there is a system fault. Did the AA mechanic do a scan for faults? If not then that should be your first port of call, any larger workshop in Nelson should have the capability, especially one that handles European vehicles.

 

It would also be worth checking that the crash switch hasn't activated inadvertantly (inertia switch). Look or feel in the passengers footwell for a rubber covered reset switch. If it has activated the fuel will be cut off, not sure if that is downstream or upstream of the filter.

Just Restin

04:48 PM   22-Oct-22

Nelson

Hi Mike and Chris,

Very much apricate you taking the time to help us. We put 20 litres of fuel in it today and I am damb sure when we parked it up last week, I had fuel in it so are sure that is not the problem for us. I found a rubber boot on the passenger’s foot well and pressed it but it made no definitive click or action. The van still will not start. What seems odd is the fuel gauge not registering the fuel at all. the low fuel warning light comes on for a short period as it usually does and then goes out but the gauge does not move. I had just re read my last post and spelling was shocking so please forgive me. The warning lights where the fuel pump image is but it changes to this red symbol.

We will ring the fait agents here and see if they will pop out and plug it in to their computer. The AA guy tried but it would not pick up out van at all.

My lovely wife has put a post on Facebook along with the photos of the warning lights.

Gut wrenching for us as we were just about to head off for the weekend.

 

Once again thankyou so much for helping us out.

Kind Regards Paul

 

 

Diesel Particulate Filter Differential

by Phil

[ 2 ]

Phil

12:31 PM   26-Dec-21

Christchurch

Pressure Sensor Circuit Low- Any one had same problem and if so how to remedy. I heard there was a recall for 2014 Fiat but cant find any info

Mike & Chris

01:02 PM   26-Dec-21

North Canterbury

Assuming it is a DPF pressure sensor there is an interesting article here: 

https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/articles/practical-advice/motorhome-advice-diesel-particulate-filters 

Unfortunately there are a number of reasons why a DPF becomes clogged, a diagnostic check would be helpful. It could also be the pressure sensor itself and not the DPF.

Engine Our Oil Level Bar Graph 2020 Ducato

by Malcolm

[ 2 ]

Malcolm

07:54 AM   16-Apr-21

Feilding

The 2020 Ducato features an engine oil level bar graph that first appears in the dashboard light clusters on starting the engine when cold. The graph then appears on further engine starts during your road trip provided the engine has been off for over 5mins.

In our Ducato,at just 6000kms, this bar graph started not to show on first engine start up and now does not appear on all engine start ups. 

Has any member experienced this issue with their Ducato?

Thanks,

Malcolm

Malcolm

09:22 AM   06-May-21

Feilding

An update for any member interested.

Have completed a further 3000kms with no engine oil bar graph showing at any engine start up,cold or warm. 

Now a warm start with van parked on a 15 degree road slope had the graph reappear. Graph continued to appear on further warm engine starts on level roads rest of that day. Next day no graph on cold or warm starts and no graph any day since.

As the problem first appeared after the local Fiat Dealer completed the vans first engine oil/filter change I have now checked with them but they say they do not know what the cause of this could be.

So a manual check of the engine oil dipstick remains the only way of verifying the oil level.

 

Malcolm

 

 

Cambelt replacement?

by Beetle2

[ 1 ]

Beetle2

03:26 PM   31-Jan-21

Christchurch

Our 2016 Autotrail Imala 730 is due for a cambelt relacement this October (5 year although we will only have done about 32,000km). Any recommendations in Christchurch apart from Euromarque? I imagine it will be waterpump as well. What sort of cost should I expect? 

Radio aerial improvement

by David Buxton

[ 6 ]

David Buxton

10:33 AM   12-Aug-20

Taupo

I want to improve the radio reception in our 2017 Fiat. The aerial, I understand, is n the left mirror. Haas anyone fitted a small outside aerial to the mirror or installed a completely separate outside aerial onto the cab or luton? 

Fika

05:01 PM   12-Aug-20

Auckland

We would like to know this as well.

Les

07:25 PM   12-Aug-20

Tuakau

I fitted a booster aerial which I lifted the dashboard plastic by the passenger side cooler box. The kit had a plug that went as above in the dash to existing cable and plug into it, then up the corner pillar to a amp box that sticks the windscreen. On the outside top of windscreen you stick on a wire aerial. Les

Boltman

09:00 PM   12-Aug-20

Whangarei

I have fixed the problem completely by using the rova app on my smartphone and Bluetooth to the radio uses next to no data I can now go anywhere without loosing the signal.

David Buxton

09:10 PM   12-Aug-20

Taupo

Thank you both for your replies. Les, I pulled both the glovebox and the cooler box out and couldn't find the aerial cable anywhere and assumed it was buried in the harness. So decided that if I did anything I would take the aerial directly from the radio unit.  please give me a link to the aerial system you used on the windscreen.  When you lifted the dashboard plastic, did it just unclip?

Les

10:58 AM   13-Aug-20

Tuakau

Hi Dave, Just run it directly from amp box on windscreen down corner under dash to radio and plug it in,hopefully there is enough cable. 

 

booster aerials Can be brought at supercheap or repco.

Les

AdBlue New Multijet2 Euro 6

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

11:20 AM   28-Jul-20

Tuakau

 

Interesting reading on different Forums the New Fiat Ducato motors, and been having trouble reversing up ramps.

 

It was suggested to me that the Euro 6d Ducato would be around 40kg heavier than the 6b version due to the AdBlue equipment. I have chosen to get a 130 "6b" version rather than go for (another) all new, un-proven version

 

I have exactly the same problem as you.

My van is a 2020 2.3 140. It has less than 280 miles on the clock. I'll describe what happened.


I picked up the van with 15 miles on the clock. Began the journey home (140 miles). I knew that the van had auto stop start (which I dislike) so after about 30 miles I swithed the stop/start off using the dash control just below and to the right of the steering wheel.

A short while later the engine management light came up amber. A warning was given on the multi function display that the auto stop/start was disconnected, this was a circle with an A in the middle and an ! (amplisand), indicating a fault. The performance of the vehicle seemed to remain the same. Being brand new I was driving very gently anyway. I got home and invesitgated what the problem was. Using an ODB2 reader connected to Torque I found the same fault code as you. I cleared the fault code using Torque.

Next day started the vehicle and drove as normal, all ok until I switched off the auto stop/start. Same warning as described above. Drove home and again cleared the fault. Next drive out, again no problems. On this occasion I stopped at a location for about 3 hours. On the way home the fault appeared without me touching the auto stop/start disable/enable button.

Booked it into the local Fiat Proffessional garage. They have told me that they have diagnosed a defective "matter sensor". Apparently this has been a common problem recently. The sensor is not readily available and is on back order from the factory in Italy, they have no idea when it will arrive!
The workshop manager could not tell me if I should or should not drive the van.

Thats it for know, Ill keep you updated.

Cheers.



Yup, popped into the selling dealer on Saturday, managed to grab technician who said exactly same, DPF matter sensor, common part,
As I could clear it he said to mention it to them when booking in for service (4 weeks away approx) and hopefully they will fix under warranty then,

Prob I’m having as I needed to change laptops is the latest 4.6R multiecuscan won’t recognise anything on the van
Where my 2.5yr old old version let me clear faults but that’s gone now

Thankfully it runs ok
And was showing as regenerations were happening at normal regular intervals

Faulty Airbag light

by Michael and Jill

[ 3 ]

Michael and Jill

01:25 PM   13-Jul-20

Tauranga

After the Lockdown, on the 12 May 2020 I took my Ducato Motorhome for its overdue booked COF at VTNZ 9th Ave Tauranga. After leaving my drive I noticed the Airbag warning light come up. Needless to say HWH170, which has less than 20,000 km on the odometer, passed everything except that I was told that I had to go to the Fiat dealer to have electronics checked as to why the airbag light was on.

I called into Farmer Auto, the Fiat agent in Tauranga, on my way back home and had to pay $97.81 for the invoice that states in part  “cleared all codes operation all OK”

Subsequently in early June we loaded the campervan up for a 3 night trip away down the coast but I found the offending airbag light once again was on. This time I simply ignored the light and we went away as planned for 360 km round trip without any problems.

Contacted Farmer again who simply told that I needed a new circuit board at about $500 for the shoddy bit of Fiat gear. Then took the matter up with the importer who simply said out of Warranty, tough.

Are any other members aware of the problems that I am having with the Airbag warning light on the Fiat Ducato Autotrail Delaware? If so what have they done about it. I will have to do something about it before the next COF in Nov 2020.

Lois

01:49 PM   19-Oct-20

Nelson 7011

Not sure what model you have- there are problems 2016 onwards with Fiat airbag lights. Mine is Fiat Ducato 2006 and the air bag light came on and stayed on. Diagnostic check found no air bags fitted. Problem was in the instrument cluster. LED removed from behind air bag light and instrument cluster fixed, cost $583 locally by Nelson Fiat delaer. Was warned that more could go wrong with the panel at a later date. Much cheaper than having to get a whole new unit.

Terry and Sue

08:33 AM   25-Mar-21

We have a 2012 Ducato and had issues with the Airbag light just after we bought it last year. We had it checked and they found it was the clock spring in the steering assy. Airbag light would only come on occasionally and only when we turned right. Got a mate of mine (he is a qualified mechanic) replace the clock spring assy and all good now. Cost was about $800 at mates rates.

Dashboard - Warning-Lights

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

11:14 AM   19-Jun-20

Tuakau

 

Click on link

 

https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/advice/know-your-dashboard-warning-lights

Reversing Camera Issues

by Kiwi5

[ 5 ]

Kiwi5

05:10 PM   23-Dec-19

Napier

My Fiat Imala 625 14,000 kms has had intermittent reversing camera not available messages when reverse selected. Now 100% unavailable when reverse selected.  Any solutions most welcome. Will be off to AMH when we return. 

Bman

05:34 PM   23-Dec-19

Auckland

This happened to us as well. We just reached up and tapped the camera gently and the camera came back on. It's been pretty good ever since.

Karen and Steve

06:09 PM   23-Dec-19

Kapiti

Does the camera show a picture when the unit is set to display all the time?

Kiwi5

04:02 PM   24-Dec-19

Napier

Hi Bman, brilliant suggestion. camera now working. Gentle tapping worked. Can't understand why.

 

Hi Karen and Steve, not sure how to make the camera unit display all the time with our 2018 Imala 625. Only seems to operate when reverse selected.

 

thanks all for the great prompt responses

 

Kiwi5 Peter

Kiwi5

09:24 PM   23-Feb-20

Napier

Hi Bman, no luck. The camera has failed again and again.

 

But I have a permanent fix. The fault has been identified in a connector to the camera which is being rewired.

 

cheers Peter

 

Airbag light glows dimly with cruise control on

by Neil

[ 2 ]

Neil

09:46 PM   12-Oct-19

I noticed the airbag warning light glowing dimly and discovered that it only occurred when cruise control was active. The light comes on and goes off ok at startup but remains dim. Searching the net turned up info on various UK forums about this issue. The condition does not seem to have any effect on vehicle operation but in some cases other warning lights have this problem. The fault is in the instrument cluster. I have had mine replaced under warranty. (2016 Ducato)(Dakota)

David and Anne

12:30 PM   09-Dec-19

Wangi Wangi, NSW

Morning Neil.

Interesting to read - we fairly recently traded a Winnebago Airlie for our AT Comanche (and are very happy with the far superior finish and facilities).

The Winnebago was also on a Fiat Ducato and in that vehicle, I too, noticed the faint glow on the airbag warning light when in cruise control. Never resolved it, but it never became an issue.....hard not to be conscious of it while driving, all the same.

David

GVM Upgrade

by LoadSafe

[ 1 ]

LoadSafe

08:19 AM   07-Sep-19

Tauranga

Hello I'm a motorhome owner from one of the other camps, a Carado built on a Fiat Ducato.

 

I was reading your clubs new report from 2017 recently and the issue of exceeding the GVM.

 

Previously I too use to exceed my GVM and rear axle weight limit almost constantly due to the large rear overhang I have. Last year I went on a international search for a remedy that was acceptable to NZTA.

 

Having now successfully uprated my Fiat Ducato to a GVM of 4000 kg (factory GVM 3650 kg) and to a rear axle weight limit of 2240kg (an increase of 240 kg) I offer this service to my fellow motorhome owners as the New Zealand distributor. 

 

The process involves fitting an approved suspension kit and a TUV approved "overload" document. The suspension kit is typically only required on the rear axle(s), but can be all axles, or just the front axle if this is the axle thats overloaded. Depending on the vehicle, there is a choice between helper springs, semi air kits, and full air suspension kits. Note, the tyres and rims need to be rated to at least equal the new axle rating also.

 

For a rear axle upgrade I would recommend semi air as a minimum with what is called the "Comfort kit", as you get a much improved ride, and increases in stability and handling from the airbag, but also a control panel in the dash and a 12v compressor. The control panel enables the airbag pressures to be adjusted remotely on demand. I regularly use them to help level the camper, and for low speeds maneuvering the airbags can be inflated to 6 bar, resulting in the rear of the motorhome being lifted to gain access to sloping driveways etc. I can get 100mm of lift at the rear of my motorhome.

 

Once the installation of the suspension kit has been certified, I apply to NZTA with the supporting documentation for a new chassis rating. 

 

More information is available on my website www.loadsafe.nz, or please feel free to contact me.

 

Kind regards

Bruce Sutton

reset servicing spanner

by kevin & Judy

[ 2 ]

kevin & Judy

08:50 PM   19-Jul-19

Auckland

I have a 2011 fiat ducato and just had a service done. My dish has NO Km button on dish. Can anyone give me the link or how to reset the km for next service. many thanks kevin.

 

Robert

09:07 AM   20-Jul-19

Dunedin

You can’t on the 2011, you will have to take to a garage where they will use the plug in service tool, I think any garage should be able to do this. We had the same issue on our 2011 tracker eks.

 

Vehicle lost Power

by Kennet

[ 5 ]

Kennet

12:29 PM   12-Jan-19

Whangarei

Hi I have a 2014 Fiat Tribute. Returning home from up north it suddenly lost power. The day was very hot and I had been stopping and crawling along for fifteen minutes  in a traffic Jam. A couple of minutes after the jam at approx 80 km in auto mode, I heard a beeping sound and the vehicle lost nearly all of its power. I drove it at approx 10 kmph until I was able to pull over safely. The dash did not show any warning lights and the engine coolant was showing normal. After a couple of minutes I restarted the vehicle and everything was fine. Its a bit worrying and I wonder if anyone can help me on this before I have to spend a fortune at  the local Fiat agent who was unable to shed any light on it without a full investigation. Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

Mike & Chris

01:31 PM   12-Jan-19

North Canterbury

The first thing to do is find a garage that has a diagnostics reader to plug into your onboard OBD plug and see if there are any fault codes. It's quite possible that the heat triggered a threshold for a fault which simply went away when it cooled down and may never happen again... computers do funny things, but best to check for fault codes first. Most small garages that work on late model vehicles will have a reader and be a lot more economical that a main dealership.

Kennet

02:00 PM   12-Jan-19

Whangarei

Thank you for that Mike and Chris, Will do.

David Buxton

10:15 AM   13-Jan-19

Taupo

Could be due to the brake switch sending wrong signals to the computers. It took 2 years to solve a lost power problem we had. Refer to my post under Gearbox "auto gearbox and brake warnings at last fixed". Often the analyser didn't show any problem and if it did it said there was a fault in the brake pedal switch

Kennet

07:32 AM   29-Jan-19

Whangarei

Thank you David

Oil Pressure Light

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

11:05 AM   14-Jul-18

Tuakau

OIL WARNING LIGHT
AT NZ Facebook Post:    I have a 2016 2.3 Euro6. I had a full service in Dec 2017. The oil warning light comes on and stays on even though the oil is full. Fiat installed a new sensor but it made no difference. Has anybody had this problem please. Warning light Photo #1

 

Comments: 


-  Hubby just suggested the ECU could be playing up.
-  Full service by Andrew Simms at 7535km $688.20 for the full works including full oil change. Great service.


-  Does the oil light go off at all when engine starts or just remains on? I would suggest taking oil filter off and checking that there is no obstruction in it (or the seals) from new. This can and does happen on rare occasions. I would be very concerned if light stays on and would get it checked immediately as you may do major damage to engine.


-  If the oil light will not go off. It needs to be reset by a Fiat dealer even if the engine is full of oil. If the oil has been changed by a non Fiat dealer you may have problems.


-  Our van has only been serviced by Andrew Simms the Fiat agent. I will just have to go back and try them again.

 
-  The manual say’s “failure of the low engine oil pressure warning light” Photo #2


-  this was the problem and now replaced and all ok - sorted by Andrew Simms.

 

 

2016 Instrument Cluster Illumination

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

01:08 PM   12-Jul-18

Tuakau

FIAT DUCATO  295 OEM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATION 
 
Dear Service Managers, Service Advisors, Service Foremen and Dealer Technicians 
 
There are instances of customers complaining about the visibility of the speedometer and other gauge functions in certain ambient light conditions with 295 OEM (motorhome) variants. In these cases the dealer should check for software updates under the IPC (instrument cluster) and update the software as required. 
 
The chart below gives an overview of the hardware and software variants.  
 
IPC Comfort Ducato Before programming, the control unit must have the following data 
HW number hw VERSION SW number SW version 50011590001 00 04003012820 0900 50011590001 00 04003012820 0900 After programming, the control unit will have the following data 
HW number Hw VERSION SW number SW version 
50011590001 00 04003012831 0900 
 
 
IPC Comfort Ducato Before programming, the control unit must have the following data 
HW number Hw VERSION SW number SW version 
50011220002 00 04003012924 0900 50011220002 00 04003012933 0900 
After programming, the control unit will have the following data 
HW number Hw VERSION SW number SW version 50011220002 00 04003012935 0900 
 
 
 
Yours sincerely                                                     

Fiat Not Starting

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

04:41 PM   05-Jul-18

Tuakau

FIAT NOT STARTING


AT NZ Facebook post:  Has anybody had trouble with their Fiat Ducato winding over but not starting. Ours is doing it quite often but if we remove the keys from the ignition, lock and unlock the vehicle it then starts. We are hours away from a Fiat service agent and wondered if anybody had any ideas before we spend a fortune.

 

Comments:

 

-  The 2015 model has a recall on the ignition switch, and an upgrade to the computer. Good be worth investigating.
-  How many ignition keys do you have for it.
-  If you use a different key to unlock the door than you use to start the vehicle it will do what you describe.

Turning Circle

by The Sutherlands

[ 1 ]

The Sutherlands

12:17 PM   20-May-18

Auckland

Unusual question. Why the need to know?

Accessing Menu on Instrument Panel

by JohnK

[ 2 ]

JohnK

10:50 AM   30-Jan-18

Taranaki

Hi

 

We are trying to change the units on the speedo from miles to kms. When I press the Mode button the only menu items displayed are "Dimmer", "Speed Buzzer", "Buzzer Value", "Service", "Passenger Bag", "Exit Menu".

 

Does anyone know how to access the "Units" item from the menu?

We're obviously not seeing the full range of menu items, not sure where else to look.

 

The manual mentions that the Units item should be part of the main menu but I just cant see it anywhere.

 

We have a 2017 Autotrail Apache 634.

 

Regards,

John.

JohnK

09:19 AM   01-Feb-18

Taranaki

Took it to the nearest Fiat dealer who said it would need a software update to see the rest of the menu items.

 

When we came back to have the software update installed they found out that the menu can be accessed via the Uconnect radio system using the mode option there. The radio system communicates with the instrument panel system on the latest versions.

 

Would have been handy to have the info updated on the manual too!

 

All good now.

DASHBOARD LIGHTING UPDATE

by Les

[ 2 ]

Les

01:06 PM   14-Nov-17

Tuakau

FIAT NZ

I had a mail from Joao (Ateco), stating that he had done some digging

regarding the Fiat binnacle visibility and that the campaign for the free

upgrade (binnacle lights come on when the engine is running) only applied to

UK vehicles. I have therefore written to Fiat Italy asking them to roll out

the same campaign for NZ and Australia as well. I will let you know their

response when I receive it. Again, if any of your members need technical

questions answering, or support, please use the ask the expert tab on our

web site.

Les 

Geeco

07:23 PM   20-Nov-17

NSW Australia

Les, my Tracker has had the fix for the dash lights as a no cost service. My vehicle was Australian delivered by the factory approved importer so I would expect that the same situation would be true for NZ delivered vehicles. 

Spanner light

by Robert

[ 4 ]

Robert

03:17 PM   01-Oct-17

Dunedin

On our 2011 motor home, does anybody know how to reset it. 

Mike & Chris

04:39 PM   01-Oct-17

North Canterbury

From what I have read, the X250 (from about 2006) requires an OBD2 diagnostic tool. Previous models, just like my Alfa 156, could be reset using a sequence of button pushes on the dash.

geebeealan

04:35 PM   02-Oct-17

Kaiapoi

This from a page I found hasn't been tried

 

Switch the Ignition on(do not start engine)

Set the odometer to read total miles/KM

Press odometer button until CFG! apears in display

Release the odometer button

Pressing the odometer button breifly will change betwean CFG1,CFG2,CFG3 (different mile intervals)

Once you have selected the CFG (1,2,3)

Press the odometer button again for 5 seconds to rest the service light

Turn off the ignition

 

this has not being tried by me as Ihave a 2015 x290

 

 

Peter McCormack

01:06 PM   09-Oct-17

Queensland

Have a look at this web page.  It may be what you are looking for and has a you tube video showing what to do. 

 

https://seventrumpet.com/reset-oil-service-light-on-fiat-ducato/

 

Peter

Dashboard lights during day

by geebeealan

[ 16 ]

geebeealan

09:54 AM   26-Jul-17

Kaiapoi

12/12/2015 Fiat offers dashboard lighting solution Motorhome
News New
& Used Motorhome & Campervan Reviews Out
and About Live
https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/news/fiatoffersdashboardlightingsolution?
utm_source=Communicator&utm_medium=Email&utm_cont… 1/1
10/12/2015
Fiat offers dashboard lighting
solution
Fiat, which manufacturers the
Ducato base vehicle that underpins
the majority of new motorhomes sold in the UK and across Europe, has
confirmed that there is an issue with poor back lighting of some of its
vehicles’ dashboards.
The Italian auto manufacturer had remained quiet over the issue until
approached by MMM after several readers contacted the magazine
complaining that the dashboards on their new Ducato‐based motorhomes
were difficult to read.
Tecywn Thomas was one such reader who wrote to MMM last summer
asking for a solution. He said, “I’m experiencing problems seeing the
speedometer clearly in certain light conditions and wonder whether there
is some form of illumination that can be fitted.”
Fiat was approached at this stage but said it had not identified a problem
and did not offer a solution.
When Tecywn’s letter was published ﴾p180, Sept 2015﴿ other readers wrote
in reporting similar problems. One reader, David Patrick, even went so far
as to create a simple – and free – DIY fix ﴾p171, November 2015﴿. He said,
“The speedo is dull, even on a bright day. I found it irritating and
somewhat dangerous; if you need to check your speed it was impossible
to take a quick glance and get a reading.”
As a result of the increasing number of letters complaining of the same
issue, MMM again approached Fiat. This time, it confirmed there is an issue
with the backlighting on some Ducato dashboards. It is also offering to
modify the dashboard lighting for free.
Read the February issue of MMM for the rest of Fiat's response and how to
get your dashboard sorted out. Order your paper or digital editions here.
Find your perfect motorhome with our Motorhome For Sale Finder.
Check out our online Store for back issues, subscriptions and readers'
offers.
Back to News
Share this story

Ross

10:38 AM   26-Jul-17

Taranaki

the  Fiat  notice for this is 427 2016 AST  dated 14/09/17

MarkRoaming

03:15 PM   26-Jul-17

Euromarque in Christchurch said this wasn't a free update when I asked them 3 weeks ago. Be interested if others are getting it done FOC.

Sue

03:24 PM   26-Jul-17

Christchurch

Hi Mark, I had mine done two weeks ago at Gazley's in Lower Hutt, when I phoned and booked it in they said it was under warranty and I wasn't charged.  Incidently I'd taken my moho to them for my first service in December and it should have been done at the time, no idea why it wasn't.

MarkRoaming

03:52 PM   26-Jul-17

Thanks Sue, did it make a difference?

Rovin Robbie's

04:27 PM   26-Jul-17

Invercargill

That would not surprise me about Euromarque in Christchurch, Mark. They do not appear to be particularly customer friendly in my experience.

Dave_1

05:18 PM   26-Jul-17

Christchurch

I contacted Euromarque in chch and they told me they had tried to fix the problem on a Ducato recently and were not successful but still charged the customer $150 as it is a modification not a fault apparently!! But I see on this forum someone else up north has had it fixed free.

Sue

10:13 PM   26-Jul-17

Christchurch

Hi Mark, yes it did.  I read online about this update and never knew if my Moho needed it.  Ross checked it out for me and confirmed the dash lights weren't working, glad they are now

Peter McCormack

11:36 AM   05-Aug-17

Queensland

The Fiat Dealer in Nambour, Queensland attempted to update the software but failed.  They told me that my model Fiat, build date 4/2014 a 3 litre is unable to be updated.  So it seems that it is model dependent. My work around is to drive with the side lights on.  

 

Peter

Brian

06:15 PM   05-Oct-17

Auckland

Very disappointed ! Spent an hour driving in heavy traffic each way to Andrew Simms Botany only to be told they could not do anything to help me regarding  the dangerously dim dash lights on my brand new Motorhome.Am hoping someone may have a suggestion to help at the upcoming technical session at Waipu rally.

 

BRIAN.

Twilight

04:07 PM   16-Oct-17

Auckland

I've also been disappointed with the speedo (see also "Seeing speedo on 2015 onwards" below).

 

Solution:

Forget trying to do anything about the speedo.  Even with the headlights on during the day, the speedo is still next to useless.  I bought an LCD GPS Speedometer from Jaycar.  The suction mount holder is a bit flimsy but works OK.  I may try and modify up a mount using my Gopro suction mount - time will tell.  I mounted the LCD GPS Speedometer low down on the windscreen directly in front of me so that it is in line of sight just above the steering wheel.  I did try placing it on the lower right of the speedo using double-sided tape but it was hard to see and also covered up some of the warning lights/icons which is undesirable.  The LCD GPS Speedometer gives speed to one decimal place (speed to within a tenth of a kilometer) which I don't need but who cares.  Though I have it plugged into the USB power point, it does have an internal battery, so you can leave it switched on during those essential coffee breaks etc.  I removed the silver trim around the edge because the silver reflected off the wind screen. There is no brightness control, but you can still read the green numerals OK during the day even when wearing sunglasses.  I did consider an HUD device but thought that it would be too much of a fiddle choosing the right place to mount it and more of a fiddle if I wanted to change it.  I've used my iPhone, iPad and TomTom, but this was a quick, cheap and easy solution, what's more you can use it on your other car, bike, boat, aeroplane...?

 

Details:

Jaycar Catelogue reference: LA9025

KPH & MPH

2” Large digit display
Rechargeable via USB, 5V/500mA
Dimensions: 67(W) x51(H) x 25(D)mm

$99.00

Avocadopicker

08:42 PM   16-Oct-17

Katikati

And the KPH-only dial is much easier to read than the MPH/KPH one if you still have that.

Martin T

05:35 PM   26-Oct-17

Upper Moutere

An easy and free alternative for most of us is to put a speedo app onto your phone mounted on the central display. I'm experimenting with the DigiHUD app (free on Google Play Store). This works on GPS so all you need is phone reception. As with most apps it offers loads of stuff that I'm not interested in be the speedo is very clear and seems to be accurate.  

Twilight

07:52 PM   30-Oct-17

Auckland

Agreed with the phone apps.  I have a number of them on my iphone and ipad and they work well.  However I'm reluctant to leave my phone/ipad in the motorhome for security reasons, and I have been known to forget to take it out at stops, so my suggested option (previous post) means that it stays in the motorhome as a (sort of) permanent fixture.  If it gets pinched, then c'est la vie - less expensive than losing my phone.

Dennis and Colleen

02:22 PM   17-Jun-19

Auckland

I bought a HUD  unit from Aliexpress  for around $35 and it works fine. Plugged into the USB or cigarette lighter socket. It has a large green display and is very easy to read from a wide angle. Problem solved

 

 

Twilight

02:48 PM   03-Aug-20

Auckland

Further to my previous posts:

I now use a GPS Speedometer HUD with OBDII Data (Jaycar LA9036 costs $69.90). It comes with various display functions including rpm, water temp, battery charge but I turned all of those functions off and only display speed. I use the OBDII mode only and recalibrate against another GPS as well as the roadside speed checks.  Default is 107kph but 102-103 is about right. I have all my cars plus MH fitted with them. I locate them to display the speed low down on the right hand side of the windscreen. It is very accurate and works even in tunnels. The cable is easy to hide in door rubbers.

Even if it was possible to see it (which it isn’t) I never look at the onboard speedo, headlights on or off. Be aware that it is always drawing a small amount of current even when the engine is off so disconnect if wintering your MH. I’ve had no battery problems with a month between trips.

Fuel Cut-off Switch

by tracker

[ 3 ]

tracker

11:06 AM   29-Jun-17

Auckland

I read recently that the FIAT Ducato has a fuel cut-off switch that is activated in the event of an accident and that it has to be reset in order to drive again. Where is the switch located and how is it reset? I cannot find anything in the FIAT handbook so perhaps its not available in our model. We have a 2013 Tracker FB 180bhp

Mike & Chris

11:34 AM   29-Jun-17

North Canterbury

Hi

 

If you have a look under "Fiat Issues" > "Tech and Mechanical", you will see a post describing where the reset switch is... in the passenger footwell, left side about toe height. If you reach in you should be able to feel the reset button, just push to reset.

 

Mike

tracker

11:06 AM   30-Jun-17

Auckland

Thanks Mike

Ducato fuel cutoff switch

by Mike & Chris

[ 1 ]

Mike & Chris

04:13 PM   04-Jun-17

North Canterbury

 

 

An NZMCA member describes, in a letter to the editor of the latest mag, how he hit a pothole so hard that he activated the Fuel Cutoff Switch. This safety feature normally activates during a collision cutting off the fuel, operating the hazard lights, opening the doors etc. He apparently had a lot of difficulty finding the reset button... described below on page 83 of my electronic Ducato handbook should you wish to tuck this knowledge away for the future... 

 

DASHBOARD Instrument Lighting. Scanning devices programming

by Neville and Judy

[ 8 ]

Neville and Judy

12:20 PM   19-May-17

Taupo 3330

Dash lights

Ross

11:35 PM   19-May-17

Taranaki

Hi Neville   i have just taken my camper to wingers in hamilton and thay have done the upgrade [ what a difference]    and put in a claim  to fiat for this mod  the bullitin number is 427 2016 ASt dated 14/9/2016 thay  now have a copy of this . , I had also purchased a spare remote key  [ not purchased from wingers  ]  and that they programmed this also . my cost  for both jobs was $139 .  which  knowing some prices I was quite happy with   1 hrs labour and a service fee for the scan tool.

 

I am looking at getting a scan tool for the oil system  [ have not priced one yet  ]   my present  scan tools that i use in my workshop  will not reset the oil system  . the oil system is   very clever as it senses the oil quality/  starts/ miles etc . and if the ECU is not reset engine may go into limp mode . my  understanding is because  we have campers Fiat  say this is abnormal use  as compared to a van  [ fully loaded all the time ]   and oil changes should be as for  extreme use . i must concur that i agree with that and i have short arms and deep pockets  but when i put my auto engineers hat on i have to give up and make my arms longer.and also bite the bullit  Oil is cheap rebuilding engines is not .   There is no way i will take my engine to the 36k service, I am thinking of around  10k , you must use the correct oil as the wrong oil can cause  the DPF filter to block and cause all sorts of other  damage ,

 

 this is the same as for all modern  common rail diesel engines 

 

 Hope this helps you and other members

Ross

10:29 AM   25-Jul-17

Taranaki

 i have just got my  new special  scan tool working   [ PC based ] and had a play on my camper . man it does tell you  lots of nice things and you can reset things  after a service has been done / DPF  blockage and do a regen if required [ have not tried that as mine shows ony 25% ]   anything under 100 is ok ]  oil quality  mine is showing 85% after 7000k  100 is after  oil has been changed  can check the instruments and lights on the dash to make sure thay are working . lots of other items like abs / body module /. etc lots there and i have only just touched the surface and still learning   , so if any one is in Taranaki  and would like me to have a look  to see what your Fiat is doing and learn give me a call . 

 

Rob and Pat

10:55 AM   25-Jul-17

North Canterbury

What scan tool have you purchased? 

I have currently got the free version of Multiecuscan which allows me to read error codes and reset some things. Am now  tossing up whether to buy the full version of Multiecuscan and am interested in finding out what scanners other people are using.

 

Rob

Ross

06:36 PM   25-Jul-17

Taranaki

I have the full version of Multiecuscan  as i can use it  on my laptop and in my workshop . plus some other OBD2 scan tools

 

Les

06:56 PM   25-Jul-17

Tuakau

Click on link

Multiecuscan

//www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx

 

Hi, I purchase a Autel AL419 next generation OBD II & Scan Tool........ fingers crossed I hope I dont need to use it. Les

Avocadopicker

05:40 PM   26-Jul-17

Katikati

Have you played with it yet Les? I would get one too if I knew it would talk nicely to X290. Can you do PROXi resets with it? (so I can do my radio change myself?)

Les

05:57 PM   26-Jul-17

Tuakau

Hi, Get new van in a few days; l havn't gone through the manual yet but from my research it is able to do a lot I hope. Les

Engine Codes Light From Scanning Devices

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

05:51 PM   17-Dec-15

Tuakau

Click on the Link

 

Gives You

Trouble Codes And Techical Description

What It Means

Symptoms

Causes

Possible Solutions

 

//www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/

Seeing speedo on 2015 onwards

by geebeealan

[ 7 ]

geebeealan

02:52 PM   12-Dec-15

Kaiapoi

this will be intresting to see Fiats answer!!!

//autotrailusers.nz/ForumFiles/1011/Fiat%20offers%20dashboard%20lighting%20solution(1).pdf

David Buxton

10:08 AM   17-Dec-15

Taupo

A similar problem was discussed at the Levin Rally in November. The question was asked, "how can the dash lights be turned on without turning the headlights on?" There were no solutions except just drive with the headlights on! (which we do all the time)

Geeco

07:52 PM   10-Oct-16

NSW Australia

There is a software update from Fiat that enables the dash lights to turn on when the ignition is on. Thus the dash lights are on with DRLs as well as headlights. I had mine updated last week, a significant improvement. The fix was mentioned on a UK forum in January this year. I have been in contact with Fiat HO in AU since then and it has taken them until about one month ago to confirm the fix is available, prior to that they claimed no knowledge of the update. From the UK forum comments the fix is not a recall but a software update that needs to be requested from Fiat Professional. I was not charged for the fix. If like me you were unhappy with visibility of the speedo suggest you make contact with Fiat. Hope this helps. Cheers,

ChrisB

03:37 PM   11-Mar-17

New Plymouth

2015 onwards speedo visibility fix

 

I have just had the software update to provide back  lighting on the spedo when the main headlights are not on (ie.  backlighting on all the time).  This results in a significant improvement in spedo and gauge visibility during daylight driving.

 

This is not a routine software update and you have to request it. Attached are details of the software update from Fiat (dated 14/9/16).

 

 

geebeealan

04:41 PM   11-Mar-17

Kaiapoi

Could you please post a copy of details from Fiat as a PDF doc

so it can be read

thanks Alan

ChrisB

04:53 PM   11-Mar-17

New Plymouth

//autotrailusers.nz/ForumFiles/1011/Ducato%20lighting.pdf

 

Have just worked out how to do this !

 

Chris

geebeealan

05:04 PM   11-Mar-17

Kaiapoi

Thanks can now can see if can get it done in Christchurch

Alan

LED lights in front bumper

by Peter Robieson

[ 1 ]

Peter Robieson

02:03 PM   04-Jul-15

Mt Maunganui

Finally we have found out how to turn on the front LED lights in the bumper of our RB Tracker! Whilst in for a brake adjustment today the service guy actually activated the LED lights for us . Wonder why they were never activated by the factory in the first place?

Boltman

07:32 PM   21-May-15

Whangarei

They were most probably turned off because there was a major problem with them causing problems with the cruise control. New regulator had to be fitted. If you now have cruise control problems and check transmission warnings come up on the dashboard you will have to have a new modified regulator fitted.

Back Lighting

by Dalaware

[ 2 ]

Dalaware

03:12 PM   29-Jun-15

Tauranga

I have a 2015 Delaware can anyone tell me if the backlighting of the speedo & taco can be switched on when the headlights are off under normal daylight driving conditions?

 

 

Les

10:27 AM   11-Sep-15

Tuakau

Click on the link to view

 

 

//forums.motorhomefacts.com/149-fiat-ducato/145746-instrument-cowl-2015-ducto-too-dim.html

 

 

This is from a FORUM

My own X2/90 instrument cluster has been replaced and I know of 20 or 30 others so, yes, the problem has been carried over from the X2/50 to the X2/90. Presumably it's cheaper for Peugeot/Fiat to keep replacing clusters than to investigate and solve the problem; they are, after all, about making money and not about manufacturing perfect vehicles.

LED driving lights in front bumper

by Peter Robieson

[ 2 ]

Peter Robieson

06:03 PM   12-May-15

Mt Maunganui

Finally we have found out how to turn on the front LED lights in the bumper of our RB Tracker! Whilst in for a brake adjustment today the service guy actually activated the LED lights for us . Wonder why they were never activated by the factory in the first place?

Boltman

07:32 PM   21-May-15

Whangarei

They were most probably turned off because there was a major problem with them causing problems with the cruise control. New regulator had to be fitted. If you now have cruise control problems and check transmission warnings come up on the dashboard you will have to have a new modified regulator fitted.

FIAT WATER INGRESS, ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Water Ingress 2020 Fiat Ducato

by Malcolm

[ 5 ]

Malcolm

12:01 PM   20-Nov-20

Feilding

Our new 2020 Ducato has water getting into the engine bay when it rains or when the vehicle is washed. i now see this has been a Ducato issue for years and I assume remains an issue today for any new Ducatos.

What advice please on how to seal the windscreen scuttle to stop this water ingress?

 

 

Mike & Chris

12:54 PM   20-Nov-20

North Canterbury

Plenty of information in earlier posts Malcolm... read below.

Malcolm

06:25 PM   20-Nov-20

Feilding

Thanks for your response

Malcolm

06:30 PM   20-Nov-20

Feilding

Sorry, I had not completed my first response above.

So in effect no effective solution to fix leaks from Fiat in almost 6 years simply leave it to owners to sort.

I will try solutions put forward in this forums earlier posts.

 

 

 

Malcolm

09:43 AM   04-Dec-20

Feilding

Further to my original post above members who have purchased an AT based on the new 2020 Fiat Ducato may be interested in the following.

Water, running down the outside of the windscreen in the channels located on the top and then either sides of windscreen and the cab frame runs underneath the scuttle rubber moulding both sides to discharge water into a moulded "Cup"" which discharges water to ground by a short hose. 

I have had to replace the front screen due to stone chip. The Novus technican  spotted that both these "CUPS'"were "NOT ALIGNED" to catch the water coming down both water channels. So all water from both windscreen channels was cascading over the engine bay. Maybe the "CUPS"have never been aligned?

Novus have now aligned both "CUPS" so that is one major issue fixed.

You may like to check the alignments of your vehicles "CUPS".

Novus also mentioned that each time a windscreen is replaced the more brittle the Ducato scuttle becomes and so more difficult to refit it.

Injectors

by Sue P

[ 6 ]

Sue P

10:29 AM   10-Dec-19

Hi

We have a Delaware purchased new 2014 from Auckland Motorhomes.  We have travelled 29000km and are having to replace an injector.  We are interested if anyone else have had this issue?  We are thinking that this should not happen at such low kms.?

Sue Price

David and Anne

12:46 PM   10-Dec-19

Wangi Wangi, NSW

There were some issues with the Fiat pre 2015, where there was the possibility of water ingress to the upper engine from the moulding below the windscreen. Those earlier models had a 2 piece moulding (which changed to a single fully moulded unit in 2015 I believe). The 2 peice moulding came together in the centre and did, in some situations allow water to drip through into the engine compartment, apparently leading to corrosion around the injector area. Is this possibly the case with your Delaware Sue?

Les

02:41 PM   10-Dec-19

Tuakau

Hi, Have a look at water ingress under Fiat issues, problems with the scuttle on the two piece and the later models. Les

David and Anne

02:59 PM   10-Dec-19

Wangi Wangi, NSW

On our previous 2014 Winnebago (Fiat) MH, I used black silicone and it also solved any penetration issues Les.

David

Sue P

11:25 AM   22-Jan-20

In September 2014 we purchased new a Autotrail Delaware with a Fiat 3 litre 180 multijet motor.

In December 2019 at just over 29,000km the orange engine light came on, which we subsequently found to be the number 3 injector.

After taking it to the local Fiat agent after 2 weeks they advised that the injector would not release from the head. They advised us to use a penetrating oil with frequent small trips in the hope that it would release the injectors from the head.  If the injectors do not release it is a major job, possibly taking out the motor, removing the head, sending the head to an engineer to press the injectors out from inside then re-assembly. Cost upwards of $10,000.

After some further investigation we found that the Fiat motor has multiple design faults being;

The 4 injectors are located in an indent in the head acting as a pool which retains water around the base of the injectors causing water to infiltrate around the injectors and rust them onto the head.
This was further compounded by the rain trays on each side under the main front window being two pieces meeting in the middle which were not sealed, resulting in water spilling over the motor (and the injectors).
This was again compounded by the fact that the injectors were not coated with grease when they were installed (we understand a ceramic grease should be used), so there was no barrier to the two metals bonding.
We are told Injectors should last more like 100,000 to 150,000km, not 29k so again there is a question mark about their quality.

We have subsequently sealed the mid section of the front window trays hoping that further water infiltration is now stopped or at least minimised. We understand later models come with a single tray so this should not be an issue for later buyers.  It seems to us that when new injectors are put in they must be coated with appropriate grease, and perhaps some sealant type oil be sprayed around the injectors base on a regular basis to keep water away from the injectors.  

After contacting both Fiat & Autotrail neither want to know!    It is our opinion where there is a design fault neither Fiat nor Autotrail should hide behind the warranty period.  The problem as far as we can see is that both Fiat and Autotrail knew of the issues well before we found them but neither one did anything to warn customers or suggest a remedy or a minimisation strategy. 

We can only suggest that other owners take advice here before they also fall into the same situation.

BW & SW Price..

Les

03:54 PM   22-Jan-20

Tuakau

Hi,

Look below for newer models, still leak unless you seal the skuttle. Read the cost of water ingress Plus

Under Fiat Ducato X290 on YouTube

Les

Rats

by Avocadopicker

[ 1 ]

Avocadopicker

06:19 PM   23-Sep-19

Katikati

Just spent a lovely weekend away in our brand new Delaware. When driving home we noticed a 'hot, plasticky' smell. Stopped to investigate and under the bonnet, on top and to the rear of the engine, we found a large rats nest, comprised of polythene pieces, wood shavings/chips, and a couple of pieces of sandpaper, all of which obviously pinched from our shed. The van had been left unattended for several weeks in the shed whilst we were away, and during that time the rat had obviously taken up residence. The smell was caused by some of the polythene falling onto the turbo which of course runs very hot. We consider ourselves very lucky not to have had a major engine fire. Fortunately there's no visible gnawing damage to any wiring etc. So just a word of warning to anyone who leaves their van unattended for extended periods - check before you set off! We hadn't but will certainly do so from now on. I have read suggestions (as this seems like a not-uncommon occurrence), that you should leave the bonnet raised, and maybe flood the area with bright LED lighting to discourage the little buggers, whilst the van is stored.

Fix For Water Ingress

by Les

[ 4 ]

Les

09:57 AM   23-Jun-18

Tuakau

WATER INGRESS
AT NZ Facebook post:   This evening’s job was sealing of the windscreen to the scuttle which Les has been trying to emphasise to us for some time, to stop water ingress damaging the motor. The initial solution has been to seal the joint with black tape but I have taken a different approach. I have squeezed a bead of Non Setting Silicone under the scuttle, against the windscreen. Then using my finger on the top of the scuttle to smooth the silicone, I forced it out of the joint to make a water seal. After that the squeezed out silicone needs to be removed off the windscreen and finally cleaned with turps on a rag. The Non Setting Silicone such as the Bostik 5614 that I used, is designed for windows, windscreens, boats etc rather than a curing silicone which obstructs any future removal eg broken windscreen. If you are not aware of the consequences of water ingress onto the motor read Chris Gaelic’s post on our Club forum where he lists some $6,600 repairs attributed to the water damage.

Photo #1-5

 

Comments:
  Heavy rain in Wellington today so the silicone sealing got a good test. The engine was dry so a happy chappie👨‍🔧.    Photo #6
  have you done this instead of getting a cover?
  I have a cover but that only works when it is on. We don’t use it much in summer. This is a cure for the problem. The cover is great for Winter and long parkup times. Smith & Smith can do this non setting silicone but make sure they seal over the eye brows on either side.

Bryan and Linda

10:40 AM   05-Nov-18

Levin

Hi Les

 

Where did buy the Boston 5614 from?

Regards Bryan W

Bryan and Linda

10:42 AM   05-Nov-18

Levin

Hi Les

 

Where did you buy the Bostik 5614 from.

Regards Bryan 

Les

10:56 AM   05-Nov-18

Tuakau

Hi, 

 

Bunnings Hardware or get a similar product Mastic.

 

Les

Simple fix

by Robert

[ 3 ]

Robert

11:18 AM   06-Jan-18

Dunedin

The best and most effective fix to the water leak between the bottom of the front window and the plastic scuttle, is run a strip of good quality vInyl tape about 35 mm wide, run this overlapping the glass and the plastic scuttle from one side the the other. Make sure to not stretch the tape to much at the curves, but is cheap enough to have several practices, and can be replaced anytime.

This fixes any water leakage issues.

If you want to make a really good job you could go to a a sign writer that works in vinyl decals and get a strip of cast vinyl cut to the correct profile, this would be very permanent and wouldn’t need to be stretched around the curves.

Avocadopicker

01:37 PM   06-Jan-18

Katikati

I've done the same, but with black electrical tape. Definitely heed the advice about not stretching - if you allow the tape to relax before applying it to perfectly clean glass and rubber, it won't try to climb off. With sealant in the corners of windscreen, tape across, and an additional drain in the air intake box, my 2017 model is completely dry.

ColininChCh

08:20 AM   08-Feb-18

Christchurch

I have recently dismantled the cowl and have found that 9 of the 10 plastic clips that hold the it in place were broken either from previous attempts to repair or just broken through age as they are very flimsy.

these are the primary fixing points and replacing the tape alone (in my experience) isn’t a long term fix. 

Cost Of Water Ingress By Chris Gaelic

by Les

[ 3 ]

Les

01:50 PM   17-Nov-17

Tuakau

Cost of Water Ingress, Check Fiat Topic on Water Ingress

Chris Gaelic

09:34 PM   11-Nov-17

Auckland

Just a little more incentive to those who maybe can't be bothered. We've owned our Delaware for 4.5 years, and in the last year, the following repairs are all likely to have been the result of water damage:

 

Replace faulty map sensor: $1,251
Replace glow plugs (corroded into the engine block): $1,438
Replace control unit for the airbags: $895
Replace engine control module: $4,435
Total: $6,684

 

It took over 3 years before the water ingress started creating problems for us. So, if you're thinking that this might not apply to you...

Alistair & Stella

10:05 PM   17-Nov-17

Christchurch

Thanks to you both,

another quick, easy and inexpensive fix which I complete this afternoon, and guess what! It’s just started to rain!

Rovin Robbie's

09:02 PM   19-Nov-17

Invercargill

I would also be very interested in purchasing the thermal windscreen cover. 

Fiat Ducato X290 new facelift Windscreen Scuttle Water Leaks

by Les

[ 8 ]

Les

06:25 PM   17-Nov-15

Tuakau

 Water leaking into Engine bay on top of icu and fuse box

Click on the link and watch.....................

 

 

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=REVcyLOXkMM

David Buxton

10:01 AM   17-Dec-15

Taupo

Thank you Les for finding this Youtube link. This just classic stuff with Fiat's hopeless design of windscreen drainage.

Avocadopicker

07:06 AM   16-Jul-17

Katikati

Just to resurrect this hoary issue, on our 2012, 2014, and now 2017 Delawares, we have experienced the same problem after heavy rain.... engine makes nasty noises for the first 10-30 seconds after starting. It's rain getting onto the belts. The Fiat Professional engineers said they had never seen the problem before. My experience suggests almost everyone must have this occasionally - it seems slightly less bad on 2017 which I suspect is more a function of different roof profile between Super Lo-line (2012,2014) and Lo-line (2017). Any suggestions for further waterproofing enhancements for the facelift Ducatos?

Les

10:10 AM   16-Jul-17

Tuakau

Hi ,

As you can see on the youtube vidio above Fiat never fix the problem,

 

I use holdfast Fix it All Silicone I will be doing this on my new van when it arrives by a small bead along the skuttle and windscreen, then the bigest problem is Fiat use the channel at each side of the windscreen to send water down over the firewall, so lift each end rubbers up and fill with silicone.

 

On the drivers side the water goes over the belts giving your nasty nose the other side it goes over the wiring loom which has light gauge wiring if it has a nick in it then computer problems, or the water drops on to the computer, or corrodes the fuse box.

 

Good luck Les

Mike & Chris

02:33 PM   16-Jul-17

North Canterbury

Remembering that the scuttle has to be dismantled to replace the windscreen so if you silicone it all together you may regret it in the future. I watched mine being replaced last week... at each end there is a moulded rubber piece that is pulled out to remove the central plastic scuttle. I would say that making a permanent joint would be a very bad move.

Mike

Les

04:48 PM   16-Jul-17

Tuakau

Hi

 

To seal the facelift Skuttle another option would be to use Black Duck Tape to stop the water ingress.

 

Les

Avocadopicker

04:13 PM   16-Sep-17

Katikati

Still leaked copiously on my 2017 Delaware.... just as bad as ever. Silicone into the corners of the windscreen rubber, then black electrical tape to seal windscreen/scuttle meeting point completely fixed the problem.

Les

07:24 PM   16-Sep-17

Tuakau

Hi Ours is the same one month old, very disapointed in the new x290 2017 Fiat !!!! Water leaks, Will lead to problems. Our x250 was dry, I used blue tack in the corners and duct tape, plus along the windscreen. They have a removable cover for checking the brake fluid with plastic screws that hold it down, it leaks over it!!! Les

2006-2014 Fiat Ducato Windscreen Scuttle Water Ingress

by Les

[ 14 ]

Les

09:49 AM   06-Aug-15

Tuakau

The above Article is from one of many forums I visit, This is one of many problems associated with water ingress. I have had three Fiat Ducato x250 motorhomes and have done many mods all over the motorhome, I have a Bone dry Engine Compartment considering the poor design of the windscreen scuttle area.

Les

06:30 PM   24-Aug-15

Tuakau

YouTube Video

Watch and see the water ingress on a fiat ducato

Click on link Motorhome from hell

https://youtu.be/_PQVIx4iTtE

Sublime

02:29 PM   27-Jan-16

Geraldine

Yep the old dustpan works wanders however after one night of rain ours was full so had to add a tube to take the water away so it didn't overflow!!

David Buxton

03:45 PM   11-Nov-17

Taupo

I tried the tarp idea of yours Les, but jamming a rope in the doors caused water to leak inside the doors. What is your solution?

Les

03:49 PM   11-Nov-17

Tuakau

Hi David not rope but thin nylon twine.

Chris Gaelic

06:33 PM   11-Nov-17

David, I've just done this, after finally looking at what Les had done. I picked the tarp up on special from Mitre 10 Mega for  $12, and paid another $12 for a 12 piece bungee pack at Bunnings.

 

Tarp for the windscreen Bungee pack
Windscreen cover - front Windscreen cover - side

 

The bungee pack contained 4 small cords that were 25 cm long, which were ideal for securing the tarp to the back of the doors and under the front moulding. Then I used 2 of the 46 cm cords for tying down the tarp from the front.

 

It's quick and easy to set up and the hook doesn't interfere with the door seal. All up cost - $24!

 

For every other Autotrailer out there - get off your bums and do this. I've learned the expensive way that water ingress is bad news. Most of us have to leave our vans out in the elements, sometimes for months at a time. So, any water that gets inside the engine compartment has plenty of time to corrode electrical connections and corrode glow plugs into the engine block. Even worse if you're living near the coast.

 

David Buxton

07:44 PM   11-Nov-17

Taupo

Good work Chris. I still have my Warehouse tarp (yours looks better quality) and some little fine bungy cords I bought last year just to have in the van - handy little things. 

Chris Gaelic

09:34 PM   11-Nov-17

Just a little more incentive to those who maybe can't be bothered. We've owned our Delaware for 4.5 years, and in the last year, the following repairs are all likely to have been the result of water damage:

 

Replace faulty map sensor: $1,251
Replace glow plugs (corroded into the engine block): $1,438
Replace control unit for the airbags: $895
Replace engine control module: $4,435
Total: $6,684

 

It took over 3 years before the water ingress started creating problems for us. So, if you're thinking that this might not apply to you... 

Les

09:50 PM   11-Nov-17

Tuakau

Hi Chris, All looks good with your tarp cover, only one problem I found was scuffing on the paint work. Note on my photo I tried to keep it of at the front of the vehicle by using our fence and bits of foam. Les

Chris Gaelic

09:51 PM   11-Nov-17

I wondered about why you did that, Les. Unfortunately, I can't park up to a fence like that. Would placing a length of foam along the front of the bonnet help? I'm thinking of those swimming noodles that children use.

 

Just a thought for those of us who return home from a trip away and give our motorhome a good wash so it looks good while waiting for the next trip.

 

Be sure to take your motorhome for another short drive - long enough for the engine to get hot enough to evaporate all the water that will have just been leaked inside.

 

Then fix your tarp in place when the engine bay is nice and dry.

Les

08:38 AM   12-Nov-17

Tuakau

Goodmorning Chris, yes I used swimming noodles over the hooks and you need to watch the paint scuffing on the bonet and sides. Les

Twilight

07:07 PM   23-Dec-17

Auckland

A variation to using black bungees on the side windows at the top is to use Naleon Instaloc suction hooks (Bunnings - $9.50 each).  The packet says they are good for 10kg.  It remains to be seen how they cope with being outside for any period of time. I found the small black bungees difficult to use at the top and likely to cause paint scratches.  The whole overall concept is brilliant thanks. 

 

Chris Gaelic

09:43 PM   08-Jan-18

I've been using the tarp described above to keep water out of the engine for the past month and was pretty happy that it was a quick and cheap solution. However, we had some heavy rain over the last week, and I noticed that the tarp wasn't completely waterproof and water was trickling down the windscreen under the tarp. Ouch!

 

So, the more expensive wrap around thermal blanket may be worth spending the money.

 

However, there is another solution that I discovered today. I took my van in to Italian Auto Centre in Otahuhu to get my air conditioning recharged, so I asked them if they were willing to do the waterproofing that Les has been promoting. Andrew Simms weren't interested when I asked them. Joel, at Italian Auto Centre knew exactly where the problems are, and said that it would be 2 or 3 hours work for them to remove the scuttle and apply sealant everywhere that was needed. You then shouldn't need a tarp or thermal blanket, unless it was just to keep inside from getting too hot. And you'd have a professional applied solution.

 

This was the first time I'd used Italian Auto Centre. They don't look flash and up-market, but they have over 30 years experience with Fiat and they keep their tech staff. I might add that their hourly rate is about half of what I've been paying up until now. However, you don't get a cappuchino or flat white while you wait. They do provide a courtesy car.

ColinB

08:46 PM   23-Oct-18

Tauranga

FIAMMA COVERGLAS XL FOR DUCATO WINDSCREEN SHADE/PROTECTOR just ordered one of these from Ebay.com.au for my new 2018 Comanche will update once it arrives seems cool hopefully keeps it cool
:)

Windscreen water.

by Boltman

[ 6 ]

Boltman

11:00 AM   13-Apr-15

Whangarei

I have been blaming the poor drains for letting the water into the engine compartment but after realigning all three drain hoses and finding the right hand side one was installed with a major bend that stopped it from draining. To test the drainage was working I hosed the windscreen only to find water hose pouring in over the wiper motor. After examining the windscreen rubbers I have come to the conclusion that the water runs down the ends of the screen and under the rubbers. Owing to a Toll logging truck showering my screen with stones I have to get a new screen so I am going to inspect the area and see what's going on. Will keep you informed.

Sandy Dougherty

07:00 PM   13-Apr-15

Cambridge

Thanks for keeping us informed on this!

Boltman

08:08 PM   29-Apr-15

Whangarei

Smith and smith glass have pointed out that the double sided tape is giving away and the plastic moulding tha contains the drains will have to be removed and refitted with new tapes.

Alistair & Stella

05:34 PM   01-Jun-15

Christchurch

Thanks for this post, invaluable, we recently purchased our vehicle from a supposedly reputable dealer ( a story in itself ) only to find it had been left out in the open for several years near the sea side,what with the same failure as above, with the plastic moulding, water had been pouring down the windscreen and onto the engine components for several years, resulting in an alternator filled with water that eventually failed after taking great toll on the battery, and an engine block so badly corroded that the Christchurch Fiat repairers thought that the front of the van had been underwater! ( in effect it had! ) would be interested to know the final cost Boltman, if you have had it done.? Since writing the above, we have been into Smith & Smith Autoglass, who would have done the job for $45.00 all up, nut had no space until next week. They recommended going across the Road to Novus Auto Glass to see if they could help, as they had replaced the screen in Nelson some time back for the original owner, and had a lifetime guarantee on product and workmanship, worth a try we thought. Well, Bingo! They fixed it for us same day at no charge and gave us some good advice and background worth sharing: While the centre join in the two part drainage tray had failed, and water was hence getting into the engine compartment, it was falling onto the manifold cover. not ideal but not likely to cause a major problem. Novus reglued the two parts for us, and sealed the rubber strip across the bottom of the window at no additional charge, as a precautionary measure. Point to note: New out of box, this seal is not waterproof, it just has a sponge adhesive strip underneath, which eventually gives way; poor design again by Fiat. ( Fix. It .Again .Tony. ) Smith&Smith Tauranga have done quite a few of these repairs. While there are small drains that go under the glass, eventually the main rubber across the bottom of the wind screen will leak!

Boltman

08:21 PM   15-Jul-15

Whangarei

Novus Whangarei had two goes at it fixed second time but no guarantee.

ColininChCh

08:26 AM   08-Feb-18

Christchurch

Note I have added the following to another similar thread.

 

I have recently dismantled the cowl and have found that 9 of the 10 plastic clips that hold it in place were broken either from previous attempts to repair or just broken through age as they are very flimsy.

these are the primary fixing points and replacing the tape alone (in my experience) isn’t a long term fix. The tape is meant to fix the rubber seal to the windscreen not hold and maintain the shape of the cowl. 

Check and replace any broken clips 

GENERAL

Getting locked out

by Chris Gaelic

[ 3 ]

Chris Gaelic

04:28 PM   04-Mar-24

I made a reallly dumb mistake while driving our Delaware back home from Kerikeri. I was driving the motorhome and Shuping was driving our car. We stopped for a short break in Ngatea, and I got out for a toilet break. I closed the driver's door, leaving the keys inside. Whoops! We were now locked out of the motorhome and our spare keys were at home. Fortunately, it was only an hour away, and we had the car. But a real object lesson, as I just assumed that the driver's door would remain unlocked after I closed it.

 

So, now we have a second key stored in a safe place that I can access from outside the motorhome. Maybe something that we should all be aware of.  :)

geebeealan

04:53 PM   04-Mar-24

Kaiapoi

If you exit from the drivers door the auto look doesn't lock

if you exit from hab door auto lock works in 30 sec but if you wait until the auto lock does it thing with the hab door open the hab door will not lock unles you press the lock on key

 

Chris Gaelic

05:16 PM   04-Mar-24

I'm sorry to say that I did exit from the driver's door. And it did lock. Maybe that is a fault. But we were locked out and the keys were still inside.

wont turn over

by Mikew

[ 4 ]

Mikew

02:22 PM   29-Oct-22

hI does anyone have any advise please. my 2013 Dakota wont start, wont turn over , ive checked and charged the battery, it comes up on the screen transmission fault check hand book, also the glow plug light flashes orange. i plugged an OB2 scanner in it, says no faults. one thing i noticed with the ignition on i cant hear anything clicking in the gearbox while moving the gear lever, any help would be appreciated regards mike

 

The Sutherlands

08:43 AM   30-Oct-22

Auckland

Hi Mike

Just out of interest..do your headlights work? and when was the last time the vehicle was started?

Mikew

05:38 PM   07-Nov-22

hi sorry in the delay yes headlights go battery charged , it started fine 2 weeks ago

Mikew

08:16 PM   14-Nov-22

found the problem eventually. a bad earth from the engine to the chassis 

Dashboard Knock

by Malcolm

[ 1 ]

Malcolm

04:36 PM   27-Mar-22

Feilding

I have a 2020 Ducato that has developed an intermittment and loud knocking sound from inside the centre area of the dashboard. The knock sounds like it is coming from somewhere behind and below the installed ZENTC radio down to the floor level.   The intermittent knock happens when the vehicle is being driven over coarse road surfaces, road corrugations and undulating road surfaces all of which cause the centre dash to vibrate. No knock on smooth surfaces.

To add to the puzzle I have discovered two identical scews on the passenger side floor mat! Where from? Both scews match all other screws used to hold the dash components together.

The local Fiat Dealer has been unable to find where these 2 scews have come from and for them to find the source of this knock they would need to take the dash apart. May or may not be a warranty claim.

Before I get the dealer to take the dash apart has any one had this knock in their Ducato? Source?Solution?

Thanks,

Malcolm

 

Handbrake

by John_1

[ 1 ]

John_1

03:07 PM   01-Aug-21

Tauranga

Hello

My Motorhome has been parked up for a couple of months. Went to take it for a run but the handbrake won't fully disengage. Any quick remedies for this, thanks

Polishing motorhome

by Bruce M

[ 2 ]

Bruce M

02:00 PM   15-Jan-21

Auckland

We have a 2018 Delaware that had a toughguard coating put on before we collected it from Auckland Motorhomes at the cost of $2500. We were told the coating was good for 5 years but when you read the info that comes with it there is 5 years on cab and 3 years on fibre glass.  Already the roof looks dull and in need of protection and the sides are not beading water so have been looking into products I  can use myself as we all need to hold on to our money for other issues  that arise with motorhome ownership. Corrosion x and Marty's panel and paint products are only 12 to 18 month coatings at a similar price to toughguard. Has anyone had a product they have applied and had at least a years protection.

Malcolm

05:38 PM   15-Jan-21

Feilding

Hi  Bruce,

I had Tough Guard apply their coating to the fibreglass roof of a then 3 year old Roller Team. They prepared the roof and applied Toughguard product. Within the first 9 months the roof finished dulled and stopped beading water.  So for me Toughguard was a complete failure.

I now use a Marine Polish/Wax on fibreglass roof and fibreglass sides. Not a solution for many owners but for me a tried and proven way of maintaining my AT. 

Cheers!

Malcolm

 

 

Entry Door

by Bruce -Yvonne

[ 1 ]

Bruce -Yvonne

12:11 PM   20-Oct-20

Christchurch

Fial Decato Apachee 500. All model shave the same door?? Issue, RATTLING. Discovered the 2 locking pins have a form of plastic covering that has worn where it touches the fixture so now we have metal on metal. Can someone advice me haow to resolve the rattle? Cheers Bruce

Diesel Fuel

by Twilight

[ 2 ]

Twilight

01:35 PM   24-May-19

Auckland

While travelling around the South Island recently in our Fiat Ducato Auto-Trail MH, I noticed a number of diesel suppliers other than the big four (Shell, BP, Mobil, Caltex),  including NPD, Allied, McKeowns, Waitomo, G.A.S. and possibly others that I can’t recall.  This got me  wondering whether all of these brands of diesel were OK and if not, which ones were not OK, if any.   Initially I sought advice via the Fiat NZ website and made an online query.  The answer received was as follows:

 

“Diesel

Use only Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel Fuel. Fiat only recommends the use of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (USLD) that complies with the Fuel Quality Standards Act (FQSA as at 1 January 2006) in Fiat vehicles fitted with common rail direct injection diesel engine. Using the incorrect grade diesel fuel will cause running anomalies, possibly activate warning signals and also possibly cause component damage. Consult your fuel reseller when refuelling if in doubt.

 

Bio-Diesel Fuels

The inconsistent nature of Bio-Diesel fuel, typified by large particulates and various contaminates, can cause severe damage to the various components of common rail direct injection diesel engines. Any bio-fuels must conform to the standard EN590. Fiat DOES NOT recommend the use of Bio-Diesel fuels that can't be certified to this standard. Any consequential damage caused by the use of Bio-Diesel fuel will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.”

 

This is all very fine and dandy and I figured that the main suppliers would be OK but I wasn't sure about the smaller suppliers.  I bet if I asked at a service station if their diesel was “Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (USLD) that complies with the Fuel Quality Standards Act”, I might quite possibly get some blank looks.

 

I phoned Andrew Simms in Auckland and was advised that all brands of diesel in NZ are OK except for Gull as it is bio-diesel.

 

I recall an article in a past NZMCA magazine (I think) where a member had filled up with diesel at a truck stop (maybe not in NZ) but unfortunately the fuel had something else in it that caused the engine to fail requiring a total engine replacement at huge expense.

 

Does anyone else have anything to add to this or other advice on what NZ diesel to use?

 

Incidentally, a number of the lesser known brands are significantly cheaper.

Mike & Chris

05:21 PM   24-May-19

North Canterbury

As far as I am aware, NPD Allied and Waitomo are supplied by Mobil, GAS by BP and McKeown maybe Caltex or Z, not sure but they all supply high quality fuel. Gull import their own.

 

Mike

Auto electrician - Christchurch

by ColininChCh

[ 2 ]

ColininChCh

01:29 PM   12-Feb-19

Christchurch

Can anyone recommend an auto electrician in Christchruch that may be familiar with working on Autotrails

 

I have an issue with a a circuit (reversing lights) that keeps blowing the 7.5A fuse. It also imobilises the cruise control which makes sense as you wouldn't want to engage that whilst in reverse.When it blows the engine service light illuminates.

 

I had this daignosed by Andrew Sims in Auckland whilst travelling in the NI last year. They identified that some Airmas temperature sensors had failed. There weren't in stock in NZ so long story short I replaced these later in Chch at a cost of $800 but the issue continued. Turned out that the blown fuse was the issue, not the sensors and they didn't even check the fuses!

 

Appreciate any recomendations.


Cheers

Colin

 

 

The Sutherlands

03:22 PM   12-Feb-19

Auckland

What year is your Fiat?

Truck seats

by Grant and Gail

[ 1 ]

Grant and Gail

02:06 PM   28-Sep-18

Christchurch

Has anyone replaced the Fiat front seats with suspension seats? Any suggestions.

cheers Grant.

Repair Ducato Mirror

by Avocadopicker

[ 4 ]

Avocadopicker

07:54 PM   16-Apr-18

Katikati

Just found this today which shows how very simple it is to do common running repairs on the complex and expensive Ducato wing mirrors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQIPG7Mp7AQ

 

Beetle2

02:41 PM   23-Jan-19

Christchurch

Has anyone sourced a wing mirror for Fiat Ducato (Autotrail Imala 730)? Euromarque in Christchurch have quoted $1050 which seems a bit much to me. 

Beetle2

12:26 PM   13-Mar-19

Christchurch

I'll answer my own question: I have just had a complete passenger side long-arm wing mirror delivered from the UK at a total cost of $447.59 (NZ). Bought it from WingmirrorMan.UK and it took 6 days from payment to delivery via FedEx. (Quoted cost was 179.99 GBP and 33.65 GBP for delivery.

What is the name of the White colour???

by Michele

[ 1 ]

Michele

04:33 PM   27-Feb-18

Whangarei

I had a little whoopsie and backed into tree slightly damaging the gel coat on the back...just enough to need a repair...anyone know what colour white a Tracker FB 2017 is...???...thanks Michele

Fiat Stage 2 Pre-Delivery Inspection

by JohnK

[ 2 ]

JohnK

02:32 PM   25-Nov-17

Taranaki

Hi

 

Does anyone have any info on the Fiat Stage 2 Pre-Delivery Inspections?

We were informed by TaranakiRV that this was to commence from the 1st December 2017. They said they have to apply it to all their motorhomes and that it is something Fiat is requesting so it is out of their hands. We were quoted a cost of $450 for the inspection.

 

Anyone know more about this and whether it just applies to vehicles coming into NZ after 1st December or if it applies to all vehicles?

 

We were trying to get our habitation (gas/electric) conversion done at TaranakiRV but they can't help until February. Does anyone have any recommendations to get it done anywhere else on the North Island?

 

Thanks, John.

geebeealan

04:28 PM   25-Nov-17

Kaiapoi

NZTA now require a NZ. PDI inspection the UK one is still needed as they use it for all the info

 

Alan

MOTORHOME PERFORMANCE

ENGINE REMAPPING

by ColininChCh

[ 4 ]

ColininChCh

08:39 AM   08-Feb-18

Christchurch

Les

interesting post.

who can do this remapping and what is the cost?

GT

10:26 AM   08-Feb-18

I have not had a remap, but you can go to this website for info. They look pretty smart.

https://www.dieselperformancesolutions.co.nz

Peter M

11:47 AM   13-Aug-18

Hamilton

What will Fiat think about this? It may affect the warranty?

Andrew

01:51 PM   13-Aug-18

Papakura

As with every vehicle manufacturer in the world, an after-market engine remap will immediately invalidate the Fiat factory warranty. 

SPARE PARTS

windscreen wiper blades

by Bruce -Yvonne

[ 5 ]

Bruce -Yvonne

04:32 PM   17-Aug-17

Christchurch

Where is the best place to find replacement wipers?

pedro50

05:19 PM   17-Aug-17

Kaiapoi

 

 

I found you can replace just the rubbers only.

 

Repco have a "wiper refill set, plastic black, RRPW28" that does the trick. They are 8mm wide and 72mm long and you can cut to length to suit.

 

You have to pull the end caps off and remove the rubber blade piece only, much cheaper than the curved complete set.

 

Peter 

 

 

 

 

ChrisB

05:47 PM   17-Oct-22

New Plymouth

The correct product code from Repco is:  RRPW28S

I plan to buy some tomorrow and try  them . . .

Malcolm

08:53 PM   17-Oct-22

Feilding

Fiat Ducato replacement complete wiper blade pack $120 from Fiat Ducato Dealership.

Twilight

09:04 AM   18-Oct-22

Auckland

Went to Repco and bought a set for under $80

windscreen wiper blade refills

by Robert

[ 4 ]

Robert

04:16 PM   01-Aug-16

Dunedin

Window wiper blade refill.
When I went to replace my blades on my 2011 fiat ducato, was told that you couldn't get wiper refill rubbers but had to replace the whole wiper blade. Big cost.
But you can remove the end cap, either end as they're both the same.
And then get the replacement wiper refill rubbers for a ford, models MA Mondeo, LS Focus and CL Fiesta, motorcraft part no AWV 1922FM, unfortunately you have to buy 2 sets as the short rubber is too small for the passenger side.
But this still a fraction of the cost of replacing the whole blade.
 

pedro50

05:12 PM   01-Aug-16

Kaiapoi

I found some suitable long refill rubbers at Repco that fitted O.K.

 

They are 710mm, 8mm wide called "Wiper Refill Set - Plastic Black" RRPW28.

As you say Robert, just pull off the end cap and slide the new refill in after cutting to length. I think they were about $12.00, a lot less that the full replacement blade.

Boltman

10:26 AM   02-Aug-16

Whangarei

TWR has replacements ex stock. Good prices

Barry and Paula

05:10 PM   11-Aug-16

Dannevirke 4930

I imported a new set of blades in November last year, from ALIEXPRESS  Cost $20.00.

Lost or Damaged Keys / Remotes by David Smith

by N/A

[ 1 ]

N/A

02:23 PM   03-Jul-16

Whangarei

Check out these Guys.

 

The Car Key Doctor,

13 Eric Paton Way,

Panmure,

Auckland

 

Ph (09) 570 2274

 

www.thecarkeydoctor.co.nz

 

Click on vehicle make & model

NEW SPEEDO PLATE IN KPH

by Boltman

[ 1 ]

Boltman

09:59 AM   24-Jun-16

Whangarei

I thought about it but the speedo is so inaccurate that I rely on my Garman GPS. 

SUSPENSION & CHASSIS

Intermittent Knock Ducato Front Left Floor Area

by Malcolm

[ 4 ]

Malcolm

08:24 AM   18-Nov-22

Feilding

Hi,

My 2020 Fiat Ducato after just 20,000kms has developed an intermittment loud single knock that eminates from some where in front of the left passenger floor area, perhaps from the left suspension area.

The knock only happens running on country sealed roads(not city smooth surfaces), then only when going up or down hills, then only after making a left turn then bringing the steering back to central position, and only on undulating hilly road surfaces.

Fiat Dealer has inspected vehicle says does not know the cause of knock.

Has any one had this issue?

Thanks

Malcolm  

Malcolm

05:12 PM   29-Nov-22

Feilding

Update from Malcolm,

This loud, single, intermittent knock referred to above, today sounded for the first time from the opposite vehicle side! 

I managed to raise the vehicle and noticed two things - 1) the top of the left ball joint fitting had been striking the left drive shaft cover quite hard for some time judging by the amount of wear across the top centre of ball joint,

2) The top of the right ball joint showed a shiny new STRIKE mark on its top edge where it had struck the right drive shaft. But this strike mark on the right ball joint was in a different postion to the left ball joint.

 

I contacted Fiat who advised to limit driving until I can get the vehicle to them for inspection.

 

See my other post in this forum on brake squeal - are these issues related?

 

Will keep members updated

 

Malcolm

 

 

 

Malcolm

02:16 PM   09-Dec-22

Feilding

Update from Malcolm,

Fiat today inspected the vehicle and advised me that:-

1) I was wrong in thinking both ball joints had been striking the driveshaft above causing the wear marks on top of both ball joints. No such physical contact had occurred. Not the sources of the knocking sound.

2) Attached to the driveshaft are two bar code labels, each directly above the ball joints below. Until they wear out, those labels swing in the wind and so swipe over the ball joint tops. Over time that constant label swinging polishes/scuffs the ball joint tops. 

Hard to believe but that is what Fiat say has happened.

Worth you having a look at this area in your vehicle to possibly see what I mean.

3) Fiat unable to indentify source of knock as that requires them undertaking driving on hilly country road with tight turns and even then the sound is very intermittent. 

 

Malcolm

 

Malcolm

08:37 PM   15-Dec-22

Feilding

Update.

In trying to locate the source of this knock I lifted the floor covering off over the passenger/driver floor area to expose the Vehicle Battery cover located in the passenger side floor.

On taking the battery cover off I saw the metal clamp that sits over and on top of the battery to keep the battery secure had come loose. That loose clamp was free to rock around making a clunk sound when striking the battery box sides. Most likely that has been the knocking sound I have been hearing.

The clamp is held in place by a threaded bolt and nut. I could not tighten the nut any further. So I packed flexible rubber inserts between the battery top and clamp to stop clamp moving around.

Will test over Christmas to se if this works .

 

 

Creaky rear end

by Magndav

[ 3 ]

Magndav

05:43 PM   04-Jan-18

Auckland

Has anyone experienced noisy rear suspension creaking in their Autotrail? We have a seven year old Cherokee which we have had from new and without any particular suspension noise problems., We drove up to the national rally in October without any issues. In mid December, the next time I used the vehicle there was a terrible creaking, grinding noise from  the back every time I went over any uneven road - which of course was much of the time. We were away in the van for a week after Christmas and the creak continued - definitely suspension related - and nothing like pots in a cupboard!! I took it into ourlocal Fiat agent this morning and they advised that the rear leaf spring shackle rubbers had worn through and need to be replaced, and also there was noise heard from the rear shock absorbers they should be replaced as well - but they viewed all of that work as falling into the Autotrail agents court rather than Fiat. I decided that I needed to puirsue that route - but then driving home from the agents the rains starter-d - the first rain we have really had for at least a couple of months - and after 15 minutes or so of driving in the wet the creaks from the back had gone and driving was normal and quiet. In my mind this rules out a shock absorber problem. It alswow makes me wonder if the rubbers realy have worn through or had simply become 'seized up' with standing in a liong hot dry spell. Has anyone else had similar problems?

 

geebeealan

06:37 PM   04-Jan-18

Kaiapoi

I had the same on 2011 model removed the rear shackle bushes and cleaned the reasembled

 with grease cured the problem for the next 4 years ownership the job took about 3 hrs done by me 

The Sutherlands

08:52 PM   05-Feb-18

Auckland

Having read the the above about the "creaky rear end" I filed this in the memory banks for future reference. On our next trip on Auckland Anniverary weekend-guess what- we developed a really bad squeak in the rear. Gawd-whats gone wrong now I cried, we have only done 3500k's, I know its been hot and dry but surely the bushes havent dried out. Back home I got the hose out and gave the rear end a good hosing only to still have the squeak on the next outing. Dam- an inconvienent trip to the dealers coming up. Listening carefully I noticed the squeak was only when the van was swaying from side to side. Under the rear again, checked and inspected everything in sight, sprayed silicon on everything that moved and.......found the cause was the drop down rack in the shower swinging away in the breeze and making a huge noise. Laughed my head off!

Ducato Maxi 2017 Top Mounts

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

10:33 AM   26-Jul-17

Tuakau

Interesting Reading.

This Morning my Courier Driver that has a new 2017 van manual, said last night he stopped for diesol and his van got stuck in gear, fiat nz gave him a spare van and said his problem was due to his starter motor...... sounds like the old earth strap problems to me

 

//www.fiatforum.com/ducato/452150-new-2017-ducato-maxi-top-mounts-failed-again.html

 

Les

VEHICLE BATTERY

Trickle charge with small solar panel

by David Buxton

[ 3 ]

David Buxton

12:21 PM   05-Nov-21

Taupo

I'm looking for advice please. I dont have the engine battery connected to the solar panel and when away for a few months the engine battery slowly discharges. Can I connect a 5 or 10 watt solar panel directly to the battery without a solar regulator while I'm away just to keep the battery topped up? I don't want to disconnect the battery from everything else - ie keep everything connected. 

Mike & Chris

12:58 PM   05-Nov-21

North Canterbury

Hi David. I am the local organiser for our community bus, a Ford Transit which is set up like the Fiat with underbonnet jump starting connections. If the bus isn't used for a couple of weeks it would often be difficult to start so we installed a 10 watt solar panel through a 10 amp solar controller both available from Burnsco for about a $100 all up. When the bus is parked in its garage we connect the solar output to the underbonnet connections, the output is about an amp or slightly less... problem solved.

David Buxton

04:20 PM   06-Nov-21

Taupo

Thank you. Yes, I presume I would need to use a solar controller. Incidently our 2018 Chausson Fiat does not have jump start connections. It must have been a Monday build and they were forgotten!

Solar charging of vehicle battery

by Twilight

[ 3 ]

Twilight

06:55 PM   06-Jul-21

Auckland

Rather than buy some fancy gear to keep the vehicle battery charged up when not in use, can a separate portable solar arragnement be used.  My sutuation:  I replaced the original PWM solar charge controller with an MPPT controller for the huse battery.  I didn't pay the extra dollars to get the necessary switching gear to keep the vehicle battery charged via the MPPT etc.  I now have a surplus PWM device.  I have fitted a GPS Speedometer Head Up Display with OBDII Data from Jaycar.  It is a wonderful device and far superior to anything else I have found including GPS.  I have them fitted in my 2 other cars with great success.  I have it connected up using the OBDII port, and calibrated to give true speed rather than guessing the indicated dashboard speed (if you can read it). The downside with the HUD is that it draws <=20mA when the MH is parked up.  If left for a month or so without running the engine, the battery seems to be 'down' a bit.  I could disconnect the HUD when not in use but it messes the alignment with the screen on the windscreen. 

 

My thought is to run cables from the vehicle battery to a suitably mounted plug easily accessable and near the battery.  The idea is to purchase a cheap a low wattage solar panel (10 - 20 W), connect it up to the PWM and with a lead to the plug near the battery.  All I need is 'a few' millamps to keep the battery charged up.  The whole system would need to be portable  so it could be easily removed prior to leaving home.  I would have no intention of starting the engine with this setup plugged in to the battery. 

 

Does this set up seem doable wihout wrecking anything?

 

 

 

 

Nick B

08:08 PM   06-Jul-21

Cambridge

What if you replaced your MPPT with one that sends power to the engine battery when there is excess, This one sends 1amp to the starter battery which should fix your problem. - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001351762234.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4du8VADK

Mike & Chris

08:34 PM   06-Jul-21

North Canterbury

Not sure if this is what you want, but I have set up solar battery charging in multiple places, a battery powered electric fence, a battery powered sprayer at our bowling green, a shed at home with solar lights and on another shed that houses our Ford Transit community bus. All with 10 or 20 watt panels and a 10amp PWM controller from Burnsco usually both for $100 when on special. On the Transit, which is similar to your needs, the regulated output from the solar panel is simply connected under the bonnet to the 12volt jump starting connections... the same connections as in the Fiat. The advantage is that their are no cables to run and it is unlikely that someone would drive away without disconnecting it because the bonnet is up. All of the applications have proven to be successful on 10 watt panels except the electric fence which is 20 watts. Mike

Battery servicing

by Dave_1

[ 5 ]

Dave_1

10:23 AM   16-May-21

Christchurch

 I just posted this in the NZMCA facebook group and someone suggested I post it here, so I will paste it below for comment please and Thanks in advance.

 

The vehicle battery on our 2016 Imala is dead. It was serviced 2 months ago ($871)  but when I just checked it, the fluid was below the plates. The hand book says it is a low maintaince battery but should be checked by the dealer when it is serviced. They obviously have not checked the levels so do I have some come back? They gave the battery a pass on the report. The battery has always been kept charged. I know the battery is getting towards the end of it's life but a top up might have helped it last a couple more years so wondering how long the batteries that Fiat use last on average?

 

Mike & Chris

11:59 AM   16-May-21

North Canterbury

Hi Dave. The battery was probably on its last legs causing the alternator to attempt to bring it up to charge but having the effect of boiling the battery dry. I would think that you would have very little chance of pursuing a claim on a 5 year old battery which in fact may be much older depending on when your Imala was manufactured as opposed to when it was sold in NZ. I have been doing a bit of research lately because I suspect that my 2016 Dakota is due for a new battery and the best fit that I can find in NZ is a Century DIN110 LAGM with the dimensions 393 x 175 x 190. Mine is a 3 litre with this sized battery but I think the smaller engines have one which is slightly shorter. The DIN110 also has the correct fixing on top for the terminal blocks. In Europe there are many other brands but the only ones that I can find are the Century and a Bosch which will be a bit harder to source. Mike.

Dave_1

02:50 PM   16-May-21

Christchurch

Thanks Mike, that makes sense. I will have a look at the batteries you mention. The Automobile Assn uses Atomic batteries which fit the electrics in the Fiat. The 5566 model 398 X 175 X 190 high is $649  and the  3888 one 352 X 174 X 190 high  is $545.   The AA price is slightly higher but they fit them free.

geebeealan

04:44 PM   16-May-21

Kaiapoi

used a Exide DIN88MF on changes

 needed

Dave_1

07:23 PM   18-May-21

Christchurch

Good outcome. They are giving me a new battery at trade price and fitting it at my home with no charge for that.

Charging Battery

by Barry P

[ 3 ]

Barry P

01:30 PM   07-Jul-20

Queenstown

Hello, is there a way to charge up your flat vehicle battery by using the leisure batteries. We have a 2017 Comanche. 

Cheers

Avocadopicker

01:52 PM   07-Jul-20

Katikati

We have a battery master which trickle charges the vehicle battery when the leisure battery voltage is higher. Only charges up to 3A so probably not useful for a flat battery but great for avoiding that condition. Surely for an emergency start you might get away with jump leads, although the leisure batteries (unless you have LiPo) are not really designed for high cranking amperages. 

Barry P

10:10 AM   08-Jul-20

Queenstown

Thanks for your advice Avocadopicker, and also thanks to our top man Russell Lowther for his suggestions on the phone.  Cheers

Battery charger

by Julie and Bill

[ 1 ]

Julie and Bill

06:19 AM   23-Oct-18

B of P

we are trying to get to the bottom of why the vehicle battery went flat.

is you leave the 230V power on for a week can the vehicle battery go flat

 

 

Battery vehicle reading?

by Bman

[ 3 ]

Bman

07:38 PM   20-Jun-18

Auckland

Hello, I am seeking some advice on what your vehicle battery reading is after being on 240v charge for 3 days? Is 12.7 (good) a normal reading? I am a little paranoid as the vehicle battery has been at poor due to a faulty alternator which was replaced under warranty. Grateful for your advice on your vehicle battery reading?

Julie and Bill

11:49 PM   22-Oct-18

B of P

just happened to be looking re my flat battery that are a worry I would not call it paranoia! Anyhow that 12.7 sounds fine to meIs your battery problem fixed?

 

Julie and Bill

11:51 PM   22-Oct-18

B of P

please excuse the typos- has your battery problem been fixed?

WARRANTY

Fiat Anti Perforation Warranty

by Malcolm

[ 1 ]

Malcolm

02:58 PM   28-Jul-23

Feilding

As shown in my Fiat Ducato Warranty Book, all Fiat Ducato based motorhomes sold in both NZ and Australia under either the Auto Trail or Swift brands, are covered under a seperate Fiat Professional Australia and NZ Warranty just for these two brands.

The Warranty has a specific section detailing an 8 year Anti Perforation Warranty of the Ducato base vehicle only, not the accomodation pod.(The habitation pod warranty normally provided by selling dealer).

Warranty requires two inspections of the base by Fiat dealer (at 3yrs and 5yrs) to validate warranty in the vehicle service records.

Mine due for 3rd year inspection but my local Fiat Dealer ( services many Auto Trails and Swifts) has never had any owner request an inspection and has never heard of this warranty.

How have other owners got on?

 

 

Imported Motorhomes

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

10:42 AM   23-Jun-18

Tuakau

WARRANTY ON IMPORTED MH
AT NZ Facebook  Post:    Good morning members, we have recently purchased an AT off Trademe, privately imported in October and travelled 6000kms. I emailed AT UK to have the ownerships details transferred for warranties, they will not cover it and suggest we find a warranty provider who offers after market warranties, does anyone know of a business who does this, thank you.
Comments:
-  Good luck with that! Maybe Autosure?

-  What are you trying to get a warranty on? MH? Or cab/chassis??

-  Both, I don’t understand why there’s no warranty cover for AT in NZ, when there’s so many here now, what are your thoughts?

-  I would think anyone who does car warranties would surely undertake a m/home as well. Try your local 2nd hand dealer.

-  There may be auto insurance companies like Club auto that may provide a warranty at a cost. However separate your rig into two parts: Fiat and habitation. Your Fiat will have a 2 yr international warranty from the time it commenced in the UK. (You need to ensure that it is now transferred to NZ with your local Fiat agent). The habitation warranty is with the UK dealer that the MH was purchased from and while not being transferable to NZ, the dealer may send you parts (at your shipping cost) if something is proven to be faulty. (The manufacturer may require the return of the part). Relate the habitation to buying a 2nd hand house and trying to find an insurance company to provide a warranty.
HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=581078480&fref=gc&dti=553858014805956" 
-   I also purchased a second hand private import AT and had to self fund several repairs that might have been covered under warranty if van had remained in UK. I knew this would be the case when I bought it and just had to grin and bear it as part of the cost of getting a cheaper motorhome and the model I wanted.

-  Thank you I didn’t realise this, lesson learned

-  Even if you had bought it in NZ you wouldn't have got an actual Autotrail warranty only a warranty from the dealer who sold it to you.
 
-  Regarding the Fiat part of the vehicle, when registering it with Fiat NZ ask whether your 2016/2017 Ducato is affected by the EGR recall. I’m currently waiting for a replacement part to arrive in Christchurch

FIAT NZ WARRANTY

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

01:37 PM   09-Nov-17

Tuakau

ATECO Group NZ as a 3 year or 200.000km on our Fiat Professional vehicles and includes 24 hour Roadside Assistance, this only applies to New Zealand new vehicles imported by ATECO Group NZ.   

 

Paint repair is covered for the life of the vehicles warranty only.

Anti-Perforation warranty is between 6 or 8 years depending on the vehicle. It is subject to the vehicle being reasonably maintained and cared  for and covers the original vehicle body against perforation corrosion (rust from the inside out).

 

Any mechanical issue or warning light on dash should be address with our Servicing dealers.

 

With regards to have my details on your Forum, it has caused an overload of calls coming to me, could we please keep the communication line between you and I, with question or concerns via email, it would be much appreciated.  

 

Thank you

Regards

João 

Fiat International Warranty

by Andrew

[ 14 ]

Andrew

03:05 PM   05-Jul-17

Papakura

If it is appropriate I would like to guage members feedback on the subject of the Fiat International Warranty. Looking through this forum the topic has certainly been the subject of much conjecture over recent times. There is certainly a great deal of misunderstanding and misinformation about how International Warranty operates.

The reason for asking for such feedback is that there are unprecedented numbers of Fiat based campers arriving in New Zealand through a variety of sources. Last year 800 arrived and this year the number could eclipse 1000 units. This huge increase in volume has prompted a discussion between Fiat Dealers and the NZ Fiat importer, Ateco Ltd about the servicing and warranty requirements to support these vehicles. Your input will assist towards the formulation of a comprehensive policy which will then be issued to all Fiat owners who are inside warranty and to the importers who are bringing these vehicles into New Zealand. 

 

Warranty Types:

New Vehicle Warranty. Most people probably understand the industry norm for new vehicle warranty for a new vehicle purchased from a franchised new vehicle dealership in New Zealand. There are two components of such a warranty which will meet the cost of a legitimate new vehicle warranty claim. There is the claim that the dealer can make back on the manufacturer for performing a repair that is deemed necessary due to a faulty part or faulty assembly while the vehicle is within the new vehicle warranty period. Typically the dealer will recover a reasonable portion of the cost incurred in performing the repair, but often there is a shortfall which the dealer will absorb as a matter of goodwill towards his customer. The second part of the new vehicle warranty is made up of less straightforward claims where the manufacturer does not accept the warranty claim but the dealer decides to complete the repair as a matter of 'goodwill' or 'policy' to maintain the relationship with the new vehicle customer. This is a straight out cost to the selling dealer and is usually funded by a provision that the dealer makes from the profit generated by selling the car in the first place. 

So typically any franchised new vehicle dealer will be incurring a cost performing new vehicle warranty which results from a shortfall between the cost of the repair and the amount recovered from the factory, and secondly from goodwill repairs where no claim on the factory is possible.

Transient New Vehicle Warranty. From time to time a vehicle may be purchased in Dunedin but be relocated to Auckland while it is still within the new vehicle warranty period. Of course the new vehicle warranty remains valid and a claim can be made at any dealer holding the same franchise throughout New Zealand. The repairing dealer can claim on the factory for a legitimate warranty claim. In the case of a 'goodwill' claim the repairing dealer will invoice the selling dealer if the selling dealer agrees to meet the cost of the claim.

International Warranty. Some brands offer an International Warranty which provides some degree of cover for owners of vehicles which are within the specified warranty period who move from one country to another. There are several very distinct differences between an International Warranty and a routine New Vehicle Warranty.

1. The vehicle must be registered for International Warranty so that it can be clearly identified by the manufacturer. This is an onerous process and a cost to the person completing the registration.

2. International Warranty claims are difficult to make and also require a raft of time consuming paperwork. Reimbursement of International Warranty takes months.

3. Generally the International Warranty conditions are less generous and more stringent than a new vehicle warranty.

4. The selling dealer is often on the other side of the world, and therefore a 'goodwill' claim is nearly impossible to make. The repairing dealer has not benefitted from the sale of the vehicle and does not have any provision to draw upon to fund goodwill claims.

5. The repair times given by the factory are almost impossible to meet and therefore the repairing dealer will almost certainly lose time completing the repair. Specialist technicians are very hard to find, very expensive to employ, and generally are booked out well in advance creating a significant opportunity cost when loosing time doing warranty repairs.

 

There are some Fiat motorhomes being built in New Zealand onto chassis or vans supplied by a Fiat dealer. These vehicles are fully covered by the terms of the Fiat new vehicle warranty as described above which includes roadside assistance and emergency towing benefits etc.

There are also a great number of Fiat based motorhomes being imported by the official agent of an overseas motorhome builder, such as AMH's relationship with AutoTrail. 

There are Fiat based motorhomes being purchased from dealers overseas and being imported by private individuals for their own use, and Fiat based motorhomes being imported by private individuals in order to profit from the resale of these vehicles in New Zealand. Increasingly there are rental operators importing built up motorhomes in bulk to capitalise on the tourist boom.

Some of these vehicles have the benefit of a Fiat International Warranty.

 

Most Fiat dealers in New Zealand will support an owner who has a Fiat vehicle within International Warranty and try to assist wherever possible. This is often done at a significant cost to the New Zealand dealer without any offset or income from having sold the vehicle, and in the knowledge that they may only recover a portion of their cost for providing such assistance. There may be some offset from an ongoing service relationship with the customer, but not always. The commercial reality of this situation differs from the expectations of many of the motorhome owners, some of whom display a "drop everything and fix my vehicle now for nothing" expectation when presenting at the New Zealand Fiat dealer, even when the customer purchased the vehicle from a UK dealer in order to "beat the system and save $10 grand". I have seen threads in this forum where owners have purchased an AutoTrail from a dealer in the UK to by-pass AMH, and then had an expectation that AMH would fix habitation faults for nothing under warranty. The situation is the same, and again is this commercially realistic? If you act to "beat the system" then can you expect the system to support you when things go wrong?

 

There is also certainly an issue with the terms of the International Warranty being oversold by Motorhome sellers in New Zealand and overseas. The International Warranty is being portrayed as the equivalent of a New Zealand New Vehicle Warranty when it is not. The key component that is missing is the role that the selling new vehicle dealer plays in meeting the cost of goodwill claims, and meeting the cost of the shortfall between what the manufacturer pays out and what the repair actually costs to perform. This goodwill cost beyond what Fiat will pay for as the manufacturer either lies with the motorhome reseller (who has profitted from the sale) or with the vehicle owner (who has the benefit of the usage of the vehicle). This issue is becoming prevalent because of the increased numbers of these vehicles entering New Zealand. There is a bigger issue between AutoTrail UK and Fiat if the end users perceive that the International Warranty is inadequate, we have no influence on this from New Zealand. Very soon Ateco NZ will advise owners and the resellers what the terms of the International Warranty are, which should at least reduce the degree of overselling.

 

Misconceptions about International Warranty are common to all European brands, most of whom operate on a cost recovery basis - ie. the customer pays and the proportion recovered from the manufacturer (if any) is then refunded upon recovery. So if you buy a $300 000 Maserati in London and import it to New Zealand, then this is what you would expect if you were making an International Warranty claim.

 

Those privately importing new or near-new vehicles themselves should consider the savings achieved versus the after-sales support surrendered in terms of both the vehicle and the habitation fit-out, and make their decision with their eyes open. 

 

I would be very pleased to read the opinions of AutoTrail owners to guage their expectations in respect to the Fiat International Warranty for:

1. New AutoTrails purchased from the authorised importer (AMH)

2. New or near new AutoTrails privately imported from the UK for your own use.

3. New or near new AutoTrails purchased in NZ from a 'grey' importer.

 

Thank you. All feedback will be very valuable

Andrew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Les

07:05 PM   05-Jul-17

Tuakau

This is my opinion..........

 

1...... At the present time I am Purchasing my fourth Fiat Ducato Motorhome from AMH Dealership, I went through them for the safety and security by having a 100% Warranty Assurance.

 

 

2 & 3...For the buyers who import a Fiat Ducato Motorhome ( for his own use or to sell on ) and saves $10K to $30K , They Should have to purchase a Extended Warranty Cover, this is what was expected of me when I purchase Import Vehicles. 

 

Les

Bman

07:29 PM   05-Jul-17

Auckland

Hi Andrew, thank you for providing the opportunity to seek opinions and expectations of Autotrail owners on what appears to be an unnecessarily complex issue.  In our search for our second motorhome a big consideration for us was the warranty cover, confidence in the NZ after sale service in the home and the vehicle.  Therefore we bought our new 2017 Autotrail from the authorised Autotrail importer, AMH directly, and we were prepared to pay the extra costs rather than trying to save money on importing a vehicle ourselves.  With the assurance of the 5 year manufacturers Fiat Warranty for Auto trail motorohome from AMH, my expectation is that the 5 year manufacturers Fiat warranty is fully honoured in accordance to the NZ Consumers Guarantees Act of manufacturers warranties.  The conditions of the 5 year warranty cover was provided to me in the "Fiat Professsional Service and Warranty Handbook" when I collected my Autotrail.  My expectation and understanding is that this is a new vehicle warranty for a new vehicle purchased in NZ.  It seems to me that Fiat HQ and Ateco NZ need to support the manufacturers Fiat warranty fully regardless of it being a Fiat International Warranty or New Vehicle Fiat Warranty if Fiat wish to grow their business globally by using the Fiat Ducato vehicle base for its motor homes.  Otherwise bad reputation by word of mouth may ruin the international business potential as consumers feel unsupported.

Chris Gaelic

09:45 PM   05-Jul-17

We purchased a secondhand 2012 Autotrail Delaware that had been privately purchased in the UK, and then shipped to New Zealand. It was close to $30k cheaper than buying it through AMH, and I fully expected that some of that saving would go on extra service and repair costs, which has been the case. I did have repair work done during the remainder of its 2 year international warranty, for which Andrew Simms covered the full cost.

 

Andrew, I appreciate that Fiat dealers are running a business, and agree that we need to be realistic about new vehicle and international warranties. It's a pity that Fiat themselves don't set realistic times for service work, but that is not something that you can control.

 

However, there is another really significant issue that needs to be addressed, and that is the lack of locally available spare parts. I'll illustrate with our own experience of planning to spend 3 months travelling around the South Island in our newly aquired Delaware.

 

We had everything prepared ready to leave Auckland, when the engine wouldn't start. The AA got us jumper started, and we drove to your Botany branch, where it was determined that the engine had been fitted with the wrong altenator, resulting in a battery fail. The battery and alternator were replaced at no cost, but we had to wait for 3 weeks to have a replacement alternator shipped over from Austrailia. That was 3 weeks out of our limited travel time in the South Island.

 

Then, while in Golden Bay, we had a warning light come on and lost power. The nearest South Island Fiat dealer was in Christchurch. We made it to just south of Bleheim, and went into limp mode, and had to be trailered from there to Christchurch. We were then advised that the dpf filter had failed, and it would take at least 2 weeks to get a replacement in from Italy.

 

So, we lost nearly half of our 3 month planned trip, our motorhome was immobilised in Christchurch with a full fridge and all our stuff, and we had the problem of where to stay. 

 

The significance to being far from home and unable to use your home on wheels while waiting for spare parts is a massive problem when it happens. In such circumstances, it's not just the cost, but the lost time that has an impact.

 

With the number of Fiat powered motorhomes now in New Zealand, it must surely be possible to maintain a full inventory of the most commonly needed spare parts. Ultimately, Andrew Simms, and the other Fiat dealers, should have a profitable business servicing our motorhomes. While it is not cheap, I understand the need to pay for such work to be done. I am not so happy at having to wait 2 to 3 weeks for parts to arrive from overseas when they should be available locally.

ChrisB

11:35 AM   06-Jul-17

New Plymouth

Re: New or near new AutoTrails privately imported from the UK for your own use

 

Hi Andrew,

we purchased an Apache 634 in the UK from an AutoTrail dealer, used it in the UK for 6 weeks before shipping it back to NZ.  We still own it and will continue to do so into the future.

 

The AutoTrail is covered by a number of "separate" warranties which are packaged together by AutoTrail for the benefit of the owner.  These warranties were issued in our name with a NZ residential address and in the full knowledge of the distributor that the vehicle's ultimate destination was NZ.  The warranties are:

 

1.  Habitation Compartment Warranty: 2 year manufacturer's warranty plus one additional year provided by MB & G Insurance.  Total warranty period = 3 years and there are no exclusions on vehicle location.

 

2.  Chassis Warranty: this is a 2 year warranty for the base vehicle (as supplied to Auto Trail) and is "back to back" with the Fiat manufacturer's warranty.  There is one additional year provided by MB & G Insurance.  Total warranty period = 3 years and there are no exclusions on vehicle location.

 

3. Other Fiat Warranties:
Paintwork Warranty = 36 months

Anti-perforation Warranty (structural elements of the base bodywork) = 10 years

 

The initial 1 year MB & G Insurance cover (Habitation and Chassis) was included in the purchase price.  The cover can be extended for year 4 (UK 189 pounds) or 4 & 5 years (UK 349 pounds), which provides some indication of the cost of the  Habitation and Chassis warranty on a global basis.  These are not big numbers relative to the purchase price and gives some indication of the overall reliability of the Fiat Ducatto / Auto Trail package.

 

As the vehicle is not registered in the UK, we are unable to access the Auto Trail 10 year Body Construction Integrity Warranty (beyond the initial 2+1 year period).  This appears to be the similar for vehicles purchased from the Official Auto-Trail Luxury Motorhome Dealership in New Zealand.

 

On arrival in NZ we registered our vehicle on Fiat's International Warranty system via the local authorised service professional.

 

We have used the Habitation Compartment Warranty at no cost (replacement parts supplied by the UK dealer for a reading light and a rear LED indicator - owner fitted).

 

We have also used the Chassis Warranty at no cost via our local dealer (ignition system recall, dashboard illumination software mod and replacement of a failed airbags control module) and we have an outstanding warranty claim for failure of the chrome plating on the passenger and driver side door handles.

 

 

General comments

 

1.  A two year chassis warranty on a vehicle of this standard / cost is the minimum we would expect.  Our other recently purchased European vehicle has a 5 year warranty and "free service" for the first 3 years.

 

2.  As per Chris Gaelic's comments, there is an issue with parts availability in NZ.  On the advice of the authorised Fiat dealer our Auto Trail was off the road for 3 weeks while a replacement ABS control module was sourced from Europe.

 

3.  Both in the UK and in NZ the Auto Trail dealer (in almost all cases) is not an authorised Fiat service professional.  Therefore, any Chassis warranty work must be performed by a 3rd party who does not benefit from the original Auto Trail sale.  I can only assume the cost of warranty service work is built into the cost (by Fiat) of the chassis as supplied to Auto Trail and the cost of the warranty work is subsequently recovered by the Fiat service professional from Fiat.  If this is the case, the scope and quality of warranty service in NZ should be no different than the scope and quality of warranty service in the UK.

 

4.  Notwithstanding  3 above, NZ purchasers and NZ importers do not receive the benefits of Fiat Camper Assist  during the warranty period.  Viz: 24 hour call centre, mobile workshop, organising towing, courtesy car, travel expenses, return home of passengers or continuation of journey, hotel expenses, repaired motorhome pick-up, repatriation of the unrepaired motorhome, cash advance etc (limits apply).  I understand that this may not be practicable in NZ.  However, with the increasing volume and the increased margins Fiat will be making from sales into NZ (where Fiat Camper Assist is not provided) some improvement in service is warranted.

 

5.  Some suggestions are:
 - Improvement in responsiveness for Fiat service professionals to undertake warranty repairs without lengthy delays or requiring owner cash guarantees first

 - Improvement in the availability of spare parts supply in NZ

 - Making available NZ maps for the Tom Tom UConnect system

 - Others???

 

These comments are aimed at improving the reputation in NZ of what is a great product, Fiat Ducatto / Auto Trail.  If you would like to discuss any of this off line please drop me an email:  chrisbusnnz1@gmail.com

 

Regards,

 

Chris

 

Karen and Steve

01:06 PM   06-Jul-17

Kapiti

We just took delivery of our new Auto -rail Imala from AMH. We went there because of the warranty offered and with the expectation that Fiat/Auto-trail approved AMH and their systems and processes. We ecpect the same service in regard to warranty claims as if we bought a new car from an authorised car dealer. I endorse what Bman said.

 

Steve and Karen

Nick & Karen

02:27 PM   06-Jul-17

I came out of the golf industry, lf a person purchased a Callaway golf driver overseas trying to save a few dollars, if the head cracked then Callaway Australia would not cover the warranty claim, answer was go back to where it was purchased. With the freedom to choose where we purchase overseas or local it gives you the choice to save money and take the risk or buy of AMH and have a five year warranty. I do not think that Fiat should be piggy in the middle when you have the Choice in the first instance. I think Fiat NZ attempt to try and clarify the difference between local and international warranties  would help future purchasers.

 But talk of goodwill etc, for the downside of an international warranty should not be placed on the local network like Callaway the choice is the customers not the dealer.

 

Mike & Chris

03:54 PM   06-Jul-17

North Canterbury

Quite agree with Nick & Karen. Earlier this year I bought a new car and after looking at privately importing from the UK I opted to purchase in NZ taking advantage of a 3 year warranty and 5 years free servicing. Had I imported privately I would not have expected any support from LR NZ. In 2015 I imported a new vehicle from Japan and similarly do not expect any support from the local franchise... took the risk that time, but the total value wasn't huge compared to the car or motorhome. When we bought our Dakota I also did the sums on importing privately and again decided that a local agent provided the security that I required for such an expensive investment.

 

As an aside, the time mentioned getting spares from Australia and Italy seem to be way over the top. I often buy bits and pieces for my various vehicles in the UK and Australia; norm is almost the following day from Oz and certainly within a few days from England... recently ordered an accessory from a company in Lincolnshire one NZ evening, it was dispatched that day, while I slept, and dropped off by the local courier (rural) three days later. Three weeks from Australia is nonsense. You could do a cheap day trip to Sydney, have a nice lunch at Darling Harbour and come back with it in your carry-on.

Mike

Chris Gaelic

04:50 PM   06-Jul-17

Yeah, Mike, I actually made that suggestion to the guys at Andrew Simms, and was told in no uncertain terms that this was not possible. I totally agree, the part could have been flown over, but Andrew Simms were waiting for the next container shipment organised by their parts supplier, presumably to keep their costs down. Given the option, I would have been willing to pay for the delivery cost to save that 3 weeks.

 

Andrew, that's maybe something that you should consider - providing customers with options for getting parts in faster. It's not always necessary, but when you're a long way from home, it might well be a cheaper option to pay for fast shipping.

Andrew

12:09 PM   07-Jul-17

Papakura

Thank you to everyone who has contributed. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and highlights the need for all matters surrounding the warranty provided by Fiat for Ducato based motorhomes in use in NZ to be clarified.

 

Most owners seem to recognise a distinction between a vehicle purchased new from the authorised agent in New Zealand and a vehicle purchased overseas and bought here as a parallel import. Usually the motivation for parallel importing is to access a percieved saving or even to resell the vehicle in NZ for a profit. However, as described by Chris B above, there are instances of "Tourist Delivery" where NZ customers are buying in the UK, using the vehicle and then bringing it home. All feedback has been fed through to Ateco as this matter progresses.

 

Clearly also the supply and access to spare parts is an issue. Again we are in a constructive discussion with Ateco and Fiat to improve the supply and reduce the delay in obtaining parts from overseas. However the discussion above again highlights some misconceptions about spare parts.

 

New Zealand is a tiny market at the bottom of the world. It takes Fiat under five hours to build every new Ducato sold in New Zealand in a year including motorhomes. We dont wield an enormous amount of clout! There are thousands of parts line items for multiple different models of Ducato. Because of the market size it is only possible to stock the most commonly required service and repair parts in New Zealand and even in Australia. When a part is required a New Zealand dealer will first look to see if the part is in stock in New Zealand in which case the part would usually be available overnight. Next they will look to see if the part can be sourced from Fiat Chrysler Australia in which case the part would arrive in one to five weeks depending on the freight method employed, but also depending on the availability in Australia. (For instance Australia may have parts in transit from Italy or being customs cleared and not available immediately). Failing that the part would be ordered from Italy.

 

Many parts are VIN specific and have to be coded to the individual vehicle in Italy, and then coded into the vehicle when fitted. This would be the case for the ABS module example cited above, and for many other parts including all electronic modules and even spare keys. Inevitably this is a slower process for which there are no shortcuts. Warranty parts causing a vehicle to be off the road might be flown in by DHL to reduce the delay. For a NZ supplied vehicle the local importer may elect to do this at its cost, for a parallel imported vehicle the owner may be given this option at their cost.

 

The flow of spare parts from the manufacturer is not like buying a book from Amazon. There is a misconception that Luigi is sitting next to the phone in Torino waiting for New Zealand to call, and will then immediately pick the part and ship it within an hour. Parts are ordered from Italy by New Zealand once per week at the same time of the same day each week. This is our slot. The parts are then shipped or airfreighted depending on the part and the circumstance. From time to time manufacturers will source spare parts from the OE parts manufacturer (such as Magnetti Marelli) based on demand rather than holding the parts, and from time to time the parts will be on back order, particularly if a common fault becomes apparent in service. Numerous factors can cause delays but in general supply rates are improving.

 

Warranty will only pay for genuine parts fitted by an authorised dealer, so the system must be followed. Usually the dealer and Ateco will pursue all possible avenues to get the parts as quickly as possible, but again in a market of this size at the bottom of the world, delays are almost inevitable other than for commonly required parts. Ateco and Fiat Dealers are currently engaged in determining what Ducato parts can be held in stock to further reduce the delays in New Zealand. Work is being done to reduce delays and improve supply rates.

 

An update will follow, but thanks again to all that have contributed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sutherlands

09:29 AM   08-Jul-17

Auckland

For my 2 cents worth about this discussion it is life is all about risk. You take risks because you have done all your research and the risk is mitigated because of it ,so when I self imported my 2013 AT and susequent 2017 AT I accepted that there was a risk involved with not only the vehicle but with all the other components like the oven,fridge etc so Andrew, the so called "percieved saving" are in fact  actual savings both on the purchase price and on the selling price when I sold the 2013 model.

 

Risk 1-Reliability

The risk is a numbers game-modern vehicles are so much more reliable and better engineered than the awful stuff that came out of the UK 50-60 years ago and we can thank the Japanese for that so in theory problems with new vehicles are now into very small percentages of total sales. I would not have accepted the risk of buying a Ducato if the internet had been full of negative comments about the vehicle.

 

Risk 2-Warranty

I accepted that this would be an issue after reading NZ forums about servicing issues from FIAT dealers but again it was a risk worth taking and we found a dealer (not in Auckland) who was, in my opinion, outstanding in the level of service offered when we had a faulty oil senor replaced. Sure a hassle to get the vehicle to them but again it was part of the risk factor.

 

I agree, the T&C"s of the International Warranty need to be explained better, rather than a small paragraph on the Fiat UK websit.

I also sympathise with the plight of dealers obtaining parts in a timely manner, I deal a lot with this problem in my industry and to get parts from Europe now takes on average 12 weeks by sea so a few weeks from Australia is actually very good.  

 

Not to say that the above risks are minor and its not everyone who wishes to accept these when buying a vehicle hence the need for dealers but fortune favours the bold, and on balance my decision to self import was the correct one for me. 

 

 

 

Les

12:22 PM   08-Jul-17

Tuakau

 

DPF Filter

 

Chris Gaelic

12:25 PM   09-Jul-17

Wow Andrew, what an interesting discussion you've started. I hope our members all take time to read through it.

 

I've got a couple of comments that might be addressed by staff training at your service centres:

 

1. If there is a long delay in getting a part through the normal channels, but it could be flown in at additional expense, then your service staff should offer both options to their clients.

 

2. If the motorhome is likely to be more than 2 or 3 days under cover while being repaired, have your service staff check with the owner that their fridge has been turned off, or offer to connect to 230v while inside.

 

On the last item, it is easy to forget, in the horror of being told that you may be off the road for 2 to 3 weeks, that your fridge is still on. The consequences can be pretty horrific, and expensive.

 

I totally understand that you are not responsible for the habitation area, but a reminder built into your standard procedures would be very easy to do.

Chris Gaelic

01:11 PM   09-Jul-17

Just to illustrate what can go wrong if you forget to turn off your fridge while your van is being serviced, I recently took my Delaware into the Botany branch of Andrew Simms to have the glow plugs replaced. The parts were available, and it was expected to take 2 days, and be finished on Friday. It took a little longer, which meant it was Monday afternoon before we picked it up. The fridge was empty, but still on.

 

On Monday afternoon, the house battery was totally flat, and wouldn't recharge properly. The fridge has run out of gas, and the controller decided to use the house battery. While this shouldn't have happened, it meant a trip AA Solar in Silverdale to replace my lithium battery. Fortunately, Pierre accepted that the controller had misbehaved, and honored the 10 year warranty, but I still had to cover half the cost - just over $1,000.

 

Object lesson for all motorhomers - turn off your fridge, and preferably the mains power, when you take your van in to be serviced. 

What's not covered under warranty

by Alan and Barbara

[ 13 ]

Alan and Barbara

05:07 PM   27-Jun-17

Warkworth

Travelling home last week from Taranaki the EOBD light came on in our new Delaware.This European On Board Diagnosis allows continuous diagnosis of emission related components to be made. In other words something wasn't working as it should. As our vehicle has only travelled 3500km I presumed this would be a Fiat issue that they would fix under warranty. Booked into Andrew Simms at Botany were they found the fault with the ECMP 1451-92 DPF.

The DPF had 90% soot mass. They carried out a forced regeneration of the DPFand got the soot mass down to 50% and consequently the dash light disappeared.

Expecting this to be covered by warranty I was presented with a $215.63 bill and told it was not covered by Fiats warranty. I argued that if this is a design fault with this Euro 6 engine then it should be Fiats responsibility to fix the fault, but to no avail. Response was if it happens again they may look at it!

Looked up Google and Ducati engine regeneration and there is a swag of information about this very problem. I was told that I needed to get the engi hot enough for this regeneration to occur, ie hotter than normal running temperature and that running the engine at over 3000rpm for 20 to 30 minutes might do it!

It seems that Andrew Simms are not that interested in servicing Fiats not purchased here in NZ.

Any one else had this problem?

 

Nick & Karen

05:59 PM   27-Jun-17

If the Autotrail was purchased from Auckland motorhomes it has a New Zealand Fiat warranty of 5 years 100000km so should have not had a problem.

Les

06:19 PM   27-Jun-17

Tuakau

Hi Alan &Barbara When you brought your new fiat into NZ Did you Register it with Fiat NZ as to get a 2 year warranty, This is what I have been told... Les

RSUP

06:29 PM   27-Jun-17

Taupo

We contacted Bryan Keating at Fbryank@fc.net.nz Fiat,Chrysler NZ, provided all purchase details Bryan then organized 2 year international warranty.

Andrew

01:17 PM   03-Jul-17

Papakura

Hi Alan and Barbara. At the outset, as a fellow Auto trail owner and a MCA member, please be assured that we are committed to assisting all Fiat motorhome owners to derive satisfaction from their vehicle. Your post raises several very important issues which are widely misunderstood, primarily because not enough has been done to inform owners of imported motorhomes about the terms and conditions of the International Warranty.

The issues created by new clean burning technology, such as that incorporated in the Euro 6 compliant Ducato, are affecting the whole industry. Of these issues ,dealing with the carbon build up in the DPF and exhaust system is the most challenging. Without exception every manufacturer that we deal with, including the Japanese manufacturers, considers that the cleaning of carbon deposits from components such as DPF's or throttle bodies is a service requirement and not a warranty item. The carboning up of a DPF, particularly for a vehicle which has low or light usage, is almost inevitable and will be a cost to the owner throughout the effective life of the vehicle. This does not result from a defective part or a fault which can be corrected, therefore it is not warranty; it is a service requirement. I can understand your concern about this, but it is very common with new generation diesel engines across many brands of vehicle, and is particulary prominent for low mileage users and light-footed drivers.

Occasionally within all of the brands we represent, we might see a vehicle which we have sold new display the same issue. On a case by case basis for a vehicle which we sold new, Andrew Simms might decide to do this work at our cost as a matter of goodwill. If we make this decision then it is entirely at our cost and we cannot claim back any part of this from the manufacturer. 

With just 3 500 kms travelled in your new Auto Trail, I can understand why you felt that there should be some goodwill extended to you, (notwithstanding that the low mileage makes the DPF issue more prevelant as explained above.) However I am not sure that it is fair to attribute the lack of goodwill to Andrew Simms, who neither imported or sold the vehicle to you. We certainly have a responsibility to all Fiat owners to try and ensure that they derive the maximum satisfaction from their vehicle, but in the case of a goodwill claim for a non-warranty item, this will always fall back on the selling dealer or vendor - in this case the dealer you purchased the motorhome from. Your expectation seems to be that Andrew Simms should have paid for this non-warranty repair to a vehicle which we did not sell. 

The Fiat Ducato chassis offers so much for motorhome builders that it has quickly become the most popular chassis in use. There are about 75 Ducato based motorhomes a month coming to New Zealand. I fully accept that there has been a lack of information, or even some misinformation, circulated about the Fiat International Warranty and in particular the obligations upon the owner (or selling dealer) to register their vehicle for warranty. There is also a great deal of misunderstanding about the level of cover that the International Warranty provides, for which the motorhome vendors must take some responsibility for.

We are currently working with Fiat to provide better information and policy around International Warranty, which will then be communicated to the owners, the motorhome dealers and the MCA. I will post an update here once the policy is confirmed.

You are welcome to email me directly if you have further concerns. Your feedback forms part of a very important issue for owners of all brands that have been imported from overseas.

Regards

Andrew

Les

02:16 PM   03-Jul-17

Tuakau

 

Fiat Ducato

The sixth generation of the van upon which three-quarters of European motorhomes are based employs ‘Low Pressure EGR [exhaust gas recirculation] technology’. This means that the exhaust gases are intercepted after passing through the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and returned to the combustion chamber via a low-pressure circuit. This results in a lower combustion temperature which helps reduce NOx emissions, while the improved efficiency of the turbocharger saves fuel. The new Ducato engines are, claims Fiat, top of their class in terms of delivering high torque at low revs and when it comes to fuel efficiency – qualities motorcaravanners are sure to value.

 

Les

I will be keeping my fingers crossed

Chris Gaelic

04:43 PM   03-Jul-17

Just a comment to Andrew on the dpf filter. We get our servicing done at your Botany branch, and were advised very early that we should make a point of occassionally pushing our 2012 Autotrail as hard as legal while driving up hills, something that we've been careful to do. However, I've never seen the dpf cleaning light come on, and our filter still needed to be cleaned at one of our service checks.

 

We're obviously well out of warranty now, but it does raise a question about whether the dpf cleaning circuit is working correctly. If it's not, and we were still under warranty, then that should be a valid warranty claim.

Les

05:10 PM   03-Jul-17

Tuakau

When we had our 2012 Autotrail Delaware the DPF played up light on, So on the trip to the SI in 2012, Fiat Dealership at Wellington replaced it under Warranty, crossed to SI then on the way to Blenheim the motor did a regeneration... A friend has had his go twice at a replacement cost of near $1000 so he had the Egr system pluged off.....Les

Andrew

02:41 PM   04-Jul-17

Papakura

This is a useful discussion, and a bag of snakes in one!

I would like to reiterate again that the "clean diesel" technology is an international issue, an industry issue and not just a Fiat in New Zealand issue. Just ask Volkswagen how hard it is to comply with Euro 6 emission regulations.

In answer to Chris, yes if the DPF system was inoperable or faulty then this might be a warranty claim if all other requirements are met and the fault could be attributed to a faulty part or faulty manufacture. This was not the case described above where the filter was clogged with carbon, most likely as a result of the light usage and the engine never getting hot enough to trigger an automatic regeneration. We found no fault with the system, and a forced regeneration cleared the DPF. 

It is a clumsy analogy, but it is akin to operating your log burner with the damper closed all of the time, and then blaming the wood burner manufacturer becuase your chimney needs sweeping. Occassionally you need to open up the damper and get the whole system hot, and you need to accept that cleaning the flue more often is a by-product of having a clean burning log burner.

The late model Euro 6 engines are far cleaner than previous models with a raft of new technology to achieve Euro 6 which comes at a cost, both in up-front engine cost and in servicing requirements. The matter is amplified for motorhome users when the usage is intermittent, low mileage and light. The engine is actually designed as a commercial engine with a seeming assumption of heavy, high mileage, and hot usage - quite the opposite of a typical motorhome. The advice to occassionally hold the vehicle in a lower gear and get it 'hotter than usual' remains good advice for any diesel that has light usage. However this may not entirely avoid DPF servicing issues.

My own AutoTrail has done 1 800 kms in two years. I expect to have to manually clean the DPF as a result.

We do not advocate blocking off the EGR or by passing the DPF. Firstly, this will likely cause downstream issues with the engine management system, particularly from Euro 4 on. Secondly this will completely invalidate any warranty or any claim under the CGA against the vendor. Thirdly these systems are in place to save the planet, and other than for those of us who come from Dunedin, global warming may not be advantageous. 

The final important issue is the over-selling of the cover offered by International Warranty, which again is a global issue and not just a New Zealand issue for motor home users. A comprehensive update on this follows.

Andrew

 

Terry

05:54 PM   04-Jul-17

Picked up our new Imala on the 15th June drove 600 miles in 3days most of it on uk motorways . Engine light came on . Rang the Dealer took it in 2 DPF codes shown . Explanation was damp on temp sensor ,and clogged filter from not being driven hard enough ?!?  Got on M 5 motorway drove 102 miles engine light came on . There is obviously. A fault . I trained as a diesel mechanic and worked for Ford,  Deutz , and other manufacturers in my other life . There is a definite fault with this technology. Will let you know how we get on as we spend the next 2 months in Europe ironing out our new Motorhome problems ?Terry 

Alan and Barbara

07:59 PM   07-Jul-17

Warkworth

Andrew, thanks for the detailed explanation offered above. While I agree we don't cover huge mileage on a yearly basis most of our driving is highway driving. I travel mainly between 90kph and 100kph and allow the automatic to select the appropriate gear, while opting to hold a lower gear on any long incline rather than put up with constant gear changing.

This is my 2nd AT and generally am happy with it although I would appreciate talking to you re Ducato issues that are not adequately explained by the importer when purchasing new from them. You can call me on 0274906500 any time.

The Sutherlands

10:46 AM   08-Jul-17

Auckland

Hi Alan and Barbara- After these posts I am off for a blat down to the tunnels and back to give my new Euro6 a bit of wellie and a clean out. Only done 2500k but want to keep on top of this.

 

May I make an observation about this DPF issue and it may be drawing a very long bow but the auto gearbox may be part of the issue. I asked the question on the UK Autotrail face book page if it was a problem there and got nothing in response again I may be well wrong but in the UK most of the vehicles sold are manuals conversly most sold here are auto's. I myself had a manual 130HP in my last AT and yes ,you had to drive it a bit harder than a 180 auto but I knew nothing about DPF's untill these posts and the Auto keeps the revs down. I also dont accept its due to low milage as we would all drive for for a reasonable distance on any trip be it long or short so the engine should get a work out.

 

I only bought a 180 Auto because thats what people want when resale comes up- but would I opt for an Auto again? well having had both, the jury is still out.There are pro"s and cons for both maybe when I get used to it I can make a better judgement. Definitly like the new engine, looking forward to the increase in power and fuel economy when its run in. Bage on the front grill says 'POWER' nice touch. Top Gear Clarkson would be happy!  

 

 

Terry

07:00 AM   12-Aug-17

Ok here's an update now we have done 4000ks . Engine management light back on in France . I called camper assist . It was Bastille day ,They sent a recovery vehicle and the verdict was dpf sensor !, what a surprise . The mechanic then turned the light off and of course this wiped the info ! Booked us in at a workshop and said you should drive there after the weekend . Which we did as it was on our way to the alps . Mechanic said there is no info for me Monsieur.!, so go away. Which I did . 30ks later light came on . Rang camper assist . They booked us in at another workshop on our way to the alps. Went there they said the Dpf sensor is faulty .we will order one Monsieur! Can you come back I said oui . So 3 days later after partaking of a bit of wine and cheese . We had a new sensor fitted and since then we have done 3000ks in the alps by road and just about as much walking and I am pleased to say it's all going well . Getting about 26 mpg up and down large grades. We ship back to nz in 3 Weeks this is the third import we have done . I use Chelstons of Sumerset to purchase .as they are a recommended fiat dealer and have a full workshop . All paperwork is done by them . To ship and compliance I have used Joe Steele at McCulloch . No need for a middleman . Any info anyone needs I am happy to comply. We have been spending every summer for 12 years now in Europe and have had a Motorhome over there for all that time. 

Better warranty support in Oz from Fiat

by David Buxton

[ 3 ]

David Buxton

10:47 AM   06-Feb-17

Taupo

I have just read this interesting article in iMotorhome Australia Issue 110. We don't get this sort of support from Fiat with a warranty claim. 

David Buxton

10:56 AM   06-Feb-17

Taupo

The screen shot is not easy to read. Basically the article praised Fiat for all their support. A warning light came up on the dash "check transmission" (very familiar to me - have seen it too many times!). Fiat paid for all expenses including a 250km tow to Perth, accomodation and a loans car for the 4 days their motorhome was off the road and all repair costs!  Problem was the brake pedal switch. (It took 2 years of warning lights and engine cutting out before our same problem was solved!)

Boltman

08:46 AM   07-Feb-17

Whangarei

I started getting these warnings after 153km on the clock. It took three trips to Italian Autos 180km each way. They kept replacing a solinoid. It was finally tracked down to the LED lights on thr front of the cab. Autotrail issued a replacement regulator. Note I never got a recall from AMH. I only found out through the grapevine. And had to aproach AMH for them to send a replacement.

Keeping warranty valid

by David Buxton

[ 1 ]

David Buxton

10:41 PM   15-Nov-16

Taupo

Dan Monk, Auckland Motorhomes, has asked me to put the following information/suggestions on the forum:

 

After reading the Taranaki Rally Techical Session report, a matter that concerns me is moisture.  We do a yearly check for free (bookings required) to keep the 10 year water Intergirity live.  You may wish to remind every one of this please.  Dan

May I also suggest for the next meeting: altering products without manufature's concent may void the warranties Thanks Dan

Fiat Support in NZ

by ChrisB

[ 1 ]

ChrisB

09:32 AM   05-Jul-16

New Plymouth

I suggest you contact your local Fiat agent/service dealer and ask them to register your vehicle with Fiat's Worldwide warranty system. Once this is done the Fiat agent will be only too happy to provide warranty cover for you.

 

We are in the process of having a recall matter resolved under warranty for our 2015 self imported Apache 634.  Our local agent is very happy for the business, I suspect yours will be also.

ChrisB

 

Can you Purchase a warranty for an Imported Camper in NZ

by Joyce

[ 6 ]

Joyce

12:03 AM   11-Mar-16

Tauranga

Hi I have imported  a new camper from Uk ( unused) . Has anyone any idea whether I can buy a warranty in NZ, where from and roughly how much I should expect to pay if its possible. Thankyou

Avocadopicker

05:24 PM   12-Mar-16

Katikati

Talk to Henry at Farmer Auto Village in Hewletts Road. He can definitely sell you a warranty. 

Tinker

07:57 PM   19-May-16

Auckland

Hi Joyce

I wrote to Fiat before leaving the UK and asked about warranty in NZ.

They had a case conference and sent me a letter which states we are entitled to a global 2 year warranty from the date of registration. Once NZ registered I am to send the letter with the number plate details to Ateco Group in NZ

Hope that helps

 

Joe & Jane Island Electronics

NZCamper2go

05:21 PM   13-Jul-16

Manly

Hi Joe & Jane Island Electronics

 

I am doing the same as you (importing a new Imala from the UK) and would also like to get the warranty from FIAT here in NZ. Would you mind sharing the email address of your contact at FIAT so I can contact them also.

 

Happy to do that outside of this forum if you would prefer. Just let me know the best way to contact you.

 

Thanks

 

Paul

nzcamper2go

 

John t

09:17 AM   19-Sep-17

Napier

Hi Paul, I have just imported a new Auto trail imala734 and would like to get the Fiat world wide 2 year warranty, I  did send Ateco NZ a email giving them my vechile registration plate number and the vechile vin number but have not heard back from them, Is there  warranty form i need to fill out ,if so do you know where i can get it from .

      With thanks.  John.         Email.   Jdtitter@ hotmail.com

geebeealan

10:13 AM   19-Sep-17

Kaiapoi

Send a copy of rego book to the attached

 

Joao Marques <JMarques@ateco.co.nz>

 

Alan

Fiat warranty discussion

by David Buxton

[ 1 ]

David Buxton

03:03 PM   18-Jun-15

Taupo

I see there's been a discussion about warranty, parallel importing etc under 'General'. You may want to take a look. 

Fiat warranty

by Boltman

[ 1 ]

Boltman

12:20 PM   26-Jan-15

Whangarei

I took my motorhome into Fiat agents in Whangarei on December 19th to have two water problems fixed. As it was just before the silly season they were unable to undertake the work at that time. But here is the point you have only 14 days from making the claim to having the repairs made unless they have to obtain parts from over seas. The time includes weekends and public holidays this left 4 working days to do the repairs in which they were to busy to undertake. As the warranty is carried by Fiat Singapore not Fiat NZ because they are a parallel import. I was never told this at time of purchase.

WHEELS & TYRES & PRESSURES

Tryes

by Chrisgram

[ 3 ]

Chrisgram

02:49 PM   07-Sep-21

Christchurch

We're looking to replace 2 tyres on our 2018 Comanche and see that thgew original tyres all have "Camping" on the sidewall. It seems that these are not available in NZ and that we will have to revert to standard Commercial tyres. That's probably OK however I'm interested to see if anyone has any knowledge as to availability of "Camping" tyres in NZ. They're Michelin Agilis 225/75 R16 C. 

Ross Knight

04:47 PM   07-Sep-21

Auckland

Hi Chris 

I have just put two new Michelin's on the front of our Delaware..found out through research that the originals no longer as u say...

so Beaurepairs Barryspoint Rd Takapuna just two months ago..Beaurepairs item # MI694531

225/75R16c 121/120R was the product

Rossknight 

txt # 021936104 

cheers

Tim in OZ

07:57 PM   08-Mar-24

2464 Australia

Hi All,

 

Good to see this forum operational again.

 

At 48,000 km I replaced the Mitchelin tyres on our 2018 Scout with Toyo NanoEnergy 225/75R16C. Have done about 12,000 km since and I am very pleased with their performance so far. They have a higher load rating and are much quieter on the road that the previous Mitchelins.

 

I have attached a modified version of the tyre pressure spreadsheet, with the load rating of the NanoEnergy tyres and axle weights for our Scout. The pressures indicated at 53 and 67 psi (cold) are a long way below the Fiat recomended 80 and 80 psi. I have run at these pressures for the last 12,000 km and the ride is much more comfortable comfortable and quiet. These pressures will rise on long runs and hot days, by as much as 10 psi.

 

Note, the Tyre Pressure Calc Mod spreadsheet uses a the actual axle load as a percentage of the tyre's maximum axle load at maximum rated pressure. This percentage is than applied to the maximum rated tyre pressure to give the recommended pressure at your axle loads.

 

http://autotrailusers.nz/ForumFiles/1011/Tyre%20Pressure%20Calc%20Mod.xlsx

Tyre pressures

by Murray H

[ 3 ]

Murray H

01:29 PM   29-Feb-20

We have an Autotrail Delaware 2018 and I would like to know the formula for working out the tyre pressures for our vehicle. We are currently running 75psi front and rear(and it rides well) and I am aware on the vehicle it states 79.5( +/- )1psi. however everything that I have read suggests that this is too high.

Can somebody please help with this?

Murray CHCH

Mike & Chris

03:58 PM   29-Feb-20

North Canterbury

Hi Murray

 

Lots of information under Fiat Issues >> Wheels and Tyres.

geebeealan

09:43 AM   02-Mar-20

Kaiapoi

//autotrailusers.nz/ForumFiles/1011/Tyre%20Pressure%20Calc.xlsx

 

Try this you need to have your axle weights as for road not the Autotrail plate ones

 

 

Alan

Comanche tyre pressures

by Grant and Gail

[ 3 ]

Grant and Gail

05:53 PM   04-Dec-19

Christchurch

Can someone advise recommended tyre pressures for the Comanche please?

Alistair & Stella

10:49 PM   04-Dec-19

Christchurch

I use 65psi as recommended by AMH, rides well, no problems thus far.

David and Anne

12:35 PM   09-Dec-19

Wangi Wangi, NSW

We're running at 70 psi G&G, that's also with a Daihatsu Terios in tow. Sits confortably.

Where to purchase Michelin Tryes

by Gary_1

[ 2 ]

Gary_1

03:35 PM   02-Jul-19

New Plymouth

Hi all,

 

Looking for 1 Michelin Aglis camping tyre, 225/75R 12 CP  116Q.

Informed by Michelin agent that camping tryes are not brought into NZ.

Has any one managed to find them, would appreciate advice.

Thanks

Les

03:53 PM   02-Jul-19

Tuakau

I personally would go for GT Radials you would get two for the price of one Michelin at Carter's with the NZMCA Price were $220 each they are quieter and deeper tread depth. More kms. Les

Spare wheel relocation

by Grant and Gail

[ 4 ]

Grant and Gail

09:23 PM   15-Dec-18

Christchurch

Hi. Has anyone relocated the spare wheel to under the van on its original position?

I’m considering this to move more weight forward of the rear axle so I can add an extra freshwater tank behind the rear axle. 

Sue

08:11 PM   16-Dec-18

Christchurch

Hi Grant and Gail

My 2015 Delaware has an extra fresh water tank, I have a total of 400 litres, put in by the previous owner.  The spare wheel has not been moved from the back.

Les

04:35 PM   17-Dec-18

Tuakau

Hi, Have a look a the Delaware Project, photos 206 litres waste and same on fresh Water. Les

Grant and Gail

10:37 AM   20-Dec-18

Christchurch

Thanks for your comments. I now have an extra 150 litre fresh behind the original 140 litre fresh giving me 290 litres but I’m concerned about weight distribution so thought moving the spare wheel to the original Ducato position under the van in front of the waste tank would help.

Has anyone investigated doing this

Grant

Tyre Pressures

by Les

[ 1 ]

Les

12:37 PM   22-Jun-18

Tuakau

TYRE ROLL TO OUTER EDGE
AT NZ Facebook post:  My 2016 Apache 634 has travelled 18,000kms . A friend pointed out that my front tyres had a slight roll to the outer edge. Should I get my wheels rotated or maybe look at a wheel alignment. Your thoughts please.


Comment:


  Would pay to do both as well as check for wheel balance.  Also check tyre pressure, as incorrect pressure will also cause tyres to wear unevenly, feathering is a sign that wheel alignment needs attention. At your ks it won’t hurt to rotate as this helps keep wear even all round, especially on tyres used on Autotrail’s due to them having a short wear life. Our Dakota has done 30,000ks and is due for replacement tyres and this not due to the way it is driven but to the European product used by Autotrail which is designed for lovely smooth roads they have compared to ours in NZ.
 Good advice Colin I check my tyres regulary and maintain the 79.5 psi as indicated on the door pillar, we did 7000k in the UK and have only noticed the wear since we arrived home your explanation has cleared this up thanks
 

Search this group for tyre pressures per axle weight.

 

Door pillar weights are far too high, they are when it is used as a work horse courier van

 

Tyre pressures

by Tim and Sheryl

[ 3 ]

Tim and Sheryl

11:19 PM   11-Aug-17

NSW

The label on the doorpost of my 2014 Delaware says tyres should be 79psi all round.  This seems mighty high to me and I have found that most air hoses in services stations around nz will not provide that pressure.  Any one else have this issue and what pressures do you use?  Thanks

Les

08:27 AM   12-Aug-17

Tuakau

Hi Look At Fiat Issues... Down to Wheels & Tyres... the use axel Weight... Les

GT

10:48 AM   18-Jan-18

Try this web site

 

https://www.tyresafe.org/check-your-pressures/motorhomes/

 

make sure you get your vehicle weighed in the  state you usually travel in and get each axle weighed.

AUTOTRAIL MOTORHOME TYRE INFORMATION

by Chris Gaelic

[ 3 ]

Chris Gaelic

12:19 PM   07-Jul-17

Thanks Les. We've been running our Delaware as lower pressures since our first tyre change, and really appreciated the difference it made to the ride and rattles. For us, it was pretty simple in that the guys at Carters knew what the pressures should be, and they provide a discount for NZMCA members as well. 

David Buxton

07:46 PM   07-Jul-17

Taupo

It was a truckee friend that suggested we run our Delaware at 65psi rather than 80, and oh what a difference. I note from Les's long post that our tyres should not be carrying more than 1250kg each ie 2500kg on one axle and with this weight they need to be inflated at 80psi. At the COF our back axle weighs out at 2500kg and front axle at 1800kg - freshwater and diesel tanks full and lots of extras on board too!  80psi is too high - we inflate to a max of 63 psi front and back. Wear is even and minimal for 26000km. The ride is much more comfortable. The tyres are 225/65RCPs

Les

08:13 PM   07-Jul-17

Tuakau

Hi David, As 225/75r16 cp load rating 116 Front at 1800kg = 57.6 lbs Rear at 2500kg = 80lbs Using the given formula's for camping tyres, you are running a very low pressure on the rear. Les

TYRE CHOICE for an Auto Trail Imala 720

by NZCamper2go

[ 8 ]

NZCamper2go

01:14 PM   26-Jan-17

Manly

Hi there,

 

Turning once again to this wonderful forum for some advice. Our Auto Trail Imala 720 came from the factory with Michelin 215/70 R15 CP tyres. I have about 6mm left on the fronts and 8mm on the rear after just 12,000km so I'm guestimating that well before 20K I am going to have to replace.

 

The more I delve into the world of replacements the more confused I get. Our local tyre shop said they couldnt get a Michelin replacement here in NZ (only available in Europe). I'm also aware that weight is a factor so I'm off to our local refuse station tomorrow to get the van weighed.

 

Has anyone else gone through this pain barrier (an Imala 720 owner would be even better)? What alternative manufacturers are to be recommended and what tyre spec?

 

Then there is the subject of tyre pressures. Another black science it would appear :)

 

I am running currently on 72 PSI on the front and 77 PSI on the rear. These numbers were simply arrived at by converting the FIAT recomended BAR values to PSI.

 

I wont hold anyone to any advice but just need to see if anyone else out there has already done some of the hard yards to come up with a sensible solution.

 

Many thanks

 

Paul

Chris Gaelic

01:32 PM   26-Jan-17

Hi Paul,

 

The standard Fiat tyre pressures are too high and result in excessive road noise. I took my Delaware along to our nearest Carters who fitted Maxmiller CS GT Radials, and set the tyre pressure at 65 PSI (from memory). I've been reasonably happy with them, and the road  noise is much reduced.

 

I know there will be other opinions on this which you can read lower down on this page.

 

Carters give NZMCA members a discount, and I've been very happy with their service. 

Rob and Pat

01:54 PM   26-Jan-17

North Canterbury

When I purchased my Delaware at 20K it had recently been fitted with Hankook LT 225/75R16C tyres on the front. The vehicle has now done 41K miles and there is still about 4mm of tread on the tyres. Have had no problems so far with the Hankooks.

 

Rob

NZCamper2go

03:35 PM   26-Jan-17

Manly

Thanks Chris and Rob. Advice much appreciated. 

 

Interestingly I have just come back from another tyre specialist locally and they also recommended the Hankook brand which apparently is now the tyre of choice for the prestige car market (ie BMW and Mercedes).

 

Of course only time will tell whether this combination will work on my particular van.

 

Anyway thanks again for taking the time to leave your comments.

 

Best wishes

 

Paul

Les

04:55 PM   26-Jan-17

Tuakau

Hi, I fitted two GTRadials 225/R16 $500 half the price of the originals, Not showing much wear at 6000km so far, with low road noise, very pleased. Les

NZCamper2go

10:52 AM   27-Jan-17

Manly

Thanks Les. Much appreciated.

Duncan/Julie

09:44 PM   27-Feb-18

Auckland

I am in the same position having just replaced my front Imala  cp 15 tyres (Michelin’s) at 30 km. I would like some help as to what is the pressure for front and rear tyres when the van is fully laden ie 3500kgs. I have seen all the technical stuff and still can’t work out what the pressure should be. Can anyone help??surely their must be a standard pressures for front and rear. Thanks Duncan

Les

10:06 PM   27-Feb-18

Tuakau

Hi as 15 cp chart above you need front and rear axle weights. Les

Front tyres

by dusty

[ 6 ]

dusty

04:57 PM   09-Jun-16

Has anyone had this problem our delaware hasdone 24 thous ks and has cut out front tyres. This is not an aljgment problem as this has been checked. any feed back would be appreciated.

Alistair & Stella

05:12 PM   09-Jun-16

Christchurch

Hi Dusty, front wheel drives tend to wear out the front tyres fairly quickly.We swap front with rear to obtain even wear. It will depend on the type of tyre used as to how many ks you will get out of them. Check with a reputable tyre dealer for advice.

Les

07:00 PM   09-Jun-16

Tuakau

Hi,

Just changed our Comanche front tyres at 15,000 K as there was only 3 mm left, not safe for the winter condition with 180 HP on the wheels.

Fitted GT Radials 225/75R16 more deeper tread than the orginal Michelin tyres which have a softer rubber and wear out quicker and you can buy two GT Radials for the price of one Michelin Tyre.

The Sutherlands

10:57 AM   11-Jun-16

Auckland

Hi Dusty

I would be interested to know at what pressure you ran your tyres- my research, when I was buying my van, said I should get 40k before replacement. At current 23k they show absolutly no excessive wear running at 75PSI

Geeco

08:54 PM   11-Jun-16

NSW Australia

Hi, my Tracker FB wore out the OE fitted Michelin CP front tyres at 17,000. They had even wear running at 70 psi. Replaced with Michelin non CP to see if there is a difference in tyre wear. Rear tyres still have good tread now after 29,000 klms. I have put it down to fwd. cheers Gary

Boltman

10:08 AM   24-Jun-16

Whangarei

Hi, I replaced my tyres with Bridgestone in Christchurch at 36000 and got them to fill them with nitrogen which they did at 90psi. Bridgestone's recommendation.

The ride is softer and cornering better I used to run my old tyres at 75. Now that I'm towing a Jimny the tyres will be working harder.

 

Tyre pressure

by Sandy Dougherty

[ 6 ]

Sandy Dougherty

06:17 AM   27-Oct-15

Cambridge

We have a Tracker FB and are wondering what tyre pressures we should have. I have googled and checked out other forums and there is so many variations! Do we have to go and weigh each axle to find out the definitive? Or, is there a particular tyre brand business you would recommend over others to get this advice? We are in Cambridge.

The Sutherlands

09:36 PM   28-Oct-15

Auckland

From memory the recommended pressure is 5 or 5.5 Bar for both front and rear tyres which converts to 80 PSI At the first AT Rally I think a pressure of 75 PSI was suggested to give a better ride. I have found your standard service station air pumps struggle to cope with these high pressures so I ask my local tyre shop to check them . Purchasing a good tyre gauge from Repco is also a good investment

 

Sandy Dougherty

06:43 AM   04-Nov-15

Cambridge

Thank you to the Sutherlands, I better get one, thanks for the tip. I have been looking at forums and this 75 seems really high. We have never go there yet!

Missed you at the Levin rally!

The Sutherlands

06:31 PM   04-Nov-15

Auckland

Yes-distance and that dreaded thing called work got in the way. 

 

 

 

Sandy Dougherty

06:39 AM   05-Nov-15

Cambridge

hopefully next time!!

Les

10:11 AM   23-Nov-15

Tuakau

Click on the link

The 5.5 Bar on the tyre is the maxium pressure

I use 70 to 72 lbs in the old language

 

//www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/learn-share/care-guide/ten-tyre-care-tips

WINDSCREEN

windscreen replacement

by Mikew

[ 4 ]

Mikew

12:33 PM   24-Feb-19

Does anyone have any recommendations who to use for windsceen replacement in Christchurch for our 2013 Dakota ?

 

Smarties

04:23 PM   24-Feb-19

Dunedin

Can't help with where to go but look on this forum under Fiat Issues, Windscreen. You will see there is a particular trap to avoid.

geebeealan

05:06 PM   24-Feb-19

Kaiapoi

Used Novus in Rangiora they will come to you make sure that you tell them that it is for motorhome with rear vision mirror

Mike & Chris

07:38 PM   24-Feb-19

North Canterbury

I used Smith & Smith, their commercial division come to you. First attempt they brought the wrong screen (as per the caution above), second attempt was fine but the screen failed after a couple of weeks due a manufacturing fault. Third screen was the correct one and was replaced without charge. Just be sure that they put the mirror back in the correct place or your blinds won't meet in the middle.  Mike

Windscreen Replacement - A Trap to Avoid!

by Smarties

[ 6 ]

Smarties

11:35 AM   14-Mar-16

Dunedin

We were unlucky enough to collect a massive stone chip taking our new Dakota home from the dealership.  In due course the windscreen was replaced by the local windscreen/glass agents.  However on first use after this we found the rear vision mirror was located about 1 cm too low meaning it didn't locate in the sliding cut-out notch in the blind's frame & as a result the blinds wouldn't close together.  Further investigation revealed that the standard Fiat Ducato windscreens available in NZ all have the mirror attachment in this position (they come with the mirror base pre-attached & removing them is highly likely to break the screen).  The local windscreen agents weren't told at the time by the NZ stockists but there is a specific campervan version of the Ducato windscreen which isn't stocked in NZ & has to be brought in from Italy or the UK.  So just a warning - if you need to replace your windscreen make sure you specify the campervan version rather than the standard Ducato cargo van version. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Gaelic

08:50 AM   23-Mar-16

It's not elegant, but you can easily use a rubber band to hold the blinds together. It leaves a small gap, but is otherwise ok.

Sublime

10:07 AM   15-Apr-16

Geraldine

We have just had to replace the windscreen on our 2014 Dakota and had no problems it was a standard fiat screen which Novus had in stock in ChCh, however from 2015 on it is different, so this problem will only happen with later model vehicles.

Mike & Chris

11:43 AM   29-Jun-17

North Canterbury

Hi

 

Smith & Smith Commercial technicians arrived this morning to replace my 2015 Dakota windscreen. I raised the issue discussed in this thread with their dispatcher last week but that still wasn't enough, they arrived with the wrong screen... apparently they have one in Auckland so it won't be repaired now until next week. I will report back if there is a serial number or specific description for the correct screen. The one they brought definately had the mirror mount too low.

 

Mike

Grant and Gail

09:05 AM   06-Oct-18

Christchurch

Hi. I wish I had remembered this post as we have had our windscreen replaced by Novus in Chch and now our blind doesn’t close as per Smarties.

Also find we have a whistling sound at times which we never had. They can’t find the cause and haven’t fixed the whistle.

Will have to go back again to move the mirror or replace screen again.

 

Everytime I have a job done on the Delaware I always have to take it back for a second sometimes third attempt.

 

I think the experts aren’t really experts. These motorhomes seem to be too complex for the experts even.

 

Grant

Les

09:50 AM   06-Oct-18

Tuakau

Hi,

I had my windscreen replaced a month ago.

 

The problem is in the mirror mounting, the different ( mirror ) is in the mirror stork shape to the glass on the older say 2014 models and 2017 models.

 

The older glue block the mirror attaches by sliding the mirror down on the block, say 2014 model...

....................Let the windscreen repairer know.................

The newer glue block the mirror attaches by rotating the stork say 2017 model..

 

The glue mounting block on the older ones has a bit more tolerance than the newer say 2017 models.

 

If there is a problem the mirror glue block has to be moved by heat gun to soften the glue, then realigh the block on the newer models there's not much allowance. ( say a we pray ) or take it back for realighment

 

Then the blinds will shut.

 

Les