Hi guys - first post so be gentle!

Got a 2009 Bravo 1.6 Eco Dynamique. Am loving the economy (71.1 on a 400 mile round trip recently - driving at 62ish on the motorway).

Got a problem though I can't sort.

There is a cold draught blowing in the driver's footwell. Really obvious in the current cold weather - and becomes more obvious at 60+ mph.

Local Fiat dealer have spent hours under warranty - replaced some insulation (removed steering rack & sub frame) - but it hasn't fixed it (I've not told them yet!). It is difficult to pinpoint - as at 60+, I have to lean down with my left hand to where the steering column goes through the floor - to feel it - and hard to detect exactly where it is coming from.

So far Fiat have done their bit. I've also gaffa taped around the space where the steering column goes through the floor.

I've also checked the heater - taped up the slot where the pollen filter lives.... even removed the pollen filter - and gaffa taped up the slot again.

I even removed the vent and snipped out a couple of the plastic fins that point the hot air the wrong way.

Still not fixed it....

300 miles today - bloody feet are freezing. Really spoiling a nice car...

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance

Si

you need to have the heater directed to foot position, problem solved

RobW said:

you need to have the heater directed to foot position, problem solved

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While I'm sure you are joking.... the heater is ok - but the draught overpowers it...

chalkstorm said:

While I'm sure you are joking.... the heater is ok - but the draught overpowers it...

Click to expand...

then you need the optional 'fame' leg warmer pack

available in 'nero provocatore' black or 'funk' white

RobW said:

then you need the optional 'fame' leg warmer pack

available in 'nero provocatore' black or 'funk' white

Click to expand...

Hilarious but not really helping...

its your pollen filter. Make sure it is secured properly. Mines did it after i let monkeys do my last service. A bit of shouting later they checked it and popped it in properly and all was back to normal

ascott92 said:

its your pollen filter. Make sure it is secured properly. Mines did it after i let monkeys do my last service. A bit of shouting later they checked it and popped it in properly and all was back to normal

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Thanks Ascott - but I've eliminated that (see OP) - even removed it now....

When I'm out at the car today, I'll have a look. I believe he may have messed about with stuff on the bottom of the steering column, but I'll have a look and see what's there that it could be. I had the exact same problem where it's not a problem with the vent, just a freezing cold draught (my service was in late Nov so was really obvious too)

Also, sorry for not 100% reading the first post. My reply was done hastily after being awake for 20 hours

thanks Ascott. just to be clear, the draught started after the service, then they fixed it..?
Si

chalkstorm said:

thanks Ascott. just to be clear, the draught started after the service, then they fixed it..?
Si

Click to expand...

Yes, I went and got my service, where they replaced the pollen filter. No draught before at all, then on the way back up the road I noticed it. Went back and despite the service-desk ladies protests, I got them to check it out and, from what I was told, the pollen filter wasn't in properly.

Just been out to the car, there is nothing that I can see other than the pollen filter at the left hand side. When I have a bit more time, I'll try taking it out and see if I can make it happen again

my Bravo is left hand driving but I have the same problem... the service couldn't find anything and if you can find any solution I will be happy to learn it...

ascott92 said:

Just been out to the car, there is nothing that I can see other than the pollen filter at the left hand side. When I have a bit more time, I'll try taking it out and see if I can make it happen again

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Thanks again Ascott. My filter is on the right - next to the clutch pedal... and now running with the filter in the boot.... but still the same draft. Been driving locally today at no more than 40mph - and no issues. 60+ is where it's at...

acc said:

my Bravo is left hand driving but I have the same problem... the service couldn't find anything and if you can find any solution I will be happy to learn it...

Click to expand...

Just called into the dealer (who have been great). Explained that after they spent 8 hours fixing some insulation, it has been exactly the same (2,500 miles in the last 2 weeks can confirm that!). They are baffled. They can request getting in a Fiat technical guy but they have to request that. I'll keep that as a last option. Going to get it up on some ramps tomorrow and see if I can spot a missing grommet or something...

Thanks for the replies....

also check the heating is set to recirc

RobW said:

also check the heating is set to recirc

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Tried that in an attempt to help find the draught - made zero difference... plus you don't want to use the air on recirc for several reasons....! It's only there for the days when you follow a knackered MOT failure belching out smoke.

chalkstorm said:

Thanks again Ascott. My filter is on the right - next to the clutch pedal... and now running with the filter in the boot.... but still the same draft. Been driving locally today at no more than 40mph - and no issues. 60+ is where it's at...

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It's on the right? What-hand-drive is yours?

ascott92 said:

It's on the right? What-hand-drive is yours?

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Right hand drive.....

There is a guide here - https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo-guides/55320-pollen-filter-how-remove.html - mine is almost the same...

Clutch is left?

right hand footwell next to the clutch pedal..... Very close infact!

chalkstorm said:

right hand footwell next to the clutch pedal..... Very close infact!

Click to expand...

GOTYA! I thought you meant the right hand side, next to the clutch pedal as in the clutch was on the right, along with the vent.

Sigh, my brain will catch up with me at some point before the end of this week...