Hi, i am about to be "in dispute" with local Fiat servicing. and need some advice. I have seen elsewhere on this list comments regarding oil and undertrays so i'll start there.

1. They had to break off the undertray as the "bolts" had siezed. That may be the case but i would have assumed that as they had it off last year to get the engine out to do the timing belt etc, that the seizing was likely their fault for putting them back on too tight and probably with copper-grease. I have suggested to the servicing clerkess that all they had to do was to drill them out, a non technically challenging standard procedure, then i remembered that someone mentioned that they were self-tapping screws, making the job even easier.
Could someone confirm?

2. They charged me for using 6 litres of fully synthetic oil.
I have asked the clerkess to confirm that either the have overcharged me by half a litre or in fact they have over filled by half a litre thereby putting the system, seals, hoses etc under greater stress.
the handbook says 5.5 litres for filter engine and hoses.
Help...can it be that bad? what damage could be induced by overfilling?

3. They replaced the rear discs and pads last year, now after 14k they are telling me that all four discs are badly corroded, no mention of replacing the pads. Funny how the factory fitted ones managed to last 57k before becoming corroded enough to replace.

4. They are telling me that the power steering belt and alternator belt, with rollers, need replaced.

5. They are going to look at the airbag warning light that was allegedly fixed for the MOT but failed immediately upon starting with me for the first time. I suspect they didn't.
They have quoted me 450+ for fitting 4 discs, 1 undertray, 1 alternator belt and rollers, 1 steering belt.

Is this realistic?
Is this exhorbitant?
Is this time to say goodbye to the fast and fun fiat and buy something sensible?...whatever that might be

cheers,
James

Welcome to the wonderfull world of Fiat aftercare. Find a good local garage or try a Fiat specialist.
Why did they have to remove the undertray for a service, to do the oil filter there is a small removable panel fitted. If they have overfilled the oil it may cause some engine damage, get it checked out and don't forget to get the cam belt changed regularly.

I agree. Find a good, reputable local mechanic and stick with him. After 11 years of Fiat ownership I wouldn't go near a main dealers unless I was dragged there kicking and screaming.

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Hi thanks for the "words of comfort"
They removed the undertray as they needed to replace o/s front lower suspension arm/bush it was loose, hence the wierd click referred to in previous post.
I had the timing belt replaced last year at a grand total of nearly a grand! shoe-horned from coupe engine out etc.....

now they're telling me that i need a new alternator belt and rollers and steering belt, which by looking at it is a job for the garage. unlike my previous audi...

the reason i went to the dealer is they can quickly? reset the false airbag warning light and co... i'm not sure that local dealers can do all that fancy engine mis-management stuff...can they?

cheers <{iii}
james