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Technical Panda Cross 4x4 System Failure-Update

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Technical Panda Cross 4x4 System Failure-Update

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doctorchris

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The problem with the dashboard warning, on my Panda Cross, that the 4x4 mode was not available was dealt with by the dealer by cleaning up the connections to the solenoid.
Unfortunately the warning has come back on again on one occasion. I'm waiting to see if it happens again before I book in with the dealer.
As other Panda Cross owners/ drivers have had this fault, does anyone have an update on curing the fault?
In particular, mollyandbuttons, did the replacement of the solenoid permanently cure the problem for you?
 
doctorchris said:
.... did the replacement of the solenoid permanently cure the problem for you?
Click to expand...

Yes, there has not been any re-occurrence since. I've driven over unmade roads, mud, etc, but not snow.

I'm 20 years out-of-date with d-i-y car mechanics so I rely on the garage to describe and fix problems. Don't know yet whether this is a good idea.

Mike O.
 
Looks like you made the right decision in this case, Mike, since they fixed the problem for you.
I think I might need to insist on a solenoid replacement on my car this time.
 
Why are motor manufacturers so secretive?
When I booked my Cross in this morning the reception staff told me that there was a wad of service updates attached to my vehicle file. All credit to the garage as they had obviously done their homework before I arrived with my car.
However, Fiat won't even publish details of how the 4x4 system works on my car, let alone the faults to expect.
I mean, come on, if the Chinese want to find out how this system works they just need to buy a car and dismantle it, after all, that's how the Japanese got their motor industry going.
By the way, Kerry on reception told me that her 6 month old Bravo is on its third gearbox and second clutch. Obviously she was not fazed because she can get it fixed at her place of work but worth thinking about.
 
doctorchris said:
The Cross has been back at the garage today and, guess what?
They've ordered a solenoid which will be fitted on Monday.
Click to expand...

Our Panda Cross warned of 4x4 failure at about 2000 miles on 16th Dec.
Our dealer said, when I phoned on that date, that it was the sixth report they had received and that required replacement solenoids were on back order.
Today the dealer phoned for me to have new solenoid fitted on 28th Jan.
Apart from the solenoid glitch the car has been great over the first 2500 miles and has averaged 57 mpg over mixed conditions.
A super little all rounder.
 
Anybody any idea how much these solenoids cost ?

My old Panda 4x4 used to devour clutch cables, so there was always a spare in the boot. It's all very well being under warranty, but 8:30 in the evening somewhere off the East Lancs Road with no clutch, I preferred to fix it myself and get home.

Would it be practical to carry a spare solenoid and fix it at the road-side, or more likely the AA could in some muddy field.

Mike O.
 
Last edited:
As the failure of these solenoids does not immobilise the car it is not necessary to carry out a roadside repair. I find that the fault does not even disable the basic 4WD, since, when the fault shows, if I pull out from a junction on a wet road I still feel the front wheels spin momentarily befor the viscous coupling kicks in with the drive to the rear.
Even if the repair was relatively easy, it would be very unpleasant to carry out on a dark, wet night and the likelihood of dirt getting in would be much greater than when carrying out the repair at leisure.
I suspect there has been a duff batch of these solenoids and hopefully their replacement will cure the problem, though only time will tell.

Lightfoot, I'm amazed at your average 57mpg with the Cross but then, your name tells all. I've just been to Carlisle from Sunderland and back, going up high on a B road rather than the A69. I've stuck to speed limits and only needed to overtake once. The dashboard computer shows 47mpg for the trip, which I feel is good, my 1.2 Climbing would have averaged around 40mpg for the same trip.
 
doctorchris said:
As the failure of these solenoids does not immobilise the car it is not necessary to carry out a roadside repair. I find that the fault does not even disable the basic 4WD, since, when the fault shows, if I pull out from a junction on a wet road I still feel the front wheels spin momentarily befor the viscous coupling kicks in with the drive to the rear.
Even if the repair was relatively easy, it would be very unpleasant to carry out on a dark, wet night and the likelihood of dirt getting in would be much greater than when carrying out the repair at leisure.
I suspect there has been a duff batch of these solenoids and hopefully their replacement will cure the problem, though only time will tell.

Lightfoot, I'm amazed at your average 57mpg with the Cross but then, your name tells all. I've just been to Carlisle from Sunderland and back, going up high on a B road rather than the A69. I've stuck to speed limits and only needed to overtake once. The dashboard computer shows 47mpg for the trip, which I feel is good, my 1.2 Climbing would have averaged around 40mpg for the same trip.
Click to expand...



I agree totally with the comments above regards the solenoid not being a breakdown situation. Interestingly I have never experienced front wheel slip on the Cross as I have on other 4x4's i.e. Skoda Octavia, Renault Rx4.

m.p.g. is my av. over 2500 miles, shorter hilly trips around 50mpg, less hilly 30 mile trip 70mpg. yes it might be a lightfoot but I do not hold up the traffic.
 
I feel an urge to say, for all of you and for Lightfoot in particular, that the Panda Cross is one of the most relaxing cars that I have ever driven.
The extra power and torque, compared with my 4x4 Climbing, reduces the number of gear changes I need to make and makes my progress on the open road a much less frantic activity.
All this and better fuel economy as well!
Oh, and my 81 year old Dad says that it's the easiest car to get into that he's ever known and, if we would let him drive again, he would buy a Panda.
 
doctorchris said:
...I find that the fault does not even disable the basic 4WD, since, when the fault shows, if I pull out from a junction on a wet road I still feel the front wheels spin momentarily befor the viscous coupling kicks in with the drive to the rear....
Click to expand...
So, sorry to keep banging on about this, but what does that solenoid do if you still perceive 4WD when the 'system' says its not available?

I still can't justify going out and buying one having spent the cash elsewhere. On the other hand, maybe by waiting a bit, this rash of faulty cars will be sorted?

Pete
 
Pete, I'm pretty sure that the solenoid activates the "virtual" diff lock.
As always, simpe mechanical systems prevail whilst electronics cause problems.
At the same time, the diesel-powered 4x4 is so much easier to drive that the hassle of electronics is worth it.
 
Drove through to Newcastle this morning in rush hour traffic to get my Panda to the dealer for opening time at 8-00am. Took 45 mins to cover 15 miles.
The parts had not come in! Grrrrr!
I couldn't bring myself to get cross with the girl on reception as she is usually so polite and helpful.
 
doctorchris said:
Drove through to Newcastle this morning in rush hour traffic to get my Panda to the dealer for opening time at 8-00am. Took 45 mins to cover 15 miles.
The parts had not come in! Grrrrr!
I couldn't bring myself to get cross with the girl on reception as she is usually so polite and helpful.
Click to expand...

Dealers obviously vary. Yesterday I drove 35 miles to Aberdeen for the 1315hrs. fitting appointment, journey time about 45 minutes.
New solenoid valve fitted, car alarm sensitivity adjusted, had two free cups of hot chocolate in real cups and was away in 1 hour.
As a bonus the Cross averaged 59 mpg over the scenic 70 mile round trip and the sun shone all day.
Hoping for no more solenoid glitches.
 
59 mpg is impressive for the Cross lightfoot! Do you think thats close to the actual mpg though as i know the computer can sometimes be over enthusiastic? Whats your thoughts on the cross so far? Have you had the chance to try its ELD yet on snow/ice etc? If so do you find it effective?:)
 
4x4 fault fixed today.
Could be snow coming this weekend or next week.
In the next couple of days I'll be doing a lot of driving on high ground in Northumbria/Cumbria, then down into Weardale, so hope it does snow "deep and crisp and even".
 
Good stuff Chris! It'll be good to see what you think of it on really slippy conditions given that you have been an owner of the 4x4 climbing aswell as the cross so you have something to compare to. Have the dealers said much more about the solenoid problem? Does it seem to be a common occurance? Heres hoping its not :)
Cheers

Stephen
 
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