I think I just had the first problem with my Panda 1.2 Eleganza.

A friend of mine had a problem with his 20 year old Dacia, so we went over to where his car stranded the night before. I was telling him how nice a new car was, no worries and such. I parked the Panda and took the key out, as usual, but noticed the car vibrating. I looked around to see whether they were fixing the roads or drilling holes or whatever, but could see no such heavy machinery around.

I walked to the front of the car and listened: the engine was still running! I had the key in my hand, standing next to the car, and the engine was running! What did I do wrong, I thought. Did I forget something? Stop car, turn key, take key out. That's all, right?

I went inside the car to open the bonnet, and indeed, the engine was vibrating. I double checked the exhaust, stuff was coming out, so yes, it's the combustion all right.

I went back in the car and tried to start it. Obviously there was nothing to do, it was already started, I could just turn the key 1 step and drive off! The auto-check did complain about "ESP Failure", "Hill Holder Failure" though. I took the key out again, still running.

Anyway, after 2 minutes or so suddenly stopped. After that, I could just start normally, and the complaint about the ESP and hill holder disappeared as well.

What the hell was that all about? Is it a 'feature' I don't understand? Is it keeping the engine running for the auto aircon to keep the car on temperature (even when I'm not inside?!)

Faulty ignition key/lock?

I'm guessing here....

pandissimo said:

Faulty ignition key/lock?

I'm guessing here....

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Just remembered - if it happens again you can stall the engine by putting the handbrake on, put the car in top gear, put your foot on the brakes and let the clutch out.

Check your car oil level - see if the car has been burning oil. Or is the oil level too high? Etc. Check the simple things first.. Check the coolant level too, while you're under the hood.

Otherwise - you may have an ECU hiccup. Or something.......

pandissimo said:

Just remembered - if it happens again you can stall the engine by putting the handbrake on, put the car in top gear, put your foot on the brakes and let the clutch out.

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I have a dualogic! :dead:

Check your car oil level - see if the car has been burning oil. Or is the oil level too high? Etc. Check the simple things first.. Check the coolant level too, while you're under the hood.

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Cioncidentally, I did checked the fluid levels (for the first time ever) about 20 minutes before the problem occured. All was OK.

Otherwise - you may have an ECU hiccup. Or something.......[/QUOTE]
Sure hope not :S I'll be calling the dealership tomorrow.

just a quick joke--maybe yours equip with turbo lag timer....;-)

anyway i am just talking about the radiator fan..it is normal for my panda, the fan keep running to cool down the engine even after the ignition switch off which last for about a minute or two..

i do not think that was the case it it?

ahhl said:

just a quick joke--maybe yours equip with turbo lag timer....;-)

anyway i am just talking about the radiator fan..it is normal for my panda, the fan keep running to cool down the engine even after the ignition switch off which last for about a minute or two..

i do not think that was the case it it?

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I thought so too at first, that's why I double checked at the exhaust!

Anyway, problem solved, supposedly. I just had my first experience with the Fiat Service and have no complaint whatsoever! Well, apart from the usual behaviour of Romanian desk clerks that is.

I called the fiat sevice on monday (not the one from the dealer, since I bought the car in another town) and they told me to bring the car over for quick check and that they're open till 22:00. So I went after work at 19:00, but seems that indeed the gate is open until ten, but there's no mecanic at that time, so I made an appointment for 10:00 the day after (today that is).

Got a call that the car was ready at about 15:00, went to pick it up at 19:30. They had replaced the ignition switch. I'm surprised they even did that, since the problem only occured that once, and I was expecting the usual "just see if it happens again" line.

Didn't have to pay a thing, but got some official fiat floor mats while I was there, 300.000 lei, that's about 8 euros

If your car doens't stop when you take the key out get it down to a Fiat dealer as soon as possible. I work as a mechanic for a Fiat dealer in Scotland. A panda should not keep running when you take the key out.

Richard

Disconnect the body computer (or battery if you prefer) for 10 mins.Software 'glitch'

scottish_guy69 said:

A panda should not keep running when you take the key out.

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That would make for a nice tag line