I would like to know why airbag wiring (which is known to be weak on Mk2 Puntos) must only be repaired by a Fiat expert. Cars have lots of other safety related systems e.g. steering where the Fiat expert only rule doesn't seem to apply.
By all means, get an electrical expert on the job, and I am in no way condoning DIY bodgers, but I dont see why that HAS to be a Fiat trained technician.
Hi I agree.. ok fair enough fiat technician has the trainin to do it properly... and no doubnt that is the safest way of doing the repair.
but who are fiat to decide who works on our cars?.. if you do something wrong.. you only have yourself to blame.
problem is, all good and well saying.. its only £20 or whatever it costs plus labour on top... but the fiat dealer around here, will charge £90 labour for that.. you get charged £85 just for a diagnostic.. standard fee apparently.. and i bet most dealers are the same.. and some people might not be able to afford that.. so what are you supposed to do? die in an accident just because you couldnt afford the £110.. seems petty but some people dont have much disposable income...and for you to attempt a repair.. at least it increases the chances of it working when you need it.. rather than it not working at all.
ok.. theres the safety aspect.. and if the system is not worked on professionally you can detonate the airbags.. and I have no doubt thats what Fiat are taking into consideration by making it dealer only.
But at the end of the day, if you work on your car and dont take proper precautions its your responsibility, and your fault.. in some respects its no different to your brakes.. dont work on them correctly and they wont be there when you need them.
Most people are too scared to touch airbags anyway, and those who do seem to ask first because they are aware of the exposive risk.. but say they dont do it.. at least a local garage can have a go.
its like technical service bulletins.
Im on friendly terms with my local dealer.. I walk in there, ask if theres a tsb on anything.. and generally they are quite helpfull they will look it up for me.
fine it has a copyright notice saying shouldnt be reproduced without permission.. but to be honest not like your going to go publishing it on the internet or selling the information on is it..in regards to your own personal use whos going to report the dealer for giving it to you.. or who even knows you have it? and to be honest gives a rats ass about it.
Obviously if you publicly publicise the information your asking for trouble, and to get sued... but personal use who cares?
some of these fiat technicians could be a lot more helpfull and let us know what is written in these tsbs.. dont even need to publicise it, or copy it.
if it says about cutting wires and joining.. thats all they have to say, dont need to replicate the wording.
I think its just a means of monopolising so if you want the fix done, or have a problem nobody else can fix you take it to a dealer because they have the insider knowledge.
another TSB which is dealer only fitting I cant understand is the VSS wiring modification.. from what I gather its a wire or something that goes into 1 of the connectors on the wiring where it goes into the fusebox...thats not exactly dangerous.. could say yes theres a risk of blowing your electrics.. but its no different to somebody tapping into their wiring to fit a dvd player, or footwell lights... or an alarm... risk you take