(T) dash instrumentation doesn't work

For some reason the instrumentation on the dash of my 2000 punto 80 only works intermittently (it flashes on for a nano-second once a minute or so). The airbag light is permantently on. The local Fiat garage here in Wellington reckon that I need to pay $NZ 1400 to put a new dash in even though they tried another one it still did not work properly. Doeas anyone out there have any ideas on what is causing this and if a replacement is likely to solve the problem? Trip computer and odometer no longer work meaning car is no longer legal on NZ roads.

Sonic
I have a similar problem except my dash has now completely packed up and the battery drains after 2 days .Were you able to solve this ? T&he Fiat dealer here in France wanted to rip me off for 2000 euros !!!

first thing to do on this is check all connections and more importantly check the earth connections.if your battery light on the instrument panel doesn't light up then your battery will not charge.this bulb is an integral part of the charging circuit

The Fiat Cinquecento
Fun While It Runs

Porki,

Euro 2000 for dashboard seems ridiculous. You can buy a whole new car in the UK for about £5,500.00.

I would speak to Fiat customer services, the labour rate can only be about 1 hour or so.

Good luck.

Poggy

Thanks for this, I'll look into it...Problem is there are no lights on the dash at all and all instruments are not working..

porki

Sounds to me like you have a short in your circuits/wiring. Get this checked out ASAP as this can cause a fire with the electrics. The thing is i would imaging one of your fuses would blow if it is a short circuit, but just to be safe get it check properly. Sound more likely to be a lose connection

Sensible mods go far