(T) Strange Messages...

Hi All,

Some of you may have seen my previous thread at...

http://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/30485-stilo-saga.html

To cut a long story short, I eventually got the car back last Saturday, but as a result of all the problems not being fixed, some extra damage that has appreared on the plastic trim around the steering column, and some strange messages appearing on the dashboard display, Reg Vardy sent a driver to my office on Monday to pick the car up and drop off yet another courtesy car.

I'm wondering if anyone can help shed any light on the various messages I was getting when I got the car back... The car's a 3-door 52 reg 1.8 Dynamic, with approximately 18,500 on the clock. The latest set of repairs involded having a replacment speedo fitted. When the ignition is turned on I get the message "WARNING... Service coupon expired". The guys at Reg Vardy told me that this is something to do with the computer being reset when the new speedo was installed, and that the service counter was not set properly...

I also get the message "RHF door open"/"LHF door open" whereas before it simply said "door open" and showed an arrow pointing to whichever door was open. I also now get "ASR disconnect" (sic) or "ASR connected" instead of "ASR on" or "ASR off".

Have they fitted the wrong speedo (possibly off a 5-door instead of a 3-door)? Can the computer be altered to change the messages? They have told me that it is simply due to different software in the new speedo and that there is nothing they can do about it...

Slightly miffed...

I'd have thought the speedo is the same between 3 and 5 door, its probably the garage that set something up incorrectly.

Why not book the car into the garage and say your rear doors won't open, then when you arrive, tell them the computer told you they were open, but you can't see how thats possible!

When you change the instrument display, techs are asked to connect examiner to the car with the old unit connected and then record certain information regarding the display. The tech then connects the new display and inputs the information obtained previously. HOWEVER I have had the situation where the service counter has not accepted the new details although I have never had problems with anything else. Personally I would say that its much more likely that the software for the dash has changed. When examiner is connected an id number is displayed which corresponds to the part number. So all that is required is to order that part number or a superceeded number. Software changes are common, and dont forget new vehicles do not asr so that would be why later spec cars didnt have this message.

After a trip up to the Lakes this weekend, the list of new/different messages now includes:

TRUNK OPEN (was "BOOT OPEN")
LHF DOOR OPEN (was "< DOOR OPEN")
RHF DOOR OPEN (was "DOOR OPEN >")
ASR DISCONNECT (was "ASR OFF")
ASR CONNECTED (was "ASR ON")

I've looked through my owner's handbook and also the newer version from the last courtesy car I had and I cannot see any mention of these "new" messages anywhere.

The guys at Reg Vardy say its just a software issue and nothing to worry about... but as far as I'm concerned its not right and I want a better explanation from them - especially as when they last had the car they jacked it up on the underside of the sills (both sides)...

hi ian.
as you will know,the wiring loom will also be used on the 5 door.i wonder if they have plugged in the wrong connection block.the software side of things should not be an issue with a dealer,but we are talking fiat dealer.their customer care is at best average.insist on a cure.have you thought about rejecting the car under the sales of goods act and trading standards act? get a solicitor on board.a letter from one makes any dealer pull all the stops out to rectify problems.in the letter,you should list all faults and give them reasonable time to complete then if still not right,reject.

Looks american to me!

My brand new Stilo uses these messages:

TRUNK OPEN
LHF DOOR OPEN
RHF DOOR OPEN
ASR DISCONNECT
ASR CONNECTED

If they used to be different, i guess they just changed them in the software.

Thanks Santa, at least its not just me then! Anyone in the UK got the same messages on a brand new car? The brand new loan car is as per what mine used to say.

Hi Sumplug... they were very apologetic regarding the damage (as they should be). The agreement is that they will fix the damage to the sills, and also the damage to the moulding around the speedo. Anything else that they find and also anything else I point out (including a whining sound from the transmission since the new gearbox was fitted - low/no oil?) will also be put right.

When its ready (I won't say fixed, as this is FIAT we're talking about!) they're taking the car to my local garage (superb bodyshop - did lots of work on the 7) for a full inspection by them. Only when Tony and I are satisfied with the repairs will I agree to take the car back.

Meanwhile, Trading Standards have opened a case for me and have agreed to step in as and when necessary.

Got a lovely metallic crystal green Stilo as a loan car for the rest of the week... lovely!

then why dont you wash it then? not very clean.oh i forgot,the washer is on holiday!!!

i would also want an extended warranty or a free service at least for all the problems they have caused you.maybe an upgraded CD player they could provide too.

That's the next step. I'm lulling them into a false sense of security at the moment, then the demands start when they bring the car back to me (before I hand the loan car keys over, of course!).

Ah, yes. The personal vehicle washer. Cheap (usually a four-pack every 6 months), reliable (but couldn't reach the middle of the roof of the Beemer!), and doesn't mind a bit of hard work!

Trunk is certainly different....Boot usually

Ian I can confirm your messages are as per latest spec for stilo, just checked two cars with these messages.

Thanks for the info. Makes me feel better about it!

The damn thing's going back into FIAT next Monday for some investigation into a 'wobbly' pulley on the end of the crankshaft and a few issues with the aircon... there's a 'clunk' every time I switch it on and a whining noise (and considerable loss of power from the engine) when in motion.

Why did I ever get rid of the Bravo?

The clunk is normal ,its when the magnetic clutch is engaged for the compressor, the loss of power is also normal as the compressor takes power of fthe engine to turn it.The whine is not normal.And the pulley requires a new one, the damper is probably faulty.