I have just bought a Stilo Abarth 5dr.

It has an alarm failure warning on the dash multi display when the car starts.

When the car locks, the indicators flash and then about 2 seconds later they flash twice in quick succession. Then nothing. Any ideas what the problem may be?

I know that for some cars the number of flashes signifies what the problem is. Was wondering if Fiat did the same thing on the Stilo?

Any thoughts or ideas gladly accepted.

can't really advise on the alarm (haven't got 1) it is unlikely that anyone here would be able to give you much advise on this issue - you need to get the error codes (and given the alarm is not on the list of standard OBD2 devices this would have to be done via a fiat examiner - so get 35 quid out and drive to your nearest fiat independent). When you know what is causing the failure – post again.. perhaps someone would be able to advise you on how to put it right.

Ps: on my car quick flashes indicate something is open (perhaps you’ve a damaged sensor somewhere?)

The flashes do indicate that there is something not right for the alarm to fully function. Could be it thinks that a door, the bonnet or the boot is open, I did notice the other week that when I had removed the control unit console for my sky window that my indicators flashed far too many times when I turned my alarm on. I later discovered that the console contained 2 sensors that the alarm system uses to detect any internal movement when the doors are locked. If you have these them maybe they're no longer connected to the system or the sensors are broken.

Kirbs said:

I did notice the other week that when I had removed the control unit console for my sky window that my indicators flashed far too many times when I turned my alarm on. I later discovered that the console contained 2 sensors that the alarm system uses to detect any internal movement when the doors are locked.

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I think you'll find that is the actual alarm node (or at least the primary part of the alarm system)

I'm surprised you didn't get any major errors reported during the car CHECK phase :chin:

If I lock and unlock the car using the key the car passes the self check. It only comes up as an error if I lock and unlock using the remote control.

Andymacselespeed said:

If I lock and unlock the car using the key the car passes the self check. It only comes up as an error if I lock and unlock using the remote control.

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Have you tried turning off Ultrasonics and/or Anti-Jack system on roof console (must do this before exiting car)?

Argonought said:

I think you'll find that is the actual alarm node (or at least the primary part of the alarm system)

I'm surprised you didn't get any major errors reported during the car CHECK phase :chin:

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It was the unit with the roof opening and closing knob on it (and no I don't mean me). I didn't turn the ignition on during the time it was off, but as the damn thing hadn't been put back on properly by the Fiat dealership I had to remove it to straighten one of the metal connectors that holds the unit in place. Subsequently I discovered that they had broken one of the control cable connectors and bent all the pins, but I managed to make it better than they left it. You know the more work I do on the car myself the more damage and missing bits I find, and up to that point I'de only ever had it at Fiat dealerships.

Andymacselespeed said:

If I lock and unlock the car using the key the car passes the self check. It only comes up as an error if I lock and unlock using the remote control.

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That's because the full system isn't on when you lock it with the keys. My car is a little too sensitive when it comes to the alarm going off due to passing vehicles rocking it a little or the Subaru owner over the road driving past slowley with his QUIET exhaust. The only way to stop it is to lock with the keys not the fob then no alarms every time something goes past .

I've tried not setting the interior and anyti-jacking parts of the alarm. There is no change, same message. I went to local Fiat dealer today to enquire about some bits. They would charge £64.99 (I assume plus VAT) to plug it in and tell me what is wrong!

I can't run to that plus bits, plus, plus, plus etc.

Anyone know a good Fiat specialist in North Cambs?

Andy

Andymacselespeed said:

They would charge £64.99 (I assume plus VAT) to plug it in and tell me what is wrong!

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That will be for one hour. Can't you persuade them to charge for just 30 minutes (many main dealers have a half hour min. charge).

The really clever trick is to get them to reset your service light during the same 30 minutes

Going back a bit I know, but my alarm control unit was replaced by FIAT at a huge cost before Christmas (The dealer I bought it from paid the bill), and today it set itself off, refused to deactivate off the remote fob, and now has stopped working again. The car locks and unlocks off of the key, the indicator give 2 extra flashes on locking to show an error and the instrument display shows the Alarm Failure return to dealer message.

Now it has been about 6 months since the stealers fixed the exact same fault. How long do stealers warranty their work? And, as the work was paid for by the garage selling the car, do the stealers have to honour any guarantee to the person who bought it (me!)

I'm going to give them a bell tomorrow and will report on how it all goes. Given the garage in question, won't hold my breathe!

As far as I know, all genuine FIAT parts carry a 12 month parts and labour warranty if fitted by a FIAT dealer.