krossi
New member
I just took my 500 in for its 4th anniversary MOT - it failed – Problems with the boot wiring meant that it would not open. Surprisingly I was informed by Stoneacre Peterborough that the a/c condenser was rusty and as a result the a/c was greatly reduced.
The cost of fitting a new one was to be £315. I gather that it is complex to replace the condenser as it is behind the front grill.
However, is it usual for this to fail so soon? I seldom use the a/c apart from a couple of months in the summer, and to demist the windows in the winter as recommended by the manual. Has anyone else had the same problem? Though it was out of warranty I called Fiat Customer Care and they refused to help. I listed all the problems, including a recent power steering failure, faulty door handle, failed control unt, and all I kept getting fromt the "executive" was “I understand” and that out of warranty there was nothing they could do. He became quite annoyed when I suggested that perhaps he didn't "understand" or in fact care. As a car owner he reminded me that I "had to take responsibility for its maintenance"! Which incidentally I do as it has a full service history.
The time limit for seeking a legal remedy for the sale of faulty goods is 5 years in England and Wales (6 in Scotland). Does the rusty/faulty condenser unit sound like fair wear and tear, or is it an inherent fault and therefore not fit for purpose? I work at a firm of solicitors, so any more people who are experiencing the same problem please feel free to contact me. The more evidence I can gather the better.
The cost of fitting a new one was to be £315. I gather that it is complex to replace the condenser as it is behind the front grill.
However, is it usual for this to fail so soon? I seldom use the a/c apart from a couple of months in the summer, and to demist the windows in the winter as recommended by the manual. Has anyone else had the same problem? Though it was out of warranty I called Fiat Customer Care and they refused to help. I listed all the problems, including a recent power steering failure, faulty door handle, failed control unt, and all I kept getting fromt the "executive" was “I understand” and that out of warranty there was nothing they could do. He became quite annoyed when I suggested that perhaps he didn't "understand" or in fact care. As a car owner he reminded me that I "had to take responsibility for its maintenance"! Which incidentally I do as it has a full service history.
The time limit for seeking a legal remedy for the sale of faulty goods is 5 years in England and Wales (6 in Scotland). Does the rusty/faulty condenser unit sound like fair wear and tear, or is it an inherent fault and therefore not fit for purpose? I work at a firm of solicitors, so any more people who are experiencing the same problem please feel free to contact me. The more evidence I can gather the better.
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