Hi all.
I'm new to this forum and also haven't really got a clue about cars.
My 59 plate diesel fiat 500 lit up like a Christmas tree yesterday with check engine/antipollution filter clogged and change engine oil lights.
It has started kicking out white smoke at around 2,500 revs and at idle. Engine temp gauge is reading fine. It seems to be not as powerful either. I'm planning on taking it to the garage but just want a heads up on potential costs.
Thanks in advance.

clee235 said:

Hi all.
I'm new to this forum and also haven't really got a clue about cars.
My 59 plate diesel fiat 500 lit up like a Christmas tree yesterday with check engine/antipollution filter clogged and change engine oil lights.
It has started kicking out white smoke at around 2,500 revs and at idle. Engine temp gauge is reading fine. It seems to be not as powerful either. I'm planning on taking it to the garage but just want a heads up on potential costs.
Thanks in advance.

Click to expand...

Hi sorry no one replied to you!

That sounds pretty intense to me, but I suggest you dont go to Fiat who will likely milk you. I suggest finding the nearest Bosch Service Center who have all the diagnostic tools and will tell you what you face.

Sounds to me like the DPF is clogged or needs a forced regeneration. Could also be the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve might be sooted up or the Manifold Air Pressure sensor.

Problem with modern diesels is, they aren't much good for short around town journeys, they need to be run properly every use. Clearly I don't know how you use your own vehicle, but if you have a motorway near you, I suggest you get out on it and take it for a good run, at least an hour, get it up to temperature and see if it will force a regeneration. Before you consider doing that though, I'd check the oil level to make sure you aren't running low, last thing you need to do is take it for a 'hot' run and not have enough oil in it.

When was the last time the car was serviced and by whom? On a 59 plate car, if it hasn't had the benefit of a dealer service, you might be wise to consider it. Some dealerships are offering fixed price servicing for cars over 3 years old which yours clearly is.

White smoke?
That would seem to me that it's steam.
ie the head gasket is blowing and water is entering into combustion.

Diesel engines have very high compression ratios ......... that's how they ignite the fuel rather than a spark plug ............ and maybe a tiny leak is allowing water into the combustion sequence.

Hopefully I'm wrong.

Good luck,
mick.

As you say you have no idea about car mechanics I'm afraid this does sound like a visit to a garage is required.

If you feel that you can do this check the oil level. Some modern diesel engines have a nasty habit of allowing diesel in to the engine oil. This means that you end up with too much in the engine which may cause the symtoms you describe. If this is the case it will need an oil change but at least you will go to the garage with some idea of whats going on.

clee235 said:

......I'm planning on taking it to the garage but just want a heads up on potential costs. Thanks in advance.

Click to expand...

I don't know where you are, but this type of option is available on Fiat's over 3 years:

http://www.pentagon-fiat.co.uk/offers/servicing-and-repairs/fiat-fixed-price-servicing