Technical Fiat 500 lounge 64 plate car computer fault. Help!

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Technical Fiat 500 lounge 64 plate car computer fault. Help!

Bellablue

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Oct 21, 2017
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Edinburgh
Hi! My electric Windows are stuck, one up one down. Fiat garage tell me it's a body computer which needs replaced at £800. Two weeks down the line it's still on back order and part hasn't even left Italy despite being told its nearly here last weekI have fallen out of love with my car for now. It's only got 22000 on the clock and already I've have to replace the radio myself and also the inside panel lights ( luckily under warranty).
Am I unlucky or is this a known fault?
The garages poor communication had exasperated me.
They only phoned me back after I'd contacted Fiat head office to complain.
What's my next move?
 
Hello and welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear it's with a problem.

Yes, you've been unlucky; body computers have been known to fail, but it's not a common fault. If it were, then you might not be finding it so hard to get one.

At the risk of making a generality, Fiat franchised dealers are well known here for their abysmal service (though thankfully there are some notable exceptions). If you use franchised dealers once the car is out of warranty, expect to pay some big bills (you can also expect to pay some big bills if you use them whilst it's still in warranty, but there's more reason to).

You can save money on servicing and repairs by building a relationship with a trusted independent garage, preferably one with specialist knowledge of Fiats.

There are specialist companies who can repair body computers (or supply an exchange remanufactured unit); prices are typically around £150 or so. Franchised dealers almost never use such services, simply replacing modules complete, regardless of cost.

Have you owned the car from new?
 
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Hi! Yes I've owned the car from new. Bought at that garage and serviced etc there during warranty period. I've contacted Fiat customer care and they are escalating my case. I hate that garage. Customer service is shocking and they never answer the phone
 
Hi! Yes I've owned the car from new. Bought at that garage and serviced etc there during warranty period. I've contacted Fiat customer care and they are escalating my case.

In that case, I'd say you've a decent chance of getting Fiat to contribute to the cost of the repair. Being the first owner of the car and having a franchised dealer service history are two strong plus points in your favour when seeking a goodwill contribution.

Pursue this for all it's worth - and good luck. I'll keep fingers crossed for you.
 
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So after giving up gettingthe local Fiat garage to even answer the phone I phoned a Fiat customer services. My complaint got escalated to level 2 but that manager was always busy on other calls until this week when I actually got to speak to him.
Apparently the Fiat 500 body computer I need is made of a substance now banned in the UK so they are having to make one and test it. The date they have given me for it being at the dealers is 11th May which is exactly a calendar month since I took it to the garage. I've asked for compensation as my Mum is housebound and relies on me and my car to get her out and about and he said he'd look into that for me.
The garage have only offered me 10% off the cost of a hire car and no courtesy car. What's my next move?
 
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