Hi,
I've been away on holiday for a week & have come back to my Seicento smelling quite strongly of petrol. I left it in my garage, with a full tank of petrol. I can't see any marks underneath the tank (or anywhere else fot that matter), but am assuming it is leaking from somewhere.
I've read various threads on here about this problem, referring to a recall etc, how do I know if mine is one that needs recalling? Also if it is how do I go about doing this? Finally, assuming it isn't part of the recall, how much should I be looking to pay for a (non fiat) Garage to replace the tank?
The car is a second hand 2001 X reg 1.1 sx.

Contact FIAT HQ with your vin number in hand. If you're part of the recall, they'll book you in to a local FIAT dealer for a free inspection and take it from there.

I think tanks are £60 and up. Probably 2 or 3 hours labour.

Thanks for the information. I phoned the HQ who told me it had a recall code against it - 4390 Sei Eng Rad Fan, but they couldn't tell me any more than that (e.g. whether it had been recalled already). That recall doesn't sound like the petrol tank to me, but I'll ask a dealer anyway.
Looks like I'll have to open the wallet & get a new tank fitted. Ah well..

theardis said:

. That recall doesn't sound like the petrol tank to me, but I'll ask a dealer anyway.

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it doesnt, but the recall for the tanks is due to corrosion on the seams of tank so a bit more info for you

fingers99 said:

Contact FIAT HQ with your vin number in hand. If you're part of the recall, they'll book you in to a local FIAT dealer for a free inspection and take it from there.

I think tanks are £60 and up. Probably 2 or 3 hours labour.

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Wouldnt assume that'll be a free inspection...Im trying to get the Cinq booked in and £90 has been mentioned - for 4/5 photos!

Well ill say this for probs the 5th time now!! My sei is outside the recall date for the fuel tank recall, i called my local fiat dealer who directed me to fiat HQ (cant rememeber the number) who then spent several days deciding whether to do it for free or not. They decided they would do it for free at a fiat garage of my choosing and convience. I then told them the garage and took it along and they did it for free.

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/re...asp?uniqueID=EFEE65D5835C043300256E5F00359E9F


there are the details.. looks like u missed out but worth trying anyway!

Thanks everyone for the information.
Just as a matter of interest, who decides whether a car is recalled? Is it an independant body or the car company? The reason I ask is because it sounds like the newer version cars, which miss out on the recall, still have the fault.

It's VOSA who decide. It might be worthwhile talking to FIAT again and mentioning that if you don't get safisfaction you'll take it up with VOSA "it's obviously the same old issue", and see if that moves it on.

It does seem to depend a little on who you get on the line at FIAT, so well worth another bash.

im currently awaiting a decision from vosa about my tank, ive tried to convince tham it is a safety issue and should be done. hopefully some persuasion from them will get the tank changed by fiat

Well mate i wish you the best of luck! I really think its just down to who picks up the phone at the other end to be honest.

watchyourbaK said:

Well mate i wish you the best of luck! I really think its just down to who picks up the phone at the other end to be honest.

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Dead right - no joy from my local Fiat dealer.
Decided to just book it in to the local garage to get it sorted one way or another. It's not the sort of problem I want to leave for to long.

theardis said:

Dead right - no joy from my local Fiat dealer.
Decided to just book it in to the local garage to get it sorted one way or another. It's not the sort of problem I want to leave for to long.

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Absolutely pointless going through your local dealer unless they're a spectacularly good one: they can only do recall stuff if authorised by FIAT UK.

Yes to that fingers.. sorry maybe i didnt make it clear, i called the dealer (which was a mistake) and they said.. u'll have to speak to FIAT HQ about whether they will do the recall. I then got the number and called FIAT HQ and they do a complaint thing i think (and give you a case number), the then call you back in a few days to say yes or no. Sorry if i wasnt very clear.

watchyourbaK said:

Yes to that fingers.. sorry maybe i didnt make it clear, i called the dealer (which was a mistake) and they said.. u'll have to speak to FIAT HQ about whether they will do the recall. I then got the number and called FIAT HQ and they do a complaint thing i think (and give you a case number), the then call you back in a few days to say yes or no. Sorry if i wasnt very clear.

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Thanks for all the information. I booked this in with my local garage who have diagnosed the problem is indeed a leaking petrol tank.
I've started a complaint procedure thing with Fiat HQ & am awaiting their reply. Not holding my breath (I did that on the way to the garage to drown out the fumes!) but we'll see. I'll feedback on what they say.

I've booked my shumacher in for the same problem but have to wait 2 weeks for them to have a look.
I already have a fuel tank but thought it might be worth a try.
As the problem is still evident even in newer cars, Then the issue has not been solved, just pushed asside.
How can Fiat justify charging £140 for a piece of crap that rots when you can buy the same for £40 and may rot just as well, Or not?

Hi CC1,
Sorry to hear you have the same problem.
However, I have good news. I had my local (non dealership) garage confirm the problem with mine & fix it at a cost of just over £200. I spoke to Fiat HQ once it had been diagnosed by the garage & started a complaint procedure. Fiat called back today confirming they would refund for the work in full. I have sent off the invoice & should get a cheque within 3 weeks all being well.

A detailed earlier in this thread my car was not covered by the VOSA recall. I suggest you give Fiat HQ a call & try your luck.
Fiat HQ 00800 3428 0000

I will confirm when/if the refund is completed.

Hi guys, I called FIAT UK on Monday about getting my Cinq's tank replaced as it is leaking... It's booked in for Saturday to have my local dealer take pics of the tank to send to FIAT warranty. All being well, I'll be getting a free replacement some time soon. So far so good at least.

James

Update: I have received a cheque today from Fiat! They have paid my repair bill in full - £201. Thanks everyone for all your help.
:slayer:

Just an idea but who else rekons that this should have its own thread in the FAQs as it seems to be asked very often? i know it is already under the "sei recalls" but a seperate thread would help to clear up any confusion.