Technical Seicento Service Paranoia!!!

[Damo]

Hi chaps,

Right my Sei Sporting Schumacher Edition is 2 years old now and never had a big service since new (has had 2 oil changes and a 12 month service in February by Fiat). I've only had the car since July (you've probably read the posts) and it had an oil change then.

Now I think it should really have its 24 month service soon but its only got 5,150 miles on it and I don't use it that much and don't "screw" it really (criminal) so was wondering a) what Fiat charge for a 24 month service (would really like new sparks etc) b) is it worth getting a dealer to do it (don't know of many garages that are good round here and I'm very protective of my red Italian stalion!). What's the general consencous for servicing cars under warranty?

My only concerns about the car recently are the brakes always make a slight noise in operation. They stop the car well, no probs, and its sounds like a running, slight grating sound which does'nt get any louder under pressure. The car doesn't pull to any sides when braking, the pedal is hard when the ignition is off then drops when the car is started. The fluid is okay and there's no squeaking either which is why I've left it be since I got it, just wondering now it may go to Fiat are they gonna find some nasties!! It has ABS if that helps.

I stil have a smell of petrol when the tank is full....I really think this is the cap though and not covered by warranty[!] Certainly never seen any leaks.

Also, its been cold and I've been using it to run up the road to work (wouldn't really warm the car up.....well its only a 8 minute walk:I) and when I checked the oil the other week there was a small amount of engine mayonaise in the very top of the oil cap, none near the bottom or on the dipstick.

Is this just a bit of condensation? The car hardly uses any water....must have literally added a few drops over the summer.

Sorry to rant on but its been bothering me of late, the damn thing costs so much so I should be happy with it.

[?]

 

[MrDerv]

It needs to be serviced. Basically wether it's done a million miles or 5,150, it needs attention to other areas, not just the engine. Things on a 2 year service ususlly include:
1. Coolant flush & renewal
2. Brake Fluid renewal
3. Alternator belt renewal
4. Fuel Filter Renewal
5. Oil & filter Change
6. Air filter change
7. Sparkplug renewal
8. Hinge and lock lubrication

There's more to the service than just these though.

I would get the car checked if there's a slight bit of mayonaise spotted as this could be an early warning that something is about to go. Same goes for the fuel smell.

And, as far as i know, the car has to be serviced on the given schedule in the handbook or it will VOID the warranty if not done so. (this happened with my old hyundai)

Hope that helps




There's a certain satisfaction you get from driving over a Sleeping Policeman

 

[HP]

You may invalidate any warranty if you don't keep a service history up. The service intervals are usually quoted at a time or a mileage, best to stick to these as it's what Fiat's 'engineers' have deemed necessary.

You will also find that they reccommend more frequent servicing if the car is only used for short journeys, as you can get the mayonnaise (or should that be Salad Cream to us Brits?) that you have seen from condensation - it does the car no good if it doesn't get warmed up properly on a regular basis. Not that you should thrash it when cold to get some heat into it, that does even more damage.

With the brakes, it may be that they are 'dirty', and need some use to clean them up. My rear brakes don't sound too healthy if the car's been standing for a while, easily remedied by gently pulling the handbrake on while moving.

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
Cinqs&Seis Yahoo group
Clubcento

 

[polecat]

Sounds like what you would expect to see on a little used car. Noise on brakes could just be dirt build up. Mayo could be condensation as engine does not get hot enough to burn it off. If the car stands for any period of time the petrol vapour can overload the charcoal filter and vent off via the overpressure valve, hence the smell of petrol.
Only concern I have is whether you still have a valid warranty wrt the service conditions. I would check in your service handbook.
Just ring around for some quotes on the service, you just need a recognised service centre, not a full dealer.
Hope that helps.

Dave.

So much to do, so little time.... and Totally Skint!!

 

[polecat]

lol, i'll just have to type a bit faster in future

Dave.

So much to do, so little time.... and Totally Skint!!

 

[Damo]

Cheers guys.

The petrol smell is only there from a full fill up till about 3/4 tank of petrol.

'tis a shame it doesn't get more use but I live so near to work its normally a waste and with the weather being so crap this time of year I have no reason to really use it (sounds weird but I don't do owt when I get home normally, perhaps I need a woman[?]). May take it for a nice spin on some B roads tomorrow once its defrosted[V]

S'pose I best phone Fiat for a price for the next service. I have a document showing what was done in February '03 so it shouln't be a problem and I paid £25 to transfer the 3 yr g'tee.

Am I looking at £250ish then for Fiat to do it? Looks like it was £130ish for the last one which didn't include sparks.

 

[polecat]

Do you get a pressure hiss when you take the fuel filler cap off? If you do then it is very unlikely that you have a tank leak.

Dave.

So much to do, so little time.... and Totally Skint!!

 

[Damo]

Nope...no hiss

 

[polecat]

Ah..
No idea how a Sei is put together so i'll have to leave this one to the experts.
Good luck

Dave.

So much to do, so little time.... and Totally Skint!!

 

[MrDerv]

It's posible theres a fault with the seal between the pump and the tank. I would get it checked ASAP




There's a certain satisfaction you get from driving over a Sleeping Policeman

 

[Damo]

Well Fiat told me to check under the back seat with the engine running and look for leaks. There were no leaks. With the cars tank full and stationery theres no smell, revving the car made no difference...its only noticable when full and moving then only really smelt when a window is open.

When the cap is taken off theres a small residue of fuel on the metal part of it. Tried one of those permanent emergency caps and its worse but they are...well....crap!

 

[Damo]

Well I phoned Fiat this morning.

The chap said "ooh its a big service that one!" which I thought...crap...but its £205 all in which I think is okay for a main dealer. He said they check the tappets, filters etc and I get a courtesy car too, so its booked in for Tuesday.

I'll fill it up and not mention the fuel smell and see if they say anything.

Thanks for all the advice guys and hopefully next week I'll be a happier chappy!!

All the best for the new year,

Damian

 

[cento X19]

Just 2 things to add:

1: official fiat service always useful when selling on your car
2: Make sure you get them to check over the paintwork before the car is 3 years old. This ensures paintwork warranty is still valid - something I have learnt to my cost!!

 

[Damo]

Thanks for that. I mentioned about the paintwork as the passenger side wing looks shiny but feels a bit rough like something is stuck to the paint but not like oxidation.

Tried Autoglym, Zymol and Zymol Carnuba wax but its still the same, its not that bad though, as I say, its still looks shiny!

 

[smurfhead]

The travel on the bbrake pedal you describe with the difference of before and after the car is started is perfectly normal. It should do that. If not, it implies that there is a lack of pressure in the system. No worries my friend.

Smurfhead

Seicento Sporting (2001)

 

[Damo]

Thanks Smurfhead, I thought that was normal as a garage told me that once when I had problems braking in my Mini.

I also pulled on the handbrake to stop me when I was reversing today (going slowly) and I think the brakes seem a little quieter too now.

I'll be just happier when its done, but I kinda think the £205 quoted won't include VAT (didn't make it that clear).