Hi, I’m new here. What a great forum this – I discovered it yesterday and have found many useful tips. I run a 55 reg Croma 1.9D 150hp Prestigio auto which I purchased in April 07.

I’ve been very happy with it until just before Christmas when I collected it from the local fiat dealer following a routine service. As I drove away I noticed the battery light was on and then various functions (climate control, ABS, ESP, window safety cut off etc..) began to fail one by one. When I got home I stopped and re-started the car and noticed that it was idling at 1100rpm instead of the usual 800 then the power steering went and following that the car failed to re-start. The car was recovered by the dealer who diagnosed the problem as alternator failure. I was then charged £205 +VAT for a reconditioned alternator which they fitted for free (as it had been fine before they got their hands on it). The car now works, but

(1) The battery light still stays on even though tests have shown that everything is working as it should be. However, bizarrely, it goes out if you turn on the ignition, then turn it off, then start the engine. The only solution the dealer can offer me is a new computer (I think they’re just guessing!!!)

(2) It takes several seconds to fire up on cold start (pre-service it was almost instant) and sometimes needs two attempts and then runs very roughly (sounds like a tractor) for 30 seconds or so. Fuel consumption has fallen by some 20% from previous levels.

Any thoughts very welcome. Thanks

Hello and welcome! I'm no automotive genius (I'm usually asking rather than answering), but has your battery been tested?

Also see the thread I started about my alternator belt / battery.

https://www.fiatforum.com/croma/220698-squealing-alternator-belt-diy-garage-job.html

The Croma needs a hoofing great battery. Does yours still have the original Magneti Marrelli one (in which case it's probably getting old), or has someone else replaced it with a much smaller one like various parts shops and garages keep trying to sell me?

I'm wondering whether a battery that was previously struggling may have been tipped over the edge after being flattened.

Chances are it's your alternator failing. Mine did exactly the same (see electicity - why can't the Italians get it to work?). THe reason for the lights and everything failing is that although there is enough charge to keep the engine running, there isn't a high enough voltage to keep all the electronic bits functioning.

Any garage can do a quick test to see if it's charging properly.

That's the good news. the bad news is that alternators are around £170 just for the part, and it's not a two minute job either, so factor in 2-3 hours labour charges too.