voltage issue
Technical What's broken on yours then?
- Thread starter BrianMcL
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Technical What's broken on yours then?
voltage issue
Well having seen the posts so far it kind of leads me to the "mutual support and mitigation strategy".
By this I mean that in many cases we are probably far better off with this forum's peer help, advice etc. than pursuing dealers or other legal avenues.
At least when we share our problems and solutions here we are actually saving ourselves a shed load of money and agro in getting solutions to specific problems.
There is of course a fine line where honest, decent Fiat UK/Dealer support could make all the difference, but from what I have generally and recently observed here there would appear to be some big holes in the Fiat UK/Dealer customer support area.
By this I mean that in many cases we are probably far better off with this forum's peer help, advice etc. than pursuing dealers or other legal avenues.
At least when we share our problems and solutions here we are actually saving ourselves a shed load of money and agro in getting solutions to specific problems.
There is of course a fine line where honest, decent Fiat UK/Dealer support could make all the difference, but from what I have generally and recently observed here there would appear to be some big holes in the Fiat UK/Dealer customer support area.
We all know that there are common faults, which are certainly design issues. I'd be all up for us all chasing Fiat like a pack of wolves to get some sensible compensation for some of the common issues.
However, I'd assume that almost all of us got our cars used. I don't know whether we therefore have any right to claim anything from Fiat at all.
Besides, Cromas are getting old enough now for Fiat to say that anything is wear and tear. It's probably too late to do anything now.
So I agree... Help and sharing tips is the way forward. There's a little satisfaction in not buying any parts from Fiat, to ensure they don't benefit from their crappy design.
However, I'd assume that almost all of us got our cars used. I don't know whether we therefore have any right to claim anything from Fiat at all.
Besides, Cromas are getting old enough now for Fiat to say that anything is wear and tear. It's probably too late to do anything now.
So I agree... Help and sharing tips is the way forward. There's a little satisfaction in not buying any parts from Fiat, to ensure they don't benefit from their crappy design.
s130 / doofer
Fair points guys - mine was pre reg but with hindsight I'd expect that both Fiat and Arnold Clark would be embarrassed not only with the faults mine has suffered but also how they've been dealt with.
Notwithstanding, without the support of members here I'd have been at the mercy of a main dealer whose mechanics didn't understand their own diag software and who wanted £500 + Vat to run tests that with hindsight would eventually (if theyd've worked) told me that I needed a new EGR.
If the first part of the Fiat diag was "blank the EGR and run it for 1000km or so until the DPF regenerates and see if that cures it, if so it's not the DPF it's the EGR" I'd be about £400 better off.
Without this forum, however, I'd have given them the money, swallowed whatever nonsense came next and them maybe even paid them more.
I was at my wits end when you guys stepped in with your common sense and knowledge so once again thank you. :worship:
Fair points guys - mine was pre reg but with hindsight I'd expect that both Fiat and Arnold Clark would be embarrassed not only with the faults mine has suffered but also how they've been dealt with.
Notwithstanding, without the support of members here I'd have been at the mercy of a main dealer whose mechanics didn't understand their own diag software and who wanted £500 + Vat to run tests that with hindsight would eventually (if theyd've worked) told me that I needed a new EGR.
If the first part of the Fiat diag was "blank the EGR and run it for 1000km or so until the DPF regenerates and see if that cures it, if so it's not the DPF it's the EGR" I'd be about £400 better off.
Without this forum, however, I'd have given them the money, swallowed whatever nonsense came next and them maybe even paid them more.
I was at my wits end when you guys stepped in with your common sense and knowledge so once again thank you. :worship:
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All cars have faults, some obvious that should of been dealt with before production but most that develop afterwards completely unforseen. Ask any MOT tester who knows exactly where to look on any car...weak points.
Not wanting to buy Fiat parts is completely the individuals choice and i would be the fist to question fiat prices on some items but the only ones you really would be hurting are the workers at the dealerships. Using a forum, such as this, would probably be the best way to voice your dissatisfaction towards Fiat or the croma to be more specific.
I would only talk to the DET at the named garages. There are set diagnostic routines to diagnose faults including the EGR,DPF.air flow issues so theres really no excuse from dealers except (from what I read into all this) time allocated for correct diagnosis.
Pity because I still like the croma and wish I could afford one but with prices falling there might be hope yet
Pity because I still like the croma and wish I could afford one but with prices falling there might be hope yet
Give it a bit longer and the fuel in the tank would be worth more than the car!
I'm not in any way bitter about my Croma. It's a fantastic all-rounder for incredible value for money when bought used. Although I can understand others who bought new or nearly new being of a different opinion. Mine switches effortlessly between luxury cruiser and builder's truck.
It's probably no worse than many other cars in terms of reliability. A quick browse on the Vectra C forum will find threads ranting about common faults / campaigning to Watchdog etc. Having said that, many of the problems are with the Fiat-sourced 1.9D engine. But there are loads of issues with lots of cars, including BMWs, Mercs etc.
All round, I'm very happy with my £6k investment. I read Auto Express and often chuckle at the second hand "bargains" they highlight, e.g. a basic model Skoda Fabia for about double the price of a Croma of the same age.
to be honest who cares what others think especially motor magazines (who serve very little if any purpose) and anyway we all like the underdog...who wants to be the same and whats wrong with being a little bit individual.
As you say yours switches between cruiser and truck my doblo switches from school bus to dog transporter to van when back seats down, great for shopping at B&Q, furniture etc
Since the cromas launch I have seen EGR's, alternators (vauxhall techs say same thing infact they laugh at vauxhall alternators and we all know how poor their EGRs are) renewed the usual anti-pinch window messages not reset after battery disconnected,a driveshaft and a rad fan module. Not seen or heard of any major issues engine/gearbox wise. In Fiats defense they were quick with the early recalls on the car and acted quickly.
Saying thats this is my opinion and i will confess to liking larger cars, maybe i feel safer in them or like the option of more carrying room?, and tend to shy away from smaller cars except my punto mk2 which was an excellent car.
As you say yours switches between cruiser and truck my doblo switches from school bus to dog transporter to van when back seats down, great for shopping at B&Q, furniture etc
Since the cromas launch I have seen EGR's, alternators (vauxhall techs say same thing infact they laugh at vauxhall alternators and we all know how poor their EGRs are) renewed the usual anti-pinch window messages not reset after battery disconnected,a driveshaft and a rad fan module. Not seen or heard of any major issues engine/gearbox wise. In Fiats defense they were quick with the early recalls on the car and acted quickly.
Saying thats this is my opinion and i will confess to liking larger cars, maybe i feel safer in them or like the option of more carrying room?, and tend to shy away from smaller cars except my punto mk2 which was an excellent car.
Well I too am overall happy with my Croma. I bought new for £12K and not the £18.5K so am in theory £6.5K in the black. Only money I've had to shell out at my own expense which I should not really have had to is for two rear tyres, full laser realignement and an EGR valve and bullet plate.
Other stuff was covered under warranty.
I still have excessive backlash/play in the drive chain, most in the gearbox which I'm told is normal. The new driveshafts reduced the problem but left the gearbox with the rest and the dreaded "clacking" sound, which again I'm told is normal for the 3 shaft gearbox.
I now ignor the clack. There is a low speed groan/grumbling (rrrr....rrrr....rrrr sound) at low spead (below 10mph) which sets up little vibration noises from trim (especially the luggage blind) which I've been unable to trace. Knowing my luck it is probably a differential crown wheel issue which could also account to the 'clack' sound.
What will be, will be, and I just hope I can fix what ever problems the Croma throws at me easily and cheaply.
I've only ever had one Fiat fail to get me home requiring recovery and that was when the Poly-V aux belt on my Coupe went taking out the camshaft timing as it wrapped itself up inside the cam belt area. Any other issues I've had I've always been able to resolve / bodge / drive around etc.
My Croma is certainly not being replaced in the near furture, although with recent craft/market events a nice Doblo is probably the better vehicle to have. Also more room for the pets (two house rabbits and two Degus) when we go away in the caravan.
Roof bars and box, or Doblo ....... hmmmm
Other stuff was covered under warranty.
I still have excessive backlash/play in the drive chain, most in the gearbox which I'm told is normal. The new driveshafts reduced the problem but left the gearbox with the rest and the dreaded "clacking" sound, which again I'm told is normal for the 3 shaft gearbox.
I now ignor the clack. There is a low speed groan/grumbling (rrrr....rrrr....rrrr sound) at low spead (below 10mph) which sets up little vibration noises from trim (especially the luggage blind) which I've been unable to trace. Knowing my luck it is probably a differential crown wheel issue which could also account to the 'clack' sound.
What will be, will be, and I just hope I can fix what ever problems the Croma throws at me easily and cheaply.
I've only ever had one Fiat fail to get me home requiring recovery and that was when the Poly-V aux belt on my Coupe went taking out the camshaft timing as it wrapped itself up inside the cam belt area. Any other issues I've had I've always been able to resolve / bodge / drive around etc.
My Croma is certainly not being replaced in the near furture, although with recent craft/market events a nice Doblo is probably the better vehicle to have. Also more room for the pets (two house rabbits and two Degus) when we go away in the caravan.
Roof bars and box, or Doblo ....... hmmmm
mine 1.9 16v 06 prestigio has been very reliable car
i`ve covered 24k miles in 2 years (now at 67000)
had the usual bits fail but were fixed for free:
mar 09 - alternator (fixed under warranty)
feb 10 - EGR (fixed by myself as per guide from vectra forum)
now i had to replace both drop links and track rod ends - nothing expensive or uncommon anywhere else - total cost around £80 inc fitting
i`m keeping croma it's a very good value for money car with brilliant engine
if you want to know what other makes are selling just search for vw passat 2.0 tdi issues - not trivial things as egrs or turbines: cracking heads, wear on the toothed wheel running oil pump leading to oil starvation and it gets for them even better because a simple toothed wheel cannot be replaced alone - it comes with a crank shaft - the costs are astronomical
so before you moan about fixing relatively cheep things on a cheep car, just think what you would say about fixing very expensive things on a very expensive car
i`ve covered 24k miles in 2 years (now at 67000)
had the usual bits fail but were fixed for free:
mar 09 - alternator (fixed under warranty)
feb 10 - EGR (fixed by myself as per guide from vectra forum)
now i had to replace both drop links and track rod ends - nothing expensive or uncommon anywhere else - total cost around £80 inc fitting
i`m keeping croma it's a very good value for money car with brilliant engine
if you want to know what other makes are selling just search for vw passat 2.0 tdi issues - not trivial things as egrs or turbines: cracking heads, wear on the toothed wheel running oil pump leading to oil starvation and it gets for them even better because a simple toothed wheel cannot be replaced alone - it comes with a crank shaft - the costs are astronomical
so before you moan about fixing relatively cheep things on a cheep car, just think what you would say about fixing very expensive things on a very expensive car
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when I say things lik that I get accused of working for fiat or sticking up for them when I dont However yes 'arti_abarth' a quick look around other forums soon makes you realise a few things!
dunno why but theres something smug about knowing other manufactures are having big problems......
However yes 'arti_abarth' a quick look around other forums soon makes you realise a few things!dunno why but theres something smug about knowing other manufactures are having big problems......
I wouldn't say there's anything smug about knowing that none of the european companies can produce a dependable, reliable car. The Koreans seem to be getting the hang of it, and the Chinese won't be far behind.
For example, Roewe is what's left of MG Rover after the Chinese buy-out (Land Rover retained the rights to the Rover name). Some nice cars already, more on the way. UK imports are starting within the next couple of years. The UK post-import assembly work will be minimal. Some design work is UK based though.
http://www.roewe.com.cn/
The clickable model numbers are along the top, e.g. 350, 550, 750 etc. I really like the 550, looks like an insane Alfa. The 750 is the old Rover 75, but will be replaced soon.
In my view, the european car industry is looking like the UK motorbike industry did before the Japanese wipeout.
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JOHN COOPER
New member
I have a 2.4 20v 06 prestigio which has been a fantastic car it has now 30.000miles the last 3.400miles done in four weeks round france and italy av mpg with five people and lugage 44mpg but now i need a new inlet manifold and n/sdrive shaft not bad but i wont sell as for me it fulfills everything i want it to do.
but now i need a new inlet manifold and n/sdrive shaft not bad but i wont sell as for me it fulfills everything i want it to do.I have a 2.4 20v 06 prestigio which has been a fantastic car it has now 30.000miles the last 3.400miles done in four weeks round france and italy av mpg with five people and lugage 44mpg
They are pretty major components to fail, especially at that mileage. What happened - have you been off-roading or something?
Inlet manifold failure/need could be due to failure of the "swirl valves".
I've heard of them failing on Fiats / Alfas but do not know of any cases where failure has caused engine damage.
I gather BMW and other makes drop nuts, washers and other bits into the cylinders when they fail. Not heard of this happening with Fiats.
I'm still puzzled why all these manufacturers (including Fiat) put all these mechanical devices prone to failure on engine intakes systems. Often there for "green" purposes but how green is the net effect of having to scrap and replace engines.
I've heard of them failing on Fiats / Alfas but do not know of any cases where failure has caused engine damage.
I gather BMW and other makes drop nuts, washers and other bits into the cylinders when they fail. Not heard of this happening with Fiats.
I'm still puzzled why all these manufacturers (including Fiat) put all these mechanical devices prone to failure on engine intakes systems. Often there for "green" purposes but how green is the net effect of having to scrap and replace engines.
JOHN COOPER
New member
inlet was first replaced at 17000miles its due to a lot of short trips that my wife makes.
Not sure why this would be the case. I would have expected DPF filter problems before Inlet manifold issues. However on modern cars there is so much "clap trap" in the path of the basic "intake,compress,ignite,exhaust" (well at least for petrol engines but gist reamins the same) that I'm not surprised that just about everthing goes wrong somewhere in the engines life cycle.
I do, Fiat have long been the butt of jokes but have turned it around, it must be said, with style. No time to sit back though, do that in the car industry and you die...hence the UK motorbike industry!
Korean cars etc are ok but they feel cold and soul less, after 2/3 years they sound terrible and working on them (tracking, suspension work etc) is often a nightmare with seized/rusted components.
Me neither, they stick often causing a blocked EGR like sympton.
oh dear I was planning 2 eventually buy a 1.9 16v 150bhp Croma to replace my Stilo 1.9JTD115 MULTIWAGON, but after reading this thread it seems they are even more unreliable than the stilo ? Did any of u have Stilos B4, if so are the Cromas really more unreliable ? I need the space (3 kids) so I can't think of another Fiat estate (ish) car that fits the bill.(I dont want a people carrier.
I think you need to bear in mind that there is a little lack of consistent and numbers based results/problems being posted here with the Croma.
Yes there are some definite problems/niggles most of which Fiat have sorted via 'campaigns'. (eg. rear wheel tracking, aircon recirculation valve flap, VIN plate incorrect)
However there are some issues that some have met and other have not.
e.g. EGR Valve, DPF and Alternator. I have an 05 plate Croma from new with nearly 42K on the clock and have had no EGR, Alternator, spring or DPF failures. I have had an outer door handle return spring failure. I did recently replaced my EGR valve as a precuation and also to give me a spare for long continental holidays towing a caravan. The replaced EGR valve although mucky was operating quite well on bench testing.
With the Croma we have small numbers of cars, a tight well established Croma community and thus also well reported, well complained about issues. Yes we are a small biased minority of complainers who still love their cars.
Depsite what faults are reported the Croma is still a cracking reliable car and easily worth every penny of its stunningly low price.
Yes there will be some possible pain but I've not seen or heard of any Croma spending even the minor majority of its life in a garage and out of service (unlike some other so called reliable makes/models of cars).
Remember Rolls Royces don't break down. They just have a day off being trasported under wraps to the garage for repair. What is not seen or reported is never attributed back to a car.
Here we Croma owners are more honest, down to earth and wanting to help each other. This means we are constantly airing even the most minor of Croma issues and in doing so actually helping to spread a poor reliabilty story which is actually not really different to any other make/model and is in many cases far better.
Yes there are some definite problems/niggles most of which Fiat have sorted via 'campaigns'. (eg. rear wheel tracking, aircon recirculation valve flap, VIN plate incorrect)
However there are some issues that some have met and other have not.
e.g. EGR Valve, DPF and Alternator. I have an 05 plate Croma from new with nearly 42K on the clock and have had no EGR, Alternator, spring or DPF failures. I have had an outer door handle return spring failure. I did recently replaced my EGR valve as a precuation and also to give me a spare for long continental holidays towing a caravan. The replaced EGR valve although mucky was operating quite well on bench testing.
With the Croma we have small numbers of cars, a tight well established Croma community and thus also well reported, well complained about issues. Yes we are a small biased minority of complainers who still love their cars.
Depsite what faults are reported the Croma is still a cracking reliable car and easily worth every penny of its stunningly low price.
Yes there will be some possible pain but I've not seen or heard of any Croma spending even the minor majority of its life in a garage and out of service (unlike some other so called reliable makes/models of cars).
Remember Rolls Royces don't break down. They just have a day off being trasported under wraps to the garage for repair. What is not seen or reported is never attributed back to a car.
Here we Croma owners are more honest, down to earth and wanting to help each other. This means we are constantly airing even the most minor of Croma issues and in doing so actually helping to spread a poor reliabilty story which is actually not really different to any other make/model and is in many cases far better.
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I have just found the following on another forum - it makes very interesting reading, especially the german motors:
http://www.reliabilityindex.com/manufacturer
http://www.reliabilityindex.com/manufacturer
