Hi, I've just bought a Croma 2.4 Prestigio and appear to have a fault with gearbox/software. The manual side only seems to work from a standstill and, so far, I can't get it to change above 3rd, despite the revs. It just beeps and switches to full auto. Also, when I switch off the engine the 'P' flashes for approx 5 seconds accompanied by a beep. The manual says this is to tell you to put it into park, but it is already in park and the 'P' is on the dash. Does it need some sort of software update? I absolutely love the car but want to get this fixed asap. I am used to Fiat's ever persistent niggles, so I hope it's a relatively easy fix (or driver error).

I'd be interested to find out how this gets resolved, as I have had some 'characteristics' with mine for the past four years. Does the gearbox change normally in 'auto' mode i.e. is it just the manual side of things that has gone wrong? The combination of symptoms you describe could be attributed to several things but to be basic, either the gearbox doesn't know what speed the car is doing or doesn't know what gear you have selected. You could always try the 'hard battery reset' i.e. disconnect both battery terminals, leave them off for about twenty minutes, touch both leads together, then refit. Just be prepared to reset the electric windows and time/date (it's in the manual if you're stuck, or search on the forum - it keeps coming up from time to time).

The 'beep' in 3rd is telling you that the car thinks you're trying to change gear in unacceptable conditions i.e. too fast or too slow for that gear. I get the flashing 'P' on my car as per the manual e.g. when I turn the engine off or turn the ignition on with the selector lever not in 'P'.

I'll keep watching your posts on this subject with interest, hope you get a way forward with it.

Thanks for that. I am gonna purchase the full version of ecuscan and see if the gearbox ecu throws up any clues. I will put off the full reset for a bit, just in case it upsets more than it cures - not that I'm pessimistic! I also have a genuine Fiat workshop manual on it's way (hard copy and cd) so I will see if that throws any light on the situation. I will keep you updated.
P.s. the gearbox seems to work perfectly in full auto, very smooth changes throughout the range.

Does it have an ABS fault to go with it?I think there is a flash program for the gearbox software as my 2.4 was having funny turns.Seems fine now though.(touch wood)

Not as far as I know. No warning lights on the dash anyway. I will try and connect to the gearbox ecu tomorrow and see what info that gives me. How do I get the flash program, is it a dealer job?

From what I remember, the Aisin box is a full automatic, not semi, 6 speed with a manual override control.
You are not supposed to be able to remap the gearbox ecu, but probably a dealer job, if you can find one willing, who has done it before. I doubt if Fiat UK would know anything about it.
Is it possibly a fault in the control area? This may be curable with an ECU (not gearbox ECU) reset, which can be done with software, which would avoid all manual settings. Might be better to do all the manual resets though?
My auto box (2.4) has always been perfect, but who knows what might have happened if your car spent months on a dealer forecourt.
I will have a look later at elearn (workshop manual) might be something significant.
I think mine has to be in park when switched on to unlock the parking pawl or whatever they use now.
Keith

Thanks for the info. I have an update - error code P1729 Gear selector body (from NSC) The explanation being: The reason for this fault is that ECU has received invalid signal from the sensor.
I haven't been able to find any more information about this so far, but at least it narrows it down to a particular sensor. Just need to find out where it is and see if there is a loose connection or the sensor itself needs replacing. I hope it's not inseide the box. It must work independently from the sensor that displays what gear you are in, because the display says it's in park but it still beeps to say that it isn't!!

Just had a look in elearn, most of it has the 2.4 as manual box, but I have pasted 2 parts which might help into a word2000 file, I will see if it will pm.
Keith
Some here will recall my 2.4 with connect+, glass roof and leather runs on 17's from a new 159 3 years ago.
How much did fiat waste making RHD which only went to UK? And now done it again with the Lancia Delta, UK Chrysler dealers know nothing about Fiats, the sales will be hopeless, and I look forward to getting a top spec for over 50% discount.

The only thing that I have come across, is a lever position sensor (NSW not NSC), could this be the same thing? Apparently if it's not adjusted correctly it will not be properly recognised by the control unit, which makes sense. It looks fairly easy to check from under the car. I need to get it on the ramps to check the turbo pipes so will attempt to kill 2 birds with one stone.

Yes the download on mine was done at the dealer.

I'll be interested to get details on the sensor (wonder if it's the same idea as the 'range sensor' on standard autos?) as I believe it may be the source of my car's 'issues' from time to time.

Keith - you're a lucky man, that's all I can say (I've seen your car) :worship: If my car ever gets written off I'll be asking you nicely if you want to sell yours

Will be watching this thread with interest.