Ok, I bought my 93,000 mile Doblo last weekend from a used car garage. I signed a 4-week parts only warranty, which covers only the engine and gearbox (no consumables)

I really like the car; the engine starts well and runs smoothly and quietly and the car is spotless inside. I've suffered a few losses of power though, where there's been absolutely no response from the engine when I've needed to accelerate, then suddenly, all the power comes in.

There's a constant (and embarrassing!) squealing from somewhere, which I've been told is probably the auxiliary belt and/or tensioner.

I've been to a small local independent garage to ask about having both belts replaced, along with the aux belt tensioner (and water pump was recommended) and the rear spring assistors. I'm awaiting a quote for the work from them... and now today the red engine management light came on while driving. After I stop and re-start, it stays off for a while, but then comes back on and stays on. The manual says this is due to a problem with the injection system.

I'm already pretty stressed and have £2200 invested in the thing. I don't know which path to take... cough up for all the work, or try to get my money back. What do you think?

If water pump is changed then thats timing belt aswell, red engine light, is yours the turbo version? (and yes it does indicate fault in management system)

The mechanic I spoke to about replacing the cambelt suggested that replacing the water pump at the same time would be a good idea.

Turbo, yes.. 1.9 JTD ELX.

Have I bought a dog? What do you think T?

even though it's a 4 week warranty, i'm sure 3 months is the norm (stat rights etc)

Anyway first thing is get on the phone in the morning and tell them the engine light is on and suffering intermittent loss of power resulting being left in potentially dangerous situations. Take it from there......I suspect EGR/AFM.

Ok I'll do that.

Any idea what might cause the injection system prob? Is it likely an expensive fix?

Think I'll take a chill pill

Thanks T.

Hi,if they can't find anything wrong with aux belt tensioner,get them to check the alternator pulley,this is a clutched type and common for seizing,it then squeals and can tear the belt out quickly,have also had bearing in power steering pump go causing squealing and also bottom pulley(this is a metal/rubber bonded pulley)and it delaminates.
Most probably belt tensioner or alternator though,Hope this helps John.

LIFTEX said:

Hi,if they can't find anything wrong with aux belt tensioner,get them to check the alternator pulley,this is a clutched type and common for seizing,it then squeals and can tear the belt out quickly,have also had bearing in power steering pump go causing squealing and also bottom pulley(this is a metal/rubber bonded pulley)and it delaminates.
Most probably belt tensioner or alternator though,Hope this helps John.

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Helps? Hah.. sounds like more stuff to worry about!

I decided I don't trust the garage I bought my Doblo from. I can't be sure they fitted a new cambelt as they claimed, so I've booked the car in at a local garage instead, for a new cambelt, new aux belt, tensioner and water pump. I want peace of mind.

I ordered a pair of new bump-stops as well (or wicks, as the Fiat garage called them ) Hope these help reduce the rolling in corners. On the diagram on their computer, they look a more cylindrical shape than the fat tapered spongey things on my car, but the guy assured me they are correct for my chassis number. They were about 32 quid each.

Once all that is done, I'll tackle the engine management light problem if it happens again (it hasn't come on since Sunday). I may try blanking the EGR as well to test its effect.

Cheers.