Hello all,

I have an 06 GP Sporting M-jet and has lately developed a habit of releasing an unpleasant smell in the cabin, very much like fumes, when the heater in on and the car is at low speeds (crawling, slowing down to enter roundabouts etc) or when stationary.

Once up to 20 mph+ there is no smell at all! Any ideas as to what is the cause of my car's 11th fault? (And still counting, no doubt about that... )

I would suggest, but not state as fact that you may have a fluid leak. This fluid could be falling onto a hot surface, like the exhaust and the fumes generated as it flashes off are being drawn into the heater......check oil, water brake fluid levels etc. Check also for loose cables or other plastic parts etc that may have come loose and may be in contact hot surfaces.

I took the car at the dealer and he diagnosed a few faults with the system... I did not read the report, I will try and get some proper information about the fault once the car goes back for repairs next week. It seems strange that I am the only GP owner reporting this fault so far! Maybe a one-off?

quite common for 1.2 breather pipes burstingleaving fuel/oil smell inside car.

T14086 said:

quite common for 1.2 breather pipes burstingleaving fuel/oil smell inside car.

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But the smell is unbearable! I can barely breathe, it really is that bad and it only takes about 5 seconds for me to open both windows once it starts stinking in the cabin!

BTW I've got the 1.9 Sporting M-jet, 06 plate, manufactured in March 2006. I do not recall reading anything regarding this issue in FiatForum. Saying that, I haven't tried any other Fiat fora but then again this forum is the BEST forum I have ever seen.

Well done to the moderators and the contributors :worship::worship::worship:

whats it like with the air distribution set to interior (recirculated) ?

T14086 said:

whats it like with the air distribution set to interior (recirculated) ?

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When the air recirculation is on there are no unpleasant odours in the cabin at all. Otherwise I can barely breathe in there! Mind you, this is what I have been doing ever since this problem started, I drive around with the air recirculation on, if the cabin mists up I use the air con. The dealer has diagnosed the fault and will book my car in for repairs once the parts arrive, I will let you know of the full details of the fault once I go back to the dealer.

T14086 said:

quite common for 1.2 breather pipes burstingleaving fuel/oil smell inside car.

Click to expand...

The car is now fixed under warranty. The replaced parts are:

Heat exchanger (part no. 0055203716, £184.85)
Sealing gasket (part no. 0046773082, £1.27)
Gasket (part no. 0055186600, £2.09)
2 Screws (part no. 0055186552, £9.80)
2 Screws (part no. 0046803756, £1.22)

I understand the system is from Vauxhall, please correct me if wrong. The vehicle will be outside Fiat's warranty by end of June and I really hope that no more problems will occur. In the meantime, I have received two phonecalls from Fiat Italy and despite their assurances, Fiat UK has yet to contact me.

I would love to keep the car, I bought her brand new because I wanted to keep her for at least five years but if she starts giving me more trouble, i will have to get rid of her and buy something altogether more reliable... I have to say, I am not impressed with Fiat UK customer service as yet.

I must stress the fact though that I really enjoy the car and will be rather upset to see the back of her...

I have a Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 Sport (06-reg) and it seems to be suffering this problem too! I have not yet reported this to the Fiat dealership where i purchased the car as it has been in numerous times for electrical faults, for eg, boot wouldnt release, stereo would not switch on and dodgy battery where my car wouldnt start!! I get treated as a typical woman and am reluctant to go bk, but worried about what they have replaced on a prevous post, think its a good idea to book it in somewhere sharp-ish. Thank you.

rogers24 said:

I have a Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 Sport (06-reg) and it seems to be suffering this problem too! I have not yet reported this to the Fiat dealership where i purchased the car as it has been in numerous times for electrical faults, for eg, boot wouldnt release, stereo would not switch on and dodgy battery where my car wouldnt start!! I get treated as a typical woman and am reluctant to go bk, but worried about what they have replaced on a prevous post, think its a good idea to book it in somewhere sharp-ish. Thank you.

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georgios1976 has a 1.9 thats different from yours,as mentioned yours will no doubt just be the breather pipe.

If you feel as if your being treated as a 'typical woman' (whatever that means?) then use ATA garages;

http://www.automotivetechnician.org...d-your-nearest-ata-registered-technician.html

There are also many good women car websites who have a list of 'women friendly' garages.