3 year old fiat 500 engine give up no warning

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3 year old fiat 500 engine give up no warning

1066hastings

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Hi guys

First post on here so hi to you all. Wanted to run something by you all, all advice greatly appreciated.

So here's the thing. I've had a fiat 500 twin air from new, purchased from main dealer under finance 3 years and 3 months ago.

So far so simple. Kept the car going well, had new brakes here and there, new tyres etc. Just passed the first MOT with flying colours. Kept to service schedule, except last one which was due about a year ago. So car is overdue a service.

I've used it mainly for commuting with no problems, but mileage is high for its age, currently at 68300. So yes, it's done a lot in its first three years but glad to say everything all good so far.

THEN, about a week ago, I got in the car and switched on, two lights came up on dash, one for general fault and other check engine light. The engine compartment was vibrating intermittently and loudly. Loss of power to car, drove 50m to end of road and then pulled over and switched off. Caught the bus to work. Prior to this no noises, warning lights or anything else to suggest the car was just about to knacker itself.

That afternoon I booked car in to local garage for diagnostic. Was aware (as sod's law dictates) I was three months approx outside the warranty so didn't contact main dealer where I bought the car. Next day I drove 0.5 mile up the road (slowly, nervously) but car made it to garage. Described the problem and left.

Two hours later I got a phone call. It went like this:

"I suggest you take this straight to your main dealer, we suspect total engine failure. One piston not maintaining compression.... Lots of things wrong that shouldn't be. As a good will gesture as it's just out of warranty, Fiat ought to fix it. If you don't get any joy come back and see me."

"OK", I said.

So the car is now with my main dealer awaiting inspection on Monday.

Anyone had any experience of what fiat does in situations like this? If it is totally knackered I'm really worried as it's literally just out of warranty by 3 months. Plus I've still got a year of finance payments left! Also, because mileage high, I knew I'd have to put some more in for final payment.

If the engine needs replacing, how do you all think fiat will play this? How should I play it? I'm really worried as if they don't be nice about it, I stand to lose thousands. Should I just go to sleep crying or is there hope?

Any advice really appreciated. :worship::worship::worship:
 
Not wanting to dishearten you too much but bear in mind that fiat customer service is mostly, pretty shocking.

The twin air has valves controlled by oil being pushed through special valves, this allows very precise management of valve timing.

If you've not had it serviced for a long time it might be the old oil has caused damage to those special valves and thus the engine valves are not working properly and if they pin the blame on you not having the engine serviced then they is likely nothing you will be able to do, and fiat won't be making a good will gesture for that.

If you are only a few hundred miles past the service or a couple of months then you have more of an argument, but it sounds like you might be a year past due ?
 
Hi guys

First post on here so hi to you all. Wanted to run something by you all, all advice greatly appreciated.


If the engine needs replacing, how do you all think fiat will play this? How should I play it? I'm really worried as if they don't be nice about it, I stand to lose thousands. Should I just go to sleep crying or is there hope?

Any advice really appreciated. :worship::worship::worship:

Hi,:)
as Andy says. .. it's NOT a conventional engine , it uses solenoids to "inject" the fuel air mixture..NOT a conventional inlet valve ;)

SO if the "multiair unit "( that relies on clean oil to operate) has failed you'll have limited compression:eek:

sounds like a simple fix.. however the units are pricey.. FIAT have stood up for "premature wear" cases in the past..(y) however as you've not kept to the service schedule they may not be so forthcoming..

EDIT - details here;
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/418936-500-twin-air-solenoid-failure.html

However - the units have been around for @8 years now (Grande Punto - Multiair) so access to a working used one should save SOME money.. :idea:eek:r even buy a complete 500 TA engine from a write-off for circa @£800

TBH - I'm at the point where there SHOULD be a business model for refurbishing these units cost effectively..
as there are literally THOUSANDS of them reaching the limits of their "service life" now

Charlie - Oxford - Punto TA
 
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Thanks for the replies so far, I was worried the missed service might prove an issue... I had kept all the fluids topped up as a matter of course, can't see how sparks and pollen filters etc would technically come into the engine going kaput. As you say I'll have to wait and see what they say. Will post back to update progress (if any!):bang:
 
Thanks for the replies so far, I was worried the missed service might prove an issue... I had kept all the fluids topped up as a matter of course, can't see how sparks and pollen filters etc would technically come into the engine going kaput. As you say I'll have to wait and see what they say. Will post back to update progress (if any!):bang:

it's the oil quality that's supposedly critical..;)

did you see the link on the post for a new unit @£400..??:)

Charlie
 
it's the oil quality that's supposedly critical..;)

did you see the link on the post for a new unit @£400..??:)

Charlie


Hi Charlie I had a look yes, THB it's all in Fiat's hands, if they won't play ball because of whatever reasons, I will need to bite the bullet and either go ahead with the work they say (with them or not) or get a recon engine fitted, I'll go with whichever is cheaper at the end of the day. Please remind me never to buy a car on finance ever again! (n)
 
It is likely that the hydraulic valve control is failing due to being gummed up with old oil deposits. Infrequent oil changes is the cause. If the hydraulic valves need cleaning or replacing, that should surely be possible without major dismantling, and no need to replace the whole engine. Let's not panic until the diagnosis is done.
 
It is likely that the hydraulic valve control is failing due to being gummed up with old oil deposits. Infrequent oil changes is the cause. If the hydraulic valves need cleaning or replacing, that should surely be possible without major dismantling, and no need to replace the whole engine. Let's not panic until the diagnosis is done.

I will take that advice and continue calmly. As you say lets wait for the diagnostic. I think what you say is going to prove pretty much bang on (y), high mileage plus missed service equals problems.
 
might be worth telling the finance company its knackered they have joint liability with the supplier over it been fit for purpose if your a AA or RAC member they have a members legal help line ;)

With a missed oil change, and a problem apparently related to old oil, I doubt there's any liability anywhere but with the owner. Hopefully not too expensive to replace the hydraulic valve controls, without head removal.
 
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