Hi all this is my post, sorry in advance for how long it is.


I have a problem with my 64 plate Fiat brought in February from Fords at Windsford. It stutters/judders a lot when changing gear as though it's not getting the full power then after a few seconds it's fine and pulls away. Sometimes it does this then the engine management light comes on and it goes into limp/crawler mode where it's got hardly any power. The car then vibrates/judders when standing still and the exhaust sounds like a tractor!


I've had this problem since March when the spark plugs went. Spark plugs replaced but problem continued. It was very intermittent problem so thought all was ok but then it's got worse and worse. Was serviced 28/11/16 and they found nothing wrong, took it in to be looked at on the 29/12/16 they said they found a few error message son the ECU cleared those off but didn't even get 15 miles in it before it happened again. Called Fiat up to book it in again and they are now saying diagnostics not covered under 3rd year warranty, although when I asked last week it was. Does anyone one know what it sounds like it could be? Also what is covered under 3rd year warranty? Fiat seem to do/say anything to get out off it. The problems getting worse and worse where it's happening nearly every time I drive it and if I can't get it sorted I will have to go down the legal route of it not being fit for purpose.

Hi Lissie,
It would help if you tell us the Model Fiat you have and engine size petrol or diesel.
If the engine management light comes on and the vehicle goes into limp mode there is a problem somewhere.
Reading the ECU codes may or may not help depending on the fault.
Being a 2014 model I would start by checking the battery voltage from cold (12.9 volts).
You also need to check with Fiat to see if there are any ECU upgrades for your model that have been carried out or pending that may cause the problem you have.

Thanks for your reply. It's a fiat 500 1.2 petrol. It's happening almost every time I drive it now! I've looked at the fiat warranty and it says the cover is the same as long as it's done less than 100,000 miles which it has so I don't see how they can charge to find out what the problem is.
I've no idea how to check the battery bit I will mention that to them and about the Ecu.

Lissie said:

Thanks for your reply. It's a fiat 500 1.2 petrol. It's happening almost every time I drive it now! I've looked at the fiat warranty and it says the cover is the same as long as it's done less than 100,000 miles which it has so I don't see how they can charge to find out what the problem is.
I've no idea how to check the battery bit I will mention that to them and about the Ecu.

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Hi,
the error codes , = should be enough to give the garage a starting point,

there have been a few reports of similar.. I'll try and link you to them.

Charlie