500L Check engine light and other problems

[a511475]

Had this car about 6 weeks. Been in the shop four times.
check engine light comes on every other day. Take it to the shop. They keep the car for 2 or 3 days. When the car is returned to me, nothing has changed. They blame the computer.
Have no fix for it so far. Called customer service and no one has contacted me.
When out one morning and the battery was dead. Towed the car in. They checked the battery and found it good. They told me I must have left a light on.
The door light locks with out me knowing and the warning horn goes off when I open the door.
The lights on the inst panel blink. They offer nothing about it

 

[MJG]

Out of curiosity which version of the 500L have you bought?

If you are not satisfied with the dealer response you need to escalate it to FIAT USA.

 

[a511475]

I did not know about versions. I am ignorant on that part. I have contacted customer service and they are suppose to inquire at the dealer.
I have never bought any car for any one except a certain car salesman who works for this dealer since 1980. In addition, I have bought two cars at once on this go around. One was another brand. This is the first time I have ever had problems with any car I bought.
I talked it over with him and he told me that this was a brand new model. the service department has no experience with is model. They are on a learning curb with this model especially stuff controlled by a computer. All they do is keep reloading the computer and IMO, this will fix nothing until the actual computer code is changed.
In the last few days the check engine light will come on for one trip and turn off for the next trip.

 

[portland_bill]

When the light comes on, a fault code should be stored in the computer. They should read the code and refer to a list of possible causes. Ask them to tell you what code(s) is stored, before they've cleared it. Then tell this forum, and which engine you've got.

 

[T14086]

the service department has no experience with is model.

Don't they have training in America?

 

[a511475]

I am only quoting them. THEY THEMSELVES TOLD ME THAT THIS MODEL IS SO NEW THAT THEY HAVE NO EXPERIENCE ON IT.
THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME THAT THIS WILL BE A LEARNING CURVE FOR BOTH ME AND THEM.
I AM TOLD THAT THEY ARE WAITING FOR A COMPUTER UPDATE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS. MY COMPUTER HAS BEEN UPDATED ABOUT FOUR TIMES AND NO IMPROVEMENT

 

[a511475]

They did not tell me the code, but they said the problem was communication between the computer and the engine. Thay said they "reflashed" the computer, drive it several miles. Let it cool down and drove it again. This was repeated several time and then the car was returned to me. Problem not solved, or it returned

 

[T14086]

OK I HEAR YOU....I fail to see the point in releasing a model that no one can fix or have experience on, basic customer service........saying that I did join SKYTV and all they do is change 'the box' everytime

The garage will have technical back up from Fiat so get them to use it or video the concern when it happens and post it up here, we'll help them

 

[a511475]

i RETIRED AFTER 45 YEARS WITH THE AIRLINES AND EVERYTIME A NEW MODEL AIRCRAFT CAME OUT, THERE WERE MANY "COMPUTER PROBLEMS" SHOWING UP THAT WERE NOT SHOWING UP ON THE BEFORE SALE TEST FLIGHT. BUT IN THE END THEY ALL GOT FIXED. I THINK THE SAME IS HERE. THE GUYS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE DOING THEIR BEST WITH WHAT THEY HAVE. IT SHOULD BE FIXED IN A YEAR OR SO...

 

[portland_bill]

No need to use capitals.
Capitals on forums are interpreted as shouting.

 

[MJG]

i RETIRED AFTER 45 YEARS WITH THE AIRLINES AND EVERYTIME A NEW MODEL AIRCRAFT CAME OUT, THERE WERE MANY "COMPUTER PROBLEMS" SHOWING UP THAT WERE NOT SHOWING UP ON THE BEFORE SALE TEST FLIGHT. BUT IN THE END THEY ALL GOT FIXED. I THINK THE SAME IS HERE. THE GUYS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE DOING THEIR BEST WITH WHAT THEY HAVE. IT SHOULD BE FIXED IN A YEAR OR SO...

I appreciate this will be a tad frustrating for you but there is no need to shout (caps)

It gets people's backs up in forums.

 

[a511475]

I did not realize my caps were on. So sorry...

 

[MJG]

I did not realize my caps were on. So sorry...

No problemo!

 

[a511475]

No code could be given to me. They kept the car for 8 days and told me the battery fixed it.the next dayThe car started, but the heck engine light came on and the lessagesaid no gears available. No matter what geariputitin, itwouldnotmove. Call atowandtook it back. This will. Be the 5th shop repair. One more and I want another car

 

[twinairturbo]

I would take it to another dealer or any other garage and get them to bill the dealer that sold you the car, sounds like this particular dealer does not have a clue