Hi there,
New here, but cannot find any answer in existing threads - hope someone can help?
I need to replace the steering column stalk switch. The headlights cut out at the most awkward moments - and if I touch the stalk switch they come back on.
Car is out of warranty - 2004 model new panda.
I have got the bottom of the plastic steering wheel cowling off ok - three philips screws - but cannot get the top of the plastic cowling off at all.
Is there a trick to it ?
I've checked for any loose connection (plug) and all seems well.
If I can't shift the top cowling, I can only take it to a dealer to get the switch replaced - and I can't afford a couple of hours labour as well as the switch - which I guess will be over £100 ? ( I haven't bought it yet - thought I'd make sure I could see how it went in first. Just as well ..)
Could someone please help with any advice on replacing this switch?
Many thanks in advance..

garage would diagnose/fit new switch within hour, good chance switch is in stock.

Isn't this a known fault?

Although out of warranty, isn't there a safety-related issue?

If so, is it worth approaching FIAT for a contribution (parts) if you pay for the labour?

3 hours labour in that case then:devil:

Most items are safety related to be honest in one way or another, chances of goodwill claim on 4 year old car very doubtful...assuming it is the switch of course.

Forget it.
I persevered and found the two hidden philips screws up under the top cowling at the steering wheel end. They pass through the body of the stalk switch into the top cowling.
So got it off and saw, to my annoyance that the switch is in one piece with a hole through it where the steering column comes through. So you have to take the steering wheel off to change the switch. Gotcha. Well, I'm only a DIY 'mechanic' and don't fancy an air bag going off in my face so - that's the end of that.
Thought I'd report back in case it may help anyone else in the same boat - apparently the switch causing the lights to go out is a common fault, but unfortunately Fiat have engineered it such that what could have been a simple DIY job... isn't.

I could of told you about the upper cowling screws but I really dont recommend doing work around airbags,however you are obviously sensible enough to realise this.

Changing the switch itself isn't difficult (aslong as you disconnect the battery & handle the airbag in the correct manner) if you do obtain a replacement switch then i'll be happy to help.

Speaking of Airbags - the one noticeable rattle in my new 100hp is from the passenger side Airbag cover, it's quite bad on bumpy roads or hard acceleration.

Does anyone know of a simple fix? Can the cover be prised off and something put around it or is this not recommended? I could try and take it back to the garage but it's a good 30 mins away and I'd need to arrange lifts etc. I may just leave it to first service where I could get a few minor things looked at (dodgy exterior trim around arches and squeaky brakes - esp. on reverse spring to mind!)

Any advise appreciated!

Jimrod said:

Speaking of Airbags - the one noticeable rattle in my new 100hp is from the passenger side Airbag cover, it's quite bad on bumpy roads or hard acceleration.

Does anyone know of a simple fix? Can the cover be prised off and something put around it or is this not recommended? I could try and take it back to the garage but it's a good 30 mins away and I'd need to arrange lifts etc. I may just leave it to first service where I could get a few minor things looked at (dodgy exterior trim around arches and squeaky brakes - esp. on reverse spring to mind!)

Any advise appreciated!

Click to expand...

had the same issue in the first year with the eleganza, turns out had worked itself loose from behind, and ended up with a whole unit being replaced