Hi all newbie here. I used to have a Panda in the 90's and have now recently acquired 2006 Automatic. I need to replace the flexi joint on the exhaust as its blowing but I have noticed a leak at the front of the car. It looks to be comming from a reservoir at the front of the engine with pipes going under the battery tray. My initial guess is that this was a power steering fluid reservoir but the Panda has electric power steering. Can anyone let me know what its for and how I check the fluid levels and whether there are any hints for fixing the leak. Thanks in advance

Hi

Your automatic is actually a manual

With a ROBOT working the clutch and gearchange..

There is a tank under there with fluid for the Robot.. hidden behind a 'baking tray'

Had the car long.. ? got any warranty ??

Had it a couple of weeks and no warranty. This is an ebay purchase. Should I be worried that you are asking about warranty?

Mikethecon said:

Had it a couple of weeks and no warranty. This is an ebay purchase. Should I be worried that you are asking about warranty?

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Its a complex system

Having any leak isnt good news..

Options vary from:

Loose hose
Cracked tank
Weeping component
A failure pressurising the tank

Best bet is to carefully clean and dry the area..
looking to see where it is coming from.. and under what conditiins

Mikethecon said:

I need to replace the flexi joint on the exhaust as its blowing but I have noticed a leak at the front of the car.

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I would change the whole pipe back to the rear axle

there only around £25

look at the back box if thats passed its best its much easier to replace both at the same time.

Mikethecon said:

but I have noticed a leak at the front of the car. It looks to be comming from a reservoir at the front of the engine with pipes going under the battery tray.

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Be easier to post a photo of the problem area so there's no misunderstanding

koalar said:

Be easier to post a photo of the problem area so there's no misunderstanding

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O.P. needs 5 posts.. currently has 2

koalar said:

I would change the whole pipe back to the rear axle

there only around £25

look at the back box if thats passed its best its much easier to replace both at the same time.

Click to expand...

I have seen on on ebay that I hope fits. ebay.co.uk/itm/332830898191

varesecrazy said:

O.P. needs 5 posts.. currently has 2

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Hi trying to up my posts so I can post a pic. Thanks

varesecrazy said:

Its a complex system

Having any leak isnt good news..

Options vary from:

Loose hose
Cracked tank
Weeping component
A failure pressurising the tank

Best bet is to carefully clean and dry the area..
looking to see where it is coming from.. and under what conditiins

Click to expand...

Hi. I cleaned the tank up and the lower pipe where the fluid was dripping from but I can't seem to locate the leak. There is also evidence higher up near the top of the tank that has fluid on it. I was hopping it may just be overfill but it is still leaking even without the engine running. It has been stood a couple of days and there is a small oily circle underneath the ghe. I will get a pic when its not raining. Thanks

Have you got any pics of the area the leak is coming from to enable us to help diagnose?

Most Easterly Pandas said:

Have you got any pics of the area the leak is coming from to enable us to help diagnose?

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Mikethecon will have soon

Could the OP be taking about a leak from the steel coolant pipe?

DaveMcT said:

Could the OP be taking about a leak from the steel coolant pipe?

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"comming from a reservoir at the front of the engine with pipes going under the battery tray."


Didn't make full sense to me


gearbox hydraulics dont run to the front of the engine


and the coolant doesn't run under the battery but the gearbox hydraulics do


asked for a photo as it gets confusing with 50 different answers

Sorry for the delay. Pics now added

Thanks for posting the pictures.

The first one looks like the hydraulic reservoir; the second the selespeed actuator.

We can see the obvious fluid leak, but we can't tell from a picture what the fluid is or exactly where it is coming from. Given the age and history of your car, a leaking seal in the actuator would surprise no one here, but that's not the same as a proper diagnosis. Given the cost of the part, it may explain why the previous owner sold the car on eBay. Out of interest, how long had the previous owner owned it?

If the leak isn't too severe, keeping the actuator fluid topped up and continuing to use the car as it is may be the best way to get some value from it. Unless you know exactly what you are doing and can source the necessary seals and other parts, none of which are sold separately by Fiat, fixing this is likely to cost more than the car is worth.

If you want to learn more about common issues with this transmission, read this thread.

I'd also put something underneath to catch the drips. Pretty much all automotive fluids except coolant will permanently damage that asphalt surface.

jrkitching said:

Thanks for posting the pictures.

The first one looks like the hydraulic reservoir; the second the selespeed actuator.

We can see the obvious fluid leak, but we can't tell from a picture what the fluid is or exactly where it is coming from. Given the age and history of your car, a leaking seal in the actuator would surprise no one here, but that's not the same as a proper diagnosis. Given the cost of the part, it may explain why the previous owner sold the car on eBay.

If the leak isn't too severe, keeping the actuator fluid topped up and continuing to use the car as it is may be the best way to get some value from it. Unless you know exactly what you are doing and can source the necessary seals and other parts, none of which are sold separately by Fiat, fixing this is likely to cost more than the car is worth.

If you want to learn more about common issues with this transmission, read this thread.

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Thanks for that. What fluid do I need to top it up and where do I top it up. Is it the plastic hex on top of the reservoir?

Mikethecon said:

Thanks for that. What fluid do I need to top it up and where do I top it up. Is it the plastic hex on top of the reservoir?

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Things aren't quite that simple.

The system is supposed to be depressurised before even checking the level; this is normally done using diagnostic software, though there are workarounds.

Read this thread.

This is the fluid you need.

Mikethecon said:

Thanks for that. What fluid do I need to top it up and where do I top it up. Is it the plastic hex on top of the reservoir?

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There should be a big protective box: ally tray wrapped around there

It hints at it having been apart before..

You want access to the software ideally..

Have a look here:

https://www.fiatforum.com/multiecuscan-members-register/

Charlie

jrkitching said:

Things aren't quite that simple.

The system is supposed to be depressurised before even checking the level; this is normally done using diagnostic software, though there are workarounds.

Read this thread.

This is the fluid you need.

Click to expand...

Brilliant many thanks for that. Interesting read