Technical '05 HGT Issues/ECU/ Don't know where to start!!!

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Technical '05 HGT Issues/ECU/ Don't know where to start!!!

sHAYM4N

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Hi there!

My '05 HGT is acting up again on the electronics, spitting out random warnings after a drive. Most common being power steering failure (which 1x out of 10 does seem to drop the power steering). I recently had the alternator replaced after a seizure, and it does sit on the drive a lot, so most might be related to the battery condition & level. (AA also tested this and it sprung a warning to replace)

Also fun & false messages I am getting

"Airbag testing"
"Airbag failure"
"Sidelight failure" (very rare now but used to get this one a lot).

Another issue it seems to have developed this last couple of weeks is a slight air/whistling sound alongside engine revs though wears off after a mile or two.

I have been trying to get someone to look at the ECU for another issue (bungee jumping revs - throttle body checked & clean) but noone seems to want to touch it. Most garages seem to ignore any contact or say "we could spend all day testing it" you wouldn't want to pay for a full days labour just for diagnostics.

I love the car, but all fun from it is taken away with the nagging paranoia that its going to throw a wobbly. With only 49k on the clock I am trying to keep this one going as long as possible, but not sure where to start. I also need a set of brakes & a new exhaust endpipe but have been holding off until I know (with these other issues) whether it is worth it, same with a new battery.

Would it be worthwhile getting a cable (elm327 I believe) and see if I can find anything with Multiecuscan? Never used it before so not sure how much I will be able to learn there.

Any advice greatly appreciated!
 
If you haven't stuck in a new battery by now, I would do that & take it from there. Worth getting the codes read by an expert & see what he thinks. As you know ageing Fiats are notorious for electrical faults especially if the car stands dormant most of the time.

I'm afraid it's a process of elimination, best of luck..:)

Little things like corroded or bad connections can have a bad effect on things, especially as I've said previously on an older car.
 
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If you haven't stuck in a new battery by now, I would do that & take it from there. Worth getting the codes read by an expert & see what he thinks. As you know ageing Fiats are notorious for electrical faults especially if the car stands dormant most of the time.

I'm afraid it's a process of elimination, best of luck..:)

Little things like corroded or bad connections can have a bad effect on things, especially as I've said previously on an older car.

Thanks, yeah guess the battery would be the best starting point, was even thinking of getting a full on car cover today to help it get through the winter ?.

If anyone has any advice on battery brands, or a decent place to get one would be much appreciated, had a quick look around and they seem to vary a lot in price £50 - £100 so not sure if there's much between them?

https://www.tayna.co.uk/car-batteries/enduroline/012/
 
Quick update, but was at screwfix this morning and spotted a motor spares opposite so grabbed a new battery this morning.

A Bosch Platinum Prestige for £55 (turned out to be exactly the same as what I already had) Seems to have done the trick thankfully! Has the two plastic covers covering the terminals that won't fit with the way the terminal cables are orientated so may see if I can cut those to help cover it a little.

Probably for the best before winter starts to hit too. Was getting a little worried because the warnings had turned to the engine light this last day or two.

May still look into the ECU and a reader though, may help to shine some light on the issues I've had with the revs dropping.
 
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