Technical 500X keyless problem

[Evilc7]

My Daughters 2016 keyless 500x has electrical problems. First the central locking stopped working. Her local garage diagnosed FIAT DTC B105B-64 but said it would require Main Dealer attention. She took it into the local Fiat Dealer, who said they would have to do their own diagnostics. After this they said a new drivers door handle assembly should cure the problem. It did not ! They then said they would check the wiring, but could not find any problems! They now say the BCM needs renewing and a new unit must be installed, at a cost of about £1000 !! Asked if one could be obtained from a breakers yard, they said that was not possible, as replacements must come from FIAT Italy who would programme it to the original specs of the car !
But they would not guarantee the new BCM would cure all problems!!
So my Daughter has asked for the car back.
However, the FIAT dealer, B S Marsdons in Staffordshire presented her with a bill of £451 !!!
But since she collected the car, 2 days ago, a multitude of warning lights are now displayed as well as the original fault.
My research shows that second hand BCMs from a similar model can be reprogrammed and fitted, obviously saving a fortune on Main Dealer costs.
Any comments, help, or advice would be most appreciated.

 

[s130]

Generally, but not always, when multiple warnings and lights start going off then this can be an indication of poor main power and connections. So one is looking at battery condition, main +12V and Earth connections, especially battery to chassis and engine.

Beyond that then things get more complicated.

It is unusual for body computers to fail but not unknown. Water ingess can cause all sorts of electrical problems. Does the car steam up inside? Are the carpets and "things" under the dashboard dry? The body computer is on the passenger side behind the glove box. You could remove the glove box (not difficult as this has to be done to replace the cabin filter) and look in more detail for evidence os water/moisture.

You can also disconnect the quick release battery terminal (takes 1 second) and then pop the body computer connectors and inspect. I would then use a contact cleaner and lubrication spay on the pins and sockects and then connect & disconnet a couple of times as doing this will wipe the contacts clean(er).

You may find that this sorts your problems out. If so some of the fualts may self clear others may require to be reset.

I'm not that far away from you (Wrexham) but there are other MES Users nearer to you (Derby x 2, Wolverhampton x 1). See:

https://www.fiatforum.com/directory/categories/multiecuscan-register.4/map

We would be able to read and clear any remaining fault codes or your/her local garage she used last time will be able to reset them. Bearing in mind the cost of fuel and a simple reset take only 5 minutes then your/her local garage you be a good option.

 

[Evilc7]

My Daughters 2016 keyless 500x has electrical problems. First the central locking stopped working. Her local garage diagnosed FIAT DTC B105B-64 but said it would require Main Dealer attention. She took it into the local Fiat Dealer, who said they would have to do their own diagnostics. After this they said a new drivers door handle assembly should cure the problem. It did not ! They then said they would check the wiring, but could not find any problems! They now say the BCM needs renewing and a new unit must be installed, at a cost of about £1000 !! Asked if one could be obtained from a breakers yard, they said that was not possible, as replacements must come from FIAT Italy who would programme it to the original specs of the car !
But they would not guarantee the new BCM would cure all problems!!
So my Daughter has asked for the car back.
However, the FIAT dealer, B S Marsdons in Staffordshire presented her with a bill of £451 !!!
But since she collected the car, 2 days ago, a multitude of warning lights are now displayed as well as the original fault.
My research shows that second hand BCMs from a similar model can be reprogrammed and fitted, obviously saving a fortune on Main Dealer costs.
Any comments, help, or advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you for your comprehensive response.
Thankfully, we took the car to an independent Fiat specialist today.
He diagnosed the central locking issue was a result of a relay failure in the BCM. The warning lights were a result of failure of the external temperature sensor in the door mirror causing the engine management light to come on followed by others.
He produced a used BCM from stock. Cloned it to the original BCM and replaced the temperature sensor. The car was returned to my Daughter a few hours later with all issues resolved.
This Guy is amazing and I will trust him to look after the car from now on. I would warn everyone to avoid taking their Fiats to main dealers for anything other than warranty work.

 

[Prefontaine84]

Thank you for your comprehensive response.
Thankfully, we took the car to an independent Fiat specialist today.
He diagnosed the central locking issue was a result of a relay failure in the BCM. The warning lights were a result of failure of the external temperature sensor in the door mirror causing the engine management light to come on followed by others.
He produced a used BCM from stock. Cloned it to the original BCM and replaced the temperature sensor. The car was returned to my Daughter a few hours later with all issues resolved.
This Guy is amazing and I will trust him to look after the car from now on. I would warn everyone to avoid taking their Fiats to main dealers for anything other than warranty work.

Hi there,

I think I have a very similar problem with my 2015 Fiat 500x. Had the "Check keyless entry system" error flash up on the dashboard, the car was still starting okay throughout the day, then the locking system starting locking/unlocking a few times and an additional error of "Check Airbags" came up and the brake wouldn't release.

The next day, the car wouldn't start at all (not even attempting) and the doors wouldn't lock but I would still get the "horizon" start up display when opening the doors. Weirdly, if I turned the radio on, it would power up (although white noise only) and the hazard lights would still come on.

Checked the battery directly and getting 12.5/6 s no battery issue and battery was replaced 3 months ago for another fault.

Before the car wouldn't start, I managed to get error codes from the car and came back with several including B1053(64) which when searching online seems to be coming up with similar faults!

Checked for any signs of water leaks in the RF module (in the boot) and the BCM Unit under the passenger dashboard and all dry. Also checked all the fuses on the BCM and they all tested okay. Took a power reading from the BCM and this is showing the same as the battery so power is getting to the BCM.

I have also noticed the external temperature sensor is also not working but hasn't been working for some time prior to this fault.

All the usual stuff like swapping both batteries in the key fobs done and wiping the door handles.

Currently struggling to get any local Auto Electricians or garages to to assist with fixing it and just wondering, although I am located miles away, whether I could get a contact who resolved yours so I can have an attempt to resolve without getting completely rinsed by the dealers of which I have not had a good experience with since getting this car in 2016! Plus the fact, it is currently undrivable!

Thanks,

 

[Evilc7]

Hi there,

I think I have a very similar problem with my 2015 Fiat 500x. Had the "Check keyless entry system" error flash up on the dashboard, the car was still starting okay throughout the day, then the locking system starting locking/unlocking a few times and an additional error of "Check Airbags" came up and the brake wouldn't release.

The next day, the car wouldn't start at all (not even attempting) and the doors wouldn't lock but I would still get the "horizon" start up display when opening the doors. Weirdly, if I turned the radio on, it would power up (although white noise only) and the hazard lights would still come on.

Checked the battery directly and getting 12.5/6 s no battery issue and battery was replaced 3 months ago for another fault.

Before the car wouldn't start, I managed to get error codes from the car and came back with several including B1053(64) which when searching online seems to be coming up with similar faults!

Checked for any signs of water leaks in the RF module (in the boot) and the BCM Unit under the passenger dashboard and all dry. Also checked all the fuses on the BCM and they all tested okay. Took a power reading from the BCM and this is showing the same as the battery so power is getting to the BCM.

I have also noticed the external temperature sensor is also not working but hasn't been working for some time prior to this fault.

All the usual stuff like swapping both batteries in the key fobs done and wiping the door handles.

Currently struggling to get any local Auto Electricians or garages to to assist with fixing it and just wondering, although I am located miles away, whether I could get a contact who resolved yours so I can have an attempt to resolve without getting completely rinsed by the dealers of which I have not had a good experience with since getting this car in 2016! Plus the fact, it is currently undrivable!

Thanks,

The mechanics who sorted mine trade as CD motors in Longton, Stoke on Trent. I’m certain they would sort your issue. Actually my exterior temp sensor was also faulty, which apparently can cause several electronic issues. Fiat dealers usually say the passenger door mirror which houses the sensor has to be replaced ( big cost) but C D just fit a new sensor into the mirror for a much lower cost. C D can easily be found using Google or via their Facebook page.

 

[WendyC1964]

My Daughters 2016 keyless 500x has electrical problems. First the central locking stopped working. Her local garage diagnosed FIAT DTC B105B-64 but said it would require Main Dealer attention. She took it into the local Fiat Dealer, who said they would have to do their own diagnostics. After this they said a new drivers door handle assembly should cure the problem. It did not ! They then said they would check the wiring, but could not find any problems! They now say the BCM needs renewing and a new unit must be installed, at a cost of about £1000 !! Asked if one could be obtained from a breakers yard, they said that was not possible, as replacements must come from FIAT Italy who would programme it to the original specs of the car !
But they would not guarantee the new BCM would cure all problems!!
So my Daughter has asked for the car back.
However, the FIAT dealer, B S Marsdons in Staffordshire presented her with a bill of £451 !!!
But since she collected the car, 2 days ago, a multitude of warning lights are now displayed as well as the original fault.
My research shows that second hand BCMs from a similar model can be reprogrammed and fitted, obviously saving a fortune on Main Dealer costs.
Any comments, help, or advice would be most appreciated.

I have exactly the same problem. Cannot, for the life of me, find an independant dealer to help. I took it 35 mins drive away today, to someone who promised he could help but, after 2 hours he called me and said he doesn't do the 500X. After I'd discussed it with him on the phone . I am in Portsmouth so, if anyone can help with an independant, I would be more than a little bit grateful .

 

[Evilc7]

I have exactly the same problem. Cannot, for the life of me, find an independant dealer to help. I took it 35 mins drive away today, to someone who promised he could help but, after 2 hours he called me and said he doesn't do the 500X. After I'd discussed it with him on the phone . I am in Portsmouth so, if anyone can help with an independant, I would be more than a little bit grateful .

 

[WendyC1964]

View attachment 440424View attachment 440424

Thankyou! It's a bit far away from me though. Was hoping to find one closer to Portsmouth Hampshire. I appreciate your help though.

 

[s130]

I have exactly the same problem. Cannot, for the life of me, find an independant dealer to help. I took it 35 mins drive away today, to someone who promised he could help but, after 2 hours he called me and said he doesn't do the 500X. After I'd discussed it with him on the phone . I am in Portsmouth so, if anyone can help with an independant, I would be more than a little bit grateful .

Try Dean at Small Car Services

https://www.fiatforum.com/directory...ecialist-southampton-winchester-eastleigh.34/

They are just down the road from you.

Tell Dean Nick B recommended him to you.

 

[WendyC1964]

Try Dean at Small Car Services

https://www.fiatforum.com/directory...ecialist-southampton-winchester-eastleigh.34/

They are just down the road from you.

Tell Dean Nick B recommended him to you.

Thankyou so much for this! Will ring him tomorrow

 

[WendyC1964]

I have exactly the same problem. Cannot, for the life of me, find an independant dealer to help. I took it 35 mins drive away today, to someone who promised he could help but, after 2 hours he called me and said he doesn't do the 500X. After I'd discussed it with him on the phone . I am in Portsmouth so, if anyone can help with an independant, I would be more than a little bit grateful .

**Update** Had to take it to Fiat dealer as nobody else could help. It turned out to be the BCM . It’s been in for 3 weeks now, waiting for a new one to be shipped. £1495.65!!! Whilst it has been sat there, another motorist has managed to crash into it and drive off without leaving their details . Luckily, a member of staff saw it happen and got some pics for me. So, from Fiat, to the insurance company’s approved repairer, then for mot.

 

[s130]

**Update** Had to take it to Fiat dealer as nobody else could help. It turned out to be the BCM . It’s been in for 3 weeks now, waiting for a new one to be shipped. £1495.65!!! Whilst it has been sat there, another motorist has managed to crash into it and drive off without leaving their details . Luckily, a member of staff saw it happen and got some pics for me. So, from Fiat, to the insurance company’s approved repairer, then for mot.

You must be really hacked off!

You should have had your old BCM returned to you, if not get it back ASAP. It is your property and could possibly be repaired should you wish to have this done.

As far as I know BCMs are not exchange items and certainly not at £1500.

 

[varesecrazy]

Thank you for your comprehensive response.
Thankfully, we took the car to an independent Fiat specialist today.
He diagnosed the central locking issue was a result of a relay failure in the BCM. The warning lights were a result of failure of the external temperature sensor in the door mirror causing the engine management light to come on followed by others.
He produced a used BCM from stock. Cloned it to the original BCM and replaced the temperature sensor. The car was returned to my Daughter a few hours later with all issues resolved.
This Guy is amazing and I will trust him to look after the car from now on. I would warn everyone to avoid taking their Fiats to main dealers for anything other than warranty work.

Where abouts was this specialist?

As good ones are getting harder to find,

Worth a trip to get good service

 

[WendyC1964]

You must be really hacked off!

You should have had your old BCM returned to you, if not get it back ASAP. It is your property and could possibly be repaired should you wish to have this done.

As far as I know BCMs are not exchange items and certainly not at £1500.

I was told that the 500X BCMs are a sealed unit and, as such, can’t be repaired and have to be exchanged. Unlike other 500 models that can be repaired. If this isn’t true, I will speak to Fiat about it. The £1495 includes £99 for the diagnostic and an oil top up as it’s the multi air and it was a bit low so was showing as a fault. Yes, I’m totally hacked off!! Also, Fiat said the BCM had to be done by them as it needed to be programmed to my car. Is this untrue also?

 

[s130]

I was told that the 500X BCMs are a sealed unit and, as such, can’t be repaired and have to be exchanged. Unlike other 500 models that can be repaired. If this isn’t true, I will speak to Fiat about it. The £1495 includes £99 for the diagnostic and an oil top up as it’s the multi air and it was a bit low so was showing as a fault. Yes, I’m totally hacked off!! Also, Fiat said the BCM had to be done by them as it needed to be programmed to my car. Is this untrue also?

Yes BCMs have to be programmed to the car. Unlike the "olde days" the various ECUs in modern vehicles communicate and share vehicle DNA (e.g. chassis number, key/security codes and similar information and they have to be programmed/initiated/etc. with the relevant information when units are replaced.

To do this programming on later Fiats like the 500X relevant kit and licensed services with Fiat and their servers is required. These services are not cheap and generally only licensed Fiat Franchised Dealers have/can afford these services/facilities.

These services are also all sold/charged separately. So parts information, service manuals/information, programming, ECU software updates, etc. are all charged separately at some £1200 per annum (or more) for each. This makes it very expensive for independent garages to offer any, some or all of the possible required support.

Did you try Dean @ Small Car Services? I know he has the official Fiat kit and various subscriptions but those may not include what is required to program a new BCM into a later Fiat like the 500X. If that requires another £1500 per annum he/others would need to be reprogramming manys BCMs per year to be able to afford the cost.

NOTE! Official Fiat Dealers as part of their franchise agreement and support have to be able to provide/offer all of these expensive services. It is probably true that they get special deals that independents can't get but who knows?

 

[WendyC1964]

Ah, that answers my question. Thankyou. No, I didn’t try Dean@ Small Car Services as decided to go to Fiat for this particular problem n suck up the cost! I’ll definitely go try him in the future for anything else. I could have done withoutt the additional hassle of someone hitting my car n driving off though. Just a pain having to make a police report, go through the insurance company etc.

 

[s130]

Ah, that answers my question. Thankyou. No, I didn’t try Dean@ Small Car Services as decided to go to Fiat for this particular problem n suck up the cost! I’ll definitely go try him in the future for anything else. I could have done withoutt the additional hassle of someone hitting my car n driving off though. Just a pain having to make a police report, go through the insurance company etc.

I was wondering about the Police and failure to report an accident. I would like to think that the Police will go after the offender however I think "failure to report within 24 hours" is only applicable to public road traffic accidents where driver details are not exchanged or as a result of the accident there is likely to be a hazard or safety issue for other people.

 

[WendyC1964]

You’re right. The police have said they won’t be taking any action and, to be honest, I didn’t expect them to for the reasons you stated. I think it was just a case of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s for my insurance company to claim from the other person. On the plus side, it can all be done online so I didn’t have to attend a police station etc. I think, as there were witnesses, it made it difficult for the other party to dispute.