A few problems with my new Brava 1.6 SX

[Dan]

Hi guys, so glad I've found this place. Hope you can help.

Recently bought a lovely '98 Brava 1.6 SX but it quickly became clear that the previous owner hadn't looked after it. I've had a bit of work done through a friend's private mechanic but it's still not quite right...

1) The handbrake doesn't work! I had it tightened when I first got it but it stopped braking after about a week, so had the cable changed and it was fine for a few weeks - now it won't brake again.

2) If I brake while signalling left, the indicator either stops flashing or flashes intermitently with the brake/reverse lights.

3) The temperature gauge pops up to the middle within about 5 mins of driving the car, even on a cold day. Hasn't gone any further yet, but the underneath of the car seems to get very hot for no reason (ticking noise & smell at the end of a journey).

4) The brake pedal is spongey one minute and hard the next. Just had the brakes done!?

Is any of this normal/common? Or have I just bought a crap car? Hope not, cos bar all these problems, I love it!

 

[Tom]

1 & 4 are probably related, get the brakes looked at by someone who knows what they are doing. Rather than having the brakes done you've been done by the sounds of it.

2 is a lose wire in the NSR light cluster.

3 is absolutely normal, be happy

 

[Dan]

Thanks Tom.

Is it worth taking it to a Fiat specialist for repairs then, or do they generally overcharge? I'd rather it was all taken care of properly.

 

[Tom]

All mechanics overcharge. You'll need to get some recommendations for someone near where you live.

 

[Dan]

I live in Epsom, Surrey.

Any recommendations anyone?

 

[keval]

i have the same car!! and it happens to my car aswell i dont know what it is! within 5 mins the temp is in the middle.. isit normal or what.. i can c that i havent got a air filter in my car is that y? the brakes are fine but its just the temp im worried about isit normal or what?

 

[Tom]

Its normal for the temp to be in the middle.

 

[keval]

oh ok thanks tom does it happen on every bravo?

 

[Tom]

All cars do it.

 

[Anonymous]

no air filter??????

surley that cant be good lol id buy a cheapo induction filter just to be ont he safe side!!