Technical ANY iDEAS....

[MoJo1]

last nite my 2007 Croma 2.2 had troublesome cold start...then...whilst driving, ASR,ESP,window security all went and weird noises from engin, also suffered loss of power.replaced suspect battery which eliminated warnings,but engin still running very rough,power loss remains with horrible,irretic vibrating engin/exhuast.also observed very rich fuel fumes...can anyone shed some light,please, on possible problems or has my worst nightmare become real???

 

[Doofer]

Sounds like it's got a virus. Or something like that.

Haven't a a clue unfortunately. But isn't your car still under warranty?

 

[keithglos]

Sometimes it can take a few mles for the ECU to relearn, after having no battery. Worth trying alfaowner.com or vectra site.
A bit early to lose a battery?

 

[s130]

Pure speculation but possibly your dodgy battery caused the whole exlectrical system to thow a complete wobbly. When you replaced the battery you worked quite quickly and there was insufficent time for the stored residual charge in the ECU to drain away and corrupt values were maintained during the battery disconnection period.

I would try disconnecting the new battery again and leave the car for as long as possible. Overnight (2+ hours) should be enough.

The ECU will then have to go through a self learning exercise so for the next couple of days start and drive the car normally. No boy racer stuff

NOTE! If on starting and a short run you still notice excessive petrol/fuel fumes then I suggest stop using the car as you could damage the catalytic converted if you flood it with raw fuel.

 

[DoIDon'tI]

:yeahthat: +1

If that doesn't work, take it to the dealer for diagnostics. What can also happen is a problem with the immobiliser, caused by battery voltage drop - symptoms include lack of throttle response and overfuelling. The above procedure should clear it. Good luck...

 

[MoJo1]

Much Obliged guys...I disconnected the battery again for 16hrs but no joy, the engine is a little less erratic and idling is close to normal (vibration/noise) with all the warnings re-appearing after short drive around the block...it is re-assuring though to have an idea of what I could be in for instead of being at the mercy of a scaly dealer/agent and doing the whole "liability/expiry"dance with them when it comes to the warrenty(after buying the car advertised with balance of m/plan,I was told at the first service, there's no such thing.first experience with servicing agent didn't inspire much confidence). I s'pose it is off to battle now and I'll report back...Thanks again:worship:
p.s: real pitty bout the service backing an otherwise OUTSTANDING car...

 

[Doofer]

Get the warranty sorted! I bought mine 2.5 years old from a non-Fiat dealer, phoned a number and paid a £30-odd admin charge. Then I got a letter and card with the warranty details. I've since had the following repairs, all under warranty:

• Replaced sunroof motor
• Replaced sunroof mechanism (major surgery job)
• Replaced EGR Valve
• Updated cabin computer software to resolve boot lock issues

The faults were all present when I bought it, so I got the dealer to confirm in writing that he'd cover anything not covered by Fiat 3rd year warranty. But it was all covered anyway. I'll dig out the phone number if you're interested.

 

[s130]

• Replaced sunroof mechanism (major surgery job)

Yes I gather replacing a Croma sky roof is indeed major surgery, requiring bodyshop cut-out and refit. Then paint job, plus parts.

£4000+ I'm told.