big issues? long post

[lepoisson]

Hey guys,
Unfortunately we are experiencing endless problems with our 2012 fiat 500 sport. Most of the problems seem to be electrical but I’m new to this car so I’m looking for some input from the pros. The dealership here in Quebec is everything but helpful.

1) 2 weeks ago, the fiat would not start, boosted it and it was fine. The next day same problem only this time the boost wouldn't work, plugged it in and the next day worked with a boost. Took it in to the dealership and they charged it and it seemed it was fixed. (It can get down to -30celcius)
2) 1 week ago, same problem this time the car was plugged in and hardly started boosted it and took it to the dealership, they replaced the battery and off we went.
3) 4 days ago, as we were driving on a highway, it lost ALL power, flashed the check engine light and we pulled over. Took the key out started it and it started fine. On the way back from our destination approx 10km, it happened again, lost all power car seemed to be completely off and we pulled over and restarted it. Started fine no problems. Took it into the dealership and they said that the fault may be caused by the after market automatic car starter, and refused to look at the car. Basically threatening us that if they find a problem they are going to blame it on that because it voids the warranty. (True or not)
4) Today, no problems since the hiccup, the dealership never did anything and the car starter is still installed. Except now today the check engine light is on again.

K, long post, sorry I just wanted to give as much details as possible; I need to know what’s going on here. I don’t want to risk the dealership blaming the electrical problems on the starter even if it’s not the case. Likewise, I do not want to pay to have CT uninstall the starter if it’s not required.

What should we do?????

P.S. my wife is 6 month pregnant has to drive over 1300km in the coming days to visit her family, I will be deployed with the military and unable to help her if something happens.

Thanks!

 

[dukeboys]

was you having similar problems before the starter was fitted that could suggest its nothing to do with that system?

could be something simple such as loose connections on the battery, earthing straps or the alternator cables.

 

[lepoisson]

Hey,
No, before the auto starter we had no issues. however this was 2-3 months ago before it got really cold here. ill check the cables when i get home. my wife is worried that the car is going to break down and shell be stranded somewhere.

could all these problems be caused by the cold?

 

[s and b]

you need to listen to the dealership carefully
you cant just have fitted aftermarket accesories on modern cars at best it might not work and flatten your battery at worst it can and will fry modules incorporated in your car
even a simply boost on something like a 500 is a big no no
i suggest you either see the person who fitted this aftermarket starter and look at his credentials and those of the part he fitted and or take fiat dealers advice and remove it pronto
your dealers seem to have really gone out on a limb to help you here but you dont seem to be listening to them

hth

 

[lepoisson]

thanks, I know now that boosting the fiat was a bad idea. I have a Jeep so i wasn't expecting anything different to happen. I checked with the guy that installs them, he said he has done 20-25 fiats this season and no one seems to have the problem. I advised him that we would be needing it unistalled, hopefully this fixes the issue.