General Did our new car bypass quality control alltogether?

[gib1970]

So has anybody else had similar problems to us? Is this normal service from Fiat?

i think you've just been unlucky - generally the 500 seems to be pretty solid and reliable. you wont get 100% of cars matching that statement though, and sounds as though you've been unfortunate enough to become a statistic reflecting that.


the quality of the dealers generally isnt nearly as high as the car but dont be put off - hopefully it will all get sorted.

 

[306maxi]

Apologies if I sound like I'm complaining, because I'm not.

I guess I'm just suprised that things weren't perfect, but then it is our first new car.

Being involved with technology everyday, I also appreciate that there's a lot that could go wrong.

The thing with the mirror... We just didn't want to damage our new baby, is all.

I have to say, despite the quirks, we still think the car's great!

No probs Nothing we said was personal, just pointing out the reality of it all. The mirror thing annoyed me too buy was easily fixed

 

[Heidi]

the plastic film is still on my vanity mirror (just checked) - no-one has ever used it as hubbie is always in the passenger seat and he's not vain enough to check himself out in it lol

 

[omaragra]

PICS Please !!! Specially of the Start&Stop Mechanism

 

[Murano16v]

I have the same, seems to be coming from behind the centre fresh air vents but as it is only on tickover I haven't mentioned it to dealer. Presssing anywhere in the immediate area does nothing to minimise the noise so I am pretty sure it is "in the dashboard" like yours.

I thought all diesels sounded like that!

 

[T14086]

Problem is fuel! The car should be roadtested with 25% fuel which rarely happens. The PDI should also be carried out by at least a level 1 tech....this is all clearly stated on the PDI sheet.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Problem is fuel! The car should be roadtested with 25% fuel which rarely happens.

What, is that fuel level? 1/4 of a tank

 

[T14086]

What, is that fuel level? 1/4 of a tank

25% is 1/4 yep

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

25% is 1/4 yep

Yea I know, but you just said 25% fuel. Didn't know if that was level or what.

 

[stu0710]

I agree.

But I presumed that a new car would be in its best possible condition, and things should get worse as it gets old, not start off with problems.

Hi Jim - hope the garage sort it out for you! I found them to be v helpful.

I think that after spending a lot of hard earned money and waiting nearly 3 months expectations run very high and I believe that you are right in expecting the car to be as near perfect as possible.

I don't agree with those who are making excuses for the dealers by saying that they are only human so will be bound to make mistakes. If you don't want to be selling / preparing cars - go and do something else?

BTW - I just looked and the film was still there on our vanity mirror, it is easier to remove than it looks, it isn't wrapped round the mirror and does come off in one clean piece!

Give the dealer a chance to fix the problems, we used the same one and they were helpful!

Most of all don't let it spoil your enjoyment of a great little car, especially as you have been waiting so long..

 

[keeforelli]

hi!

i have the stop start model too- the warning light comes on intermittently, taking it out of action, so maybe this is a common fault.

i had a cpl of other niggles that are all being looked at this friday.-, but no real deal breakers, just annoyances.

they took a cpl of weeks to surface and initially i was really upset, but then put it in perspective- i love the car, it was perfect on pick up, and i have a great big warranty!!!!

ive had it since jun 5th and never ever fail to love looking at it, or driving it.

im quite tightly wound where niggles are concerned so getting them sorted quickly.

enjoy your car, get the little bits sorted, then im sure it will be fine!!!!

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

hi!

i have the stop start model too- the warning light comes on intermittently, taking it out of action, so maybe this is a common fault.

From what I've read in another thread, this isn't a fault, but happens when the cars electrical system is at full load.

Does anyone read the car's manual anymore

 

[T14086]

aircon, low battery are just 2 reasons, not faults.

As MEP states read the manuals...if your still not sure speak to dealer,prefably DET/tech as they will be aware of any issues/updates.

 

[keeforelli]

hi

i read the manual- this the actual warning light- meaning seek attention-

if the battery is under load you get a message in the circular readout telling you 'stop start unavailable'

so there!

 

[keeforelli]

From what I've read in another thread, this isn't a fault, but happens when the cars electrical system is at full load.

Does anyone read the car's manual anymore

it is booked into the garage who recognise this as being a fault.

i read the manual cover to cover and very quickly understand my cars behaviour.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

it is booked into the garage who recognise this as being a fault.

i read the manual cover to cover and very quickly understand my cars behaviour.

Fair enough, I'm glad you have, you'd be surprised just how many dont

 

[keeforelli]

the manual is all part of the excitement!!..tho it did take me a few days to get round to it!!!

 

[jnoiles]

It looks like you have to snap a piece of plastic out of the sunvisor to get to all the cover plastic, otherwise it will still have the edges around it, which would look really nasty. It's difficult to describe, but basically it looks like they fixed the frame in to hold the mirror in, before they noticed that the green plastic cover isn't supposed to be there.

When we noticed it, we didn't want to try and get the plastic frame off, in case we break it in the process, and we were happy for it to wait until it goes in for its first service.

Looks like they'll have an earlier opportunity though...

I had this. Scratch it near an edge and grab hold. It peels off clean, it pulls the edges of the plastic out clean. Annoying but not the end of the world.

 

[JimR123]

hi

i read the manual- this the actual warning light- meaning seek attention-

if the battery is under load you get a message in the circular readout telling you 'stop start unavailable'

so there!

Yes, I read the manual too. It's definitely not the "I don't want to stop now" light, and definitely a "general failure" of a kind that's not described in the manual.

...allthough admittidly, I haven't read the manual cover to cover, so it might be mentioned in there somewhere!

 

[JimR123]

Just to give y'all an update, I have bravely attempted a manual mirror film removal, and all went smoothly. Thought I'd better let you know, in case you were worrying!

We just had some fun driving through a McDonald's drivethrough, where the engine stopped about 4 times, to the bemusement of the people around us. Scared the jeebies out of me when it suddenly started on its own after stopped for 3 minutes though!