Technical Drive Mode Unavailable
- Thread starter Geolith
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Technical Drive Mode Unavailable
So, after replacing the thermostat the car is mostly fine, but sometimes I still get the "Drive Mode Unavailable" message when in Traction+ mode. The car switches to Auto mode, then I switch it back to Traction+ and it works. It's a minor inconvenience, but if it persists, I might have to ask them to take another look.
In my observation, this happens when the car is cold, as in the morning or after long parking. Also, I noticed that the mode switching knob feels a bit rigid at those times, becoming a lot more responsive when the car is warmed up. I don't know what to make of it.
In my observation, this happens when the car is cold, as in the morning or after long parking. Also, I noticed that the mode switching knob feels a bit rigid at those times, becoming a lot more responsive when the car is warmed up. I don't know what to make of it.
I went out in the severe cold yesterday and the Traction mode felt and behaved more like Sports mode, albeit the dash display was the correct one for Traction mode. I was of the belief that it started in 2nd and changed early, not start in 1st and rev the nuts out of it before changing.
On one occasion the car slipped back to Auto mode from Traction+ silently, without any warning, while the knob was still visibly switched to Traction+ as if nothing happened.
I’m having trouble with my 2016 Fiat 500X My sister ran out of gas.....I start my car back up after going to the gas station to get some gas to put in it with the gas can and my gear shift is locked and all these lights an error readingspopped up on my car and I don’t know what to do?do you have any advice
Mine became drivable again after about 10 minutes leaving just 3 warnings. They disappeared overnight and by the time I got it to a dealer no faults were found. Leave it overnight or get it back to a dealer are the only bits of advice I can offer, sorry
Some times the dash warning lights coming on along with other problems can often be caused by the car battery being discharged to a certain degree. Leaving the car for a short while can let the battery recover enough to start the car and the rest of the lights going out as the car is driven would indicate a charge going into the battery over a period of time.
After a fast 250 mile drive up the Autoroute battery should have been fully charged, but interestingly my problems also arose at a petrol station
I had this problem when I first bought my crashed car. There are sensors on the back wheels that control the electronic handbrake, abs etc. All of these systems including drive mode are all controlled by the speed sensor. Mine were replaced and everything works except the handbrake.
In my case it just needed some cleaning, as it turned out.
Nadacop
New member
Hi, ours was giving us the same issue.
The MIL came on and I was able to use my own obdii reader to find the DTC: p0113 and cleared it (several times).
After about 3 or 4 times we started getting the drive mode unavailable message.
So, I pulled out the handy dandy goooogle search and I finally found reference to the code and found the following at: www DOT aboutautomobile DOT com/Technical-Service-Bulletin/2016/FIAT/500X/Electrical-System ...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
TSB Number:08-002-16NHTSA Number:10119623TSB Date:January 9, 2016Date Added to File:October 21, 2017Failing Component:Electrical SystemSummary:Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0113 the wiring at the connector of the intake air temperature (iat) sensor may be compromised due to wire strain causing DTCs. This bulletin involves adding a j...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
<<<post trunicated>>>
So, we took it in to the dealer and told them about it and they seem to of fixed it. No more errors and drive mode has been fine ever since.
The MIL came on and I was able to use my own obdii reader to find the DTC: p0113 and cleared it (several times).
After about 3 or 4 times we started getting the drive mode unavailable message.
So, I pulled out the handy dandy goooogle search and I finally found reference to the code and found the following at: www DOT aboutautomobile DOT com/Technical-Service-Bulletin/2016/FIAT/500X/Electrical-System ...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
TSB Number:08-002-16NHTSA Number:10119623TSB Date:January 9, 2016Date Added to File:October 21, 2017Failing Component:Electrical SystemSummary:Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0113 the wiring at the connector of the intake air temperature (iat) sensor may be compromised due to wire strain causing DTCs. This bulletin involves adding a j...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
<<<post trunicated>>>
So, we took it in to the dealer and told them about it and they seem to of fixed it. No more errors and drive mode has been fine ever since.
rustler4ney
New member
Mine, 2016 500X Easy 2.6 - tonight same thing happened here with the driver mode unavailable prompt. Turned off and back on, no change. Car seems to run fine, but of course, could not change modes
The wife washed it tonight, so maybe it has do with that? Water? Not sure. Will look tomorrow to see if this persists. Any troubleshooting ideas are welcome...
The wife washed it tonight, so maybe it has do with that? Water? Not sure. Will look tomorrow to see if this persists. Any troubleshooting ideas are welcome...
I have a 2016 Fiat 500x AWF with 2.4 liter engine... My car also said drive mide
unavailable, and it would switch on its own between modes... switching from sport mode to traction plus to economy... The check engine light would come on and then turn off, everyday... Finally i decided to unplug the mode selectir switch, but popping off the cover were shifter and switch for parking brake is... i just unplugged it, check engine light is off and it does nit switch modes by itself... upon closer inspection i saw its contacts covered in coffie stains from coffie spills,
Nadacop
New member
Re: Drive Mode Unavailable + service engine, clunky shifting
I know this is an old thread and still running... So, this is for searcher reference... And a little ranting... (NOT a for sure fix at this moment)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was getting the check engine light and the remote start would cancel right after the service engine message would come up. After button starting we'll get the dreaded "drive mode unavailable". In reading the codes on my reader I was getting one for a faulty thermostat and the others were for transmission issues.
OBDII codes:
p0128 = Coolant themostat - coolant temp below thermostat regulating temp.
p0887 = TCM power relay, control - circuit high.
p0975 = Shift solenoid B - range/performance problem.
p0978 = Shift solenoid C - range/performance problem.
p0981 = Shift solenoid D - range/performance problem.
p0984 = Shift solenoid E - range/performance problem.
p0942 = Hydraulic pressure unit.
p0607 = ECM - performance problem.
p1cde = ? Transmission ?
--Pretty much what I saw before the dealership.
(2016 500x easy, 2.4 USA, CA, approx 65k mi, 100k drive train warranty)
I played along with Fiat support and took it into our nearest dealership, 67 miles away (I chase the lady on my bike so we can go do things while they take forever to do little to nothing, so yes, 2 vehicles).
The dealership pulled the usual BS and said that Fiat didn't write up the case the way that were saying, transmission issues and codes. SO, they milked another 140$ out of us do do a diagnostic that Fiat didn't write up... even though we insisted that Fiat service write it up that way. And we are pretty damn sure that Fiat did their part correctly, "The transmission is shifting clunky AGAIN and thermostat codes". The Fiat rep added the oil consumption recall test.
To say this clearer, THE DEALER has screwed us yet ANOTHER TIME. They only wrote up the recall for our appointment.
They "read" the codes when we got there and said, "There are NO codes for the transmission, only for the thermostat." Okay, did I mention that I read the codes that day? I did. So yes, he blew away the codes and straight up lied to us. I didn't save the codes thinking that I wouldn't need to put it in their faces.
Anyway, upon returning to pick up the car, they said that they would have to change the thermostat and that would be another 540$....... I looked up the assembly, and at most, 60$. I can easily do this job. The temp sensor is less than 17$ and I can change that even easier. If I did a deeper search for the thermostat itself, that can't be more than 20$ with an included grape sucker.
So, I put the reader on the counter as we were paying and signing the car out... I looked at both front counter reps right in the eyes and said nothing else. I could tell they got the message.
After we got the car home, I read the codes again and saved/exported them. Same ones. Yup, the codes came back on during the drive home.
So, knowing cars like I do, I know that the thermostat is an automatic thermal mechanical device. If it sticks open or closed, it will act a certain way. The temp was running perfect, so in my head, that part 'should' be fine. Then in looking at the assembly, the only electrical item is the temperature sender/sensor... I figured that I would test and re-seat the connection and hit the connections at the same time with some silicone grease. So, I did. I hit the computer connectors the same way just because I was there.
I then cleared the codes, test drove it, and for the last 2 days, she has been running PERFECT. Especially, NO clunky shifts!!! No codes.
I won't name the MOPAR dealership in Manteca that starts with a C, but the service reps can suck it. Why would they stick it to us? That cash isn't going to hit their pockets... We enter friendly and try to leave friendly, "Thank you and have a nice day."
ANYWHOOOO...
I don't know why thermostat errors would cause transmission errors, but hey, I did a half hour 'hopeful' fix for FREE. Vs. an over the top expensive fix that the dealership was trying to screw us for. I could swap the assembly in probably less than an hour...
So, we followed up with Fiat to let them know... he said that they really can't do anything about it (being TRULY helpful), "It's up to the dealerships to do the right thing."
All in all, re-seating the sensor or the computer connections, I don't know which seems to of fixed it... for now. It's a tight fit, but you can probably do what I did with NO tools. Well, maybe one for the connector lock.
(BTW: the battery tested @12.4dcv out of the car. So this isn't a dead cell/low voltage issue this time around...)
Good luck with yours!
I know this is an old thread and still running... So, this is for searcher reference... And a little ranting... (NOT a for sure fix at this moment)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was getting the check engine light and the remote start would cancel right after the service engine message would come up. After button starting we'll get the dreaded "drive mode unavailable". In reading the codes on my reader I was getting one for a faulty thermostat and the others were for transmission issues.
OBDII codes:
p0128 = Coolant themostat - coolant temp below thermostat regulating temp.
p0887 = TCM power relay, control - circuit high.
p0975 = Shift solenoid B - range/performance problem.
p0978 = Shift solenoid C - range/performance problem.
p0981 = Shift solenoid D - range/performance problem.
p0984 = Shift solenoid E - range/performance problem.
p0942 = Hydraulic pressure unit.
p0607 = ECM - performance problem.
p1cde = ? Transmission ?
--Pretty much what I saw before the dealership.
(2016 500x easy, 2.4 USA, CA, approx 65k mi, 100k drive train warranty)
I played along with Fiat support and took it into our nearest dealership, 67 miles away (I chase the lady on my bike so we can go do things while they take forever to do little to nothing, so yes, 2 vehicles).
The dealership pulled the usual BS and said that Fiat didn't write up the case the way that were saying, transmission issues and codes. SO, they milked another 140$ out of us do do a diagnostic that Fiat didn't write up... even though we insisted that Fiat service write it up that way. And we are pretty damn sure that Fiat did their part correctly, "The transmission is shifting clunky AGAIN and thermostat codes". The Fiat rep added the oil consumption recall test.
To say this clearer, THE DEALER has screwed us yet ANOTHER TIME. They only wrote up the recall for our appointment.
They "read" the codes when we got there and said, "There are NO codes for the transmission, only for the thermostat." Okay, did I mention that I read the codes that day? I did. So yes, he blew away the codes and straight up lied to us. I didn't save the codes thinking that I wouldn't need to put it in their faces.
Anyway, upon returning to pick up the car, they said that they would have to change the thermostat and that would be another 540$....... I looked up the assembly, and at most, 60$. I can easily do this job. The temp sensor is less than 17$ and I can change that even easier. If I did a deeper search for the thermostat itself, that can't be more than 20$ with an included grape sucker.
So, I put the reader on the counter as we were paying and signing the car out... I looked at both front counter reps right in the eyes and said nothing else. I could tell they got the message.
After we got the car home, I read the codes again and saved/exported them. Same ones. Yup, the codes came back on during the drive home.
So, knowing cars like I do, I know that the thermostat is an automatic thermal mechanical device. If it sticks open or closed, it will act a certain way. The temp was running perfect, so in my head, that part 'should' be fine. Then in looking at the assembly, the only electrical item is the temperature sender/sensor... I figured that I would test and re-seat the connection and hit the connections at the same time with some silicone grease. So, I did. I hit the computer connectors the same way just because I was there.
I then cleared the codes, test drove it, and for the last 2 days, she has been running PERFECT. Especially, NO clunky shifts!!! No codes.
I won't name the MOPAR dealership in Manteca that starts with a C, but the service reps can suck it. Why would they stick it to us? That cash isn't going to hit their pockets... We enter friendly and try to leave friendly, "Thank you and have a nice day."
ANYWHOOOO...
I don't know why thermostat errors would cause transmission errors, but hey, I did a half hour 'hopeful' fix for FREE. Vs. an over the top expensive fix that the dealership was trying to screw us for. I could swap the assembly in probably less than an hour...
So, we followed up with Fiat to let them know... he said that they really can't do anything about it (being TRULY helpful), "It's up to the dealerships to do the right thing."
All in all, re-seating the sensor or the computer connections, I don't know which seems to of fixed it... for now. It's a tight fit, but you can probably do what I did with NO tools. Well, maybe one for the connector lock.
(BTW: the battery tested @12.4dcv out of the car. So this isn't a dead cell/low voltage issue this time around...)
Good luck with yours!
