Technical Electricity - Why can't the Italians get it to work?

[Radlet6]

Given it was an Italian who invented electricity, why can't they get the bl**dy stuff to work reliably?

Yes folks after 12 months faultless running my Croma has now developed another electrical fault; although this one is very different (so I suppose we should give it marks for imagination at the very least).

When starting the car everything is fine, move away and still fine. Then when the auto door locks kick in the battery light comes on and the engine will not idle at less than 1100 revs (great when you've got an auto):bang:

The extended warranty on this car runs out in 12 month's time - guess what I'll be doing.

 

[DoIDon'tI]

The extended warranty on this car runs out in 12 month's time - guess what I'll be doing.

Well at least you won't be bored in the meantime

That's a cracker, I didn't even know cars could do that. What happens if you disable the autolocking function via the onboard menu screen? Also, does it happen if you lock the doors manually?

I'm guessing at immobiliser problems, triggered by one of the door locks - any takers..?

I'm not one of those "Fiat are perfect and can do no wrong" folks but in this case you might want to be pointing a finger or two at GM, as most of the Croma electrics are standard Vauxhall. Wonder if that's got anything to do with reliability?

Having said that, Fiat are responsible for the EGR valve and water pump

Hope you get it sorted, please let us know how you get on!

HTH.

 

[Radlet6]

Yep, first thing I tried.

The doors didn't lock but the light came on at the speed when the doors would normally lock. Same thing happens if you lock the doors manually - everything ok until you reach the speed the locks kick in.

Car going into the dealer on Thursday - will keep you posted.

 

[DoIDon'tI]

Any news on the 'possessed' car? Still scratching my head trying to figure it out..!

 

[Radlet6]

Well according to Springfield in Gateshead it's the Alternator that's at fault. Apparently because it's not producing enough Volts and Amps the electronics are malfunctioning.

I am not entirely convinced but we won't find out until Monday (car has been in the garage since Thursday) because the nearest genuine FIAT alternator is in Turin. It will be two weeks before we are likely to see one (even though this part is not unique to the Croma - it is indeed used on the Alfa 159 too).

I have told them not to bother with a FIAT one and get one from Lucas or Valeo because they do have them, why? Beacuse it is the same part that is used on the Vectra, Signum and Zafira.

 

[Radlet6]

Well it has just done over 500 miles over Christmas without any bother - so it seems it must have been the alternator after all.

Had to wait for the genuine Fiat one to come as the alternative was £180 more expensive and the warranty company wouldn't pay the extra. The genuine Fiat one would have been around £170 if I had been paying.

 

[andona]

been quoted £260 +vat from fiat for a new alternator and £205 +vat for a recon one.
tried a lucas alternator(part no LR0208) and been quoted £256 +vat for that one.
anyone know where i could source one any cheaper, many thanks...

to fit:
'55 plate croma 1.9 mjet

 

[Radlet6]

'fraid not unless you can find one in a scrap yard. The part is not unique to the Croma - is also used on the 150 bhp engine in Vectras, Signums & Zafiras, also in Alfa 159 too.