Technical Engine electrical failiure.

[Mckfee]

Hi, we have a 2025 ducato motorhome 9 speed automatic 2184 cc euro 6e. We pi ked it up in March and about 1000 miles later all the red and orange warning lights came on. EBD failiure, Auto transmission failure, power steering, everything. An almost total loss of power. We managed to limp in to a nearby carport and called Fiat Assist. We were towed to a fiat specialist in Bergen (Norway)!!!. We're told they updated the software with a new campaigne? That there appeared to be and issue with 5th gear and worst case scenario was might need a new gear box.! They cleared the faults and sent us on our way. 5000 miles later and exactly the same thing happened again. We stopped and called again. When tow truck turned up he started the engine and there were no faults. It drove well for 30k so we decided to make a run for the eurotunnel and get home. Any thoughts before we take it to a garage.

 

[Mike1alike]

Wow, that sounds bad! And for a new car, it's worse.
Considering this

all the red and orange warning lights came on. EBD failiure, Auto transmission failure, power steering, everything. An almost total loss of power.

it sounds like a battery/alternator problem.

 

[Mike1alike]

I'd say it's probably the smart alternator system that is at fault. It does have smart alternator, not fixed one, right?!
Probably that cuts off and on the long drive, after it cuts off, the car runs only on battery power. And that drains out. New start, alternator works until something makes it not work anymore.
Mind you, this is just a guessing.

 

[jackwhoo]

Straight to uk fiat dealer and make sure they note on fiat system that your vehicle has had the problems you descibe.

 

[jackwhoo]

Plus also worth you contacting Fiat uk with your concerns so another record of problems.

 

[Reg 65]

Ducatos have had smart alternators since before Dec 2020 when mine was built

I recommend anyone with a smart alternator to get a voltage meter they can read whilst driving like this - link

No fitting necessary for that one - just plug it in to the cig lighter socket and swivel it so you can read it from the driving seat.

You need to see the voltage rises when the momentum of the vehicle is turning the engine

 

[Mckfee]

Ducatos have had smart alternators since before Dec 2020 when mine was built

I recommend anyone with a smart alternator to get a voltage meter they can read whilst driving like this - link

No fitting necessary for that one - just plug it in to the cig lighter socket and swivel it so you can read it from the driving seat.

You need to see the voltage rises when the momentum of the vehicle is turning the engine

Ordered one. Thanks. Can you advise what i should be looking for. Cheers.

 

[Jockstrap]

Stuck record here.
You have a contract with the dealership, backed by Fiat in your case.
You have consumer rights and via the dealership this should be sorted with Fiat backed warranty.
Do not get involved with acting yourself.
Best of luck.

 

[Mckfee]

Stuck record here.
You have a contract with the dealership, backed by Fiat in your case.
You have consumer rights and via the dealership this should be sorted with Fiat backed warranty.
Do not get involved with acting yourself.
Best of luck.

Yes, that's what I was thinking. I have already emailed the dealership. Thanks.

 

[PL 8]

a 2025 ducato motorhome 9 speed automatic 2184 cc

I have no other advise to you than to contact the dealer as you already have.
But I would like to know if it really is a 9 speed gearbox? Or is it the new 8 speed that was introduced on Fiat Ducato 2025 year model? The front on the 2025 is new and the gear knob on the 9 speed says "9 speed". The gear knob for the 8 speed doesn't say anything.

 

[Mckfee]

I have no other advise to you than to contact the dealer as you already have.
But I would like to know if it really is a 9 speed gearbox? Or is it the new 8 speed that was introduced on Fiat Ducato 2025 year model? The front on the 2025 is new and the gear knob on the 9 speed says "9 speed". The gear knob for the 8 speed doesn't say anything.

Definitely 9 speed. Registered 2025.

 

[PL 8]

Thanks. So registered in 2025 but model 2024 according to Fiat.

 

[Reg 65]

Ordered one. Thanks. Can you advise what i should be looking for. Cheers.

I can't remember exact figures but it should only charge the battery to about 80% full when the alternator is turned by just by engine power. Then when you take your foot off the accelerator and the momentum of the van is turning the engine and alternator it should fully charge the battery. When taking advantage of this free power to turn the alternator the voltage can rise to as much as 15 volts- charging the battery over 80% full. When the momentum of the vehicle is no longer turning the engine and alternator, the alternator is no longer charging it until the battery drops back below 80% full. So you could be revving the engine with the voltmeter showing little more than 12 volts, the battery may even be discharging whilst you are revving the engine - so you could wrongly conclude the alternator is faulty. Because a conventional alternator would be showing over 14 volts in that situation, because a conventional alternator makes no effort to do the all charging when the vehicle momentum is turning it so the power is free.
This is why its essential to have a voltmeter you can see when you are driving, if you want to check a smart alternator.