Technical Errors after attempting to change USB module

[Rayz Panda]

Hi Fiat experts! First time poster but long-time lurking fiat owner of 3 years - most reliable car ever. Worked as normal without any issue before this problem came up

Yesterday I replaced the USB/AUX module socket in my 0.9L Fiat Panda (last one was fine but wanted to change the look as it was hanging out and missing a plastic part - replacement part attached/below). Unclipped the old part and swapped this one in, unfortunately didn't work as no audio and later only static. Checked fuses to see if anything tripped but all visibly fine and reseated them without issue.

After this, car wouldn't start. Ticking and some cranking sounds only. Observed dimming lights, slow window motors and 12v charge on battery using multimeter so assumed battery drained. Tried to jump start but no luck. Spent today charging the battery and swapped the AUX/USB module back and it started normally!!

Now though Panda is showing the common ESC, hill holder and 'check transmission' errors codes (this is an Ezy manual/duologic gearbox Panda - felt normal to drive today). I disconnected the negative battery terminal for 30 minutes to reset ECU, checked OBD and reset code (no codes found) but they are back when car in motion triggering on and off repeatedly. High beams on now doesn't work either, just turns off headlights + daytime lights.

I'm at a loss here what to do. Everything was normal before, I can only think it's something I've caused or triggered? Any ideas? Aiming to try mechanic shop when able to book in but Fiat experts in Sydney are rare... 93,000kms on odo

 

[Panda IIs]

Hi Fiat experts! First time poster but long-time lurking fiat owner of 3 years - most reliable car ever. Worked as normal without any issue before this problem came up

Yesterday I replaced the USB/AUX module socket in my 0.9L Fiat Panda (last one was fine but wanted to change the look as it was hanging out and missing a plastic part - replacement part attached/below). Unclipped the old part and swapped this one in, unfortunately didn't work as no audio and later only static. Checked fuses to see if anything tripped but all visibly fine and reseated them without issue.

After this, car wouldn't start. Ticking and some cranking sounds only. Observed dimming lights, slow window motors and 12v charge on battery using multimeter so assumed battery drained. Tried to jump start but no luck. Spent today charging the battery and swapped the AUX/USB module back and it started normally!!

Now though Panda is showing the common ESC, hill holder and 'check transmission' errors codes (this is an Ezy manual/duologic gearbox Panda - felt normal to drive today). I disconnected the negative battery terminal for 30 minutes to reset ECU, checked OBD and reset code (no codes found) but they are back when car in motion triggering on and off repeatedly. High beams on now doesn't work either, just turns off headlights + daytime lights.

I'm at a loss here what to do. Everything was normal before, I can only think it's something I've caused or triggered? Any ideas? Aiming to try mechanic shop when able to book in but Fiat experts in Sydney are rare... 93,000kms on odo

Hi there, I have a 2013 TA 4x4 and will relate some experiences some of which appear similar to yours, I am not considering myself an expert on this basis!

The USB you swapped out does not look like an OEM one although I find it hard to imagine a fairly straightforward USB/AUX input could be messing things up - unless it is actually faulty (was it cheap...?). Are you sure the new one was plugged in correctly?

The no start thing (flat battery) is typical of the issues I had with a failed Blue and Me module (B&M) which remains powered on even with the car locked so my first check would be to see if the Bluetooth still functions (sometimes B&M failure is indicated by a flashing ODO).

When my B&M unit failed I changed out the unit for the earlier Fiat entertainment system as I don't really use Bluetooth. You can stop the battery drain by unplugging the B&M module under the drivers seat (in RHD cars). Unfortunately from what you describe above you changed the USB and charged the battery - my money is on the low battery volts and the USB had nothing to do with it! Unless the new USB has a short draining down the battery??

The no ESC hill holder etc are typical of low battery volts. This could take you down the road of checking the earth strap between engine and chassis but, again, I would be suspicious of the battery if it is the original especially, otherwise a drain caused by B&M or associated stuff you may have disturbed.

My B&M trials and tribulations are described on this forum somewhere - do keep us informed!

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Yup - the ESC warning is sign of a failed main battery.

And beware: the USB connector may be more complicated than you’d expect as it’s part of the wider Blue&ME system and that socket may contain something ‘clever’ that your new one doesn’t.