General Euro 6

[stu0710]

Just put a deposit down on a 2014 (March 2014 14 plate) 1.2 Lounge at a really decent price 28K miles. Going to pick it up at the weekend - presuming this is the Euro 6 version how can I tell if it's had the software updates to cure the slow starting issues? It's from a main dealer BTW.

Thanks

Stu

 

[Super Uwe]

Just put a deposit down on a 2014 (March 2014 14 plate) 1.2 Lounge at a really decent price 28K miles. Going to pick it up at the weekend - presuming this is the Euro 6 version how can I tell if it's had the software updates to cure the slow starting issues? It's from a main dealer BTW.

Thanks

Stu

Hi Stu,

I'm not sure how readily available the information is to be honest! I have seen a few examples on here where people have pressed for more info about the updates and the dealers have been a bit vague.

In theory, any software updates done should be stamped in the appropriate part of the service manual (along with the release number). So that would be the first place to check.

I seem to recall you have had a few 1.2s in the past; my gut feeling is that you will know straight away if there is a problem or not when you pick it up. If you are concerned at all, maybe speak to the dealer and see what they say. Have you not managed to test drive it yet then?

 

[stu0710]

Hi Stu,

I'm not sure how readily available the information is to be honest! I have seen a few examples on here where people have pressed for more info about the updates and the dealers have been a bit vague.

In theory, any software updates done should be stamped in the appropriate part of the service manual (along with the release number). So that would be the first place to check.

I seem to recall you have had a few 1.2s in the past; my gut feeling is that you will know straight away if there is a problem or not when you pick it up. If you are concerned at all, maybe speak to the dealer and see what they say. Have you not managed to test drive it yet then?

Thanks for your reply! I haven't test driven it yet as it's some way from home but yeah we've had two 1.2 500s (a 2009 & a 2012 model) and currently have a 2007 1.2 Panda so I should be able to see how it drives!

Been away from the forum for a bit but just noticed that people have been mentioning software update SN101011 - presumably any and all updates should be somewhere on the car's service history?

I've paid a refundable £250 deposit so nothing wasted apart from a days time!

 

[sandeel999]

On your test drive When you try to pull away at roundabouts or junctions you lift the clutch the revs rise without touching accelerator. You then try to pull away quickly and the revs wont rise leaving you with a flat spot and with the gap you pulled into gone and someone blasting their horn at you. Mine was bad when i bought it but ecu update and parameters reset etc and it goes like stink now. Done under warranty foc. Or thats how mine was.

 

[stu0710]

On your test drive When you try to pull away at roundabouts or junctions you lift the clutch the revs rise without touching accelerator. You then try to pull away quickly and the revs wont rise leaving you with a flat spot and with the gap you pulled into gone and someone blasting their horn at you. Mine was bad when i bought it but ecu update and parameters reset etc and it goes like stink now. Done under warranty foc. Or thats how mine was.

Thanks - do you know the software update code? What model / year is your car?

 

[sandeel999]

Its 2014 1.2 petrol no update numbers on my paperwork. Also did throttle learn reset

 

[stu0710]

Well took it for a test drive round the hilly streets of Bristol and it was fine so deal has been done and the car will be delivered in a week or so.

Really chuffed as it's a less than 2 years old one owner lounge in black with the great black and red interior (with red dashboard), bluetooth and rear parking sensors, FSH, 28K miles and under £5k!

I'll post some pics when it arrives!

 

[Super Uwe]

Well took it for a test drive round the hilly streets of Bristol and it was fine so deal has been done and the car will be delivered in a week or so.

Really chuffed as it's a less than 2 years old one owner lounge in black with the great black and red interior (with red dashboard), bluetooth and rear parking sensors, FSH, 28K miles and under £5k!

I'll post some pics when it arrives!

Great stuff!

That colour combo sounds great as well. Absolute bargain for the kit you get too, and very pleased that it all drives well. My wife did similar when she got her 13 plate 1.2 500 last year; only took her a couple of minutes to test it out on a few hills and "dicey" junctions, but it performed just like our old 500 and Panda, so no question of not buying it

 

[Mustie]

Wife has just bought Panda 1/1/16,it has euro6 engine its gutless when pulling away at roudabouts etc.Fiat have said there's no upgrade for it what do I do? Sell the car?

 

[jrkitching]

Wife has just bought Panda 1/1/16,it has euro6 engine its gutless when pulling away at roudabouts etc.Fiat have said there's no upgrade for it what do I do? Sell the car?

You wouldn't be the first person to do exactly that.

Read all about the issues with the Euro6 1.2 FIRE in this thread; there's a lot of it!

Some folks have reported they've been able to get an update which improves matters; you might try asking a different FIAT dealer. FIAT have been almost unbelievably reluctant to give out details regarding either the problem, or the various fixes that have been applied.

We still don't know why some specific Euro6 cars seem to be more affected by this than others.

 

[sandeel999]

I just took mine to the dealer said it had a flat spot on pulling away. Booked in and came back fixed now goes so much better than my 2011 model.
Update to engine management. Throttle learn reset. Parameters reset. it goes like stink now so there must be something that can be done.

 

[stu0710]

Ours appears to be fine when pulling away although jrkitching is right the latest engines don't have the torque of the older ones, I used to be able to pull away from rest in 2nd gear in the 60BHP 2007 Panda 1.2 but the new one doesn't like this. Good news though is that gear selection is much smoother in our 2014 1.2, - it happily goes into 1st gear on the move which the old car wouldn't. It's seats are better, more comfortable, quieter and bigger inside.

The main difference I can see, is that it's lost a bit of it's feel - handling isn't as sharp - the rear end has inherited the 'skippyness' of the 500 and feels less connected with the road, which is just a modern car thing.

For sheer driving fun, the old Panda 1.2 IMHO can't be beaten as it's a perfect combination of handling and performance and could be driven hard, although I'd love a drive in a Panda 100HP!