Fiat Alarm System

[Nikki]

Hello you lot - not been on here for a while but need some help desperately.

Bit long winded but bear with me....

Took the Bravo to Fiat in Warrington to have a central locking problem looked at. I.e. the car would lock when I pressed the button on the key and would arm the alarm system but then when I pressed it again it would disarm the alarm but would not unlock the car. Fiat had it for a few hours and returned it to me saying it needed further investigation. When I went to get my car from their carpark I pressed the button to disarm the alarm and unlocked the doors manually. Before I could strap the baby into the car the alarm had set itself and immobilised the car (approx 30 seconds after I'd opened it). Also when I tried to lock the car, it would lock and then pop its locks back open again. I approached them about this and they said that they would need the car for a couple of days to sort it out. It's just come back today and I've been told that they have had to disconnect the alarm system completely and I have to lock my doors manually with my key so they stay locked when I leave the car in a carpark/outside my house etc. I have been informed that the COMPLETE alarm system is knackered - i.e. door switches, bonnet switch, boot switch, roof sensor, control box etc etc .... can anyone advise me on this - cos I'm at the end of my tether with it. And short of paying them clowns £450 + VAT + Fitting for a new alarm system I really don't know what to do.

Thanks

Nikki

 

[Craig]

that stinks a bit to me. i cant believe all of it had packed up from the problem you originally described.

may just need a control box and they are covering all angles because they dont really know whats wrong with it.

 

[Anonymous]

I would take it to your local auto-electricians and get someone who knows what they are talking about, Fiat will just replace everything as it is much easier for them than actually looking to find the fault, which as Craig has already mentioned i would be suprised if it would cost alot to get sorted, after reading your previous posts.

Daz

"Failure is not an option; it is bundled with the software" - William Gates

 

[Anonymous]

Something else to remember your car has now not got an alarm, and if you do not inform your insurance company, they will not pay out if something happens to your car.

Daz

"Failure is not an option; it is bundled with the software" - William Gates

 

[mchugh craig]

Hi Nikki,
my brava has had the problem since i bought it(2nd hand). As you say it would lock no problem but it would'nt unlock everytime. I took it to my local useless dealer who could'nt find anything wrong. I have'nt any of the other problems you describe yet!!!. Also as i have'nt got the key code for the alarm(so can't get a new remote made), i've decided to get an aftermarket alarm fitted. Maybe you should look at the same if you don't get anywhere with fiat.
Sorry i could'nt be of more help but at least you're not alone.

 

[Nikki]

Thanks for the responses. I have called a few other fiat places to see what advice they give and they all seemed not to be arsed about it. Seems true what you say about they would rather replace than investigate. Don't know what to do. Have also been told the same about the key code thing - I can't find a record of it anywhere with my documents - yet I have everything else including the pre-delivery inspection report but no Key Code????

 

[Anonymous]

When your car is operating normally, does opening the door manually with the key operate the central locking for the passenger side?

So in other words, does the central locking work OK when using the key, but doesn't work properly when using the remote.

If so then you can rule out problems in the mechanics of the central locking system ie door motors etc.

My Brava didn't have an alarm so I don't know the operating principle for the alarm. Do you have one remote button for alarm and one for central locking, or are they combined in one button?

Nick

 

[mchugh craig]

Nikki i was told the key codes are supposed to be attached to the keys, or there are spaces on the code card for stickers with the code(its a fantastic system). Fiat can't help either as apparently they only keep the codes for the immobiliser.
Nick,
there is only 1 button on the key fob for operating both the alarm and central locking. The problem with mine is that its an intermittant problem(usually when it's frosty and it takes ages to get the key into the lock). It unlocks no problem with the key(once you get it in the lock). I was going to try other dealers but since i found out about the alarm codes and i only have 1 key, i'm not going to bother. I'll sometime get round to getting an aftermarket alarm fitted.
Regards
Craig