General Fiat Specialist

[BigStewarty]

I’m looking for a Fiat Specialist in Scotland I don’t want a main dealer!
Car isn’t showing any codes with a basic scanner.
The fumes in the cabin didn’t go away after I put new exhaust on (split flexi)
I hear a high pitch noise so assume the injector is leaking, I need this car running as it was bought for my sister so feel bad there’s a fault!
thanks everyone!

 

[bugsymike]

I’m looking for a Fiat Specialist in Scotland I don’t want a main dealer!
Car isn’t showing any codes with a basic scanner.
The fumes in the cabin didn’t go away after I put new exhaust on (split flexi)
I hear a high pitch noise so assume the injector is leaking, I need this car running as it was bought for my sister so feel bad there’s a fault!
thanks everyone!

Don't know about Scottish Fiat specialists and even less about Durologic gearboxes.
However I have had a few 1.3 MJ Fiat Diesels with leaking injectors.
Question one. Is it unburnt diesel or combustion smell? If diesel, even if only what looks like a fine spray, do not get your body in the way of it as it is extremely high pressure and that fine spray will go right through your skin involving hospital treatment!!!
So see if you can locate it by removing the air cleaner/engine covers etc. so you can look at the injectors and the common rail plus pipes. Clean them dry with a paper towel etc. Run for a few moments , switch off and check/locate the leak. If you can go no further then take to a local diesel specialist, often Bosch.
Question two. Is the smell "combustion" like exhaust gas along with a "spitty" noise usually from one or more injectors where they fit into the cylinder head?
This is quite a common issue particularly on the older versions, it was due to Fiat using one clamp and nut to hold down two injectors so not enough clamping force and often the clamp nut/stud thread can get damaged by overtightening.:
Most sensible manufacturers use two clamping bolts/nuts to one injector, not the opposite!
Generally this job involves unsticking the injector and an extractor tool to remove the injector then the seat in head needs recutting and new good quality copper sealing washer, then reassemble and correctly tighten down, often needing retightening once it has settled. As previous advise, if you can go no further then take to a local diesel specialist, often Bosch.
So if either of these appears to be the problem then a good diesel specialist will be what is required rather than Fiat particularly.

 

[BigStewarty]

Hi thanks for your reply,
it’s like exhaust fumes, i should have made it more clear, that’s why i had the exhaust fixed as it had a split in the flexi hose.
I don’t know where to go locally, will need to research a diesel place.
Does the car need coded if injectors are changed?
thanks again

 

[bugsymike]

Hi thanks for your reply,
it’s like exhaust fumes, i should have made it more clear, that’s why i had the exhaust fixed as it had a split in the flexi hose.
I don’t know where to go locally, will need to research a diesel place.
Does the car need coded if injectors are changed?
thanks again

If the injectors are not sealing in the cylinder head and causing the smell like exhaust fumes and making a spitting noise at tick over, then as long as the injectors are marked before hand and refitted in their original positions and not been opened up , there is no need to recalibrate/code them to the ECU as they will be the same as before fault developed.
If they suggest "servicing" them then they will need coding, this is to ensure engine runs as smooth as possible.
Though I will say I have in the past stripped and rebuilt several of those Bosch injectors and the vehicles have run fine and passed MOT smoke tests etc.
I have only helped with the coding of one set for a friend who did feel it improved, so up to you. Basically if you or a friend has the MES or another suitable diagnostic tool to enter the codes it is not a major job.
Apart from the smell and noise does the vehicle run OK and no loss of oil or water etc.?
If going to a specialist you can probably tap in online Bosch diesel Injection Specialist for some one near you. Or talk to a local taxi or truck company who will know.

 

[BigStewarty]

Hi again thanks for that insight, There is only the exhaust fumes and the spitting noise on tick over, the car runs well, it’s only done 400 miles since we got it, water not moved, i done oil and filter but was correct level before the change.
hopefully this isn’t going to be anything major,
as still got the ‘ Check transmission’ light on but no codes!
Do some not show on the generic scanners?
To use MES is it a cable for the laptop and the software ?
thanks again

 

[bugsymike]

Hi again thanks for that insight, There is only the exhaust fumes and the spitting noise on tick over, the car runs well, it’s only done 400 miles since we got it, water not moved, i done oil and filter but was correct level before the change.
hopefully this isn’t going to be anything major,
as still got the ‘ Check transmission’ light on but no codes!
Do some not show on the generic scanners?
To use MES is it a cable for the laptop and the software ?
thanks again

Hopefully just one injector blowing where it sits in the cylinder head, for the reasons I mentioned, with the covers off you should be able to locate which cylinder by just chucking an old towel or rag around it and hear it go quiet.
I have done them myself but it does involve a few special tools so for a one off it may be worth getting a price from a diesel specialist, unless you feel like diving in
Re transmission lights error codes as mentioned I am not a fan of any modern ECU controlled auto gear boxes although some on Forum will be able to advise.
A basic scanner is no good for this, so Multi ECU Scan tool (MES ) which many use on Forum may be the answer, a company called Gendan found online will be able to advise best option which will run on a Windows Laptop etc. You can go on their website and check if it does what you need and the cost.
You may even by looking on the MES section of this Forum find someone local to you willing to read your codes for a small consideration

 

[BigStewarty]

Hi again
I could probably change the washer/s but looking at what might go wrong I could need a puller and a few other bits I’m thinking put it in, and it will be done quicker! But where! Need to see locally who works on diesels.
Will look into the software as I like to be one step ahead than go to a garage with a fault blindly! Someone on my other post mentioned someone was near me but last on a couple of months ago, i’d have driven to them and happily paid them to read the codes.
I will report back the outcomes.

 

[bugsymike]

Hi again
I could probably change the washer/s but looking at what might go wrong I could need a puller and a few other bits I’m thinking put it in, and it will be done quicker! But where! Need to see locally who works on diesels.
Will look into the software as I like to be one step ahead than go to a garage with a fault blindly! Someone on my other post mentioned someone was near me but last on a couple of months ago, i’d have driven to them and happily paid them to read the codes.
I will report back the outcomes.

The issue with removing the suspect injector is OK if the injector will simply come out, then all you need is the cheap seat reaming tool to clean the seat and a new copper washer, then careful assembly .
However if it needs the puller, the set I bought involved screwing to the partly dismantled injector, this can disturb internal parts causing further grief.
The professional Diesel people may have the puller that doesn't do that.
There is always the danger that a "specialist" may "find " more expensive repair once you are in their hands!!!
Note. If you start the job it involves disturbing the injector next to it as what I mentioned before on the earlier ones at least one clamp held down two injectors.
I would take the covers off and see what actually is the problem if possible.
My other concern, not helped by my dislike of ECU controlled Auto gearboxes is that as you already have an error code up on that, is there more expense down the line?

 

[BigStewarty]

Yes definitely more expense down the line, hence why i’m being cautious with where the car goes as i’m only to aware that the wrong garage will fix using trial and error at my expense, or find other work needing done!
You don’t fancy a trip to scotland with your pulling tool

 

[bugsymike]

Yes definitely more expense down the line, hence why i’m being cautious with where the car goes as i’m only to aware that the wrong garage will fix using trial and error at my expense, or find other work needing done!
You don’t fancy a trip to scotland with your pulling tool

Apart from anything else it would cost more in fuel than the cost of the tools.
This is what I used for that job, but note the extractor on the right is the type that you have to undo the top of the injector to fit and although it does the job , the dangers is it disturbs the parts inside the injector which can lead to more hassle.

 

[BigStewarty]

Apart from anything else it would cost more in fuel than the cost of the tools.
This is what I used for that job, but note the extractor on the right is the type that you have to undo the top of the injector to fit and although it does the job , the dangers is it disturbs the parts inside the injector which can lead to more hassle.

yes i recon with the car being 10 years old the forces of thst tool, with my luck would cause further bother and end up needing a garage which would then be a recovery.

 

[bugsymike]

yes i recon with the car being 10 years old the forces of thst tool, with my luck would cause further bother and end up needing a garage which would then be a recovery.

It is not so much the force of the tool causing damage, that is controlled, what I found with the first one I did was that there was a tiny ceramic ball valve under the top nut which became misplaced so on reassemble the car couldn't reach injection pressure, so wouldn't run. Since then I have had many apart and repaired them, but at 71 my eyes are not up to it, or the steady hand.

 

[BigStewarty]

It is not so much the force of the tool causing damage, that is controlled, what I found with the first one I did was that there was a tiny ceramic ball valve under the top nut which became misplaced so on reassemble the car couldn't reach injection pressure, so wouldn't run. Since then I have had many apart and repaired them, but at 71 my eyes are not up to it, or the steady hand.

I get you, i’m 48 no glasses yet but need everything well lit!

 

[BigStewarty]

got the leaking injector fixed and no more smell in the cabin!
I just need the Transmission warning light reset / fixed!

 

[bugsymike]

got the leaking injector fixed and no more smell in the cabin!
I just need the Transmission warning light reset / fixed!

That's good, so was it diesel leaking from the injector or the combustion gas leaking from between the injector and the cylinder head which is most common?
Sorry, I know nothing about modern automatics and keep well away from them.
Although there are Forum Members who can advise on this subject.

 

[BigStewarty]

That's good, so was it diesel leaking from the injector or the combustion gas leaking from between the injector and the cylinder head which is most common?
Sorry, I know nothing about modern automatics and keep well away from them.
Although there are Forum Members who can advise on this subject.

It was gasses so new sealing washer sealed it back the the head again.
Now for the Duralogic experts!

 

[varesecrazy]

It was gasses so new sealing washer sealed it back the the head again.
Now for the Duralogic experts!

Worth bearing in mind.. None of this is uniquely FIAT tech

The 1248cc diesel motor was sold fitted in Suzuki, Vauxhall and others

Must be Vauxhall experience in most of the UK

Gearbox is again basically the FIAT design again.
Alfa Romeo actually used it first,
@1997 termed Selespeed

ALFA experts do seem to be dotted around, far more than non-franchised FIAT ones

Good luck

 

[kavinsanders87]

Hopefully just one injector blowing where it sits in the cylinder head, for the reasons I mentioned, with the covers off you should be able to locate which cylinder by just chucking an old towel or rag around it and hear it go quiet.
I have done them myself but it does involve a few special tools so for a one off it may be worth getting a price from a diesel specialist, unless you feel like diving in
Re transmission lights error codes as mentioned I am not a fan of any modern ECU controlled auto gear boxes although some on Forum will be able to advise.
A basic scanner is no good for this, so Multi ECU Scan tool (MES ) which many use on Forum may be the answer, a company called Gendan found online will be able to advise best option which will run on a Windows Laptop etc. You can go on their website and check if it does what you need and the cost.
You may even by looking on the MES section of this Forum find someone local to you willing to read your codes for a small consideration

Dear All, I just read all the comments , I have the same issue. (sorry if I do not use the proper names , i am not native speaker). I have a similiar smell in the cabin of a fiat panda 4x4 2014 75hp diesel. i must close the air vent from the hob oterwise I get "exauset smell" like , only when driving slow, when I dive more that 40 miles h i do not have that smell. ( when I approch a red light and the engine is at idle the smell is quite strong. that is why I keep the air vent close.
I must book a garage appointment but I do not know where to find a fiat expert near manchester. a can see a bosh garage but I do not know if they can do works in my fiat panda. I hope the problem is the injectors only .

 

[kavinsanders87]

another thing I noticed is that lots of people in other treads are saying that this "smell issue " is connected to a noise as well. I have a noise sometimes only while pushing the gas pedal, for example when sloeing down i shift gear from the third to second , the same moment I press the gas pedal , I hear a noise.

 

[kavinsanders87]

Worth bearing in mind.. None of this is uniquely FIAT tech

The 1248cc diesel motor was sold fitted in Suzuki, Vauxhall and others

Must be Vauxhall experience in most of the UK

Gearbox is again basically the FIAT design again.
Alfa Romeo actually used it first,
@1997 termed Selespeed

ALFA experts do seem to be dotted around, far more than non-franchised FIAT ones

Good luck

chat gpt source

Fiat sold not only the injectors but all the patents related to the common rail diesel technology to Bosch in 1994. The system had been developed internally by Fiat’s research centers (CRF, Elasis, and Magneti Marelli).

What did Fiat sell to Bosch?​

• Patents and rights for the entire common rail system (high-pressure pump, rail, electronic injectors), developed in the mid-1990s by Elasis and CRF.
• The deal was encouraged by Mercedes, who was interested in the technology. Bosch reportedly paid around 70 billion lire in 1994.

What did Bosch do after the acquisition?​

• Bosch industrialized the entire system: they developed high-pressure pumps (CP1), rails, and electronic injectors, launching the CRI line and later piezoelectric generations.
• While Fiat remained a licensee (introducing the system in its own Multijet engines), Bosch became the global supplier and producer of common rail systems and components.

In summary​

• Fiat developed the common rail technology (research, prototypes, patents).
• It sold all rights to Bosch in 1994.
• Bosch handled the full development — from the pump to the injectors — and turned it into a global standard.

So, Bosch did not develop just the injectors: it took over the entire common rail system, including the pump, rail, injectors, and electronic control.