Technical Help please! Abarth 500

[Rhianwenhaynes]

Hi all,

I really need some help. My mileage and the aircon degrees has been flashing for a while (months). I didn’t think it was a problem, but now my cars battery has been draining and is dead after a few days without driving. I took it to a garage and they said I require a new telematics box. Apparently their tools spike that the telematics box randomly turns on and requires battery power. I asked about a proxy alignment (as I have seen threads suggesting this) but they and another garage I went to did not know what this was. Fiat has said it will cost me £132 to diagnose the problem themselves, £704.32 to replace the box.

The local garage where I asked them to diagnose what the problem was provided me with this invoice where the problem is mentioned. I am scared I’m going to waste money on something that isn’t the problem. Obviously unplugging the battery and leaving it doesn’t work because I’ve had the battery replaced twice and it didn’t stop flashing. Please help me, if someone has had a similar problem please give me some advice!

 

[The Panda Nut]

First thing is diagnostics. MES ECUscan software is needed. A sufficiently up to date copy might well get you much nearer what going on. Look at the register on here and see if you can organise to plug in. If you do a bit of servicing or are in clined to poke about under the bonnet you might find this an investment worth making. I know I have as it does a lot of things. The other thing to consider is a specialist automotive repairer. (Google this) They can often fix these things and it would be my next thing to try before spending big bucks. Also try different dealers for diagnostics as there is a significant difference between some. Sorry I have no specific advice. I hope you get it sorted withour a heap of cash involved. You might also consider a specialist car audio company for further advice but NOT Halfords or similar big chainsas they will be unlikely to have the detailed experience or knowledge of this. Im sure more learned members will be along soon to give better suggestions.

 

[icheatatscrabble]

Hi all,

I really need some help. My mileage and the aircon degrees has been flashing for a while (months). I didn’t think it was a problem, but now my cars battery has been draining and is dead after a few days without driving. I took it to a garage and they said I require a new telematics box. Apparently their tools spike that the telematics box randomly turns on and requires battery power. I asked about a proxy alignment (as I have seen threads suggesting this) but they and another garage I went to did not know what this was. Fiat has said it will cost me £132 to diagnose the problem themselves, £704.32 to replace the box.

The local garage where I asked them to diagnose what the problem was provided me with this invoice where the problem is mentioned. I am scared I’m going to waste money on something that isn’t the problem. Obviously unplugging the battery and leaving it doesn’t work because I’ve had the battery replaced twice and it didn’t stop flashing. Please help me, if someone has had a similar problem please give me some advice!

Give these guys a call:

Small Car Services - Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Abarth Specialist Southampton Winchester eastleigh

www.fiatforum.com

They’re fairly local to Portsmouth in Lower Upham, just past Bishops Waltham. The guy who runs it (think he’s called Dean knows his stuff) and 500s and Abarths are their speciality.
Labour rates are really good too and their workshop is very clean and tidy.
I will be going back to them again.

 

[s130]

Give these guys a call:

Small Car Services - Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Abarth Specialist Southampton Winchester eastleigh

www.fiatforum.com

They’re fairly local to Portsmouth in Lower Upham, just past Bishops Waltham. The guy who runs it (think he’s called Dean knows his stuff) and 500s and Abarths are their speciality.
Labour rates are really good too and their workshop is very clean and tidy.
I will be going back to them again.

Yes go to Dean you WON'T regret it!