General Opinions please?

[JM2003]

Hello,

I have a dualogic fiat 500 and it has had some issues recently.

It slipped out of gear a couple of times and wouldn’t go back in for a few minutes.

It now has an engine light on and I’ve been given these diagnostic codes:

P2911, clutch sub-system

P2915, gearbox sub-system

I have spoken to a few mechanics and had varying advice:
- One said it was either a clutch or electrical fault which would cost thousands.
- One said it could be a worn clutch, but more likely to be just a gearbox that needs the oil replacing or topping up.

It is a pretty old car (2012), so I don’t feel that spending thousands to fix it would be a worthwhile investment.
Has anyone seen these codes before? Or does anyone have any thoughts on what could be the issue? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Greasytrucker]

With it not being a true automatic gearbox i’d have thought it’d be less likely to be related to oil degradation. “An electrical fault” is just a cop out answer. What mileage has it done? Any ideas if it’s had a replacement clutch before?

 

[JM2003]

With it not being a true automatic gearbox i’d have thought it’d be less likely to be related to oil degradation. “An electrical fault” is just a cop out answer. What mileage has it done? Any ideas if it’s had a replacement clutch before?

It has done 65000 miles. I had a new gearbox a few years ago and a new clutch assembly at the same time, but I am unaware if it’s had an entire replacement clutch.

 

[Greasytrucker]

Still 65000 isn’t a great deal for a clutch, especially when it’s being controlled electronically. Any Dualogic owners reading this that have had to have clutches at that sort of mileage?

 

[Derbyfella]

Isnt 60k about the range where the duologic boxes really start to fail?

 

[steveras57]

Isnt 60k about the range where the duologic boxes really start to fail?

I reckon you mean 6 miles

 

[Greasytrucker]

I reckon you mean 6 miles

I take it they’ve not got a good reputation then?

 

[steveras57]

I take it they’ve not got a good reputation then?

great if you particularly like pushing/walking!

 

[JM2003]

I’ve had some other advice to get the selespeed fluid changed to see if that fixes the issue. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I’ve had some other advice to get the selespeed fluid changed to see if that fixes the issue. Does anyone have any experience with this?

It's the cheapest and lowest-tech place to start on any autobox/automated manual, so probably worth doing as a very first step - after which you can either:

a. Bask in the genius of the fix.
Or
b. Curse that it wasn't a fix, but was at least worth a punt, and decide how spendy you want to get.

 

[sandeel999]

There's a huge dualogic thread on here more likely to find issues on there

 

[puntodeltathema]

Actuator likely needs a refurb; gradual seal degradation lowers pressure internally and the "fail safe" is to switch into neutral (despite the fact this is often not very safe in the real world!) Check out CD Motors in Stoke - nothing they won't be able to handle. You can get a mechanic to remove actuator and post it off for refurb. Last time I looked, CD charged 650 for this.

If you've had the clutch changed and total car mileage is only 65k it's unlikely to be the clutch I would say. Plus clutch-related mechanical issues with the dualogic box tend to throw up a P060A (mechanical linkage fault) code. In my experience (and I've helped people with quite a few of these now, working with CD Motors).

 

[JM2003]

It's the cheapest and lowest-tech place to start on any autobox/automated manual, so probably worth doing as a very first step - after which you can either:

a. Bask in the genius of the fix.
Or
b. Curse that it wasn't a fix, but was at least worth a punt, and decide how spendy you want to get.

Actuator likely needs a refurb; gradual seal degradation lowers pressure internally and the "fail safe" is to switch into neutral (despite the fact this is often not very safe in the real world!) Check out CD Motors in Stoke - nothing they won't be able to handle. You can get a mechanic to remove actuator and post it off for refurb. Last time I looked, CD charged 650 for this.

If you've had the clutch changed and total car mileage is only 65k it's unlikely to be the clutch I would say. Plus clutch-related mechanical issues with the dualogic box tend to throw up a P060A (mechanical linkage fault) code. In my experience (and I've helped people with quite a few of these now, working with CD Motors).

I’ve had some advice to get the selespeed fluid changed. Would this make sense?

I’m not anywhere near C D Motors unfortunately! I’m in South East London.

 

[AnthonyH]

I’ve had some advice to get the selespeed fluid changed. Would this make sense?

Has it been leaking? If so topping it up will make a difference, temporarily at least. If its not leaking then changing the oil wouldn't make much difference.

 

[JM2003]

Has it been leaking? If so topping it up will make a difference, temporarily at least. If it’s not leaking then changing the oil wouldn't make much difference.

I haven’t noticed any leaking. This may sound silly but would I just notice it leaking onto the driveway if that was the problem?

 

[AnthonyH]

I haven’t noticed any leaking. This may sound silly but would I just notice it leaking onto the driveway if that was the problem?

No, it'd likely be a very small leak which would be noticeable if you look under the engine closely.

 

[chris3234]

Still 65000 isn’t a great deal for a clutch, especially when it’s being controlled electronically. Any Dualogic owners reading this that have had to have clutches at that sort of mileage?

Id driven like a normal auto the clutha wears a lot with people try to creep in the car
As it slips the clutch a lot to slowly drive the car

 

[jrkitching]

There's a huge dualogic thread on here more likely to find issues on there

Here.

It is a pretty old car (2012), so I don’t feel that spending thousands to fix it would be a worthwhile investment.

I don't think it would be a good investment either.

If this were my car, I'd sell it 'as is' for whatever price I could get.

 

[chris3234]

I haven’t noticed any leaking. This may sound silly but would I just notice it leaking onto the driveway if that was the problem?

It's usually the fluid from the actuator that leaks due to seals failing on the shifting unit rather then gearbox oil

 

[AnthonyH]

I meant actuator fluid, not oil.