Technical Start/Stop & Engine Management Warnings

[Speedchick]

Hi all, I have a 500 Twin Air, (Sept 2011), who I love and have used to go backwards to work in Oxford - he now has just under 31K miles on the clock - yes 31,000!! I had to have a new clutch towards the end last year, which FIAT did agree was faulty, as the majority of the miles are motorway - therefore, no clutch used.

However, my problem first occured last week. Both the Start/Stop and the Engine Management warning lights came on the dashboard at the same time. After refering to the handbook, and leaving the car for a few hours, the lights went and it had been fine........until today. Both warning lights came on again this morning for no reason, and all power left the car. Even with my foot flat to the floor I could only get 40mph - which is not good on a national speed limit stretch of road!! The engine has also become noisey whilst idle. The garage can't see the car until next Tuesday, but I wondered in the meantime if anyone else owning a Twin Air had had this problem?

Cheers

Sx

 

[snes]

I cant help you re your warning lights - others on here are more knowledgeable - but the 40mph speed ceiling would be your ecu going into safety mode. Rather than shut down completely (and leave you stranded) it enters very conservative settings which will give you use of the vehicle, albeit very limited.

The cause of this ecu response does not necessarily have to be serious or expensive, but obviously will need your dealer to plug your car in to a diagnostic machine.

May I hazard a wild guess here and suggest one of your ignition coils is beginning to play up? It is actually a recall issue with some TAs.

Good luck - do report back!

 

[RobinPJ]

Hi all, I have a 500 Twin Air, (Sept 2011), who I love and have used to go backwards to work in Oxford....

Very obvious what has caused this problem - too many miles in reverse. You should try driving forwards.

 

[bgunn]

Contact your dealership about recall campaign 5589 and or 5685; both to do with ignition coils - sounds like one of yours has failed.

Don't drive the car with the fault occurring as you could destroy the catalyst in the exhaust with unburnt fuel.

The 40mph max speed is probably due to the fact you effectively have a one cylinder engine propelling the car when an ignition coil has failed.

 

[ahmett]

Contact your dealership about recall campaign 5589 and or 5685; both to do with ignition coils - sounds like one of yours has failed.

Don't drive the car with the fault occurring as you could destroy the catalyst in the exhaust with unburnt fuel.

The 40mph max speed is probably due to the fact you effectively have a one cylinder engine propelling the car when an ignition coil has failed.

Any other dealers nearby? Your car is still under warranty so no worries. Get it checked as soon as possible!

 

[wigit]

My TA is coming up to 30k this week and not good reading on issues and clutch, I live in Oxford and nearest dealer is Hartwell, I don't use the but Mellors of Challow who are a service centre are great to deal with

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

My TA is coming up to 30k this week and not good reading on issues and clutch,

It was a faulty on. It does happen occasionally. Doesn't mean it will to everyone.

 

[bgunn]

Out of interest, to the OP: What were the issues with your clutch?

 

[bencey]

There is a campaign for the ignition coils as previously reported. Also new software for the injection ecu and body computer. I would ask to have the software installed as not all dealers do it as they should.

 

[Speedchick]

Hi, the problem with the clutch was a new noise that occured when reversing. It tended to be when I was reversing up a slight incline. The garage I use, Carstins at Balsall Common, who are excellent, suggested that it could be the clutch bearings. When Luigi went back to be fixed, FIAT had given permission for the whole clutch to be replaced. It's been ok since.

Sx

 

[Speedchick]

Thanks Ahmett, that's really useful information. I might call the garage later on and mention it so they have a heads up ready for Tuesday when he goes in. I start a new job the following week and will need Luigi to be in tip-top form!

Sx

 

[Speedchick]

Thanks Bencey, more ammo!

Sx

 

[wigit]

when did you get you TA speedchick?

mines a June 11 car and i got the coil packs changed over christmas, they had not failed but the car felt smoother after but no changes in mpg

 

[Speedchick]

Ah, how the missing of a word can make all the difference. I may have got along the M40 quicker in reverse!!!

Sx

 

[bgunn]

Hi, the problem with the clutch was a new noise that occured when reversing. It tended to be when I was reversing up a slight incline. The garage I use, Carstins at Balsall Common, who are excellent, suggested that it could be the clutch bearings. When Luigi went back to be fixed, FIAT had given permission for the whole clutch to be replaced. It's been ok since.

Sx

Interesting, was it a slight squark noise? Mine does this..