General What does that light mean?

[jrkitching]

I hate modern car electronics!

That's why I call the amber triangle the "wallet warning light"

 

[neilwill]

Just to let you all know, it was that symbol, with the big lock. And no no come on again all is fine. I like the tip to turn to the first notch then start, makes sense.

 

[koalar]

Just to let you all know, it was that symbol, with the big lock. And no no come on again all is fine. I like the tip to turn to the first notch then start, makes sense.

Thanks for the update.

Often threads just go dead with no conclusion

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

so - just to try and get my head around it.. - is this DIFFERENT to the Immobiliser light..??

not helped by the symbols being different on most of my FIAT's.

No it is the immobiliser light. Should be on your Active.

Often used to come on my Stilo if I started it while the car was rolling (i.e. after a stall), but never failed to start and would go out on the next restart.

 

[Asa James]

Majority of the time, as said, it's not fully recognised the key code before being asked to crank. The chip transmits a 4 digit code, it will start if it recognises three in the correct sequence but puts the light on, it's from turning the key too fast, nothing to worry about unless it doesn't go out and the car doesn't start, them you worry! Seen this on stilos, puntos, pandas, mareas, doblos...

 

[DaveMcT]

It might be the immobiliser antenna not seeing the key chip signal.

 

[Matthen]

I to have seen this light at apparently random times; Happened a few times in the 3 years I drove the Panda, then cleared on restart.

Happened a couple of weeks ago in the bravo, after i'd attempted to start it, failed (let go of the key too quickly - it was cold), then tried again.

Nothing to worry about, unless the engine isn't firing.

 

[varesecrazy]

No it is the immobiliser light. Should be on your Active.

possibly..,
the cars not been used since the spring -
mot'd yesterday - so back on the road

I'll try and look / take a pic

 

[newbie fiat]

The cause of that is the system doing checks on itself. This can happen at random when it feels like it but is quite normal and nothing to worry about. I have been on the fiat code immobiliser training course when I was in the dealer so know that's definitley the cause

this guy is the closest (read your handbook it is in there [well it is in mine])

it happens at completely random times while the system is 'checking' itself he got it almost word for work what it says in the handbook.

trying to start the car while this light is on wont do any harm at all, you will notice a few millisecond delay between trying to start the car while this light is on and waiting for it to go off.

actually for those of you still with me the optimum time to start the car is exactly as this light goes out and the fuel pump should still be engaged for a second or so after which creates pressure in the fuel system helping the car to start quicker (handy to know in the winter months when batteries are more taxed)

 

[varesecrazy]

this guy is the closest (read your handbook it is in there [well it is in mine])



actually for those of you still with me the optimum time to start the car is exactly as this light goes out and the fuel pump should still be engaged for a second or so after which creates pressure in the fuel system helping the car to start quicker (handy to know in the winter months when batteries are more taxed)

YES.. it is the same as my 2004 panda 1.1 Active.
I've NEVER seen it on whilst running..in 12 years .85k miles.

Dont get the point about trying to start while the fuel pump is still running..
It runs UNTIL it has reached rail pressure

Saving battery : clutch pedal depressed and no other electrical loads

 

[HP]

Personally I think Fiat saying it's 'self testing' translates as 'We have no bloody idea why it happens so we've put something appeasing in the manual about it'.
If it was true, why would my first one 'self test' a lot more than the one I have now?

 

[DaveMcT]

It's perfectly normal for computer controlled systems to self test before starting. Otherwise known as bootup.

It's fine for engine start but annoying on the DuoLogic when it does the self test every time you select drive from neutral. I suspect it's lazy firmware programming reusing one cold start code for every purpose rather than having a quick (hot) start version.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

It's fine for engine start but annoying on the DuoLogic when it does the self test every time you select drive from neutral. I suspect it's lazy firmware programming reusing one cold start code for every purpose rather than having a quick (hot) start version.

Or a fault with your car, never had this issue with any of our dualogics.

 

[irc]

Or a fault with your car, never had this issue with any of our dualogics.

Used to get few (2 or 3) seconds delay when going from neutral to first gear. Didn't really worry about it, although I didn't get any delay on 500 dualogic. Assumed it was just improved firmware on the 500.
Changed the pump a few months ago as it was starting to stick occasionally. No other problems though. Changed the hydraulic fluid and accumulator too, as it seemed like a good idea. Neutral to first is now instant. In fact all changes seem quicker and crisper.
Didn't change anything else, and wasn't expecting it to change characteristics at all.
Maybe the delay is pressure or accumulator related rather than electronic?

 

[DaveMcT]

Or a fault with your car, never had this issue with any of our dualogics.

My mother's 2010 Panda Duologic had a 3 to 5 seconds delay on drive from neutral. Not much time maybe(?) but an absolute age when the traffic light goes green. The dealer checked and all was normal.

It would engage drive immediately if you hit the loud pedal but dumped the clutch so not good.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

My mother's 2010 Panda Duologic had a 3 to 5 seconds delay on drive from neutral.

Don't get this on our 2009 Panda Dualogic.

The dealer checked and all was normal.

Within acceptable tolerances maybe, but not normal imo.

 

[DaveMcT]

Don't get this on our 2009 Panda Dualogic.

Within acceptable tolerances maybe, but not normal imo.

Fair enough.

TBH I really liked the car and regret not keeping it when Mum died. At the time I had a 2 year old and another on the way so thought we needed a larger car. I was wrong the Panda would have been great but hey.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Do a search on here there was an expert comment suggesting a self test state that sees this come on randomly I believe. Mine appears sometimes but has always gone awayon a restart and has never caused a physical problem..... yet

 

[Thetomsk]

I have just had this problem this morning, (first time it has happened 1.1 Eco) and have never read this thread before..As I drove off I noticed that this warning light was on,so when I stopped at traffic lights I got out and checked boot/driver's door were shut (these were the doors I have only used recently),the warning light stayed on but I carried on my journey (22 miles) with no problems.When I got to work,I switched off my ignition and then back on again....no warning light.
Thank you burrowsdeano and others for the info!

Tomsk