This morning I started the Fiat (2013 Fiat 500) and was greeted with a rough idle and check engine light. The idle smoothed out but the light remains and the odometer flashes. My code reader showed no codes but its a cheap one so I tried Auto Zone and advance and both of their code readers also come up blank. The wife said she got a light but no codes a few weeks ago and the light went out by the end of the day. What's my problem?
In reply to Wall-e:
WAG, but maybe it's a manufacturer-specific code? What's the mileage vs. maintenance history?
In 100,000 miles it's had every recommended service and a few extra because I need the car to hold up a while.
Possible it's a gas cap not tightened properly. After a few cycles and some miles it will re-set.
It doesn't seem common. Asking google the same question and hit #5 was this thread. Maybe some bad gas caused the rough idle which caused the CEL but since it cleared up......I dunno man.
Its a Fiat. Maybe its time for an "Italian tuneup".
I bet you will be greeted with a C or U loss of communication manufacturer specific code. So you need something more than a simple plug in reader, like snap on, Matco, otc...
I think Ranger is correct as most code readers will only read the basic OBD codes and since this car is a new comer to American the manufacture of the code reader may not have the advanced features for Fiats.
Paul B
Your first problem is that you need a better scan tool. I'm not aware of any system from any manufacture that turns on the check engine light without storing a code unless the ECU is defective and that pretty unlikely, although possible.
Wall-e wrote: This morning I started the Fiat (2013 Fiat 500)
Quit your bitchin'! Right there is better than 90% of Fiats! I kid I kid.
Said before is the gas cap on correctly and straight? Did it get water in the fuel? Is it a BMW with a DISA valve?
Yeah, I would run down the usual suspects and then get the code checked. If the CEL is on, someone is in there.
I had a similar problem with the wife's Element.
The only useful Code Reader was at Oreillys, a Bosch unit I think.
Good luck!
Rog
Another WAG: Check your battery voltage.
My WAG would be the Alternator is on its way out.
I am going to go with the previously stated you need to get access to a better code reader. A real full function scan tool will likely be able to show the code.
Fiat dealer near by ? Will they charge and how much ?
How much do advanced scanners cost and how often will you use it ?
Cost effective ?
What's a good scan tool to look at? I've tried a few cheapo ones at AZ and advanced and none of them are getting anything. The closest dealer is about an hour away but can't get it in today.
When I've had issues with the gas cap or misfire with old plugs I've always gotten a code which makes me agree this is Fiat specific.
Interestingly enough I ran into this problem with a co-workers Aveo. CEL was on, but would get no codes. Car had to be running to pull codes. Weirdest thing I've seen to date. I've scanned dozens of cars and gotten real time info off the scanner for years but hers wouldn't connect until the engine was actually started.
Need a better scantool. Proprietary codes should still come up in the ECU scan, they just won't have a definition. Most likely you have a fault in another related module that doesn't have it's own warning light. You'll need a scanner that can do a complete system scan.
Now the light is out but the odometer is still flashing. The Google suggests this could be a battery issue or a Bluetooth problem needed the car to be plugged into the mothership at Fiat. The Battery is original and four years old so I'm starting there.
I would change battery and spend change out of all cig ashtrays
Euro cars are bad for fault codes that generic readers can't see. In theory if there is a manufacturer code, a generic reader SHOULD give you a 1xxx or 2xxx or 3xxx code even if it can't give you a description. (The 0xxx codes are generic)
For example, we have an S80 in the building right now that my MAC generic mini-scantool (ET1205AN) only pulled up a P0442. The OTC Genisys connecting up as manufacturer specific also pulled up another two fault codes related to idle airflow. (Which is weird because the MAC tool is usually pretty good about that sort of thing)
My guess is you have a manufacturer specific fault code related to the misfire, either a cylinder specific one, a random misfire code, or the dreaded "misfire in first 1000 revolutions". A flashing MIL indicates that the engine is doing something catalyst-damaging (hard misfire, usually) and you should shut it off ASAP.
And your Fiat doesn't play nice with generic mode and you need a better scantool. I'd think anything that is called a codereader won't cut it.
A new battery seemed to make her happy for now. The wife plans on keeping this car forever so I should be looking for a proper scan tool. What does everyone recommend I start saving my pennies for?
The problem is, it seems like all of the newer scantools are subscription based. You buy the tool, and then you buy the updates package, and the device bricks itself when the subscription lapses.
I think, but cannot be held to, that the Genisys is $1800/yr for updates. And the thing whines at us every December when the subscription is less than thirty days from expiration, even if we've renewed it already.
All is not lost. The car is relatively new, there's bound to be an inexpensive private-user grade software coming out. Or someone may just hack the factory software, 6 of one half a dozen of the other.
I can't say that I'm familiar at all with Fiat, as they're generally not old enough to hit independents yet and none of our regular customers has one. We mostly get German and Volvo as far as annoyingly obstinate imports is concerned.
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