Fiat mechanic north of Los Angeles

[007Juan]

Hello everyone:
Does anyone know of a shop that is familiar with Fiats? I have a '14 500L and my local shops in the 91355 zip code think Fiats are the plague and do not want to work on them. My go-to mechanic flat out said he can't find the issue and to go to an import mechanic shop or the dealer. Dealer prices are through the roof. I've tried several shops and they all say no to my Fiat. Any help would be appreciated. I am willing to travel about 15-20 miles if needed but any longer wouldn't be cost effective. Thank you all.

[bryanintowson]

I have found that looking for italian/ exotic car specialists is the way to go for FIAT service. Just a quick stop on the googler turned up this place: https://www.scautoairrepair.com/Sant...t-repairs.html

Seems to be right in Santa Clarita as well as this place too: http://www.valenciaeuropean.com/about.html

Reading over your other post, it sounds like you have some leaks in your turbo system. Also I do recommend buying your own scanner rather than relying on the parts store. You can get pretty capable scanners for relatively cheap. You can even get pretty cheap ones too that will read the codes just the same.

[007Juan]

I have found that looking for italian/ exotic car specialists is the way to go for FIAT service. Just a quick stop on the googler turned up this place: https://www.scautoairrepair.com/Sant...t-repairs.html

Seems to be right in Santa Clarita as well as this place too: http://www.valenciaeuropean.com/about.html

Reading over your other post, it sounds like you have some leaks in your turbo system. Also I do recommend buying your own scanner rather than relying on the parts store. You can get pretty capable scanners for relatively cheap. You can even get pretty cheap ones too that will read the codes just the same.

Hi Bryan: Thank you for your input! I'll give these two a try. I've been relying on Yelp for local mechanics since I don't know a mechanic other than the one I've taken my car for small items. I don't get why these mechanics freak out over a Fiat....the car is basically a Chrysler product and shares the general mechanics with a Dodge Dart and one of the Jeeps.

[bryanintowson]

buona fortuna! keep us posted - I'm sure others in your area could use the information.

[007Juan]

buona fortuna! keep us posted - I'm sure others in your area could use the information.

Hello Bryan, neither place wants to touch a Fiat ��. I bet if I told them the car was a Dodge Dart with the 1.4L engine they would have said “bring it”

[smark]

It may have a version of the family power train. It still a Fiat though and though. Fiat updated software, Fiat specializes components, etc. If you still have a Fiat dealership to go to.
Your lucky. Take it there for service. Anyone can work on that car. We been taking our 500 to a good independent shop for years. Most those shops can do basic maintenance.
Brakes, tuneups, oil changes etc. If you got a power panoramic roof, forget.

[map]

There's nothing particularly mystic about Fiats. Some shops won't take in the Renegade as well. Part of the reason is some parts are unavailable from NAPA and dealer supplied parts are expensive, with a long wait time. (Think dealer price plus a normal markup of around 20%.)

If you are still chasing the P0299 CEL, it's not uncommon. Fiat500USA posted this checklist back in 2015.

Here is some info on the P0299 code:

P0299-TURBOCHARGER UNDERBOOST CONDITION

Theory of Operation
The base Turbocharger boost pressure is managed by the mechanical Wastegate. The Wastegate is a mechanical valve that, when opened, allows exhaust gases to flow around the turbine. The Wastegate is spring loaded in the closed position. Boost pressure is applied to a diaphragm that works against the spring pressure of the Wastegate. When the force created by the boost pressure exceeds the spring force in the Wastegate, the valve opens. This limits boost pressure by limiting the speed of the Turbocharger. Boost pressure is applied against the spring pressure of the Wastegate to control the speed of the Turbocharger. The Wastegate Solenoid is Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) by the PCM and is located between the compressor and mechanical Wastegate. When opened by the PCM, the Wastegate Solenoid bleeds boost pressure away from the mechanical wastegate, this allows the PCM to increase boost pressure to a level higher than would be allowed by the mechanical wastegate alone. The system operates as follows; boost pressure is supplied to the Wastegate Solenoid through a hose connected to the compressor side of the Turbocharger. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) varies the PWM signal to the Wastegate Solenoid to control the amount of boost pressure applied against the Wastegate. When more boost pressure is needed, the Wastegate Solenoid will direct more of the boost pressure to the clean air tube upstream of the Turbocharger and less against the Wastegate spring.

When Monitored:
With the engine running and DTCs P0033, P0034, P0035, P0237, P0238, P0299, P006C, P006D, P012B, P1185, P2261, P2262 are not present.
Set Condition:
The PCM detects that the difference between the Boost Pressure Sensor desired value minus the actual reading is above a calibrated value for the driving conditions.

Possible Causes
RESTRICTED AIR FILTER
BOOST SYSTEM PRESSURE HOSES RESTRICTED OR LEAKING
SMALL INTAKE SYSTEM LEAK OR RESTRICTION
EXHAUST SYSTEM RESTRICTION
WASTEGATE SOLENOID
WASTEGATE VALVE STICKING
TURBOCHARGER (DRAGGING TURBINE)

Things to check:


CHECK THE AIR FILTER
CHECK FOR INTAKE SYSTEM LEAKS OR RESTRICTIONS (Damaged, restricted or poorly connected Intake System and Turbocharger System related tubes can cause this DTC to set.)
CHECK FOR EXHAUST SYSTEM RESTRICTIONS
WASTEGATE AND SOLENOID INSPECTION

This is a list of P0299 posts... and P2626 is the #1 O2 sensor circuit out of range. If you replace the O2 sensor be sure to use one of good quality. I've had a couple new (knockoff brands) ones that worked most of the time and it was tricky debugging them.

[smark]

My daughter takes her 2016 Jeep Renegade to a independent shop for service. Last year they replaced the left rear brake caliper. Both rear wheel bearing. She had her brake fluid Replaced, new automatic transmission fluid changed. Plenty of OEM parts, and aftermarket ones too. Just call around shop in your area.

[bryanintowson]

Hello Bryan, neither place wants to touch a Fiat ��. I bet if I told them the car was a Dodge Dart with the 1.4L engine they would have said “bring it”

You should have called out SC Auto Repair. Their website literally says "Fiat is now back in the U.S., and the Italian automaker is offering an ever-expanding host of new cars for the American market. We're happy to service your Fiat at SC Auto Air in Santa Clarita." and "We guarantee to have your Fiat, old or new, back on the road...". Seems pretty sh*tty to say they work on new and old FIATs on their website and then tell you no over the phone.