Problems fixed: Fiat, Vauxhall and Skoda

Leading technical supplier Autodata helps you fix three common problems found in passenger cars

The problem

We’re having a problem finding the source of a water ingress on a 2013 Fiat 500. The front driver's and passenger's footwell carpets are wet after heavy rain. We’ve carried out several water tests but cannot see how the water is entering the vehicle.

The fix

The cause of the water ingress is insufficient sealant around the rear bumper beam allowing water to enter the chassis rail. Remove the rear bumper and rear bumper beam. Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of the rear bumper beam and body. Refit using new retaining nuts and apply sealant, available from Fiat parts department, to the top edge of rear bumper beam. Dry out carpets as necessary and water test the vehicle to ensure the fault has been eliminated..

The problem

A customer has brought their 2015 Vauxhall Insignia-A 1.6 diesel into the workshop with the engine malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and trouble codes P2564, P2565, P2598, P2599 stored in the engine control module fault memory. We’ve applied electrical contact grease to the turbocharger vane position actuator terminals and the vehicle was OK for a while, but it’s returned to the workshop with the same trouble codes.

The fix

This fault has been reported to us by other Vauxhall owners and it affects several models with 1.6 CDTi diesel engines. The cause of the problem is debris blocking the turbocharger vane position actuator ventilation hole. Remove the debris from the turbocharger vane position actuator ventilation hole using a suitable tool. Erase fault codes and carry out road test to confirm the fault has been rectified..

The problem

A customer's 2017 Skoda Karoq is making a creaking noise from the front of the vehicle when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. We have heard the noise on a road test and have visually checked the front suspension components but cannot see where the noise is originating from.

The fix

The fault is due to dry contact surfaces on the front suspension lower arm bush. Remove the front suspension lower arm and apply grease, available from Skoda parts department, to contact surfaces of the front suspension lower arm bush. Refit front suspension and repeat the procedure for the opposite side. Check front wheel alignment and adjust if necessary. Carry out road test to ensure the creaking noise has been rectified.

Autodata supplies OEM-sourced technical data and fixes to the automotive aftermarket via its online workshop application.