Cost of service

[haganap]

I have a 2020 Fiat Ducato based motorhome that I want serviced.

Its on the 9 speed gearbox and a tag axle.

I've always had my vans serviced by my local chap who never lets me down. However, due to the complexity of these things and the fact I have an issue with the Heat Exchanger that could potentially be cab based I thought I would get it done by a fiat professional. The rationale for this is so that it can be plugged in and all if any software updates from Fiat can be carried out.

My nearest Fiat Pro is of course at TW Stafford. I've been given a price of £996 including VAT which consists of 274 in parts and 700+ in labour. This is of course before the heat exchanger is investigated.

Does this sound expensive for a fiat professional garage?

Are there any others in the North West that service a ln 8m motorhome?

God knows what they will want for the cam belt when that's due.

 

[Lenny HB]

Sounds about £350 too expensive.
The heat exchanger will probably be classed as a converters part not a Fiat one.

Also most Fiat Professionals don't do updates unless there is a problem the exception is Adams Morey at Portsmouth they always apply the updates.

 

[Googlebot]

I have experience of TW workshop and have to say, I wouldn’t go near them with a barge pole!

They couldn’t even get the cambelt replacement schedule right without me having a row with them. This was after they told me a Fiat Master Technician knew better than me. They ended up relenting when I showed them the official Fiat guidance, nuts!

I won’t mention the other things they couldn’t fix…..

Have you tried these?

Stoke-On-Trent - Guest Motor Group

www.guests.co.uk

 

[Landy Andy]

Sounds extortionate.

 

[Carpmart]

I’d approach it in two parts; trusted guy to do the usual servicing work. Get him to have a look at the exchanger, it may be simple.

If no resolution, Down to Fiat or the dealers for the heat exchanger.

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[DavidG58]

I would want it doing at a Fiat commercial garage not a dealer who thinks they are

 

[rolosroller]

 

[hja]

Our van is a 2021 ducato. Last year service was the “ full” service. Nothing like that. Are they assuming they are changing the cam belt?

 

[Googlebot]

Our van is a 2021 ducato. Last year service was the “ full” service. Nothing like that. Are they assuming they are changing the cam belt?

The cambelt from them would be nearer 1.5k.

Think they charge £180+ an hour labour.

 

[Flairy]

I have a 2020 Fiat Ducato based motorhome that I want serviced.

Its on the 9 speed gearbox and a tag axle.

I've always had my vans serviced by my local chap who never lets me down. However, due to the complexity of these things and the fact I have an issue with the Heat Exchanger that could potentially be cab based I thought I would get it done by a fiat professional. The rationale for this is so that it can be plugged in and all if any software updates from Fiat can be carried out.

My nearest Fiat Pro is of course at TW Stafford. I've been given a price of £996 including VAT which consists of 274 in parts and 700+ in labour. This is of course before the heat exchanger is investigated.

Does this sound expensive for a fiat professional garage?

Are there any others in the North West that service a ln 8m motorhome?

God knows what they will want for the cam belt when that's due.

Have it serviced and have a holiday. MW Fahrzeugtechnik. Shufflegrund Wetzler Germany

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[haganap]

Thanks
I thought it was/sounded a bit OTT. The only issue for going there really is this heat exchanger which is doing my head in and I thought they wouldbe best placed to fix it or look at it.
However, I am in Towtal on Monday for a towbar and they are going to have a look at the heat exchanger. I might try Guests.

 

[Run to the Sun]

Might be worthwile dropping Adams Morey and email. Here are some quotes from the last 2 weeks, appreciate its not the full service but might give you a comparison on prices. Bit of slep for you but they have a good rep.

To replace the water pump, timing belt kit including tensioners and auxiliary drive belts – price of £1330.74 including VAT

The price to change the comfortmatic clutch fluid and carry out kiss point relearn is £147.60 including VAT

The bi-annual brake fluid change cost £72.90 including VAT

To replace robotised clutch fluid, would be £147.60 inc VAT

To replace camshaft timing belt with aux belts, would be £836.66 INC VAT

To replace water pump with timing belt, would be £1330.74 in vat

 

[funflair]

Thanks
I thought it was/sounded a bit OTT. The only issue for going there really is this heat exchanger which is doing my head in and I thought they wouldbe best placed to fix it or look at it.
However, I am in Towtal on Monday for a towbar and they are going to have a look at the heat exchanger. I might try Guests.

So the factory didn’t sort the heat exchanger Paul, what’s the problem with it?

 

[haganap]

Might be worthwile dropping Adams Morey and email. Here are some quotes from the last 2 weeks, appreciate its not the full service but might give you a comparison on prices. Bit of slep for you but they have a good rep.

To replace the water pump, timing belt kit including tensioners and auxiliary drive belts – price of £1330.74 including VAT

The price to change the comfortmatic clutch fluid and carry out kiss point relearn is £147.60 including VAT

The bi-annual brake fluid change cost £72.90 including VAT

To replace robotised clutch fluid, would be £147.60 inc VAT

To replace camshaft timing belt with aux belts, would be £836.66 INC VAT

To replace water pump with timing belt, would be £1330.74 in vat

Wow, it's certainly a lot of money to get the cambelt changed? I suppose with a service too it would be about 2k.

Fortunately I have the new auto box so no need for the comformatic work.

 

[haganap]

So the factory didn’t sort the heat exchanger Paul, what’s the problem with it?

it just doesn't work. The factory were not allowed to look at it. However he did confirm a couple of things,.

I am doing everything correctly.

The problem seems to be that no heat from the engine gets to the heat exchanger. So when I turn th fan switch on, the pipes that carry (presumably the fluid) that come from the engine in through the bulk head dont get hot.

if I turn the heating on in the van, going the other way it's ok. Steffan suggested a blown fuse but the fan light comes on so I've checked them as well and they are fine, someone else suggested it's not plugged in, common error but I cant see that all looks ok, and or something along the lines of the inline pump not working or something about a valve in the engine stuck shut?

I'm not actually overly sure of the mechanics of it tbf but it does look/seem quite simple. .. heat from engine trvales the pipes, heats the heat exchanger which heats the heating system... Press the fan button to make this happen and presumably this opens up a valve in the pipe work from the engine.

problem is I can see anything as there is not much to see in an A class other than this great big engine.

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[funflair]

it just doesn't work. The factory were not allowed to look at it. However he did confirm a couple of things,.

I am doing everything correctly.

The problem seems to be that no heat from the engine gets to the heat exchanger. So when I turn th fan switch on, the pipes that carry (presumably the fluid) that come from the engine in through the bulk head dont get hot.

if I turn the heating on in the van, going the other way it's ok. Steffan suggested a blown fuse but the fan light comes on so I've checked them as well and they are fine, someone else suggested it's not plugged in, common error but I cant see that all looks ok, and or something along the lines of the inline pump not working or something about a valve in the engine stuck shut?

I'm not actually overly sure of the mechanics of it tbf but it does look/seem quite simple. .. heat from engine trvales the pipes, heats the heat exchanger which heats the heating system... Press the fan button to make this happen and presumably this opens up a valve in the pipe work from the engine.

problem is I can see anything as there is not much to see in an A class other than this great big engine.

In its most basic form it is as you say, warm water from the engine passes through the heat exchanger (there is usually a valve to switch this off) if you turn on the Alde heating and the fluid moves around the system it gets warm so warming the radiators, you say “if I turn the heating on in the van going the other way it’s OK” do you mean that the other side of the heat exchanger gets warm? That’s good otherwise your heating wouldn’t work at all, so if above is correct the problem is the water from the engine is not circulating, I don’t think it will be an electric circulating pump problem as that is only for heating the engine from the Alde but yes there could be a solenoid valve somewhere that isn’t opening. All this would be really helpful if I knew where that valve was but guess what, sorry I haven’t a clue, do you have a manual valve at the heat exchanger?

 

[Silver-Fox]

Wow, it's certainly a lot of money to get the cambelt changed?

There’s a fair bit of work changing the belt, and the water pump is a bit involved and the size of a small Country.

The parts for a full service should cost around £100 including fuel filter.
BUT the boxes and oil won’t have FIAT on them but will be oe.
For that you pay double.

Daughter just had her Fiat 130 multijet 2016 cam belt, water pump and gearbox oil changed for £640 by a very good qualified spanner monkey

edit I did the service

 

[G7UXG]

Fortunately I have the new auto box so no need for the comformatic work.

I’d check whether the gearbox needs a service, oil and filter change. It’s the same box (a ZF) as the one fitted to my Mercedes based motorhome (Mercedes call it something else but it’s got a ZF badge on it). Mercedes recommend a gearbox service with the first service. Don’t know whether Fiat recommend the same. I think there’s a gauze filter in the bottom of the gearbox.
I was surprised it cost more than the engine service at a Mercedes workshop.

 

[haganap]

In its most basic form it is as you say, warm water from the engine passes through the heat exchanger (there is usually a valve to switch this off) if you turn on the Alde heating and the fluid moves around the system it gets warm so warming the radiators, you say “if I turn the heating on in the van going the other way it’s OK” do you mean that the other side of the heat exchanger gets warm? That’s good otherwise your heating wouldn’t work at all, so if above is correct the problem is the water from the engine is not circulating, I don’t think it will be an electric circulating pump problem as that is only for heating the engine from the Alde but yes there could be a solenoid valve somewhere that isn’t opening. All this would be really helpful if I knew where that valve was but guess what, sorry I haven’t a clue, do you have a manual valve at the heat exchanger?

You mean the valve to turn it on and off in summer? If so yes.

Case of getting someone that knows what they're doing to look for it..

That's more difficult than finding the solenoid

 

[Orion]

Also most Fiat Professionals don't do updates unless there is a problem the exception is Adams Morey at Portsmouth they always apply the updates.

As we have the 5 year extended Fiat warranty I’ve bitten the bullet and booked the 2 year service with our supplying dealer Chelston, who are also Fiat Professional accredited. Bit pricey IMHO at £525 inc vat, but it is what it is, plus they assure me that any software updates will be applied and apparently when it’s plugged in the Fiat mothership has everything completed registered against the VIN.

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[Mleabon]

I have a 2020 Fiat Ducato based motorhome that I want serviced.

Its on the 9 speed gearbox and a tag axle.

I've always had my vans serviced by my local chap who never lets me down. However, due to the complexity of these things and the fact I have an issue with the Heat Exchanger that could potentially be cab based I thought I would get it done by a fiat professional. The rationale for this is so that it can be plugged in and all if any software updates from Fiat can be carried out.

My nearest Fiat Pro is of course at TW Stafford. I've been given a price of £996 including VAT which consists of 274 in parts and 700+ in labour. This is of course before the heat exchanger is investigated.

Does this sound expensive for a fiat professional garage?

Are there any others in the North West that service a ln 8m motorhome?

God knows what they will want for the cam belt when that's due.

I have mine serviced and MOT'ed for £500 approx. but not FIAT professional.

 

[Nigel L]

Just had the first 2 year service on our 2022 series 8 Ducato at Motorvogue in Bury St Edmunds, who are Fiat Professional. They charged £639 which included brake fluid change.
Their hourly labour rate appears to be £145 per hour from the invoice.
I did ring a couple of different garages, but they were higher than what I paid.
Have to say, Motorvogue have been very good and seem very helpful.

 

[haganap]

Is there anywhere to find a service scheduled?

 

[activecampers]

2020 is coming up for cambelt next year (4y on commercial, 5y on campervans I BELIEVE)
I've a quote for £1100 from a Fiat Pro motorhome specialist to do the below and booked in early next year (timing my choice)
(and they do check/update ECUs which is vvvvvvv important - your friendly mates garage will not be able to)

Large Service to include oil change, brake fluid change, oil, air, pollen and fuel filter change. Also cambelt and any aux belts (yours may have aux belt) £1099.00 inc VAT

Their other prices (which make more regular oil changes less painful!) Yes expensive but Fiat Pro, the correct parts, and they are specialist/experienced in vans which IMO is worth a lot.

Small service - Oil & Filter change, lights and levels check £269
Full service – All filters(oil, air, pollen & fuel), oil and brake fluid change £525
Small service and cambelt - £899
Cambelt only - £699

All prices include labour parts and VAT

 

[activecampers]

As we have the 5 year extended Fiat warranty I’ve bitten the bullet and booked the 2 year service with our supplying dealer Chelston, who are also Fiat Professional accredited. Bit pricey IMHO at £525 inc vat, but it is what it is, plus they assure me that any software updates will be applied and apparently when it’s plugged in the Fiat mothership has everything completed registered against the VIN.

Thats who I use. In my experience they do what they say (I did ECU dumps pre/post service and it was correctly updated and set). THe van was in the workshop for quite a long time (tracker) so wasn't rushed which also inspired confidence

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[haganap]

2020 is coming up for cambelt next year (4y on commercial, 5y on campervans I BELIEVE)
I've a quote for £1100 from a Fiat Pro motorhome specialist to do the below and booked in early next year (timing my choice)
(and they do check/update ECUs which is vvvvvvv important - your friendly mates garage will not be able to)

Large Service to include oil change, brake fluid change, oil, air, pollen and fuel filter change. Also cambelt and any aux belts (yours may have aux belt) £1099.00 inc VAT

Their other prices (which make more regular oil changes less painful!) Yes expensive but Fiat Pro, the correct parts, and they are specialist/experienced in vans which IMO is worth a lot.

Small service - Oil & Filter change, lights and levels check £269
Full service – All filters(oil, air, pollen & fuel), oil and brake fluid change £525
Small service and cambelt - £899
Cambelt only - £699

All prices include labour parts and VAT

Thanks
Very useful, where is this garage?

 

[activecampers]

Thanks
Very useful, where is this garage?

Chelston Motorhomes in somerset.

 

[bigtree]

Cost me £516 for the first service and the pricks never noticed that the coolant level was below the minimum.
Motus Glasgow.

 

[buzz1]

I had my van done by fp in Somerset ,
Mot /cam belt /full service £1100 happy with price but not quality of workmanship, when van was ready I went to start it , wouldn’t start out comes battery on a trolly with jump leads and they jump started it , paperwork showed / staff said battery was good , only excuse given was doors etc open day as lot was done during day .
Dash board vibrated whilst driving home checked it out when I got home found 3 screws on floor.
Tried next day started first time ,
Then a week later ready for trip to Switzerland you guessed it didn’t start ,
Managed to get it started and it was obviously naf I brought hand held battery jump starter incase didn’t start on train , as I had planned to renew battery on route through France
which I did.
Been perfect since and that was in June.
And I’ve had just as bad experience recently with habitation check ,
van actually fine i just don’t trust fp in Somerset
Will be looking else in future.

 

[peterc10]

The heat exchanger will not be a Fiat part. It is probably an Alde unit. Their UK base is in Wellingborough and the people there are very helpful. Give them a ring on 01933 677765