Ducato engine rain water diverter issue

[andyelbac]

Hi, I recently saw a You Tube video which demonstrated an issue with the rubber seal which sits at the bottom of the Ducato windscreen and whose purpose appears to be to divert rainwater from running into the engine bay. Apparently on previous models this rubber seal would not seat properly, allowing water to ingress into the engine compartment, causing significant issues over time. We have a 22 plate Burstner on the Ducato chassis and after watching the video decided to check the rain diverter on our van. Sure enough, there is a gap of at least 2mm between seal and window over a 6" section about halfway across the windscreen. To be sure, I opened up the bonnet, carefully poured water on the windscreen above the seal and Yep, water came through the gap and into engine bay. I plan on calling Fiat tomorrow to see what, if anything, can be done about it. Is it a warranty issue? More importantly, how can this still be an issue when it seems to have been a known problem for literally years? I note the solution offered in the You Tube video was to inject silicone sealant between the rain diverter and windscreen. It looked effective but it also looked very Heath Robinson. Not really the look I'm looking for on our brand new Burstner. Any ideas?

 

[Diabalo]

Loads of threads about this on here, as you say it should haave been sorted by now as this problem has been around since 2007 I believe.

 

[andyelbac]

It does seem remarkable that it's still an issue. I recall reading that the Ducato is the biggest selling cab and chassis for Motorhomes in Europe, over 500,000. Amazing to think that FIAT have not addressed the issue.

 

[XxAnthxX]

Amazing to think that FIAT have not addressed the issue.

Wait till you start to read about the airbag ECU issues

 

[activecampers]

Wait till you start to read about the airbag ECU issues

Thats across the sevel range, and usually caused by "human error" like disconnecting battery not following the 20 step official procedure, or letting battery go flat, or using unsuitable chargers or habitation connections. It rarely fails by itself. (its very voltage sensitive, so going flat, or induced "spikes" is the killer. Hugely common in the self-build arena when battery either goes flat due to non use, or is removed/disconnected without following the procedures, or using cheap relays to connect the habitation or other loads)

Anyway, as for OP question, yes I had the same and just added sealant and helped divert the bulk. Also keep all the scuttle drains clear - they easily block with debris

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[XxAnthxX]

Thats across the sevel range, and usually caused by "human error" like disconnecting battery not following the 20 step official procedure, or letting battery go flat, or using unsuitable chargers or habitation connections. It rarely fails by itself. (its very voltage sensitive, so going flat, or induced "spikes" is the killer. Hugely common in the self-build arena when battery either goes flat due to non use, or is removed/disconnected without following the procedures, or using cheap relays to connect the habitation or other loads)

A quick search of the forum will tell you otherwise……

Maybe “occasionally“ caused by human error

 

[TUCANO]

Known as Scuttlegate back in 2006, disgusting to know that it is still prevelant.

 

[Phill D]

Thats across the sevel range, and usually caused by "human error" like disconnecting battery not following the 20 step official procedure, or letting battery go flat, or using unsuitable chargers or habitation connections. It rarely fails by itself. (it’s very voltage sensitive, so going flat, or induced "spikes" is the killer. Hugely common in the self-build arena when battery either goes flat due to non use, or is removed/disconnected without following the procedures, or using cheap relays to connect the habitation or other loads

If this is human error why is it not happening on the majority of motor cars or other base vehicle motor homes.

But that debate is not for this particular thread

 

[Stealaway]

We have a 19 plate that has the huge drain pipes in the gutter under the screen.
We don't get any water into the engine bay now.
No sure about water passing under the glass seal

 

[activecampers]

If this is human error why is it not happening on the majority of motor cars or other base vehicle motor homes.

But that debate is not for this particular thread

It is the airbag module used on sevel vans that is sensitive, and motorhomes are used less (batteries go flat) and people disconnect/connect the batteries without RTFM and converters (DIY or otherwise) use cheap interfaces to habitation (VSRs, or cheaper relay setups) which cause the airbag module to see over voltage spikes (and lock out) or under voltage etc.

So not related to other cars or other base vehicles. Yes, the module is sensitive, but the "cause" of most failures is the above. Rarely do they fail by themselves. Hence the comment on "human error" - and normally people just not knowing they are sensitive and they can't just disconnect the battery or jump start as they'd expect.

I have seen a few fail from water ingress, but the majority is voltage spikes for the above reasons. Awareness on this is key as most threads on the build forums asking on this topic is after the event of them doing one of the above.

YMMV.

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[activecampers]

A quick search of the forum will tell you otherwise……

Maybe “occasionally“ caused by human error

Not seen many threads on here with info on if battery has been run low (and started on a nearly flat battery) Or chargers connected without battery removed? Or jump started or jump starting? Or battery removed/connected without following procedures, or with what relays, VSRs, or B2Bs to habitation areas?

On the self build forums where people tend to give more info or know more about the real history, the cause generally has a reason in the areas I've mentioned in this thread

Human error may be a blunt comment, maybe "caused by something someone did without knowing the potential consequences" is a little softer.

How many people know the full safe procedure to disconnect and reconnect the battery? Not many.

 

[critch]

Wait till you start to read about the airbag ECU issues

Can you elaborate please, as our Ducato 2013 has just gone in to remedy two air bag lights, the seat belt light, and the mileage total flashing constantly?

 

[Gellyneck]

Can you elaborate please, as our Ducato 2013 has just gone in to remedy two air bag lights, the seat belt light, and the mileage total flashing constantly?

If you search for "airbag ecu" you'll find a number of threads about this issue, eg -

Another Potential Airbag ECU

After 10 weeks away we have joined the Airbag light club. It was intermittent when we moved on, now permanent and no, definitely not the wires under the seats. Almost 100% certain it's the ECU Booked into Adams Moray in Southampton for them to look at it on Friday. Fingers crossed the extended...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Airbag ECU failed again, advice appreciated

Hi all, I have read most of the information on the threads but still need advice. Do we have it repaired (reset ) again £84 at last reset? Do we invest in a new one £300 +(are they any better have the manufacturers sorted this problem of low voltage at crank)? Do we invest in a reset...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Airbag ecu again

We have a 2014 Carthage on a Ducato base and have suffered the common air bag ecu issue. The vehicle battery was replaced 6 months ago and I have just replaced the engine earth strap and added an additional earth strap from the top of the engine to the body, both using tinned copper braid. The...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Fiat ducato air bag warning light is on…..AGAIN.

For the 3rd time in less than 12 months the air bag warning light is back on the dash.The last time was 6 weeks ago when it cost me £88 with crashdata to have the module reprogrammed.I did ask the question then why has it gone again.One of the replies it could be high voltage when starting the...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[activecampers]

Can you elaborate please, as our Ducato 2013 has just gone in to remedy two air bag lights, the seat belt light, and the mileage total flashing constantly?

Mileage flashing is the body computer losing connection to a module - so if, say, you've removed the radio (which has a CAN connection) or (say) another module has become disconnected. A proxy-align can stop this (e.g. "oy - relearn what modules you can see") - but you'd want to work out what module has stopped working and why, so full diags needed really.

Airbag/seat-belt could be anything from broken cable/connector upwards - depends on who modified what when they did the conversion etc.

The airbag module failure issues are *generally* due to the module being very sensitive on voltages and trip/fail/lock out and need replacing/sending off to be reset. (See my above posts for many reasons why). Some also get wet due to spillages or leaks. But thats the main reasons for module "failure" - you'd need diags (if its still talking to you!) to see what it says the issues are. If its not talking and is dead - then the usual connections, corrosion, or a specialist like "CrashData" [Broken Link Removed] can diagnose/advise further.

With the flashing mileage, its possible another module has failed (could be simple wire/plug or more) and just stops the bus seeing the airbag module. But thats where full diagnostics and wiring diagrams come into play.

IMO the main issue is finding someone who is a diagnostician rather than just plug in a code reader and tell you what it says....