Fiat crash valve

[Drabbers]

An interesting thing happened to me on an A road in driving back from the CMC site in Dulverton Exmoor. I hit pothole that rattled the filling in my teeth. Nothing new in this on UK roads.
Instantly the engine stopped, the hazard warning lights came on the steering went heavy and I had no power. I managed to coast to a safe place. The dash board had the image of a fuel pump with a line through it.
Having got out and checked the van everything seamed ok but no matter how much I tried the engine would not start.
So after some head scratching I phoned the recovery service. They were very helpful and diagnosed the problem was that the crash valve had activated. They said van thought that it had been in a crash and turned the fuel off for safety.
Having been Motorhoming for many years I had never come across this issue.
The people at Green flag were great and managed to talk me through resetting the valve over the phone. This required me crawl between the two front seats to find the valve that’s situated in the passenger footwell behind the plastic casing covering the wheel arch by the bulkhead. It would have been easier to open the passenger door but I had come to a stop so close to a wall I could not open the door enough. Having located the valve which you can’t see, with my fingers I pushing the button on the top the valve it clicked and like magic everything worked again.
I am sure to the more experienced on this site this it’s a well known issue but it was new to me. Just shows everyday is a school day.
I hope this helps others who find themselves in the same situation.

 

[L' Hobo]

An interesting thing happened to me on an A road in driving back from the CMC site in Dulverton Exmoor. I hit pothole that rattled the filling in my teeth. Nothing new in this on UK roads.
Instantly the engine stopped, the hazard warning lights came on the steering went heavy and I had no power. I managed to coast to a safe place. The dash board had the image of a fuel pump with a line through it.
Having got out and checked the van everything seamed ok but no matter how much I tried the engine would not start.
So after some head scratching I phoned the recovery service. They were very helpful and diagnosed the problem was that the crash valve had activated. They said van thought that it had been in a crash and turned the fuel off for safety.
Having been Motorhoming for many years I had never come across this issue.
The people at Green flag were great and managed to talk me through resetting the valve over the phone. This required me crawl between the two front seats to find the valve that’s situated in the passenger footwell behind the plastic casing covering the wheel arch by the bulkhead. It would have been easier to open the passenger door but I had come to a stop so close to a wall I could not open the door enough. Having located the valve which you can’t see, with my fingers I pushing the button on the top the valve it clicked and like magic everything worked again.
I am sure to the more experienced on this site this it’s a well known issue but it was new to me. Just shows everyday is a school day.
I hope this helps others who find themselves in the same situation.

Thankyou for such a good description, I'm sure it will be very helpful to many others!

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

I found this out in a YouTube video a few years ago but had forgotten all about it,
I think it was for a Peugeot Boxer

 

[Bill-H]

The Fiat Ducato X250 (2006 - 14 ?) model has this valve in the centre of the cab floor just forward of the battery a quick google tells me.

 

[cyberyacht]

Had it happen to me in France about three years ago. Being an A Class the button is a bit less accessible although in the standard position behind panelling. At the time it entailed a phone call to the UK dealer to confirm its location.

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[GeoffnDee]

The Fiat Ducato X250 (2006 - 14 ?) model has this valve in the centre of the cab floor just forward of the battery a quick google tells me.

That is the airbag ECU , a sealed unit , the crash sensor switch that can be reset , if required , is in the position Drabbers has found.
Behind the passenger side foot well kick panel , near the top front edge of the panel .

 

[Lenny HB]

Had it happen to me in France about three years ago. Being an A Class the button is a bit less accessible although in the standard position behind panelling. At the time it entailed a phone call to the UK dealer to confirm its location.

Are you keeping it secret as some of us Carthago owners would like to know exactly where.

 

[Bill-H]

That is the airbag ECU , a sealed unit , the crash sensor switch that can be reset , if required , is in the position Drabbers has found.
Behind the passenger side foot well kick panel , near the top front edge of the panel .

Ah ok, what model/years does it apply to please, there was no mention in the original post.

 

[Drabbers]

Sorry for not giving this information, It is a 2016 Rollerteam Pergaso A class on a Fiat chassis

 

[GeoffnDee]

Ah ok, what model/years does it apply to please, there was no mention in the original post.

It is in the left side foot well position from 2006 onwards, Fiat Ducato Peugeot Boxer etc , I believe that the crash sensor switch can be found under the bonnet near the starter battery on earlier models.
The location of the crash /safety cut out switch can sometimes be found in the , base van , owners handbook.

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[Bill-H]

It is in the left side foot well position from 2006 onwards, Fiat Ducato Peugeot Boxer etc , I believe that the crash sensor switch can be found under the bonnet near the starter battery on earlier models.
The location of the crash /safety cut out switch can sometimes be found in the , base van , owners handbook.

Thanks for that informtion, does this also apply to left hand drive models?

 

[cyberyacht]

Are you keeping it secret as some of us Carthago owners would like to know exactly where.

Behind the panelling left-hand passenger footwell. Tucked well down so I hope you have long fingers.

 

[GeoffnDee]

Thanks for that informtion, does this also apply to left hand drive models?

I would not see any reason for it to be elsewhere other than at the same position on a lhd. model (but I do not know for sure)

 

[Figaro]

For anyone with a older Fiat x244, it's next to the cab battery fixed to the bulkhead circled in red here

 

[IRHP]

It would make a great anti theft device.

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[GeoffnDee]

It would make a great anti theft device.

Not advised If it sets the hazard warning lights off , as it does when activated (it also unlocks the doors)

 

[cyberyacht]

and beeps persistently. After nearly an hour it gets a bit annoying.