Joined the Comfortmatic failure club

[Smudger55]

How did the clutch 'give in' - was it mechanical clunks, slipping clutch or gear selection problems?

When I arrived and parked there was a "noise" from the transmission. The technician later advised, for want of a better way of explaining it, had gone.

 

[Smudger55]

If it were us, (whilst appreciating the expense), we'd rather tie the Adams Morey appointment in with the planned departure from Blighty's southern shores, ie, two birds with one stone.

Good luck whatever your decision,

Jock.

Like your idea but our confidence, for a third time has been shattered, we will always be wondering when it's going to break down again. Financially it's costing us a fortune. Cheers Smudger55

 

[Smudger55]

Sorry to learn of your issues especially as I was the OP.

Low mileage may not come into it as I suspect the lack of use was probably a factor with mine dying.

One thing, albeit cold comfort with that estimate, is it will be based on the diagnostic codes thrown out. Adams Morey as they open it up will genuinely look at stuff and change their opinions and need to replace bits depending on what they see. But it can take a while as their garage space availability for non prebooked is often overcapacity so they are juggling stuff.

Thanks Kannon Fodda, I had pre-empted leaving it there but as I posted, I could not drive it home anyway. The cost could come down once they have taken the gearbox out.

 

[WESTY66]

I should bloody well hope so with a 5.5 grand quote.

I think he’s said worse case scenario, yes it’s a lot of money, but it’s a big expensive ornament if it’s not done, but the point I was trying to make is when they’ve had their hands on it, I’d like to hope that he could start trusting it again

 

[JockandRita]

Like your idea but our confidence, for a third time has been shattered, we will always be wondering when it's going to break down again. Financially it's costing us a fortune. Cheers Smudger55

I genuinely feel so sorry for you @Smudge55.

Yet again, I am reminded of the practicalities of the good old fashioned 5/6 x speed manual gearboxes.

My very best wishes to you getting it all sorted, with the very minimal of expense possible.

Cheers,

Jock.

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[Smudger55]

Don’t forget funsters 10% discount

Simon wouldn't give 10% discount he said it was on service and MOTs only

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Simon wouldn't give 10% discount he said it was on service and MOTs only

Hmm the offer image in the subscription area says parts and servicing. So would hope there is at least money off any replacement parts, which at Fiat prices are extortionate.

Having said that from my disaster a year ago I do believe Simon did his best to lose or discount some of the cost I could have incurred at standard pricing.

 

[Smudger55]

Hmm the offer image in the subscription area says parts and servicing. So would hope there is at least money off any replacement parts, which at Fiat prices are extortionate.

Having said that from my disaster a year ago I do believe Simon did his best to lose or discount some of the cost I could have incurred at standard pricing.

That's what I thought having looked at the offer image. I have messaged Jim for clarification.

 

[Smudger55]

I am being charged £2000 labour plus vat, this being the worst case scenario. That was for 16hrs labour, therefore £125ph plus vat.

This does seem expensive, I don't know, what do others think?

They will be etting fed up with me soon with all my queries.

Ha.... a RED was downed by management and I last night...... in anger

 

[Smudger55]

Well repair has been completed and MHOME now back at home.

Will this be the end of my FIAT failures, I don't know but we can't wait to get away and hopefully plan a trip abroad in September.

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[sharewood]

Hmm the offer image in the subscription area says parts and servicing. So would hope there is at least money off any replacement parts, which at Fiat prices are extortionate.

Having said that from my disaster a year ago I do believe Simon did his best to lose or discount some of the cost I could have incurred at standard pricing.

 

[Lenny HB]

Having said that from my disaster a year ago I do believe Simon did his best to lose or discount some of the cost I could have incurred at standard pricing.

Yes he does try but restricted by the new owners I think.

When I had my airbag ECU done, not only did he fit me in at 8 am the next morning also gave me a bit of a discount on the labour.

 

[Dorset Diver]

Last Wednesday Adams Morey Portsmouth did the comfortmatic fluid change and kiss point relearn thing on our 2015 van. It had never been done before but even so it was still running pretty well. Since then I have driven it for about 120 miles and I confess that it does seem to be changing gear more quickly and smoothly. So, despite the engineer reporting that the fluid was clean and in good condition at present I don't feel that I have wasted my hard earned.

 

[WESTY66]

I bet they’re sick of seeing motorhomes

 

[Freo]

Yes he does try but restricted by the new owners I think.

When I had my airbag ECU done, not only did he fit me in at 8 am the next morning also gave me a bit of a discount on the labour.

With all the business you’ve brought them via this forum you should be getting all yer servicing fer nowt, Lenny.

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[Grimsbygranny]

Last Wednesday Adams Morey Portsmouth did the comfortmatic fluid change and kiss point relearn thing on our 2015 van. It had never been done before but even so it was still running pretty well. Since then I have driven it for about 120 miles and I confess that it does seem to be changing gear more quickly and smoothly. So, despite the engineer reporting that the fluid was clean and in good condition at present I don't feel that I have wasted my hard earned.

Had mine done last month at Portsmouth, following recommendations on here. Also seems gear changes are smoother.

 

[Bevlar]

Last Wednesday Adams Morey Portsmouth did the comfortmatic fluid change and kiss point relearn thing on our 2015 van. It had never been done before but even so it was still running pretty well. Since then I have driven it for about 120 miles and I confess that it does seem to be changing gear more quickly and smoothly. So, despite the engineer reporting that the fluid was clean and in good condition at present I don't feel that I have wasted my hard earned.

Exactly the same as you Dorset Diver. Had our done last Tuesday at AM Portsmouth again a 2015 A Class never had a issue with the comfortmatic after 22k miles. They suggested to have it done again in 1 to 2 years time. They were very quick and efficient. It's just a shame there aren't more good Fiat professionals that can undertake this work nearer to home as its a long trip from Suffolk for an hours work.

 

[madkoka]

The new Fiat auto is a 9 speed ZF box; proper auto and an absolute dream to drive according to those who have one.

Next van will almost certainly have this option

I’ve got a 21 plate with the 9 speed and it’s brilliant

 

[Gringo2]

Got ours back after Pressure Diaphragm failure due to Dot4 contamination as detailed in earlier thread.
Now in Provence in the sun.
You just need to get back on the horse..

 

[Bessy765]

We live in Plymouth but following the lack of customer care at our local Fiat it’s Adams Morey for us every time. As stated we had the four year fluid change and kiss point as well as the full four year service and MOT also brought the cam belt (recommended at 5 years) forward as hopefully will be in Portugal when it would have been due. Excellent service will be my go to from now on.

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[Smudger55]

Simon wouldn't give 10% discount he said it was on service and MOTs only

Simon did in the end give me some discount, gratefully appreciated

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Went into a local motorhome place on Tuesday and got talking to a salesman, got around to gearboxes and they have spent over £12k on comformatic gearbox repairs on the vans they have taken in PX
Saying they are more careful now and give all of them a good road test

 

[deemac]

Comfortmatics need to be properly maintained. I just had mine checked and clutch fluids changed after 5 years and was surprised at how much better the gear change was after it. There was nothing actually wrong with it before the maintenance and I suspect that many people just don't bother with preventative maintenance. I wouldn't buy a comfortmatic more than 4 or 5yrs old without evidence of proper maintenance.

 

[Saucer]

I know this thread might be biased but wondering…I know that the 9-speed autos are probably best of all, but would you pick a manual over the comfort magic?

 

[Lenny HB]

I know this thread might be biased but wondering…I know that the 9-speed autos are probably best of all, but would you pick a manual over the comfort magic?

No, manual boxes on a van have awful cable changes and the clutch is heavy compared to a car.
Anything that makes driving easier has got to be worth having.
Had two Comformatic without problems.

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[WESTY66]

No, manual boxes on van have awful cable changes and the clutch is heavy compared to a car.
Anything that makes driving easier has got to be worth having.
Had two Comformatic without problems.

Likewise here, 2 comfortmatics, zero problems

 

[Pausim]

I now have a 9 speed but I would still choose a Comfortmatic over a manual. Just make sure it has been properly maintained with the clutch fluid replaced at the required intervals.

 

[MichaelT]

Likewise here, 2 comfortmatics, zero problems

Same here, just traded 2nd one in 32,500 miles with no blips or issues. Must admit the new 2.2 engine with the 9 speed box is a sheer delight to drive, more like a car than truck and once the engine gets worn in I'm sure it will be a lot better revving and picking up speed.

 

[dayo]

I’m not sure what the people who have had comfortmatic gearbox failures are trying to achieve.
Other than devaluing the price of YOUR/OUR motorhomes and most certainly making it more difficult to to sell.
It would be interesting to find out if any of the people who have followed Fiats clutch hydraulic oil change instructions have subsequently had failures or if you’ve had a failure have you done the hydraulic oil change as per Fiat and Adam Moreys recommendations.
One thing is certain though Fiat won’t care/bother.

 

[Littlewheels]

Yes, three Comformatics no problems even with lots of punishment on the climbs in the Alps,Pyrenees and so on.

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