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Multiair Actuator

Nello

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Nello Newbie

Nello

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OK in all the years I've owned FCA products of all shapes and varieties I've never had a major component failure.

However a recent engine check light has revealed my MultiAir Actuator has failed. Surfing on the web its a fairly common failure on early MA cars including the Mito and Giulietta. Car is starting to stutter when cold which is the classic sign apparently. I'm now on 56k. A bit miffed as its basically had just two lady owners and has never been thrashed - and yearly oil changes as well but its just one of those I'm afraid. The replacement units for the current cars all fit but have been upgraded as the ports work loose. I'm managed to source one for £500 with another couple of £100 to fit - but theres also a possibility its taken my Turbo as well  :(

All this coincided with us looking for a 500X for Mrs Nello so we were pondering just p/x'ing the Delta - however we've decided we'd still need to go out and buy another 4-door car so I'm getting it done (MA unit first)......

No real warning I can give to fellow MA owners - first sign was what sounded like a blowing manifold on throttle then the engine check light.

:o  :huh:  :angry:

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Nello Newbie

Nello

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Not really Alan. Fiat fleet to start with then Main Dealer up until me and I use my mates garage who is an Italian Specialist. As mentioned it appears to have been an early MA unit issue (2010-2011) and has been resolved by updating the actuator ports on later - and current MultiAir engines.,....

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Rossocorsa Newbie

Rossocorsa

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Well anything is possible with main dealers, I notice on the forums that failures seem quite random in terms of mileage. No doubt they'll improve the system until it's reliable always the dangers of new tech. Fingers crossed but my diesel clunker is still ok at 67k often wish I had a petrol but this multiair issue makes me half glad I haven't. Draconian anti diesel measures promised by the government might change my mind though!
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MikeyRules Newbie

MikeyRules

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Ouch!


 


That's an expensive product fault at your expense!! Fingers crossed the turbo's ok!


 


If you're still looking for a 500x, I could probably save you at least a grand off retail price if not more as I get offered these all the time. Used of course, but they are always low miles, one owner in most spec's... Give us a shout if you're interested you can tell me what to look out for...


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Nello Newbie

Nello

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Nice one Mike! We were actually just about to go for one until the MA threw a wobbly. I've got a replacement Actuator and is being fitted tomorrow - will let you know how we get on.

 

I think we're definately going for an X though so keep your eye out.

 

Cross Plus or City Lounge (as they have the built in Sat-Nav) and pref Passione red or Art Grey.

 

:rolleyes:

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Nello Newbie

Nello

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So MA Actuator replaced and Engine Check now gone. Drives fine now although the Turbo does make a noise when cold - sounds a bit like a rattling manifold. Not using any oil though and no smoke so will carry on until we see more of an issue. If anyone sees a decent 1.4 MA Turbo going - let me know! 

 

The MA Actuator has been modified apparently - so my local dealer tell me as there were issues with the early batch - something to do with liners coming loose - mine was on No.3. 

They did say they'd not seen anyone with an upgraded Actuator (my new one is the current part) have it fail again (although a search on Alfa Owner shows a Giulietta owner who has!) - and they've not seen any issues with the 500X MA so fingers crossed.

 

Does anyone know the difference between the MA engine and the MultiAir 2 which I keep seeing or is that just the 2-cylinder?

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MikeyRules Newbie

MikeyRules

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I think we're definately going for an X though so keep your eye out.

 

Cross Plus or City Lounge (as they have the built in Sat-Nav) and pref Passione red or Art Grey.

 

:rolleyes:

Hmm had a quick look and the majority coming through the second hand market seem to be the Limited version, the occasional Longitude and a few sports. Where does Cross Plus and City Lounge sit in relation then??

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Nello Newbie

Nello

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Longtitude and Limited are Jeep Renegades Mike. The 500X comes in either City form (posher interior without the bumpers) or Cross (off road look etc.)

The Cross Plus and City Lounge are virtually the top specs in either form as they include the built-in Sat Nav. Theres only the Cross Plus 4x4 that is a higher spec as that does indeed had a full 4-wheel drive system fitted (all other are 2-wheel drive unlike the old Sedici.)

 

You are right about the twinair but I keep seeing MultiAir 2 in other FCA products.... 

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MikeyRules Newbie

MikeyRules

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Longtitude and Limited are Jeep Renegades Mike. The 500X comes in either City form (posher interior without the bumpers) or Cross (off road look etc.)

The Cross Plus and City Lounge are virtually the top specs in either form as they include the built-in Sat Nav. Theres only the Cross Plus 4x4 that is a higher spec as that does indeed had a full 4-wheel drive system fitted (all other are 2-wheel drive unlike the old Sedici.)

 

You are right about the twinair but I keep seeing MultiAir 2 in other FCA products.... 

Sorry fella I was obviously having a blonde moment doh!!

 

I'll try again... :P  :lol:

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Nello Newbie

Nello

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Update - so as per above - my ticking Turbo appeared to be getting louder - I am guessing that the failed MA unit has caused oil starvation. After consultation we figured as we still like the car and we'd only need to go out and look for another 4-door so may as well bite the bullet and get it all sorted so I've just had a new Turbo fitted. The old one could not be refurbished as the damaged component internally could not be replaced. A big gulp but have to say it was worth it. Car drives as new and pickup/performance is vastly improved! A combined new MA unit and New Turbo was yes in to four figures however I'd have spent alot more on a new car to replace so am happy. Moral of the story is for an MA owners - check for a ticking / missing on tickover. As mentioned the early MA units have an issue with oil seals - its been sorted by FCA on later cars but affects all early MA Delta/Bravo/Mito and Giulietta's. 

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MikeyRules Newbie

MikeyRules

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Ouch... Sounds like you've made the right choice though! When I looked at a new turbo for mine they were upwards of £700, but as you know I was lucky and got it refurbed.

 

So I take it that's the 500x shelved then as a result of the above? I was keeping an eye out for you, but was finding the dealers trying to keep them in the FCA network, so few and far between did any appear in the trade. To be honest the ones that did weren't any cheaper as most were achieving a grand over CAP clean!!

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