Fiat Stilo Common Problems and Solutions
Hard To Start
Problem:
It is getting harder to get the engine to turn over, and there may be blue smoke coming from the exhaust. You may also hear the occasional cracking sound when the engine is running. The check engine light is on.
Solution:
This combination of symptoms is a sign that your engine is on the way out and will need to be replaced. Depending on the age of the car, it may be more cost-effective to scrap it and invest in a new vehicle. If that's not doable, then you can have a new engine delivered by BreakerYard, but you'll need to know what you're doing when it comes to installing it.
Difficulty level
Slow Acceleration
Problem:
The car is accelerating more slowly than it used to, and the exhaust is very loud. There may also be a banging sound coming from beneath the car.
Solution:
The exhaust on the Stilo is very durable, but it has been known to develop faults as it gets older. Check for any parts of the exhaust that are corroded or damaged, and replace them with new ones from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Rattling From Front of Car
Problem:
You can hear a rattling sound coming from the front of the car when you're driving.
Solution:
This will be your drop links, which have either worn out or been damaged. This is quite an easy job to do yourself, and you can find new drop links easily on our parts page for the Stilo.
Difficulty level
Gears Slipping
Problem:
Your gears keep slipping, and your clutch pedal is very stiff. There may also be a slight burning smell when driving.
Solution:
The flywheel on the Stilo is prone to fail, which is what's causing your gear problems. The good news is that the flywheel for the Stilo is significantly cheaper than it is on the majority of cars. The bad news is that it's a fiddly part to access. You'll have to remove the wiper fluid container and the battery unless you've got very skinny fingers. However, you can order a new flywheel from our parts list for quick delivery.
Difficulty level
Heavy oil consumption
Problem:
The Fiat Stilo is known for having heavy oil consumption. This is not a problem as such, but if you don't keep a regular check on the oil levels, it could well become a problem.
Solution:
Make sure you keep checking the oil level on the dipstick, making sure the level is between the min – max lines.
Difficulty level
Knocking noise
Problem:
If you have started to hear a knocking noise coming from the suspension when driving over rough surfaces or speed bumps then you most likely have a problem with the shock absorbers.
Solution:
You will need to fit replacement shock absorbers to fix this problem.
Difficulty level
Electric problems
Problem:
The Fiat Stilo is known for having electrical problems. This could be a number of things, from the irregular idling, starting problems or dashboard lights. The usual cause of this type of problems on the Stilo, is the ECU.
Solution:
You will need to have the ECU updated, or even re-set to sort this problem. You are best taking the vehicle to a professional. Watch the video below for an alternative solution:
Difficulty level
Airbag warning light
Problem:
If you have noticed that the airbag warning light has come on the dashboard, it doesn't always mean that the airbag is at fault. On the Stilo it is usually one of 2 causes: a fault with the dashboard or seat sensors.
Solution:
You will need to have a diagnostic check done to determine exactly which sensor is faulty, and have the faulty sensor replaced to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Rear heated window problems
Problem:
The rear heated windows on the Stilo is known for failing. If you have noticed that when you turn on the rear heated window on a cold or wet day and it doesn't work, the heated strips are most likely broken.
Solution:
You will need to have the rear glass changed, as the heated strips are inside the glass. Fitting replacement glass will fix the problem. Search for your discounted replacement glass from our glass parts page here.
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