Fiat Ducato Radio Timeout

Alan191
Alan191 Forum Participant Posts: 9
edited August 2023 in Motorhomes #1

Earlier this year we bought a Swift motorhome and quickly ran into the Fiat Ducato 20 minute radio timeout problem.

Neither Swift nor Fiat showed any interest in fixing this, but Fiat/Stellantis said that we could replace the radio at our own expense if we weren't happy. Their complete indifference was extremely irritating, particularly as a "Campervan Mode" with 180 minute timeout was an option in the owner config settings on earlier models. No explanation or technical reason was given on why this was no longer available.

The CAMC Legal Advice Service response was that under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, particularly Section 10, the short timeout made the radio unfit for purpose in the context of use in a motorhome habitation unit and that we would be able to seek redress. (NB: They said that notice had to be given to the dealer within 6 months of purchase and we’re within this.) We've given the dealer notice of our intention to proceed.

Our preference is for Fiat to make a change to the timeout threshold available for all owners through their dealer network - maybe to 250 minutes - and standard on all new Ducatos being supplied for motorhome builds. However, if we have to look at getting the unit replaced then we intend to do this and expect the dealer to cover the all the costs involved.

I've written to CAMC, the CaCC, the NCC and motorhome magazines about this and logged the issue with Trading Standards. I'm also posting this in different forums to raise awareness of the position. It would be helpful if owners start to press this with dealers, manufacturers and Fiat with the aim of getting a config change made available. Fiat/Stellantis might find this an easier option than the prospect of thousands of radio units being replaced and the financial, environmental and reputational cost that would result.

Fiat say the 20 minute timeout is to protect the vehicle battery from draining, but as users simply can switch the unit back on when it switches off, this isn't actually achieved.

The condition of the battery displays in the vehicle information display and a rather better solution might be to disable accessories when the battery charge drops below a defined level and to warn the user. This would protect the battery for motorhome owners off-grid while enabling indefinite accessory use for those connected to mains power and/or with a solar panel providing battery charge when the engine isn't running.

A rather better way to protect the battery?

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #2

    Well done, Alan, and good luck. It’s long been a bugbear with MH owners.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,382 ✭
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    edited August 2023 #3

    I find it better and easier to listen to radio channels either on the satellite channels or the Internet.

    Best of luck with your quest.

    peedee

  • Lukeledge
    Lukeledge Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited August 2023 #4

    When I got a reversing camera fitted I got the auto electrician to wire the radio to a.  direct feed from the battery. It means the radio is switched on independent of the ignition.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,382 ✭
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    edited August 2023 #5

    But that does not stop the time out which is built into the radio.

    peedee

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,555 ✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #6

    An acquaintance advises connecting the red and yellow from the radio into the yellow and leave the red and it's on all the time.

  • Lukeledge
    Lukeledge Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited August 2023 #7

    I thought the delay was built into the Body Control Module of the vehicle rather than  the radio fitted.

  • Randomcamper
    Randomcamper Club Member Posts: 1,062 ✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #8

    After listening to Zoe Ball witter on for 20 minutes I'm quite happy for the radio to turn off......smile

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #9

    Other stations are available 😄

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2023 #10

    This may or may not be coincidence but it appears Auto Sleeper have started fitting an on/off switch to (some?) new MHs. The purpose of the switch is to let the radio remain on indefinitely. Users think the radio runs on a permanent live feed from the vehicle battery and by-passes the ignition switch.

    Not before time!

     

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,382 ✭
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    edited September 2023 #11

    You might be right because I have never bothered to prove to myself any different, it was just what I have read elsewhere. Like I said up thread I listen to the radio via satellite or the internet when parked up.

    peedee

  • DrX
    DrX Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited February 25 #12

    @Alan191can you give an update.

    Did you follow the advice you received from the "CAMC Legal Advice Service"?

     

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