[MDriver]

Bad News/Good News???

So as some may have read I left my QV at the dealer on Monday because of a CEL which kept the car from engaging the DNA modes of the car as well as the cap for the headlight washer cover that flew off at sometime:surprise:

Got a call this AM from the service tech. He says he was on the phone for a good part of the day yesterday with the Alfa engineers that the dealerships confer with for issues. I was told the following, that Alfa expects to have a software upgrade by Friday that will address this CEL issues which apparently is the PCM? (not sure I am remembering correctly) which is not "waking up" the other sensors. this triggers the safety mode of the car and does not allow you to switch any DNA settings....So I expressed my displeasure in a calm manner. I explained to him that he needs to convey to Alfa NA what clients are saying about the QV on the internet and how the consensus is that people are more worried about reliability and dealer service more than anything....the kicker had to do with the headlight washer cap....apparently it is not just the cap??:surprise: behind the cap on the inside of the bumper is basically a clamp that holds all this in place and it broke....and the other one on the other side is loose as well:surprise: so they have my bumper off trying to fix...
@kanundrum can you comment on this as you had the same thing happen???
the good news is the "supposed" software flash that Alfa says they are putting in place to address this...
any comments from any dealer reps here???
Regards
M

 

[kanundrum]

I have not had any of this happen. Car is running super strong even the time/amount of time we had the car running with out a cap cover for the headlight washer portion. Even went in for my first oil change just to get the first 3k miles of dirt out of the motor and that went great. I am sorry to hear but I am sure we are the trendsetters for everyone else who will own in the future.

We are paving the way for a successful brand/company that has a reliable car with all the quirks worked out.

 

[MDriver]

I have not had any of this happen. Car is running super strong even the time/amount of time we had the car running with out a cap cover for the headlight washer portion. Even went in for my first oil change just to get the first 3k miles of dirt out of the motor and that went great. I am sorry to hear but I am sure we are the trendsetters for everyone else who will own in the future.

We are paving the way for a successful brand/company that has a reliable car with all the quirks worked out.

was referring to the washer cap:grin2: LOL

 

[kanundrum]

was referring to the washer cap:grin2: LOL

haha I mean I have not had the other items along with the washer cap happen for that matter! That is unfortunate!

 

[MDriver]

haha I mean I have not had the other items along with the washer cap happen for that matter! That is unfortunate!

let me re-phrase LOL can't type english so well not my first language:grin2:...
the dealer told me the cap is secured by a clip of some sort and that the clip broke from the inside causing the cap to fly off....he also mentioned that the other side is broken as well...
was your situation similar??? trying to ascertain if I'm being told a favola

 

[mc3456]

So as some may have read I left my QV at the dealer on Monday because of a CEL which kept the car from engaging the DNA modes of the car as well as the cap for the headlight washer cover that flew off at sometime:surprise:

Got a call this AM from the service tech. He says he was on the phone for a good part of the day yesterday with the Alfa engineers that the dealerships confer with for issues. I was told the following, that Alfa expects to have a software upgrade by Friday that will address this CEL issues which apparently is the PCM? (not sure I am remembering correctly) which is not "waking up" the other sensors. this triggers the safety mode of the car and does not allow you to switch any DNA settings....So I expressed my displeasure in a calm manner. I explained to him that he needs to convey to Alfa NA what clients are saying about the QV on the internet and how the consensus is that people are more worried about reliability and dealer service more than anything....the kicker had to do with the headlight washer cap....apparently it is not just the cap??:surprise: behind the cap on the inside of the bumper is basically a clamp that holds all this in place and it broke....and the other one on the other side is loose as well:surprise: so they have my bumper off trying to fix...
@kanundrum can you comment on this as you had the same thing happen???
the good news is the "supposed" software flash that Alfa says they are putting in place to address this...
any comments from any dealer reps here???
Regards
M

Curious...anything else coming as part of the software update? Would be thrilled to hear if they are addressing other items too.

 

[DaneARFOM]

Curious...anything else coming as part of the software update? Would be thrilled to hear if they are addressing other items too.

So I was kind of joking about phone updates, but not really. I reference apple a lot, because I've had iPhone after iPhone since they came out in 07 or 08. Every time a new one comes out, 3-4 weeks later there is always a big update that fixes a whole slew of minor issues and one that quite a few people have experienced. How many times have you looked at what it fixes and say wow didn't know there was a potential issue there but I'm glad they're fixing it. The only way to see it is when the tech plugs up to the car with the tablet or computer. If you ask the dealer will probably let you see what the updates are and what they fix. Cars are significantly smaller volume than electronics so it takes a bit longer to gather information need to identify and solve quirks. I agree with Kanundrum in that we are on our way to a great car, but there are certain irritations that come along with being first one on the block with the car that dominated super-bowl commercials.

This is by no means directed at you mc. It started out as a when it comes out ask your dealer to show you the update details and then I got a bit carried away.

 

[MDriver]

So I was kind of joking about phone updates, but not really. I reference apple a lot, because I've had iPhone after iPhone since they came out in 07 or 08. Every time a new one comes out, 3-4 weeks later there is always a big update that fixes a whole slew of minor issues and one that quite a few people have experienced. How many times have you looked at what it fixes and say wow didn't know there was a potential issue there but I'm glad they're fixing it. The only way to see it is when the tech plugs up to the car with the tablet or computer. If you ask the dealer will probably let you see what the updates are and what they fix. Cars are significantly smaller volume than electronics so it takes a bit longer to gather information need to identify and solve quirks. I agree with Kanundrum in that we are on our way to a great car, but there are certain irritations that come along with being first one on the block with the car that dominated super-bowl commercials.

This is by no means directed at you mc. It started out as a when it comes out ask your dealer to show you the update details and then I got a bit carried away.

the first time this happened (CEL) I drove to the dealer, the tech brought it in, he hooked it up to the lap top and started to do some downloads to see what codes were thrown. he asked if I used the remote start to which I replied no. He cleared the codes, car fired up, and off I was playing mad scientist with the DNA knob...:grin2:
this time around he seemed more concerned (the tech) that is when he told me what I posted. I am supposed to pick the car up on Friday...
we shall see, I'm optimistic...

 

[mc3456]

So I was kind of joking about phone updates, but not really. I reference apple a lot, because I've had iPhone after iPhone since they came out in 07 or 08. Every time a new one comes out, 3-4 weeks later there is always a big update that fixes a whole slew of minor issues and one that quite a few people have experienced. How many times have you looked at what it fixes and say wow didn't know there was a potential issue there but I'm glad they're fixing it. The only way to see it is when the tech plugs up to the car with the tablet or computer. If you ask the dealer will probably let you see what the updates are and what they fix. Cars are significantly smaller volume than electronics so it takes a bit longer to gather information need to identify and solve quirks. I agree with Kanundrum in that we are on our way to a great car, but there are certain irritations that come along with being first one on the block with the car that dominated super-bowl commercials.

This is by no means directed at you mc. It started out as a when it comes out ask your dealer to show you the update details and then I got a bit carried away.

Guess it's wishful thinking on my behalf that maybe I get see more than 6 radio presets after the update!

>

 

[MDriver]

So I was kind of joking about phone updates, but not really. I reference apple a lot, because I've had iPhone after iPhone since they came out in 07 or 08. Every time a new one comes out, 3-4 weeks later there is always a big update that fixes a whole slew of minor issues and one that quite a few people have experienced. How many times have you looked at what it fixes and say wow didn't know there was a potential issue there but I'm glad they're fixing it. The only way to see it is when the tech plugs up to the car with the tablet or computer. If you ask the dealer will probably let you see what the updates are and what they fix. Cars are significantly smaller volume than electronics so it takes a bit longer to gather information need to identify and solve quirks. I agree with Kanundrum in that we are on our way to a great car, but there are certain irritations that come along with being first one on the block with the car that dominated super-bowl commercials.

This is by no means directed at you mc. It started out as a when it comes out ask your dealer to show you the update details and then I got a bit carried away.

I fully understand your position as quite frankly you sell them and earn your livelihood from the brand...however talking about keeping a new car for a "week" to identify and solve quirks?...the CEL in my opinion is not a small quirk. while you can in theory still drive the vehicle(though I'd be leery) you cannot utilize one of its principle features (DNA). in an 80k car that is not just an "irritation" and @Dane I've had 5 first run cars and only
1(E92M3) was ever laid up at the dealer for a week or more with guess what a CEL issues

 

[DaneARFOM]

the first time this happened (CEL) I drove to the dealer, the tech brought it in, he hooked it up to the lap top and started to do some downloads to see what codes were thrown. he asked if I used the remote start to which I replied no. He cleared the codes, car fired up, and off I was playing mad scientist with the DNA knob...:grin2:
this time around he seemed more concerned (the tech) that is when he told me what I posted. I am supposed to pick the car up on Friday...
we shall see, I'm optimistic...

I fully understand your position as quite frankly you sell them and earn your livelihood from the brand...however talking about keeping a new car for a "week" to identify and solve quirks?...the CEL in my opinion is not a small quirk. while you can in theory still drive the vehicle(though I'd be leery) you cannot utilize one of its principle features (DNA). in an 80k car that is not just an "irritation" and @Dane I've had 5 first run cars and only
1(E92M3) was ever laid up at the dealer for a week or more with guess what a CEL issues

I can see your point there. I think it's a combination of first run, and kind of a new brand in this kind of market. When my customer's throttle light came on after remote starting there were no lights on after I picked it up. On the third day our tech said it's not duplicating so we'll just have to see, I asked we clear the codes, took my customers car back and said let me know if it pops back up, I haven't been able to get it to replicate. He hasn't had an issue since, I don't agree with keeping your car for a week either, turn around has to be fast on these cars if issues arrive and communication with the brand relating to problems has to increase and improve.

-Ironically I talked to our store owner today and I'm flipping over to the service side and most of you know I have no problem reaching out to corporate with questions/potential issues. Will help out as much as possible!

 

[kanundrum]

Maybe because I have a Saab but any time I see any check engine lines or something I get excited and think Oh lets see how I can fix this LOL.

 

[MDriver]

Maybe because I have a Saab but any time I see any check engine lines or something I get excited and think Oh lets see how I can fix this LOL.

yeah thats cause its a SAAB...

 

[kanundrum]

yeah thats cause its a SAAB...

IT takes a certain special person to own one and keeping it running . Sure they maybe categorized as mentally unstable but its the best!

 

[Racer Z]

I can see your point there. I think it's a combination of first run, and kind of a new brand in this kind of market. When my customer's throttle light came on after remote starting there were no lights on after I picked it up. On the third day our tech said it's not duplicating so we'll just have to see, I asked we clear the codes, took my customers car back and said let me know if it pops back up, I haven't been able to get it to replicate. He hasn't had an issue since, I don't agree with keeping your car for a week either, turn around has to be fast on these cars if issues arrive and communication with the brand relating to problems has to increase and improve.

-Ironically I talked to our store owner today and I'm flipping over to the service side and most of you know I have no problem reaching out to corporate with questions/potential issues. Will help out as much as possible!

If, the car's not safe to drive and waiting on parts, by all means, keep it at the dealer.

If, the problem can't be identified and seems safe to drive, well, that's a no brainer. Let the customer drive their car and see what happens.

I went through both of these with my 4C. Eventually the problem was found and then we waited on parts. It's too long of a story to go into, but, they did find and fix the problem. No doubt that this will happen with the Giulia as well. We are the crash test dummies. We are the long term, extended test drivers. We need to exercise patience and some understanding. But, I've also had to call FCA and give them a piece of my mind as well. (another long story that I don't need to get into now)

Alfa Romeo of Italy is trying. Really they are. It's FCA (Fiat Chrysler of America) who's getting in the way. Chrysler thinks that AR in the USA will fail and ruin Chrysler's good reputation. So, Chrysler is refusing to support and promote AR in the USA. This will surely force the failure part. Chrysler, are you reading this? I know that AR Italy reads these forums. A little support will go a long way.

 

[MDriver]

Just Spoke to the Dealer

This is the kind of thing that Alfa needed to address BEFORE things happened....like put a replacement parts system/depot in place just in case things fail immediately like NAV, radio amps, sensors etc.

The dealer just called me to inform me that Alfa does not have a software fix ready yet for the CEL issue. They were hoping for today, maybe tomorrow...otherwise sometime next week....in a nutshell the dealer is saying that he can't get info from Alfa for when they will have the software update. other than they are working on it.
As for the parts (bracket on both sides of the front for the headlight washer assembly/nozzle), those were ordered on Tuesday Feb. 28th (dropped car off on Monday Feb. 27th), yesterday (Wed. March 1st)he says he received notice that the parts were BO (back-ordered), dealer said he notified Alfa that the car was VRO?? vehicle not driveable and that they(Alfa) needed to expedite the parts. This afternoon he received a tracking number saying the parts were coming from Toronto 3-5 business days, (does that sound like expedited?), so the car is at the dealer as of today with no front bumper and no CEL issue addressed. Dealer is hoping to get the parts for the bumper early next week? (Wed/Thurs). He is also hoping that the software update is ready by then as well. Needless to say I was not a happy camper and let him know it. Things got a little tense I will say because, his response was basically "what do you want me to do?" it was out of his hands...
I said this is the sort of thing that EVERYONE has been worried about in regards to Alfa Romeo. And AGAIN ALFA ARE YOU LISTENING!!! it is NOT about the CEL or even the $20 part that fell off my $80k car....**** happens...its how you handle it!!!! in my case so far a letter grade of D at best!.
So basically I might get my car back maybe by Friday of next week....I told him that if the parts for the bumper come in to please reassemble the car & I will come and pick it up. I will not leave it there waiting for the software...
@Racer Z to whom did you write when you had your issue??? I'm feeling a letter coming on!
Regards
M

 

[kanundrum]

This is the kind of thing that Alfa needed to address BEFORE things happened....like put a replacement parts system/depot in place just in case things fail immediately like NAV, radio amps, sensors etc.

The dealer just called me to inform me that Alfa does not have a software fix ready yet for the CEL issue. They were hoping for today, maybe tomorrow...otherwise sometime next week....in a nutshell the dealer is saying that he can't get info from Alfa for when they will have the software update. other than they are working on it.
As for the parts (bracket on both sides of the front for the headlight washer assembly/nozzle), those were ordered on Tuesday Feb. 28th (dropped car off on Monday Feb. 27th), yesterday (Wed. March 1st)he says he received notice that the parts were BO (back-ordered), dealer said he notified Alfa that the car was VRO?? vehicle not driveable and that they(Alfa) needed to expedite the parts. This afternoon he received a tracking number saying the parts were coming from Toronto 3-5 business days, (does that sound like expedited?), so the car is at the dealer as of today with no front bumper and no CEL issue addressed. Dealer is hoping to get the parts for the bumper early next week? (Wed/Thurs). He is also hoping that the software update is ready by then as well. Needless to say I was not a happy camper and let him know it. Things got a little tense I will say because, his response was basically "what do you want me to do?" it was out of his hands...
I said this is the sort of thing that EVERYONE has been worried about in regards to Alfa Romeo. And AGAIN ALFA ARE YOU LISTENING!!! it is NOT about the CEL or even the $20 part that fell off my $80k car....**** happens...its how you handle it!!!! in my case so far a letter grade of D at best!.
So basically I might get my car back maybe by Friday of next week....I told him that if the parts for the bumper come in to please reassemble the car & I will come and pick it up. I will not leave it there waiting for the software...
@Racer Z to whom did you write when you had your issue??? I'm feeling a letter coming on!
Regards
M

Give a call to Alfa Care 1.844.253.2872

 

[Cupshot]

let me re-phrase LOL can't type english so well not my first language:grin2:...
the dealer told me the cap is secured by a clip of some sort and that the clip broke from the inside causing the cap to fly off....he also mentioned that the other side is broken as well...
was your situation similar??? trying to ascertain if I'm being told a favola[/QUOTE


The washer cap has two opening on either side and it snaps on top of the headlamp washer itself. The part that clips over the washer is either broken or not. If broken the cover will not stay on. They are meant to fit loose over the washer and are not supposed to be tight. There has to be some type of play in the connection of the two.

 

[MDriver]

just called them opened a case#, very responsive, polite and to the point...I like that.
now we shall see what happens.

 

[MDriver]

let me re-phrase LOL can't type english so well not my first language:grin2:...
the dealer told me the cap is secured by a clip of some sort and that the clip broke from the inside causing the cap to fly off....he also mentioned that the other side is broken as well...
was your situation similar??? trying to ascertain if I'm being told a favola[/QUOTE


The washer cap has two opening on either side and it snaps on top of the headlamp washer itself. The part that clips over the washer is either broken or not. If broken the cover will not stay on. They are meant to fit loose over the washer and are not supposed to be tight. There has to be some type of play in the connection of the two.

dealer informed me today of the broken brackets...when I initially showed him the car a while ago (over 2 weeks at least) he said he would order the cover....went by his diagnosis...