Fiat Idea:  Clutch Slipping → Diagnosis

Your Fiat Idea’s clutch provides a direct connection between the engine and transmission.  Without it, it can’t move at all. This connection requires a tremendous amount of pressure.  This guide is intended to help you determine why your clutch is slipping on the flywheel. Note:  This article is for manual cars only.  Here’s the automatic … Read more

Fiat Idea:  Engine Sputtering (Causes + Diagnosis)

A sputtering engine can indicate a number of problems.  If your Fiat Idea has a sputter, it is most likely going to be caused by bad fuel system, ignition system, MAF sensor, or bad catalytic converter.  Your Idea’s engine is a giant pump.  It pulls in air (where it is measured by the mass airflow … Read more

Fiat Idea:  Brake Pedal Going to Floor Diagnosis

The single most important safety feature in your Fiat Idea is a good set of brakes.  If your brake pedal is going to the floor, it indicates that there is a serious problem in the braking system.  When the pedal goes to the floor, it’s usually caused by a bad master cylinder, leaking brakes, bad … Read more

Fiat Idea Shifting Hard: Causes + Diagnosis

One of the most common automatic transmission problems is shifting hard.  If your Fiat Idea has a hard shifting transmission, it can be uncomfortable to drive and a sign of serious problems. If your car’s transmission is shifting hard, it can cause a harsh ride and lead to potential damage over time. Numerous factors can … Read more

Fiat Idea:  Warped Rotors → Symptoms & Causes

  Rotors are metal discs that are visible behind the Idea’s wheel. They work together with the calipers and brake pads to slow down your Fiat Idea. Due to braking friction, rotors have to withstand and dissipate a tremendous amount of heat. This causes the rotor surface to be uneven making the brake pedal feel … Read more

Fiat Idea: Bad Motor Mount → Symptoms + Diagnosis

While your Fiat Idea’s engine mounts can last the life of the entire vehicle, it is possible that they will go bad.  Vibration and a clunking sound are the two most noticeable symptoms when driving the vehicle.  There are plenty of visible signs as well. Engine mounts connect the engine to the frame of the … Read more

Fiat Idea:  Bad ECM → Symptoms + Diagnosis

Your Fiat Idea’s ECM (Engine Control Module) is its brain.  Just like a human’s brain, your Idea can’t function without it. It is sometimes referred to as the ECU or PCM.  It’s all the same thing. The ECM controls and directs your entire drivetrain (unless there is a serrate transmission controller). When an ECM starts … Read more

Fiat Idea P0354:  Coil Pack “D” Malfunctioning – Diagnosis

P0354 is a generic OBD2 code that indicates that ignition coil “D” has an issue with the primary or secondary wiring circuits.  If your Fiat Idea has thrown this code, it may be accompanied by P0304.  P0354 is a relatively straightforward diagnosis and is typically caused by a bad coil pack or wiring harness issue, … Read more