Fiat Ducato is a very popular light commercial vehicle or van in Europe. It also happens to be one of the best-selling vans in Europe. This model comes with several engine options that allow interested buyers to select an engine that best suits their needs and budget. Nonetheless, what are the problems with the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD engine?
Some of the problems that the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD users face are poor starting, unusual noise, unusual smoke, failing immobilizer, and loss of power. Other users have also reported having gearbox issues, electrical faults, faulty EGR solenoid valves, and failing timing belts. Note that most of these issues can be avoided with proper care and maintenance.
What are the problems with the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD model?
Poor starting
If you’re planning to acquire a Fiat model, this is one of the problems that you should be ready to deal with. Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD users have also complained about having a poor start. The main cause of this problem is an improperly fixed cam sensor. Visit a professional mechanic to help you install the cam sensor properly and get rid of the problem.
Failing immobilizer
This is another problem that many Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD users have reported about. When the immobilizer becomes faulty or damaged, you may have trouble changing gears, starting the vehicle, or even locking and unlocking the car. Ensure your local mechanic replaces the bad engine immobilizer to fix this issue.
Unusual noise and smoke
Another issue that has been reported by Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD users is unusual noise and smoke. If you’re driving your car and notice one of the above issues, you should have your car checked by a professional mechanic. Some of the possible reasons are bad fuel injectors, faulty turbochargers, or even a failing fuel pump.
Replacing the affected part (s) will help to fix the problem.
Gearbox issues
This problem is rampant on the older Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD models. Most of these cars had a problem with clutch failure with the dual-mass flywheels failing because of the high reverse ratio. However, Fiat has fixed this problem in the latest models by introducing 100 bhp engines and 5-speed transmissions.
Regardless of the gearbox problem that your Fiat Ducato is facing, the mechanic can fix the affected parts instead of fixing the entire gearbox.
Loss of power
Loss of power is very common in most Fiat models. The Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD is not an exception. This normally happens when the car reaches between 2200 rpm and 3500 rpm. Users have reported hearing a screaming sound when they reach this range. Thereafter, a red warning light comes up
To fix this problem, you will have the mechanic diagnose the car as there are several causes of this problem. It can be a clogged fuel filter, a faulty EGR valve, or even a malfunctioning air flow meter.
Electrical faults
Fiat Tipo 2.8 JTD owners have also reported several electrical faults. However, the most common faults are caused by the inferior earth straps that are fitted by Fiat. These straps are poor and spoil faster. As a result, they cause a short circuit between the gearbox and chassis under the air filter. So, before assuming that your alternator or battery has a problem, you should check the earth straps first.
Faulty EGR solenoid valve
This is another problem that is likely to occur as you put on several miles. Expect the exhaust gas recirculation solenoid valve to become faulty after some time. This is because the EGR becomes clogged with oil and residues which makes it to become ineffective.
Nonetheless, this issue can be fixed by replacing the faulty EGR solenoid valve.
Failing timing belt
Like most car parts, the timing belt on your Fiat Tipo 2.8 JTD will wear out, crack, and even snap after three years of use. This means that you should be ready to replace the timing belt on your Fiat Tipo 2.8 JTD every three years. Failure to do so may lead to exhaust problems, a ticking noise, and the engine may fail to turn.
To fix this problem, the mechanic will have to replace the failing timing belt with a new one.
FAQ
Is the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD reliable?
This depends on the model year you intend to acquire. This is because the older Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD models had more issues than the latest versions. For instance, many users of the 1993 to 2000 models reported several problems, such as engine and gearbox issues.
How long does the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD model last?
With proper care and maintenance, the Fiat Ducato should last for more than 250k miles. Besides, good driving habits should also be practiced. What’s more, the manufacturer provides buyers of this car with a 5-year or 125,000 miles warranty, whichever comes first.
Is the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD easy to maintain?
The Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD may have a favorable initial price, but maintaining this van is not easy. You may end up spending more than average to keep this vane on the road. This is mainly because of the slightly higher maintenance cost and costly spare parts that are hard to find.
Which cars are similar to the Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD?
The Fiat Ducato may be the most popular van in Europe, but it also faces stiff competition in the market. Most of its competitors are based on the same platform. Some of its rivals include Citroen Jumper, Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer, and Peugeot Manager.
Which Fiat Ducato engine is more reliable – a 2.2-liter or a 2.3-liter engines?
The Fiat Ducato 2.2-liter and 2.3-liter engines are both efficient, powerful, and reliable. Nevertheless, the 2.2-liter is way better than the 2.3-liter engine as the latter comes with slightly more problems than the former. But when it comes to performance the 2.3-liter engine is the better choice.
Conclusion
Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD is one of the best multipurpose vehicles on the market. This car is spacious, practical, efficient, and fun to drive. However, it also comes with multiple problems that interested buyers ought to know about. Nonetheless, if this light commercial vehicle is properly maintained, most of the above problems can be avoided.
