Technical 2.2 auto 9 speed

[Neil36]

Hi just looking if anybody has had issues with their campervan 23/24 plate 9 speed auto 180 bhp
I am hearing they are giving a lot of problems with lights on dash and not changing gear and overheating
Some have had letters from Fiat to contact dealer for software update and when they do breakdown they are replacing the gearbox
Seems to only be the 180 and 160 2.2 engines with this box

 

[broc]

My 2022 reg 2.2 160BHP Auto is booked in for the software update next week, as I understand it this update alters the gearbox 'shifting' to better match the torque curve of the 2.2 engine. Those autos with the older 2.3 engine or the 2.2 140BHP unit are not affected. Many of the vehicles with gearbox problems are over 3500kg and/or towing cars/trailers. Some early failures were reported as overheating gearbox oil due to a lack of oil, with some suggestions that they were underfilled by the factory. I don't believe there is any way of checking the oil level beyond draining and refilling.

There is a long discussion thread on the motorhomefun website that covers this in more detail.

I called my local FIAT Professional dealer, gave him my VIN and he confirmed my vehicle required the update.

 

[broc]

I had the software updates done today at my local FIAT Professional dealer, I was in and out in 45mins.

 

[Neil36]

I had the software updates done today at my local FIAT Professional dealer, I was in and out in 45mins.

Got mine updated today as well

 

[Reg 65]

I had the software updates done today at my local FIAT Professional dealer, I was in and out in 45mins.

Do you still get 160bhp I wonder?
Not that it matters - mine is only 140bhp which I find more than enough for 3.5t on our congested and potholed roads!

 

[Neil36]

Do you still get 160bhp I wonder?
Not that it matters - mine is only 140bhp which I find more than enough for 3.5t on our congested and potholed roads!

Yes 180/160/140 2.2 engine

 

[Reg 65]

Yes 180/160/140 2.2 engine

How do you test it?
I am not saying the power will be reduced. Because full power us usually at higher revs than full torque. So they could just have reduced the torque at lower revs to spare the gearbox, with the same torque at higher revs when it gives full power?

 

[Neil36]

How do you test it?
I am not saying the power will be reduced. Because full power us usually at higher revs than full torque. So they could just have reduced the torque at lower revs to spare the gearbox, with the same torque at higher revs when it gives full power?

They have equalised the gear change to the engine rev took it out today seems a mutch smoother gear change no loss in power

 

[Dr Schroeder]

Hi just looking if anybody has had issues with their campervan 23/24 plate 9 speed auto 180 bhp
I am hearing they are giving a lot of problems with lights on dash and not changing gear and overheating
Some have had letters from Fiat to contact dealer for software update and when they do breakdown they are replacing the gearbox
Seems to only be the 180 and 160 2.2 engines with this box

I’m concerned about this. Just negotiating for a brand new 2024 model Weinsberg 600MF 9-speed auto, but wondering what issues are common. Why did they bring in an 8-speeder for 2025? I thought ZF were a top make. Should I press for better warranty or price?!

 

[Reg 65]

I’m concerned about this. Just negotiating for a brand new 2024 model Weinsberg 600MF 9-speed auto, but wondering what issues are common. Why did they bring in an 8-speeder for 2025? I thought ZF were a top make. Should I press for better warranty or price?!

ZF are a top make but it didn't seem able to cope well with the torque of the 2.2 160 and 180 engines before the software upgrade that a 2024 model should already have. If you look at the Fiat Ducato Professional Van Configurator as if you are buying a new panel van, https://www.fiatprofessional.com/ducato/new-ducato you can see how the transmissions compare. (The automatic gives 3 -4 mpg less than the manual). My main concern would be finding someone who has the knowledge and tools to repair it when it goes wrong, as there are so few about it wouldn't be worth most garages training someone up to repair it - as others with the earlier Comfortmatic transmission find.
For cost and reliability the manual gearbox wins easily - so it depends how much you want to drive an automatic.

 

[Dr Schroeder]

ZF are a top make but it didn't seem able to cope well with the torque of the 2.2 160 and 180 engines before the software upgrade that a 2024 model should already have. If you look at the Fiat Ducato Professional Van Configurator as if you are buying a new panel van, https://www.fiatprofessional.com/ducato/new-ducato you can see how the transmissions compare. (The automatic gives 3 -4 mpg less than the manual). My main concern would be finding someone who has the knowledge and tools to repair it when it goes wrong, as there are so few about it wouldn't be worth most garages training someone up to repair it - as others with the earlier Comfortmatic transmission find.
For cost and reliability the manual gearbox wins easily - so it depends how much you want to drive an automatic.

Thanks; super fast reply! The van is 140hp and is absolutely stunning in every other aspect. It seems best to turn the stop start feature off, according to other reports. I do the same on my current cars. I think I’ll speak to another dealer about the known issues, and then just press for the best deal. I already have two (Ford) automatics, and they are brilliant.

 

[broc]

Thanks; super fast reply! The van is 140hp and is absolutely stunning in every other aspect. It seems best to turn the stop start feature off, according to other reports. I do the same on my current cars. I think I’ll speak to another dealer about the known issues, and then just press for the best deal. I already have two (Ford) automatics, and they are brilliant.

140BHP 9 speed auto is not affected by the transmission software update, only the 160 and 180BHP versions. The 9-speed auto is brilliant, I have had manual and comfortmatic and can say the 9-speed auto is vastly superior.

 

[broc]

The 8-speed auto is an in-house unit used by Stellantis in other products (Jeep, maybe others) and FIAT claim it is more economic with lower emissions vs the ZF9. I suspect being in-house it could be cheaper.

If you are buying brand new, consider extending the FIAT warranty to 5 years (from 2 years standard). This must be done within 15 days of first registration.

 

[Dr Schroeder]

140BHP 9 speed auto is not affected by the transmission software update, only the 160 and 180BHP versions. The 9-speed auto is brilliant, I have had manual and comfortmatic and can say the 9-speed auto is vastly superior.

That’s reassuring. What do you make of the many reports of start-stop-neutral complaints (of the 9-speed)?

 

[broc]

That’s reassuring. What do you make of the many reports of start-stop-neutral complaints (of the 9-speed)?

I am not a fan of stop/start, but normally leave it turned on unless I am in a long traffic queue. The brief delay while the engine restarts is less of an issue with a 3.5tonne vehicle lumbering off from standstill when compared to a hot hatch or performance saloon. The 9-speed gearbox quickly shifts up through the gears, 1-4 are quite closely spaced, 7,8, and 9 are overdrive gears.

Stop/start can be annoying when you arrive at your destination, braking to a standstill at which point the engine stops. Applying the handbrake then shifting to park results in the engine restarting but I live with it. I suppose I could turn s/s off before stopping but it's such a minor issue for me.

 

[Milan123]

Are there anyone who has experienced problems with the 140hk 2,2L engine and the 9 speed automat gearbox? Alternativ are there anyone with the somewhat older 2,3L engine and the 9 speed automat with problems? Are there anyone with the 9 speed automat who has done some higher mileage without problems?

 

[Ianmarybutler1]

Hi just looking if anybody has had issues with their campervan 23/24 plate 9 speed auto 180 bhp
I am hearing they are giving a lot of problems with lights on dash and not changing gear and overheating
Some have had letters from Fiat to contact dealer for software update and when they do breakdown they are replacing the gearbox
Seems to only be the 180 and 160 2.2 engines with this box

Hi Neil We have a 2024 Auto-Trail GF80 180bhp 9 speed auto 4500kg
We took delivery 1/3/2024 in June 2024 after just 1500 miles we had the gearbox issue the gearbox was replaced covered by Fiat 3 weeks age January 2025 it happened again we are now waiting for the gearbox to be replaced again! all in all the motorhome has been back to Fiat 4 Times with this issue.
We have had the recall updates but the issues were not fixed.
It is heartbreaking on top of the £130k for the motorhome we spent another £18k on self leveling and other add ons
We have no confidence using the motorhome
I would say avoid the Fiat Base at all costs Its not worth the stress

 

[Milan123]

Is this how a 2024 Ducato 9 speed auto should sound like? I think there is a slight whining sound?