Technical No power to USB, odometer flashing... Dead Blue&Me module?

[Tom95]

I think I've encountered my first issue with the Panda.

I use a Bluetooth to AUX adaptor for music streaming (Powered by the USB port down near the cupholders). Yesterday I noticed it wasn't working - on further investigation it seems like the port is only providing power for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on. I've managed to confirm this with my phone - it charges for a few seconds and then stops.

On top of this, on the way home this afternoon the odometer was constantly flashing (Proxy Alignment?). I tried the old "disconnect the battery for 10 seconds" trick but the problem remains (incl blinking odometer).

I've had a bit of a search around and can't seem to find the thread, but I remember reading somewhere that this USB port is part of the Blue&Me module... Is this correct?

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

@Tom95 Look at the bottom of the page - you'll find the 'similar threads' section has the post you are looking for... screenshot here

 

[Panda IIs]

I think I've encountered my first issue with the Panda.

I use a Bluetooth to AUX adaptor for music streaming (Powered by the USB port down near the cupholders). Yesterday I noticed it wasn't working - on further investigation it seems like the port is only providing power for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on. I've managed to confirm this with my phone - it charges for a few seconds and then stops.

On top of this, on the way home this afternoon the odometer was constantly flashing (Proxy Alignment?). I tried the old "disconnect the battery for 10 seconds" trick but the problem remains (incl blinking odometer).

I've had a bit of a search around and can't seem to find the thread, but I remember reading somewhere that this USB port is part of the Blue&Me module... Is this correct?

Hi Tom,

My experience says yep, its the Blue & Me unit (B&M). You will likely find that your battery is flat inside 5 days if you don't use the car since the B&M units seem to fail "on" so there is constant drain on the system. The unit is coded to the car so the BCM or ECU throws up an error since it can't find and sends the flashing odometer warning. To prevent the battery drain you have to disconnect the B&M unit which is under the drivers seat on a RHD car (assume passenger seat for LHD); disconnecting at the radio head unit does not stop the battery drain (in my experience).

A FIAT supplied B&M unit is GBP 450.00, I have found a refurbisher on ebay based in Italy that will do it for something in the order of Euro 200.00 but there maybe duties now on top of that. Someone has also identified a UK repairer on here (I'll try to find the link).

I swapped out the B&M unit for the earlier entertainment module that powers a USB and connects to the head unit but know Bluetooth - GBP 50.00 from OEM FIAT supplier on ebay.

Finally, I was advised by a FIAYT independent that with the B&M unit removed the car will continue to throw up the error even with a proxy realignment, however, a member on here suggested that this is not true. I am living with the flashing ODO but will get the FIAT tech to try and clear it at next service since I don't want to pay just for the reset that may not work...

Here's my earlier thread https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/480771-wheres-blue-me-module-2.html )

 

[Tom95]

Ah, damn, that's what I suspected was going on but didn't want to hear... I'd like to try and retain/restore B&M functionality if at all possible. I've been reading up and it seems that a few people have had success with blowing out the circuit board with compressed air so I might give that a crack.

Failing that, I don't really fancy getting bent over a barrel by Fiat to the tune of who-knows-how-much... Here in Australia especially, their pricing is somewhat 'optimistic'. I might see if I can grab a used one from a wrecked car. Are the modules in the 500's likely to be the same/interchangeable?

 

[jrkitching]

Are the modules in the 500's likely to be the same/interchangeable?

There have certainly been hardware changes to the Blue&Me module during the car's production run. Early modules can't run the later vesions of the Blue&Me software and some folks have reported bricking the module by attempting to force an update.

If replacing with a secondhand unit (a sensible strategy IMO), I'd suggest trying to find one with the same part number. You'll likely need to do a proxi alignment (using MES or Examiner) after fitting it, even if the modules are identical.

 

[Panda IIs]

Ah, damn, that's what I suspected was going on but didn't want to hear... I'd like to try and retain/restore B&M functionality if at all possible. I've been reading up and it seems that a few people have had success with blowing out the circuit board with compressed air so I might give that a crack.

Failing that, I don't really fancy getting bent over a barrel by Fiat to the tune of who-knows-how-much... Here in Australia especially, their pricing is somewhat 'optimistic'. I might see if I can grab a used one from a wrecked car. Are the modules in the 500's likely to be the same/interchangeable?

As @jrkitching suggests I believe the same part number is key; when I was investigating the part number for my car was the same as 500 Abarth...

I'm intrigued by the compressed air "trick" this sounds optimistic but certainly worth a try; if successful I guess this suggests dirty tracks or components are the problem? Please let us know if it works.

 

[Tom95]

No dice, unfortunately. I removed the unit and hit it with compressed air, followed by aerosol electronic parts cleaner. Upon fitting it back into the car it does that exact same thing Ah well, worth a try...

I've had a bit of a dig around ePer, and interestingly the part number of the module fitted to my car is different to what comes up in ePer... (51953695 vs. 51943247 of ePer) there doesn't seem to be either available online at the moment so I'll start calling around to wrecking yards tomorrow to get an idea of prices/availability. As all of the Australian Pandas seem to be built Jul-Sep 2013 I dare say they're all using the same part.

 

[cliffyt]

Hi Tom,

My experience says yep, its the Blue & Me unit (B&M). You will likely find that your battery is flat inside 5 days if you don't use the car since the B&M units seem to fail "on" so there is constant drain on the system. The unit is coded to the car so the BCM or ECU throws up an error since it can't find and sends the flashing odometer warning. To prevent the battery drain you have to disconnect the B&M unit which is under the drivers seat on a RHD car (assume passenger seat for LHD); disconnecting at the radio head unit does not stop the battery drain (in my experience).

A FIAT supplied B&M unit is GBP 450.00, I have found a refurbisher on ebay based in Italy that will do it for something in the order of Euro 200.00 but there maybe duties now on top of that. Someone has also identified a UK repairer on here (I'll try to find the link).

I swapped out the B&M unit for the earlier entertainment module that powers a USB and connects to the head unit but know Bluetooth - GBP 50.00 from OEM FIAT supplier on ebay.

Finally, I was advised by a FIAYT independent that with the B&M unit removed the car will continue to throw up the error even with a proxy realignment, however, a member on here suggested that this is not true. I am living with the flashing ODO but will get the FIAT tech to try and clear it at next service since I don't want to pay just for the reset that may not work...

Here's my earlier thread https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/480771-wheres-blue-me-module-2.html )

My qubo had flashing odometer or blank odometer display tried the battery disconnect trick no joy .First sunny warm day of the spring and display back to normal.Read some Ford's do this and corrects itself in warm dry weather.May be damp problem in dashboard.

 

[Sussex Panda]

A really helpful set of experiences and solutions - many thanks. I have the same problem (no B&M, plus the flashing odometer & failed battery a fortnight ago). Great to know where to locate the module on my 2012 Panda. Does anyone know the part number and/or details of the UK person offering to refurbish the module? The £450+ part cost is daunting so I’m keen to explore other options.

 

[Sussex Panda]

Update: I found this repairer
https://www.revtronic.com/product/fiat-panda-51931439-blue-and-me-repair-service/
Has anyone on here used them?

 

[Sussex Panda]

BTW, upon removing the unit, I was able to confirm the part number for my 2012 (1.2) Panda was 51931439.
Hope that helps someone.

 

[Sussex Panda]

BTW, upon removing the unit, I was able to confirm the part number for my 2012 (1.2) Panda was 51931439.
Hope that helps someone.

Update: Revtronic in Bradford succeeded in reprogramming the ECU. Although the first attempt didn’t work, they kindly took the unit back & installed new software. A proxy realignment was required and “hey presto” Blue & Me restored & no flashing odometer any more. Thanks & appreciation go to Kevin at Sussex Alfa Romeo in Ditchling Common (Sussex) who helped diagnose the original problem & performed the realignment. Thanks Kevin & Revtronic!

 

[Tom95]

Bit of an update - I finally received a replacement module from a wrecked 2013 Panda.

Plugged it in and all works as normal - however the odometer is still flashing so it must still need a Proxy alignment. A bit annoying, but I can live with that until next service.