Ducato Comeformatic Gearbox

My new Hymer is 2.0 litre with the 9 speed auto and it is a delight in use. As I’m 4.25t it only uses 8 speeds and 9th only comes into play at 70ish, but even so after 14800 miles it has returned 30 mpg. I believe that 2025 models are likely to use a revised 8 speed unit.
 
Just to let everyone know I contacted Fiat customer care and they confirm that the software upgrade number 6926 is required.

I am currently trying to arrange for this to be done at my nearest Fiat dealership.

So anyone with the 9 speed auto box on the 2.2 engine with a 160 or 180 engine should check with fiat customer care quoting the above service number.

Their number is 00800 3428 0000
 
Ours was fantastic changed oils regularly at each service .up hills was fine drop in to manual click it down or up as required..
Wish i could of found one, hate manual gear box in our new van..
 
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Fisherman said:
Just to let everyone know I contacted Fiat customer care and they confirm that the software upgrade number 6926 is required.

I am currently trying to arrange for this to be done at my nearest Fiat dealership.

So anyone with the 9 speed auto box on the 2.2 engine with a 160 or 180 engine should check with fiat customer care quoting the above service number.

Their number is 00800 3428 0000
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Think I'll ask anyway, mine is a 2.3 160, no harm in asking.
 
Okta said:
The clutch activation fluid on the Comfortmatic gearbox needs regular changing, I think the current recommendation is every 2 years. It is a job that needs doing properly and involves a Fiat computer programme that not only fully drains the system but realigns the clutch contact point.
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That is interesting info. My MH is now 7 years old and never had the fluid changed. I will get it done at the next service. Having had no problems I suspect that having done every 2 years might be a bit excessive.
 
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Firstly, your post has been hijacked by the 8 & 9 speed gearbox crew that don’t really answer your question.
At least it hasn’t had many responses of ‘rubbish gearbox etc.’ from people who have never driven one or had experience of owning or working on them.
I’ll give you my tuppenthworth.
I’ve had 2 Ducatos with Comfortmatic gearbox. First was a 4.5t MH on the Fiat Heavy chassis. The second was 5 t Tag axle. Both with 3.0 engine.
It’s an excellent gearbox as long as you remember it’s a robotic clutch and not a true automatic. Changes can be slow and sometimes sluggish. This is easily improved with a remap (I used Quantum both times) and that improves the gear change smoothness. I’ve driven all over Scotland, Grossglockner Alpine pass (Austria), Alps, Croatia, so a few hills!
As long as fluids are changed in accordance with service schedule the only other major issue is battery voltage and earth strap- common problem with Ducatos! If battery voltage low, even though engine running, affects gear changing & operation in general.
That’s my experience.
I like the Comfortmatic gearbox.
I currently have a Sprinter automatic which is nice but would happily go back to a Comfortmatic!
Through another forum, know of someone who broke down in Spain with comfortmatic problems. Long story short. Multiple breakdowns/repairs - new wiring loom, turbo, clutch etc. Eventually recovered back to UK to garage in Bedford (specialise in Comfortmatic gbox) who immediately diagnosed duff battery & failed earth strap!!!!!
There was then a 7k bill to rectify/replace all issues caused by bodges from previous garages whilst abroad.
Sorry for long winded response but hopefully gives you some insight.
 
Chasn said:
That is interesting info. My MH is now 7 years old and never had the fluid changed. I will get it done at the next service. Having had no problems I suspect that having done every 2 years might be a bit excessive.
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The recommendations and manuals have changed over the years. When I had a Comfortmatic I took my advice from Adams Morey at Portsmouth (02392 691122). They are very knowledgeable and motorhome friendly, I believe the Service Manager has a motorhome.
 
My vans now 15 years old with only 30,000 on the clock, blind Rudolph if the box fluid has ever been changed!
Certainly not in the last 6 years but it has only done about 500 miles since then!
 
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Thistle said:
My vans now 15 years old with only 30,000 on the clock, blind Rudolph if the box fluid has ever been changed!
Certainly not in the last 6 years but it has only done about 500 miles since then!
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I wouldn’t rely on mileage alone when it comes to changing fluids, time and under use can cause deterioration. With Comfortmatic boxes checking the clutch activation fluid in the reservoir can be misleading because the fluid deterioration occurs at the gearbox end when small amounts of gearbox fluid contaminates the different clutch fluid, leading to expensive problems. The 2 fluids meet in a single device.
IMG_0659.jpeg
 
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@Okta
A very interesting doc, thanks. All fluids are on my todo list for later this year before it goes back on the road.
 
The Multiecuscan tool mentioned in the doc looks to be excellent vfm, what a shame it does not seem to be compatible with Iveco Vans!
All the Iveco scan tools are stupidly expensive, even the Chinese pirated clones!
 
Rod said:
Happy new year all.

Does anyone have any experience of this automatic gearbox?

I have read that it is not very reliable what are people's experiences?

Thanks Rod
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Slight off topic, but is there still an Autoclutch co mod available (not oe) whereby all u have is a button on the gearstick to change gear?
Last i saw pricewise was £1500 ish.
 
I am having issues with Fiat over the issue of having software installed to both the gear box and engine due to possible damage on my 180 BHP engine. As previously mentioned anyone with a 2.2L engine, a 9 speed auto, and an engine with more than 140BHP may have future issues. See Marks post no 12.

They don’t seem to be aware of this issue, which I find incredible.
The problem is Ducatos with auto boxes are only a small minority, with larger engines even rarer. I was asked to send the link that Mark supplied on post 12. I have done so and await their reply. Fingers crossed I get this issue sorted.
 
Fisherman said:
I am having issues with Fiat over the issue of having software installed to both the gear box and engine due to possible damage on my 180 BHP engine. As previously mentioned anyone with a 2.2L engine, a 9 speed auto, and an engine with more than 140BHP may have future issues. See Marks post no 12.

They don’t seem to be aware of this issue, which I find incredible.
The problem is Ducatos with auto boxes are only a small minority, with larger engines even rarer. I was asked to send the link that Mark supplied on post 12. I have done so and await their reply. Fingers crossed I get this issue sorted.
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That is ridiculous, any Fiat Professional garage should know about this. Perhaps your garage doesn’t read the Fiat notifications. Talk to Adams Morey at Portsmouth, they do lots of motorhomes, most of which are autos. 023 9269 1122 . Their service manager has a motorhome and they are very helpful.
 
Okta said:
That is ridiculous, any Fiat Professional garage should know about this. Perhaps your garage doesn’t read the Fiat notifications. Talk to Adams Morey at Portsmouth, they do lots of motorhomes, most of which are autos. 023 9269 1122 . Their service manager has a motorhome and they are very helpful.
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It’s not only the garage FIAT customer care are also unaware of this. I sent Marks link to both of them. I sent it to the dealership, after the said they could only deal with it when a warning light came on the dash. But by then I would be to late. I only sent the link late yesterday to fiat, but I posted the link to the dealership over a week ago with no reply. Many thanks for the phone number I will give them a call if this is not sorted out.
 
Fisherman said:
It’s not only the garage FIAT customer care are also unaware of this. I sent Marks link to both of them. I sent it to the dealership, after the said they could only deal with it when a warning light came on the dash. But by then I would be to late. I only sent the link late yesterday to fiat, but I posted the link to the dealership over a week ago with no reply. Many thanks for the phone number I will give them a call if this is not sorted out.
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Maybe you should copy and send the customer letter I posted in #18.
 
I would be contacting Fiat Camper Care rather than Fiat Customer Care but would still go to Adams Morey first.
 
Well at last success from Fiat, I will forward this to the dealership and get things moving.
I will keep you posted on what happens.


In reference to your request 02292162.


As we have gathered, there is indeed a non-safety recall regarding your vehicle's software (6926 - ECM e TCM). In this case, it is advised to visit one of our authorized dealerships to have the vehicle diagnosed. The process should be free of charge.

In case there are any delays on the dealership's end, please, kindly let us know so we can investigate the matter as you are entitled to have your vehicle checked, diagnosed and the issue resolved.



I am attaching the official website where you can find the nearest authorized dealership to your place of residence:


Find a Fiat Retailer Near You | Fiat UK - for Fiat passenger vehicles

Fiat Retailers | Commercial Van Dealers | Fiat Professional - For Fiat Professional (vans)
 
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