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The Promise of Revolutionary Technology<\/h2>\n
The saga began with what seemed like a \u00a0brilliant innovation\u00a0: to eliminate the costly maintenance associated with traditional timing belts by developing a system designed to last the entire lifespan of a vehicle. This inventive solution involved a timing belt bathed in oil, which engineers touted would reduce friction and extend durability to \u00a0240,000 kilometers\u00a0. The intention was that the oil would enhance the rubber’s elasticity, protecting it from wear and tear.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n The American automotive giant \u00a0Ford\u00a0 was the first to adopt this wet belt technology, even prior to the launch of its \u00a0EcoBoost engines\u00a0. The method involved integrating the system inside the engine instead of utilizing a traditional side housing. However, when issues began to arise, Ford acted swiftly to mitigate damage. Rather than allowing a full-blown scandal to unfold, the company replaced the wet belt with a chain in its three-cylinder EcoBoost engines where deactivation was an option, averting a potential crisis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like Ford, \u00a0Volkswagen\u00a0 also embraced the wet belt, specifically in its diesel engines such as the 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 TDI. However, Volkswagen employed a \u00a0less risky strategy\u00a0, as the wet belt only managed the oil pump rather than driving the camshafts. This vital technical distinction explains why Volkswagen has largely escaped the catastrophic consequences that have plagued Stellantis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The core issue at hand was that Stellantis made the wet belt the \u00a0critical component\u00a0 of the entire distribution system, directly responsible for synchronizing the valve train. A failure here results in catastrophic outcomes, often leading to thousands of euros in repairs and potentially rendering the engine entirely inoperable. In contrast, both Ford and Volkswagen limited the wet belt’s functions to less crucial operations, which allowed them to respond proactively when potential failures were detected.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The failure of the wet belt mechanism became increasingly apparent, particularly in \u00a0three-cylinder engines\u00a0 frequently used in urban settings. Here, unburned fuel mixed with crankcase oil creates an abrasive mixture that tends to degrade the belt prematurely. This damaging blend can obstruct filters and ducts, ultimately leading to insufficient oil pressure. Delaying the fault detection process can be disastrous, and Stellantis’s optimism in integrating this technology only exacerbated the issue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The fallout was significant for Stellantis. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles equipped with 1.0 and 1.2 Puretech engines manufactured between \u00a02012 and 2023\u00a0 were called in for review. The company has faced mounting pressure to extend warranties, create reimbursement systems, and even change leadership, with Antonio Filosa stepping in as CEO after the dismissal of Carlos Tavares.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are uncertain whether your vehicle is equipped with a chain or the problematic wet belt, you can verify through the engine code. The \u00a01.2 Puretech engines\u00a0 with a chain have designations like \u201cEB2LTED\u201d or \u201cEB2LTEDH2\u201d and can be found in models such as the \u00a0Peugeot 408\u00a0, \u00a0Opel Frontera\u00a0, and \u00a0Fiat 600\u00a0.<\/p>\n The problematic engines primarily affect the \u00a0Citro\u00ebn C3\u00a0, \u00a0C4\u00a0, \u00a0Peugeot 208\u00a0, \u00a0308\u00a0, \u00a03008\u00a0, \u00a0Opel Corsa\u00a0, \u00a0Mokka\u00a0, and \u00a0DS 3\u00a0 and \u00a0DS 7\u00a0 manufactured during the same timeframe. Stellantis has extended warranties and offers reimbursements for repairs, making it crucial for affected users to act promptly to detect faults and take necessary action.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In conclusion, the Stellantis Puretech engines scandal serves as a cautionary tale in automotive engineering, highlighting the potential risks associated with innovative technologies when not approached with due diligence.<\/p>\n![\"Peugeot](\"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/The-straps-in-oil-completely-damaged-Stellantiss-reputation-but-it.jpeg\"\/)
\n Status of the distribution strap of a Peugeot 3008 after 40,000 km. Image: OGS Mechanics<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nFord: A Pioneering Response<\/h2>\n
Volkswagen’s Cautious Approach<\/h2>\n
Understanding the System Failure<\/h2>\n
Real-World Implications of the Scandal<\/h2>\n
Identifying Affected Vehicles<\/h2>\n