General Software update

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General Software update

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Aug 4, 2008
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Newcastle-under-Lyme
Hi guys and sorry for the delay in getting this info to everyone, however I finally seemed to have got my 1.2 starting problems sorted after three unsuccessful and one final successful visits to the dealer.

I know a few other people have been having problems with their 1.2 starting, especially when cold, so this may be of use.

On my final visit (just before Christmas) I was called to collect the car and expected to hear the usual "we can't find anything wrong Mr Kent" when I was actually told that a software update had been released the day previous and it had been installed on the car.

I cannot believe the difference it has made!! It starts, without hesitation and drives like a bloody ROCKET!!!!!

I've never thought of the 1.2 as fast, just brisk getting brisker the more miles you do. Buy with this update it'll pull in fourth and climb reasonable hills in 5th, something beforehand I had to do in 3rd.

I have no idea what version the software update is or what it actually did but I urge anyone with a 1.2 (or 1.4) that is having problems starting to visit your dealer. I can't help thinking this is the 1.2 500 I should've had from day one :D

Steve
 
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I have the same problem as you. I spoke to my dealer about this ages ago and they said that all of the 1.2's do it. They took me outside and allowed me to start 3 1.2's that they had. They all did it. I was even given a lesson on how to start my car even though I am a professional driver. I still beleive that there is a problem but I think its pointless telling the dealer about it. I was told that forums (this & NF500) are full of people who don't know what they are talking about and that it annoys them.:bang: Thats why I am so annoyed with them. I am still waiting for several things and numurous niggles with my Mums 08 Panda Eleganza.

I beleive these forums are a vital source of information, that, otherwise may not be passed on by the dealer network. I also think the people on these forums are enthusiastic and extremely helpful and a good laugh. I know my dealer looks on here from time to time unfortunaty.

I would dearly like this update:( Thanks very much for this info!

si
 
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I was told that forums (this & NF500) are full of people who don't know what they are talking about and that it annoys them.:bang: si

Perhaps they ought to use them as a source of information and then they would be more informed with the problems that a large segment of Fiat owners are experiencing across the board. Are they not aware that some of the best technical advice comes from their own peers who post on the forum regularly.

Unfortunately, the 500, still being fairly new has still got to accumulate the wealth of information that has been gleaned from the experience of techs and the more technically aware members in the other groups, Still, this will come in time and I for one will continue to look for answers here first and report anything of significance to my dealer if it is relevant.

As an example, when I needed my oil changed at 3500 miles I posted on here and was advised that there were DPF software updates that would improve the situation. I told my dealer and when it went in the next time for another problem they did it for me.

When I had asked if there was a problem because of the warning light coming on so early all I got back was that it had happened to quite a few diesel cars.

I can't help that think that me informing them about this was the only reason that they looked into the matter. Although I might be unfair in that assumption, and if so I apologise, but that was my impression at the time.

Also, giving them the heads up about the microphone problem meant that they ordered one for me without any of the usual, "we can't find anything wrong when we checked it" response.

Glad you got it sorted out in the end and kudos to the dealer for coming up with the goods. I'm sure your input will help others with the same problem. (y)
 
Aah perfect timing - I need to take my car in to be Proxy Aligned (? I think thats right ?) and the Blue and Me needs looking at as the Mic just stopped working!?

And over the last few days, its had a bit of a double start going on..

So i can get all this done at the same time now. :)
 
Perhaps they ought to use them as a source of information and then they would be more informed with the problems that a large segment of Fiat owners are experiencing across the board. Are they not aware that some of the best technical advice comes from their own peers who post on the forum regularly.

My comments exactly.

I will say that they have sorted out, with FIAT UK, my bodywork issues which are bieng fixed in the new year.:) A lot of people have reported these on forums too, which is were the comment on 'people don't know what they are talking about' came from.

Just hope it comes back ok...

Thanx for the Thread, very useful info

Have a wonderful new year:)

Si

p.s I'm not always doom and gloom:D
 
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Is this the problem I have (-4 in Carlisle) when I engage the started motor. and it makes a wierd noise, then the engine then sort of struggles to idle, but it kinda dissapears when the engine is warm.
 
Mine has been really coughing it's guts up every morning lately. I start the car and it idles OK, then when I select reverse and give it a few revs to pull out of my garage it splutters down to about 800rpm and then shoots up to nearly 2,000 before it settles down to usual idle and I can back it out.

Bloody weather...
 
I have noticed that my car is starting funny when it's cold. How much is the update that will fix this or is it something that they do for free if it is brand new?
 
Perhaps they ought to use them as a source of information and then they would be more informed with the problems that a large segment of Fiat owners are experiencing across the board. Are they not aware that some of the best technical advice comes from their own peers who post on the forum regularly.

Thats why you should always try and speak to the DET's or a good technician at least. No offence to reception staff (who have a difficult job as it is) but they are not aware of things like updates which are (or should be) part of the DET's role. Fiat must take some of the blame for not enforcing this role in some dealership chains afterall its to their (and above all the customers) benefit.

From memory there are about 15 software updates for the 500 depending on engine/hardware/software installed and please bare in mind software updates are not the panacea some people think they are but they can easily solve many problems.
 
I have booked mar car in for the cold start problem. It goes in a week on monday. Hopefully it will be sorted out someway or another, Also they are looking at my squeaky seat. I understand that in order to fix a problem propery, Fiat dealers have to follow set procedures. Finding a problem is very much a process of elimination. As long as my niggles are sorted out, I don't mind trips to the garage. The dealership that I use has been very good to me and my family in the past. I am sure that they will get down to the bottom of any problems I have, no matter how long it takes.

Thanks
si
 
I have booked mar car in for the cold start problem. It goes in a week on monday. Hopefully it will be sorted out someway or another, Also they are looking at my squeaky seat. I understand that in order to fix a problem propery, Fiat dealers have to follow set procedures. Finding a problem is very much a process of elimination. As long as my niggles are sorted out, I don't mind trips to the garage. The dealership that I use has been very good to me and my family in the past. I am sure that they will get down to the bottom of any problems I have, no matter how long it takes.

Thanks
si

did you not get a new seat fitted or was that someone else?
 
I got a new seat fitted about 5 moths ago. now the new seat is squeaking really badly. I hope that they are allowed to fix the new seat because it embarrasing when people come in my car. The new one was great but now its squeaks worse than the old one:(
 
Interesting this.

My 1.2 Lounge starts ok, but I won't say it starts as well as a new car should. I just seem to leave the key turned slightly longer on the Starter Motor to ensure it fires up ok.

Regarding the extra 'zip' you seem to be getting, I've always felt mine was defeated by hills a little, so if there is an update......

I can't see Fiat dealers being too happy with a deluge of 500 owners demanding the software update being done and my first service is 11 months off. Unless something else goes wrong with my car I can't really take it back.

I'll be watching this thread carefully to see who has had it done and with what results.

How do you know what version of software your running and what version is the new one?

Pete
 
....

I can't see Fiat dealers being too happy with a deluge of 500 owners demanding the software update being done

You see Pete this is where information on a forum can be taken the wrong way.

Software updates are carried out for a reason,to cure a fault. Not all cars require it or would benefit from it(them).

If it was vital then a recall would be issued, dealerships dont (can't) just carry out updates when they want.
 
Just collected my car from the dealer.

I have been informed that my car needed the 1.2 software update for the cold start problem. The throttle response seems inproved and the car has a little more poke to it:) I havent started it from freezing cold yet though, will keep you all updated as to weather it has resolved the problem.

Also had my rattle in the dash sorted. The dash facia had been taken out and padded behind. There is still a small rattle coming from somewhere, I will make sure that it isn't the parcel shelf on my next day off.

The seat squeak has been significantly reduced, still a slight noise but I can live with this!:)

Really happy with the car now. Its going into bodyshop on Monday to have both bumpers, bonet and drivers wheel arch/door sill rectified. They will be resprayed.

Simon
 
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