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General 500 TwinAir Lounge Queries

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General 500 TwinAir Lounge Queries

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MrS

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Hi there!

I'm new to Fiat Forums, so I hope this is in the right place. :)

I'm currently in the process of learning to drive, and am lucky enough to be doing this on a Fiat 500 TwinAir (in addition to lessons). For the most part, I love the car; it works great and is extremely nippy. My only complaint would be its flexibility - particularly in 2nd. While obviously this is less of an issue for more experienced drivers than myself, other drivers on the vehicle have commented on it. It doesn't have a major impact on the vehicle, though just some jitteriness towards the lower end of the gear threshold that requires a change-down where other cars might be more tolerant.

I wanted to know if this is something that others experience and simply a feature of the car or perhaps the two cylinder engine, or if this could be a fault?

My other query is if there is a way to change the display in the center on the Fiat 500 TwinAir Lounge to show a digital speedometer? While obviously I like the aesthetics of the default 'rev-chasing-miles' design, it does feel as though it would be easier if there was also a digital alternative to glance at sometimes when necessary.

As I say, the car is lovely and without any major faults, and I'm definitely a proud owner. :slayer:

Thanks very much!
 
Unless the car has the TFT display you won't get a digital speedo (not sure you'll get one even then) and if your running in eco mode then you have reduced power as well.
 
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scout said:
Unless the car has the TFT display you won't get a digital speedo (not sure you'll get one even then) and if your running in eco mode then you have reduced power as well.
Click to expand...

Fair enough, thanks - appreciated. I did try to look for an aftermarket HUD that I could use, though all the reasonably priced ones seem to require OBD-II - I can't find a HUD that's USB supported, meh (n).

As for the eco-mode, I tend to have it off and experience the problems - maybe I should try turning it back on!!
 
Why are you looking for usb HUD? OBD-II is a world standards port built in on all cars now for diagnostics and computer fault checking amongst other uses and HUD might be one of them.
 
Adzee said:
Why are you looking for usb HUD? OBD-II is a world standards port built in on all cars now for diagnostics and computer fault checking amongst other uses and HUD might be one of them.
Click to expand...

True. I don't have a problem with it as such, but when I looked at the port it seemed as though it couldn't be used without removing the panel? Can a wire be run from the 500 OBD port without modifying any panels (i.e. are there any gaps)?
 
You may have to run some cabling through a panel by drilling maybe? Not sure as I haven't done anything like that myself.
 
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Reactions: MrS
Adzee said:
You may have to run some cabling through a panel by drilling maybe? Not sure as I haven't done anything like that myself.
Click to expand...

Meh, if it comes to that I think I'd rather suck up the issue and get used to the speedo. :p

Thanks for your support!
 
Another way which is what I use when on a freeway or road with speed cameras etc is use my phone with Tom Tom running and use that digital speed to reference my speedo is out a bit so I drive at 110km/h and it's actually only 101-102km/h.
 
Is the car you have lessons in the same as the car you own. If not then I would say its the characteristics of the twin air which you will have to get used to. I went from a V6 to the TA and there was a massive loss of torque but I soon got used to the TA foibles. If you drive to the arrows (on the dash) you will find the engine objects (makes funny struggling noises) but delivers highish mpg
 
Adzee said:
Another way which is what I use when on a freeway or road with speed cameras etc is use my phone with Tom Tom running and use that digital speed to reference my speedo is out a bit so I drive at 110km/h and it's actually only 101-102km/h.
Click to expand...

Yeah I was considering that - I got a nice mount for my phone that secures itself in the CD player, so a simple app may suffice - it'd just be like glancing near the gears, I guess.

scout said:
Is the car you have lessons in the same as the car you own. If not then I would say its the characteristics of the twin air which you will have to get used to. I went from a V6 to the TA and there was a massive loss of torque but I soon got used to the TA foibles. If you drive to the arrows (on the dash) you will find the engine objects (makes funny struggling noises) but delivers highish mpg
Click to expand...

The lesson car(s) are Ford's, so yeah, they tend to be fairly different. I guess that's the long and short of it - once I've passed I'm sure I'll end up getting used to it. Was mainly just curiosity about other people's experiences.
 
MrS said:
Hi there!

I'm new to Fiat Forums, so I hope this is in the right place. :)

I'm currently in the process of learning to drive, and am lucky enough to be doing this on a Fiat 500 TwinAir (in addition to lessons). For the most part, I love the car; it works great and is extremely nippy. My only complaint would be its flexibility - particularly in 2nd. While obviously this is less of an issue for more experienced drivers than myself, other drivers on the vehicle have commented on it. It doesn't have a major impact on the vehicle, though just some jitteriness towards the lower end of the gear threshold that requires a change-down where other cars might be more tolerant.

I wanted to know if this is something that others experience and simply a feature of the car or perhaps the two cylinder engine, or if this could be a fault?

My other query is if there is a way to change the display in the center on the Fiat 500 TwinAir Lounge to show a digital speedometer? While obviously I like the aesthetics of the default 'rev-chasing-miles' design, it does feel as though it would be easier if there was also a digital alternative to glance at sometimes when necessary.

As I say, the car is lovely and without any major faults, and I'm definitely a proud owner. :slayer:

Thanks very much!
Click to expand...

I also was somewhat disappointed with the lack of torque when I first got my TA but I've learned to adapt to the car's foibles. It has improved as it's matured and and I leave the ECO on 90% of the time. The car's quirky character helps you forgive it.

I fitted a dashcam a while back for all the obvious reasons but also because it receives GPS and displays a digital speed readout while driving. It's remarkably accurate; much more so than the car's speedo. Mounted as close to eye-level as practicable, I now use it in preference to the speedo. Avoids that annoying daylight glare issue too. It's an option you could consider.
 
Piccolo Nero e Bella said:
I also was somewhat disappointed with the lack of torque when I first got my TA but I've learned to adapt to the car's foibles. It has improved as it's matured and and I leave the ECO on 90% of the time. The car's quirky character helps you forgive it.

I fitted a dashcam a while back for all the obvious reasons but also because it receives GPS and displays a digital speed readout while driving. It's remarkably accurate; much more so than the car's speedo. Mounted as close to eye-level as practicable, I now use it in preference to the speedo. Avoids that annoying daylight glare issue too. It's an option you could consider.
Click to expand...

You're most likely right about the torque. It's extremely quirky as you say, and definitely a hit with the passengers! It's been suggested that I change cars because of the issues but I've dismissed the idea - I really like the car itself and I think it's an incredibly convenient little one. As you say, it's an adaption process - I suppose this'll take longer for me since I'm a beginner to it all, but once it happens I'll be happy with it, no doubt. Additionally it is extremely new so hopefully once it picks up a bit of age these issues will ease.

Could I ask what dashcam you're using? I've had a brief look just now and they look good, and obviously with ideal benefits aside from this.

Thank you! :)
 
MrS said:
You're most likely right about the torque. It's extremely quirky as you say, and definitely a hit with the passengers! It's been suggested that I change cars because of the issues but I've dismissed the idea - I really like the car itself and I think it's an incredibly convenient little one. As you say, it's an adaption process - I suppose this'll take longer for me since I'm a beginner to it all, but once it happens I'll be happy with it, no doubt. Additionally it is extremely new so hopefully once it picks up a bit of age these issues will ease.

Could I ask what dashcam you're using? I've had a brief look just now and they look good, and obviously with ideal benefits aside from this.

Thank you! :)
Click to expand...

When I first bought my TA I was somewhat dismayed by the lack of low-down torque, even coming after a Daihatsu 1.0 3-pot(!) but several posters here commented on how the engine improves as it gets a few miles under its belt. I wasn’t inclined to believe it would be anything more than marginal but it’s true; fuel mileage has improved steadily and the car seems to have loosened up and is a lot more willing than at the beginning. Part of this is probably me adjusting to the car and a little to using only 98 RON but nonetheless my early concerns evaporated.

Actually, as a new driver with little previous experience, you might find it easier to adapt – no bad habits to unlearn!;)

Cameras are like satnavs; everyone’s got an opinion and swears by the one they use. I’ve used three different cameras but the current one is the best of them. It’s a DOD LS430W. This link will explain it better than I can and shows the digital speed display discussed above.
[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
 
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DigiHUD is a great GPS speedo app for android devices (may be on iOS too). Not only can you have it full screen but you can also have it as a small display within another app such as a sat nav.
 
You don't mention the mileage on your car. If it's newish then expect a big improvement after about 7K miles, it will have loosened up considerably and will be a lot more flexible and less fussy. Having said that it is a 2 cylinder so it will always be a bit rough compared to a 4. When you get used to driving it you will adapt well to its foibles.
 
Adzee said:
You may have to run some cabling through a panel by drilling maybe? Not sure as I haven't done anything like that myself.
Click to expand...

You'll find the OBD connector itself is the issue. You'd have to cut the back off the little cubby hole away entirely. Once you get used to driving with ODB instruments, it's hard to go back. I feel naked now driving without a load gauge.
 
Piccolo Nero e Bella said:
When I first bought my TA I was somewhat dismayed by the lack of low-down torque, even coming after a Daihatsu 1.0 3-pot(!) but several posters here commented on how the engine improves as it gets a few miles under its belt. I wasn’t inclined to believe it would be anything more than marginal but it’s true; fuel mileage has improved steadily and the car seems to have loosened up and is a lot more willing than at the beginning. Part of this is probably me adjusting to the car and a little to using only 98 RON but nonetheless my early concerns evaporated.

Actually, as a new driver with little previous experience, you might find it easier to adapt – no bad habits to unlearn!;)

Cameras are like satnavs; everyone’s got an opinion and swears by the one they use. I’ve used three different cameras but the current one is the best of them. It’s a DOD LS430W. This link will explain it better than I can and shows the digital speed display discussed above.
[FONT=&quot]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtYbyxWJwfE[/FONT]
Click to expand...


OMG that's a sign I need one of these! Just watched this exact review about 10 minutes before reading this thread as it was showing up on my Facebook news feed. Can I ask the price, I like that you can turn off the speed stamp but wonder if the metadata is stored in the mov file or separate? Because that could change how you deal with the movie file in the event of a crash.

I need one because of the crap drivers but the GPS speedo and neatness of the unit is a plus!

Also does this unit power supply fit your 12v in your 500? Mine seems really shallow and my iPhone charge wouldn't power up...
 
UFI said:
You'll find the OBD connector itself is the issue. You'd have to cut the back off the little cubby hole away entirely. Once you get used to driving with ODB instruments, it's hard to go back. I feel naked now driving without a load gauge.
Click to expand...


Yes, I was thinking just using a router to make a cable depth indentation on the bottom/top/side as a pose to a hole for the ODB connector to fit through.
 
MrS said:
Hi there!

I'm new to Fiat Forums, so I hope this is in the right place. :)

I'm currently in the process of learning to drive, and am lucky enough to be doing this on a Fiat 500 TwinAir (in addition to lessons). For the most part, I love the car; it works great and is extremely nippy. My only complaint would be its flexibility - particularly in 2nd. While obviously this is less of an issue for more experienced drivers than myself, other drivers on the vehicle have commented on it. It doesn't have a major impact on the vehicle, though just some jitteriness towards the lower end of the gear threshold that requires a change-down where other cars might be more tolerant.

I wanted to know if this is something that others experience and simply a feature of the car or perhaps the two cylinder engine, or if this could be a fault?

My other query is if there is a way to change the display in the center on the Fiat 500 TwinAir Lounge to show a digital speedometer? While obviously I like the aesthetics of the default 'rev-chasing-miles' design, it does feel as though it would be easier if there was also a digital alternative to glance at sometimes when necessary.

As I say, the car is lovely and without any major faults, and I'm definitely a proud owner. :slayer:

Thanks very much!
Click to expand...


The Twinair will always need to be driven in a different manner due to its two cylinder engine characteristics, just like riding a big single cylinder motorcycle. You will get used to it, however, until you pass your test and ditch the Ford it will always be a bit of an issue. You will need two very different approaches to gear changes, may be a bit confusing for you at test time, would not want you to stall
redface.gif
.
I drive a diesel Mokka, and a 1 litre Vauxhall Agila. Both of these are quite happy pottering along in fifth gear around town. The Twinair does not like driving around town above fourth gear.
The Twinair is my wife's car, and I take every opportunity to drive it, cos it so much more fun than my two boring cars.
 
Adzee said:
OMG that's a sign I need one of these! Just watched this exact review about 10 minutes before reading this thread as it was showing up on my Facebook news feed. Can I ask the price, I like that you can turn off the speed stamp but wonder if the metadata is stored in the mov file or separate? Because that could change how you deal with the movie file in the event of a crash.

I need one because of the crap drivers but the GPS speedo and neatness of the unit is a plus!

Also does this unit power supply fit your 12v in your 500? Mine seems really shallow and my iPhone charge wouldn't power up...
Click to expand...

Looking back through my records it appears I paid $235 for this unit with free postage from Taiwan. The same seller (eBay ID 'NaviWorld') currently offers it for $230 - I'm not plugging them but the service was quick. It is available locally but for a lot more. I can't answer your metadata query - how would that effect how you handle the file?

I had to purchase a micro-SD card for it. I got a 32Gb Sandisk but a 16Gb is probably adequate. Just make sure it's a Class 10.

The 12V plug fits perfectly in my car's socket. If you look at the plug in the video you can see it's got the retaining lip at the business end which helps it to lock in - some haven't and tend to come loose as you drive. In any case I use a 3-way adaptor which also has two USB charging sockets so I cut the cig. lighter plug off and soldered on a USB plug (Jaycar PP0790). The 3-metre cable is more than adequate to run around the windscreen and under the dash.

The digital speed display is great and was also one of the reasons I chose this camera. Having said that, the speed 'alert' and compass display are just gimmicks. If there's anything else you want to know please ask...
 
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