Technical Accessing 2012 500c high center brake light bulbs

[Anne Brennan]

Collective Fiat Wisdom,

How can I remove/open the high-center brake light assembly on my 2012 500C to replace one of the bulbs? Do I need to remove part of the retractable top's inner lining, and if so, how?

There are no visible screws, tabs, etc. on the exterior surface of the light assembly to remove or open it for access to the bulbs, which is why I suspect this operation must be handled from the car's interior.

The online User Manual, which supposedly covers both the 500 and 500C models, only has instructions for the 500 on this topic!

– Anne

 

[varesecrazy]

Collective Fiat Wisdom,

How can I remove/open the high-center brake light assembly on my 2012 500C to replace one of the bulbs? Do I need to remove part of the retractable top's inner lining, and if so, how?

There are no visible screws, tabs, etc. on the exterior surface of the light assembly to remove or open it for access to the bulbs, which is why I suspect this operation must be handled from the car's interior.

The online User Manual, which supposedly covers both the 500 and 500C models, only has instructions for the 500 on this topic!

– Anne

Hi Anne, and welcome,

it's pretty quiet in the US 500 section..,

I would look in the Euro 500 section..,
I suspect the lights will be very similar

here's a link;https://www.fiatforum.com/500/223585-500c-high-level-centre-brake-light.html?p=4158074

Charlie - Oxford - UK

 

[Anne Brennan]

Thanks, Charlie, will do. I'm surprised there's not a separate forum for the 500C like there is for the 500L and 500X. The differences may be relatively few, but they're significant!

Anne

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Collective Fiat Wisdom,

How can I remove/open the high-center brake light assembly on my 2012 500C to replace one of the bulbs? Do I need to remove part of the retractable top's inner lining, and if so, how?

There are no visible screws, tabs, etc. on the exterior surface of the light assembly to remove or open it for access to the bulbs, which is why I suspect this operation must be handled from the car's interior.

The online User Manual, which supposedly covers both the 500 and 500C models, only has instructions for the 500 on this topic!

– Anne

Anne;

Someone posted about this a few months ago - I shall try to find the thread for you.

However, be advised the centre brake light on the 500C does not use bulbs. It's a sealed LED unit and individual parts cannot be replaced - only the whole unit.

Later.... Found it! https://www.fiatforum.com/500/347995-high-level-brake-lamp.html

Quote from Big Kev on 17/07/15 - "Re: High-level brake lamp. Well, actually I had a go at this last year (this is an old thread). The rear portion of head lining is uncliped, then four screws are removed to release the spoiler, then the whole LED unit can be replaced. On assembly, apply more sealant to the four screw holes to combat leaks, replace screws and headlining. Fiddly working in the back of the car (it is for me as I am a huge fella!) but not dificult for a competent DIY type.
The new LED unit is hellishly expensive though, at over £100!!!

 

[Anne Brennan]

Interesting that the entire LED unit has to be replaced, since the owner's manual lists a replacement bulb type (W5W). I have to assume that's for the 500, not the 500C. The lack of accurate documentation from Fiat is more frustrating than the repair!

– Anne

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Interesting that the entire LED unit has to be replaced, since the owner's manual lists a replacement bulb type (W5W). I have to assume that's for the 500, not the 500C. The lack of accurate documentation from Fiat is more frustrating than the repair!

– Anne

You're dead right there. As far as I recall the 500C supplement doesn't even mention the brake light. FIAT either assume it'll work forever or that every owner will return to FIAT for repairs.

Theoretically LED's should outlive the car but moisture often finds a way into the housing.

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

I have been trying to do this as well. Founf nothing on the web

If you follow the link supplied further up the page it appears the job is pretty straightforward. Unfortunately if any of the LED's are dead you'll have to replace the whole unit.

 

[BigKev]

Interesting that the entire LED unit has to be replaced, since the owner's manual lists a replacement bulb type (W5W). I have to assume that's for the 500, not the 500C. The lack of accurate documentation from Fiat is more frustrating than the repair!

– Anne

Hello, Anne - BigKev here

I have just seen this today and I would like to reiterate that the 500C does only have a sealed LED unit and not separate bulbs.

As I have been quoted from a previous post a couple of years ago, the LED unit must be removed from inside the car. Unclip the rear headlining and remove the four screws which secure the roof spoiler. The LED unit can then be unscrewed from the spoiler. I decided to put my old unit back when I discovered how dreadfully expensive these LED units are (well over £100 GB pounds, so a tidy sum in dollars!) Mine has half the lights still working so I will tolerate this until complete failure, due to the ridiculously high price.

If you do decide to remove yours, can I stress that the four screws securing the spoiler pass through the soft-top fabric so will need plenty of sealant to avoid leaks.

Regards,

Kev.