Well after reading this thread about the flashing millage:
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/152212-your-mileage-clock-flashing-you-while-you-drive.html

This part got my attention:

littlepip17 said:

Even if it has stopped flashing it still needs doing the car cannot align it's self it does not matter what you do remove battery or turn off and on again the problem will still be there and still needs sorting so don't ignore it.

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As ive had this probelm, My 500 was booked into Fiat this morning to have the flashing millage fixed.
But after they had taken a look at my car they said as the millage wasnt falshing at that very moment, there was nothing they could do as there was no fault showing.
So now im left feeling a little concerned after reading the above quote which says it still needs to be fixed, flashing or not
Has anyone else had this problem?

The flashing mileage indicates a communication problem on the CAN system. This can be caused by either, a node (ecu) that is not functioning, or the timing of signals incorrect down the CAN lines. If there are no errors in the system then it may just be due to timing, and a proxi alignment procedure would almost certainly have been done by the dealership concerned just to eliminate it. Thats what Pip was reffering to. Your dealer was correct in the fact that when they get the car if the mileage isnt flashing it means all the nodes are working, and if no errors are recorded it does mean they cant be sure to have cured it with proxi alignment. Blue and me can cause this problem on other models but the 500 is running the latest software so it may not be related, if the fault occurs again, check all the electrics to see if anything doesnt work including blue and me, and then tell the dealer.

I don't know if it is related but the last time my mileage flashed I was using the intant mpg readout and the mpg figures whilst driving were much slower to respond to the throttle action and also read significantly lower than usual.

I've had the flashing a couple of times now. Each time has followed when I've not waited for all the dash lights to go out before turning the key to the final starter motor position.

I now turn the key to the first position and while it sets itself up and all the lights are going out, I pull on my seatbelt. By then, everything is ready and I start the engine. I've never had the flashing since carrying out this procedure - although I do feel I shouldn't have do this.

In the diesel you have to wait for the heaters anyway, which is about the same time as the rest of the set up.

Cheers

PD

I've had this twice. I've just pulled over when I can, turned engine off and then restarted and it's gone.

Every car Ive had, I have turned ignition on... waited for all lights to go out and the fuel pump to stop priming. Then I start it, the one time I didnt in the 500 I got flashing mileage.
It makes sense to let the ECU etc sort itself out before starting a car, look what happens when you rush a PC, it freezes or crashes so why shouldnt a car be the same?
Remember, most "faults" with new cars are the owners ignorance of how they operate... peeps start their cars wrong and Fiat get a reputation for flashing mileage

The flashing mileage 'problem' is the biggest non-issue i've seen discussed in connection with the 500.

I suggest a general chill out and concentrate on real issues.

Was just wondering if it says in the manual to let the electronic gubbins do its thang before actually starting the engine?

nottsfiat07 said:

Was just wondering if it says in the manual to let the electronic gubbins do its thang before actually starting the engine?

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No, it doesn't. It says to turn the key to AVV position and start the engine.

It says for diesel motors to turn the key to MAR position and wait for the indicators to go off.

Maybe they should amend the manual then!

I feel left out, 10k miles and no flashing mileage.

I moved it off the drive this morning and blinked rapidly whilst looking at the mileage, I feel part of the forum again as a result !

mine did it again today, but i can't be arsed waiting nearly 4 hours in fiat again and have them tell me there's not a problem.

I have had the flashing mileage three times, went out when turned off the engine and restarted. Got a feeling that i didn't allow the thing to "electronically" warm itself up and run its diagnostics before turning the ignition key and fully starting.

However, took the car to the dealer today who after finding nowt wrong, said that they will be replacing the clock/speedo unit ?? Is this something other owners have had done as I don't feel like having all the dash taken out to do this (presume that this is required on the 500 in order to replace a speedo/clock multi function display)

JB

Mine started flashing again at 803 miles. What I can't quite get is why it would flash at all. Someone has had to build a circuit in there that will allow it to flash. Must be a solid reason for this.

Fred Mumford said:

Mine started flashing again at 803 miles. What I can't quite get is why it would flash at all. Someone has had to build a circuit in there that will allow it to flash. Must be a solid reason for this.

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Fred, have you read the sticky that littlepip has posted about this. Briefly AFAIK it is visual warning that the onboard computer system needs something called proxy alignment carrying out so that the signals between the onboard computer and the electronics are talking to each other properly.

Mine has done it several times now and it is one of the things that will be looked at in December when it is booked in for a few problems to be investigated. Do you remember if there was anything significant you were doing when it happened as pip is trying to collate a cause and effect database (sounds posh) so we can compare notes, so to speak.

Mine usually happens when I select reverse gear which could be linked to the factory fitted parking sensors causing the problem but it has also happened for no reason that I can identify as well.

I've only had my new car for two weeks this weekend and my odometer flashed last night at 280miles!

I read up on here and this morning we waited properly before starting the car and it was fine - I think I must have been in a rush to get home last night!

Still going to watch it though just incase.

Mine started again yesterday @ 500 Miles