Evening all

First post on here, normally linger around Seloc for those who may be familiar.

Anyhow, managed to convince the gf to go for a 500 so after my help with spec. we collected in Dec. (1.2 Lounge, Funk White, Chrome pack + mirrors, 16" O-spoke wheels, Ivory interior black/white + matching mats, rubbing strips and Italian flags for the front wings).

Think it's a great little car, impressed with quality and some of the functions.

However, three points;

1. Odometer flashes randomly. Thought may have missed a first 1k mile oil change or something, but after looking at some of the posts on here tonight it seems like a proxy alignment is in order? Can anyone confirm this is the solution? What's involved? Surely playing MP3s from a stick doesn't cause this error?!

2. Often tardy at starting, and reluctant to jump into life. I'm used to various electrical gremlins, etc. but even when left for a couple of days its almost as if there's drain on the battery somewhere? Perculiar for a new car.

2. Not much feels as planted as my car, but the 500 feels incredibly bouncy!! Adds to the drama I suppose, but being a fan of fettling, what is the best subtle mod I can make? Not interested in lowering this one, etc., but better damping wouldn't go amiss. Eibach presumably?

Otherwise, fun little car, exactly what we bought it for!

TIA for any advise/assistance.

Rich

South East Lancashire Orienteering Club?
Doubt much things feel more planted than a good pair of walking boots.

Welcome to FIATForum.com
The flashing mileage is a bit of a mystery. The simple answer is nobody really knows exactly what is causing the problem yet. The proxy alignment seems to fix some. Keeping the key at MAR for a couple seconds before actually starting the car seems to fix some. Some just can't be stopped yet. Luckily it doesn't seem to be a real problem as in it won't cause anything to actually stop working.

With the suspension yes the consensus is that the ride is too bouncy. Lowering has helped some people the biggest reported improvement seems to have come from a full coilover setup. The adjustable coilovers may be able to maintain standard height. RobW will know more about that, it is his that has the coilover kit.

Welcome to the forum.

I have a 1.2 lounge too and find in the cold weather that it labours a bit whilst starting ... I've found turning to MAR first does help (as does putting foot on the clutch whilst starting).

I've only had flashing odometer a couple of times - quickly remedied by turning engine off and on again. It all flashes for a bit by the way when temperature 3 degrees and lower and it tells you possible ice on road so that flashing bit is normal.

No help sorry about lowering etc but I do love the bouncy ride - very Fiat - and my little boy loves it too, says wooooo going round corners too.

(funk white is lovely especially in the sun and when it's just been washed).

Heidi said:

(funk white is lovely especially in the sun and when it's just been washed).

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So, you must have an excellent memory then.

Oh very funny. We have better things to do with our weekends than endlessly wash and polish the cars lol

RichQuy said:

2. Not much feels as planted as my car, but the 500 feels incredibly bouncy!! Adds to the drama I suppose, but being a fan of fettling, what is the best subtle mod I can make? Not interested in lowering this one, etc., but better damping wouldn't go amiss. Eibach presumably?


Rich

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Mine was bouncy until the first weekly check and noticed that the tyres were still at their transport settings. I presume since you've had the car since December you would have found that out by now.

Cheers

SPD

grimwau said:

So, you must have an excellent memory then.

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Heidi has a reason not to clean hers though!

Lloyd71 said:

Heidi has a reason not to clean hers though!

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:nono: That thought hadn't crossed my mind, in fact I'm sure it was her doing a trolley dash round the Zaino store last week.

I was referring to the sun not having been out much.

rallycinq said:

Mine was bouncy until the first weekly check and noticed that the tyres were still at their transport settings. I presume since you've had the car since December you would have found that out by now.

Cheers

SPD

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Good thought but all tyres are at recommended pressures...do you run slightly less? Presuming as it has bog standard suspension and geo that running at the recommended pressure would be adequate given what its used for?

Cheers
Rich

RichQuy said:

Good thought but all tyres are at recommended pressures...do you run slightly less? Presuming as it has bog standard suspension and geo that running at the recommended pressure would be adequate given what its used for?

Cheers
Rich

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Yup, mine's fine on recommended pressure, bit bouncy on 1 bar more for transporter use.

Cheers

SPD