Technical Fiat 500 Cult - Some Problems...

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Technical Fiat 500 Cult - Some Problems...

Bambolina

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My car has suddenly developed a few issues.

Two days ago an amber warning light came on saying start/stop was unavailable. After turning the engine off the warning light disappeared and the start/stop function worked again, albeit intermittently.

Today when I started the car the gearbox was very stiff and it was very hard to change gears. I've also noted the change gears arrow on the TFT display has stopped working.

Not sure if this is of any relevance but the gearbox shifts through the gears easily when the engine is off but as soon as the engine is on it is ropey.

I've booked the car in at the garage but wondered if anyone has any idea what is causing the problems? Are they related? The first appointment is next Wednesday and I presume it is best not to drive it until taking it to the garage?

My car is not yet 18 months old and has less than 14,000 miles on the clock.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you.
 
Is your clutch pedal stuck half way down? About 2 months ago mine got stuck. I didn't realise for a few days but it wouldnt change gear properly either, it was only when I got the car in daylight that I noticed. Had to force it back up. All is fine now.

Mine was only 11 months old then.

I did mention it when it went in for its first service. The reply was it must have got caught in the carpet..... really???
 
Two days ago an amber warning light came on saying start/stop was unavailable. After turning the engine off the warning light disappeared and the start/stop function worked again, albeit intermittently.

The battery likely needs replacing. This is a very common issue.

Today when I started the car the gearbox was very stiff and it was very hard to change gears.

Not sure if this is of any relevance but the gearbox shifts through the gears easily when the engine is off but as soon as the engine is on it is ropey.

Quite possibly a problem with the clutch hydraulics. Again, a common issue on RHD cars.

Are they related?

Probably not.

The first appointment is next Wednesday and I presume it is best not to drive it until taking it to the garage?

No problem driving it as far as the S/S malfunction is concerned, but I'd advise against driving it with the clutch/gearbox issue unless absolutely necessary - you could cause permanent, long term damage to the gearbox.
 
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Thank you for your replies.

I started my car again and the gear box was much smoother, a little stiff into first but otherwise ok. Reverse made a loud clunk but I've read that putting into first prior to using reverse is a workaround and quite a normal phenomenon? This is all very confusing to me as I'm used to my car running so well.

I will check the clutch pedal tomorrow to see if that could be the problem.

Would the gear change arrow on the TFT stop working due to the clutch hydraulics?

Thank you all again for your help.
 
Would the gear change arrow on the TFT stop working due to the clutch hydraulics?

I very much doubt it - that may be another electrical gremlin, possibly related to the battery issue.

I experienced issues with the clutch hydraulics on my own nearly new 500; you can read about it here and here.

I now do a complete hydraulic fluid change (clutch & brakes) every two years. Hydraulic fluid is cheap.
 
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Thank you! Hopefully these issues will be covered by Fiat warranty!
 
Thank you! Hopefully these issues will be covered by Fiat warranty!

At that age/mileage, they certainly should. You may have to stand your ground; don't let them fob you off.

Battery life can be a 'hit or miss' issue with any new car of any marque; if the vehicle has sat around with the battery discharged at any time during the delivery & sale process, its life will have been irreversibly shortened. It's a common issue with prereg cars, which may have been parked out in a lot for a year or more.

The 500 S/S system needs a battery in near-perfect condition to work correctly; many folks have had this same issue with batteries that tested as OK, but replacing the battery with a new one of the correct specification almost always fixes the problem.
 
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jrkitching my car was brand new and straight from the factory. I have driven it less in the last 5 months since my youngest learned to drive and I'm no longer her taxi! I think the start/stop battery issue may be due to this?

I will definitely hold my ground with the dealer and will also take your advice re not driving it.

Thank you again.
 
jrkitching my car was brand new and straight from the factory. I have driven it less in the last 5 months since my youngest learned to drive and I'm no longer her taxi! I think the start/stop battery issue may be due to this?

If you're only going to be using the car infrequently, it might be worth your while to invest in a smart battery charger to keep the battery in first-class condition.
 
If you're only going to be using the car infrequently, it might be worth your while to invest in a smart battery charger to keep the battery in first-class condition.
jrkitching i drive my car everyday and the battery still barely lasts 2 years = )
 
Living in a hot climate doesn't help - battery life reduces with temperature.

As a rough rule of thumb, for every 10C above 25C, battery life is halved.
Well that's one new thing learned then! So I will expect a new battery every 2.5 years = )
 
I've just tried to start my car again with the objective of taking it to the garage but unfortunately I can't get into any of the gears with the engine running.

Engine off and all gears work.

I am now panicking big time as how to get it to the garage and whether this will be covered by warranty.
 
I've just tried to start my car again with the objective of taking it to the garage but unfortunately I can't get into any of the gears with the engine running.

Engine off and all gears work.

I am now panicking big time as how to get it to the garage and whether this will be covered by warranty.

does it have the AA breakdown cover..??:confused:

check the clutch pedal now,
see IF you can lift it UPWARDS..;) not it's normal down only action..
 
Hi varesecrazy thank you for your reply.

I have just been out and lifted the clutch pedal up and now can move the gears when the engine is on. Does being able to move through the gears again after lifting the clutch pedal give any clues to what the problem is?

In theory I could drive the car to the garage tomorrow if the gears are now working but should I call the AA for them to check it out and tow it if necessary?

Any advice would be brilliant. Thank you.
 
I have just been out and lifted the clutch pedal up and now can move the gears when the engine is on. Does being able to move through the gears again after lifting the clutch pedal give any clues to what the problem is?

It's probably something to do with the clutch mechanism (likely hydraulics or even a sticking pedal), but we sort of knew that from what you'd already posted.

For sure it would be best towed, rather than driven, as you could cause permanent damage to the gearbox by driving it with a defective clutch.

Depending on what your AA covers you for, one option I won't mention ;) is to drive it round the corner and then call them out; they may tow it the rest of the way. In any event, this should be the first thing you do if you try driving it there and it plays up again on the journey to the garage.
 
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I think I will call AA first thing in the morning and hopefully they will tow it. I have cover for home start I've discovered so won't need to move my car unless I'm told I can by the AA.

Hoping this won't be too serious an issue and covered by the warranty - I don't know anything about cars and this is so worrying.

Thanks for your help.
 
The AA has just been and had me drive around the block to see if the car was driving ok. It is. I also noted that the gear change indicator is working again.

Since I lifted the clutch upwards, which released the stiff gearbox, my car seems to drive normally.

I will still take my car to the garage for them to check it over but will not be driving it anywhere other than there.

Thank you all for your help.
 
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