My Fiat 500 is automatic and can be used in manual. Manual works fine but automatic slips out of gear when driving. Dangerous especially if on motorway. Finding it difficult to find someone to repair in the Bristol area. Anyone any ideas or would know approx how much this type of repair would cost.:bang:
500 Fiat 500
- Thread starter Mary Pooh
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500 Fiat 500
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It's not an automatic, it's an automated manual.
Fiat call it the Dualogic.
This means the gears and clutch are operated for you electronic/hydraulically, but it's basically a manual gearbox with a normal clutch.
They are notorious for going wrong and most of us consider them to be a total liability.
There is a Dualogic thread (about the longest on the forum) here https://www.fiatforum.com/500/425006-one-only-dualogic-failure-thread.html
The most common issue is the actuator pump failing. an accumulator fault or it's short of hydraulic fluid , but whaever it is, expect a big bill, sorry!
There is Milta in Elberton, they might not be able to fix it themselves as they mainly do VW DSG stuff, but they might put you onto the local people who might.
https://milta.co/
Bristol Transmissions are in Clayhill
https://www.bristoltransmissions.co.uk/
Again, if they can't help, ask who might, but I'm going to guess they tell you to take it to the dealers.
Fiat call it the Dualogic.
This means the gears and clutch are operated for you electronic/hydraulically, but it's basically a manual gearbox with a normal clutch.
They are notorious for going wrong and most of us consider them to be a total liability.
There is a Dualogic thread (about the longest on the forum) here https://www.fiatforum.com/500/425006-one-only-dualogic-failure-thread.html
The most common issue is the actuator pump failing. an accumulator fault or it's short of hydraulic fluid , but whaever it is, expect a big bill, sorry!
There is Milta in Elberton, they might not be able to fix it themselves as they mainly do VW DSG stuff, but they might put you onto the local people who might.
https://milta.co/
Bristol Transmissions are in Clayhill
https://www.bristoltransmissions.co.uk/
Again, if they can't help, ask who might, but I'm going to guess they tell you to take it to the dealers.
You know this actuator that fails, where is it? How can it be changed? This fault has put me off buying a duologic but bearing in mind I repair write offs is it something that can be refurbed and DIY removed and replaced?
It may not be all doom and gloom.
Contrary to pub gossip, the actuator (robot) is actually a pretty reliable thing, sometimes let down by crummy FIAT wiring and conectors, more often by inept use or incompetent diagnosis.
First assumption: it does not leak.
Second assumption: no "experts" have touched it
Third assumption: it works fine in manual mode, but seems unsure about gearchanges in auto mode.
If all 3 are Yes then:
1. Check the tailgate wiring (search the forum for 500 tailgate wiring, doesn't apply to Pandas)
2. Check your brake lights work properly. If not, fix that problem, as the ECU does not understand what you are doing.
3. Check the connectors on the rear lights, as corroded terminals can confuse the ECU.
4. Get your Gearbox ECU codes read. For this you need a FIAT dealer, or MultiECUScan registered version and appropriate cables.
If still no joy, report back and we can try some more.
If any of the assumptions are No, sorry, you're looking at a (un)reasonable bill.
Contrary to pub gossip, the actuator (robot) is actually a pretty reliable thing, sometimes let down by crummy FIAT wiring and conectors, more often by inept use or incompetent diagnosis.
First assumption: it does not leak.
Second assumption: no "experts" have touched it
Third assumption: it works fine in manual mode, but seems unsure about gearchanges in auto mode.
If all 3 are Yes then:
1. Check the tailgate wiring (search the forum for 500 tailgate wiring, doesn't apply to Pandas)
2. Check your brake lights work properly. If not, fix that problem, as the ECU does not understand what you are doing.
3. Check the connectors on the rear lights, as corroded terminals can confuse the ECU.
4. Get your Gearbox ECU codes read. For this you need a FIAT dealer, or MultiECUScan registered version and appropriate cables.
If still no joy, report back and we can try some more.
If any of the assumptions are No, sorry, you're looking at a (un)reasonable bill.
Actuator is 900+ new, 450ish refurb.
Accumulator is 90ish
Pump varies from 80 to 200, depending on how many 90s Ferrari owners are jacking up the price at the time.
Seals are stupidly expensive, still trying to source equivalents at sensible money.
Refurb quality can vary - very few positive recommendations so far, quite a few negative.
typecastboy I'm still using the actuator from the scrap 500 I got from you a few years ago. Had 136000 miles on it then, so not *totally* unreliable.
And don't forget the clutch ( yes the car has one ) can wear out faster than a manual gearbox cars.
That is normally caused by "inept use".
It is possible to burn out a clutch on a manual by mis-using it in almost the exact same way (holding the car on the clutch on hills, slipping the clutch in traffic, etc.)
The Dualogic (and Selespeed, and Ferrari versions) respond best to "decisive" driving, which makes sense if you think about it - the ECU has to work out what you actually want it to do by watching inputs from accelerator, brake, speed sensors, etc.
Used as intended, the clutch will usually outlast a manual one, because it is programmed to make good changes. Humans (at least some) aren't!
