Hi All,

I've finally joined this forum after years of noseying around!

I've got a 500L MPW 1.6D (2015/65 plate) in racing green and white roof. I've loved the car a lot. The low tax band is great and the 1.6 gives some decent oomph when needed. The 7 seats were great but the kids are growing up so I rarely use them now (probably can't with the latest restrictions!).

I have a couple of questions.

1. Every so often there's a squealing noise which I would have put down to a loose belt but it's always when I'm turning so am thinking it's power steering? If not, it's hard to know if I can top up fluid or whether it's a full electric power steering system and it's £££s to repair.

2. I had my car valeted a year ago and they did the upholstery. Since then it's showing stains all over it. Is this due to the cloth do you think or can it be removed. I want to sell the car in the next 6-12 months and don't fancy a full reupholstery job.

3. Has anyone upgraded the standard Uconnect to a DAB version?

Only think I would like is an automatic diesel with the 1.6 multijet engine.

Hi and welcome

The squealing noise.. just at low speed..

Probably the drivebelt for the alternator

Possibly the 'sprag clutch' in the alternator pulley.
Available separately from the alternator, but likely left hand thread - so check the thread on the replacement before resorting to big hammers..

Hey Barefootin - Welcome to the FIAT forums from the Cotswold Hills

Hi and welcome Barefootin It is while since I had anything to report! We also have a Green MPW with 1.6 120 bought it four years ago new and nothing has either gone wrong or fallen off and it,s been a good car for us too.My last car was a Croma and me scratching my head quite often!.Like you we are thinking of changing for an automatic car we do not need two cars anymore though it is good car and very reluctant to change.

barefootin said:

The 7 seats were great but the kids are growing up so I rarely use them now (probably can't with the latest restrictions!).

Click to expand...

What restrictions? I too have MPW (but TwinAir) and yes, a couple more years and our growing kids would struggle using the 3rd row seats.

barefootin said:

2. I had my car valeted a year ago and they did the upholstery. Since then it's showing stains all over it. Is this due to the cloth do you think or can it be removed. I want to sell the car in the next 6-12 months and don't fancy a full reupholstery job.

Click to expand...

What trim is yours? Mine is Pop Star, and yes, I'm not happy with the quality of the seat fabric, looks rather thin and easily stained. Basically if you get it wet, when it dries it will show water stains. I don't have a solution for this.

Are yours ULEV compliant?