Evening everyone, I hope everyone is keeping well and safe.

The Blue & Me (B&M) module on my '63 Panda 4x4 TA has expired = flashing odometer reinforces the diagnosis if it not working were not enough...

Ahead of sourcing a secondhand one does anyone know where it resides? I know its not a big car so a bit of exploration will reveal all I'm sure; but if anyone wants to help out?? Apparently there are two different manufacturers and, yep, not interchangeable...

Thanks in advance

Panda IIs said:

Evening everyone, I hope everyone is keeping well and safe.

The Blue & Me (B&M) module on my '63 Panda 4x4 TA has expired = flashing odometer reinforces the diagnosis if it not working were not enough...

Ahead of sourcing a secondhand one does anyone know where it resides? I know its not a big car so a bit of exploration will reveal all I'm sure; but if anyone wants to help out?? Apparently there are two different manufacturers and, yep, not interchangeable...

Thanks in advance

Click to expand...

Flashing odometer usually means proxy alignment required .this gets all computers in car talking to each other and could well get you blue and me working again.

As above, try a proxy alignment first - might get it working again.

Edit: This can be done at a dealer, or by anyone with MultiECUScan. If you don't have it yourself, have a look and see if someone local does - https://www.fiatforum.com/multiecuscan-members-register/

Eklipze3k said:

As above, try a proxy alignment first - might get it working again.

Edit: This can be done at a dealer, or by anyone with MultiECUScan. If you don't have it yourself, have a look and see if someone local does - https://www.fiatforum.com/multiecuscan-members-register/

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Thanks guys, but it's the module, had the alignment tried already. There is an option to just unplug it and re-programme without unit.

My question still stands however, replace or unplug, I still need to find the thing!

Under the drivers seat

Panda IIs said:

Thanks guys, but it's the module, had the alignment tried already. There is an option to just unplug it and re-programme without unit.

My question still stands however, replace or unplug, I still need to find the thing!

Click to expand...

I thought it was low down under the centre console and heater? Item numbered 2 in this diagram. https://www.fiatdalys.lt/en/catalog/parts/555/21/10/1/33/31917M051870/ZFA31200003210975/0/0/0/radio-and-automated-info-device-

How strange. Mine is beneath the drivers seat under a plastic cover.

2012 panda.


Not that it's ever worked lol.

Herts Hillhopper said:

I thought it was low down under the centre console and heater? Item numbered 2 in this diagram. https://www.fiatdalys.lt/en/catalog...210975/0/0/0/radio-and-automated-info-device-

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quotethepigeon
I've not actually looked - but thought those units under the seats were something to do with the side airbags (if fitted)... certainly this suggests they are https://www.fiatdalys.lt/en/catalog...051870/ZFA31200003210975/0/0/0/front-side-bag

Yeah , I have one of those under each seat . (Wondered what they were lol).

Behind the driver seat one is my blue and me module. I've had it out previously to no avail.

Herts Hillhopper said:

I've not actually looked - but thought those units under the seats were something to do with the side airbags (if fitted)... https://www.fiatdalys.lt/en/catalog...051870/ZFA31200003210975/0/0/0/front-side-bag

Click to expand...

Herts Hillhopper said:

I thought it was low down under the centre console and heater? Item numbered 2 in this diagram. https://www.fiatdalys.lt/en/catalog...210975/0/0/0/radio-and-automated-info-device-

Click to expand...

Well that would have been my first guess having looked at the same resource, certainly I would be surprised if it was under the seat as it would be unnecessary length on the wiring loom.

The Alfa specialist I used said radio/console area too - I've not gone looking yet. (BTW Alfa MITo's one is behind dash) My instinct is to unplug it and remove it from the setup given a new one ex. FIAT is £450 + There are secondhand units around but then there's a gamble on whether they work and how long for.

With hindsight this may have all occurred when the the first hillhold error emerged, linked to voltage regulator/brake light switch issues, the mysteries of the CANBus systems...

I'm having a new Blue & Me fitted by a main dealer on Monday 8th June £532 Yes it's alot of dosh but I reckon I got the vehicle at least a grand under book price and as it's one owner full history and mint I plan to keep it so I don't mind paying. (can't believe I've just said that Doh!)

That seems like a lot of money when an aftermarket stereo with all the associated fascia adaptors, wiring harnesses, etc that does the same as Blue&Me and then some could probably be had for less than half of that

I know what you mean mate but...It's the other problems that the failed B&M cause like flashing mileage, windows not always working one touch, radio not going on/off with the key. I clould go on but all these problems are random sometimes it's one or all sometimes it's others, then there's the overnight battey drain, it can be ok for a week then dead! it just goes on and on so I consider it good value.

Keano said:

I know what you mean mate but...It's the other problems that the failed B&M cause like flashing mileage, windows not always working one touch, radio not going on/off with the key. I clould go on but all these problems are random sometimes it's one or all sometimes it's others, then there's the overnight battey drain, it can be ok for a week then dead! it just goes on and on so I consider it good value.

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My dilemma too, although I do understand that you can remove the dead B&M module and re train "the system" with a PROXI(re) alignment to tell it the unit is not there. I believe this fixes the flashing odometer issue.

There's a fairly informative video out there for Alfa MiTo B&M issues.

Its funny, I hardly used B&M and when I did cursed it for its idiosyncrasies but when its not working its bugging me!

P.S. If you don't mind getting the dealer to confirm where the B&M module sits that would be useful

Keano said:

I know what you mean mate but...It's the other problems that the failed B&M cause like flashing mileage, windows not always working one touch, radio not going on/off with the key. I clould go on but all these problems are random sometimes it's one or all sometimes it's others, then there's the overnight battey drain, it can be ok for a week then dead! it just goes on and on so I consider it good value.

Click to expand...

Hi folks;

I'm just reinvigorating this thread since I never did get to removing the current failed Blue & Me module and then getting the proxy (re) alignment done. I've finally grown tired of the battery drain so has anyone a definitive answer as to where it actually is? I'm narrowing down the options and under one of the seats (drivers - RHD) looks like it might be favorite - its not insignificant in size after all!

I have discovered that disconnecting it at the radio (head unit) does not stop the power drain. I also discovered the "radio module" that is bolted to the lefthand side of the centre consule (with glove box removed) disconnect this and the radio stops working altogether!

Any further comment welcomed!

So I finally got on with removing the malfunctioning Blue and Me (B&M) module in the hope that it will fix the tedious battery drain thing.

Panda '63 plate TA 4x4

I can confirm that the unit is under the drivers seat...

Some pictures will be added;

1) from the front of the seat, with the seat pushed all the way back, you need to remove the (extravagant) cover that protects the cable running to the underside of the drivers seat. This is held in by two, long plastic, expanding pegs - I could flick them out with a finger nail but a small flat bladed screwdriver is probably less hazardous

2) this reveals the (single) expanding plastic trim rivet plug thing; pop the centre plug outwards (its captive) and then prise the main plug out. (Definitely a trim tool or screwdriver job this one)

3) move the seat all the way forwards and from the back remove two more of these plastic rivets/plugs

4) The B&M module is reveled bolted down to a pressed steel frame by 4 8mm nuts; remove these...

5) with the seat now pushed back to the rear I found I could just about "jiggle" the unit out and unplug

I managed to resist(!!!) the Fiat replacement part at £450 plus and have added the earlier Multi media adaptor (part 50926305) which plugs directly into the back of the radio head unit and gives USB and aux (3.5mm jack) inputs. Plays music from my iPhone straight off using Media button on radio (after unplugging the B&M cable from the radio - it occupies half of the pins that the B&M plug uses).

I've ordered a Chinese USB/jack extension lead and socket that looks like it will fit where the original Blue and Me sockets are down by the cupholder.

Thank you for your well documented account.

Seems like you have had a good result in getting this resolved

Good to know. For those with later uConnect systems (like mine) I can tell you this is not under the seat ... I can see all the places mentioned above but they are empty !

Herts Hillhopper said:

Good to know. For those with later uConnect systems (like mine) I can tell you this is not under the seat ... I can see all the places mentioned above but they are empty !

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U connect is self contained within the head unit I believe