Apologies if been covered before. But if I had my Panda serviced by a local garage and given back, would it harm it (have no mechanical knowledge at all). Assume mine just had Euro 6 update done at same time at main dealer as appeared to start again better in traffic. Or does it have to be plugged in every service? Service indicator will take several years to count down to zero miles. Would love my local dealer to price match, that way I get a loan car. Doesn't need doing for a good while though. Many Thanks

That's difficult to say, it all depends on if they know what they are doing and use the correct/quality parts and the right spec oil.

There is no real need to plug it into a diagnostic machine unless it has the EML warning lite up on the dash, the service countdown can be reset via the "set" and "up and down" arrows button under the radio.

I put two of ours in to the local dealer for the very basic service for £135 every other year as they only do low mileages, it's mainly checks with a oil and filter change and of course, the important stamp in the book.

I'll then replace whatever I think is needed myself, like the air and pollen filters (genuine from ebay), spark plugs (Twinairs only seem to last around 12-14K) or brakes if the service flagged them up.

Otherwise the dealers next service up is £275, it's the same service with air filter and plugs and I'm not paying that!

I don't understand the comment about the spark plugs. My TA has been serviced at the scheduled mileage with the spark plugs changed at 18,000 miles. I'm now coming up to the 36,000 mile service. In both 18,000 ile intervals I've had no issues with spark plugs, loss of performance or degradation in economy.

There have been a few TA's, both Pandas and 500's that have had a bit of rough running around this mileage.

Seems the plugs get a right hammering and can erode the terminal way a bit too quickly.

Mine did it, ran rough and clattered a bit from the engine (bit more than usual).
I pulled the plugs, the gaps were quite large on my gauge, a new pair went in and it sorted it.

Mine's coming up to its 18k mile service, and I've noticed some occasional hesitation of late which I guess may be down to the plugs degrading. Has anyone asked for the higher-rated iridium plugs to be fitted as part of an 18k mile service? I'm just wondering (a) whether it's worth bothering, (b) whether Fiat service agents will agree to a swap anyway ("It's not in the approved service schedule, sir" etc) and (c) what the additional cost is likely to be?

Have seen high end spark plugs on auction site that can be used on early 500 TA's but list of other models covered didn't include the Panda. 3 year old plus servicing deals suggest a plug change circa £70, the standard plugs around £26. Apparently platinum anyway. Op's other comment on other thread about economy, I've had early 40s mpg at best. The 1.2 would do mid 50s, which is why I'd never rule out another.....

Al D said:

Apologies if been covered before. But if I had my Panda serviced by a local garage and given back, would it harm it (have no mechanical knowledge at all). Assume mine just had Euro 6 update done at same time at main dealer as appeared to start again better in traffic. Or does it have to be plugged in every service? Service indicator will take several years to count down to zero miles. Would love my local dealer to price match, that way I get a loan car. Doesn't need doing for a good while though. Many Thanks

Click to expand...

Hi Al D,

To answer your question about any software update, an authorised Fiat dealer should be putting a record of the update and campaign number in your service book (along with the dealer stamp of course).

If you do not have any written record then you have to assume no update has been done. You would need to challenge your dealer to find out more to be honest.

As for using your local garage over a Fiat dealer - I could be wrong here but I am fairly certain that a local garage won't be able to do the official software updates as they won't have the facilities to do so. An independent Fiat specialist with the right tools probably would.

There's certainly no harm in booking your car in to your local garage for servicing needs of choice. My wife's 1.2 500 has just had the full works (all filters, oil, plugs, brake fluid, other fluid top ups etc) and it came in at just over £190 including VAT. I supplied them with parts and Selenia oil from Shop4Parts, they charged me for the labour and brake fluid. Vospers would probably have been twice that much, and she wouldn't have been able to walk home after dropping it off. So a complete no-brainer to me.

The flip side is of course whether you want the dealer stamps in the service book or not. Likewise, if there is a software update that needs doing, they should be able to sort it out there and then. So a personal choice, no right or wrong way of doing it

Thanks to Super Uwe. I think the original reason I posted this thread was that varescrazy (Charlie) suggested a fair while ago that the Twinair engine has some sort of oil degeneration sensor that needs resetting. I know my mechanic could do my major service for around the £200 mark. One franchise I won't name I don't live anywhere near had a fixed price when I put my reg in of over £400. Won't pay that that's for certain!