Panda (Mk3)  Looking after the older Panda.

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Panda (Mk3)  Looking after the older Panda.

Terence Wood

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Aug 18, 2020
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Hi all, from Plymouth Devon UK. I've just joined the forum. My wife has the 2014 Fiat Panda Lounge for a few years now and we have been very happy with it's running, my own car was a Ford Focus, but it has recently had to be retired, so I decided to pick up a Panda also, as a cheep run around, although mine is a much older model, the Fiat Panda Active k reg, for its age it appears to be in very good condition with a good service history and drives well. Feedback or advice on the Panda Actives problems, (things to watch out for) if any for its upkeep, would be appreciated. Many thanks
 
Hi Terence:)

K registration, as in 1992-1993? If so, your post would be better off in the 'Classic Panda' section here.

If it is a second generation Panda Active 1.1 2003-2012, then I'd recommend checking the following:

Inspect & treat for rust:

  • rear axle spring pans
  • coolant return pipe across front of engine
  • engine sump pan
  • shock absorbers & springs
  • mud trap behind front springs
  • brakes (build-up of rust on sliding surfaces of front calipers & inside edge of rear drums)
Check rear brake wheel cylinders for leaks

The battery and its earth strap need to be in good condition or the power steering can throw a wobbly - it draws a lot of current. As a precaution I always park with the wheels straight and let the battery recover before setting off.

The 1.1 specifically can suffer from intermittent electrical faults / cutting out / rough running:

  • wiring connections on ECU can be loose - strap down with long cable ties
Check the 'duckbill' scuttle drains below the wipers are clear - they block easily. Check the condition of the wiring loom in this area - the loom tape disintegrates.

Monitor tyre wear. Wear most common on front insides & rear outsides. Rear axle alignment is sometimes less than perfect, with no provision for adjustment.

Other than that, they're great little cars, tough, capable and reliable. I hope you enjoy it:)

Aside from usual routine maintenance, I would consider doing these actions on a recently acquired old 169 Panda:

  • Clean battery earth strap connections (on body under battery and engine block)
  • Remove & clean MAP sensor (on rhs of throttle body)
  • Change coolant (this engine really appreciates good coolant)
  • Change clutch fluid
  • Change brake fluid
 
Last edited:
Replacement rear axles are cheap. The 500 axle works with smaller width wheels but no chance with anything more than 165 tyres. Use it with 500 springs for better ride and handling. If the old axle is good, just dre-rust and keep it rust free with water chasing oil-based treatments.

When to fit any bolts back into the captive body nuts, ALWAYS ensure they are going straight. Fine threads are easy to get crossed, but as the bolts have easy(?) start self-cleaning tips so you won't notice until the damage is done.
 
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