500 Roof issue

[Manny500C]

Hello everyone

I recently bought a used 500C and really enjoy it (2012 Twinair Lounge).
I had a small problem last weekend... when the roof was opening, there was a crunch sound and it looks like a plastic clip/fastener has broken.
The black nylon strap which runs along the roof rail is hanging down.
I then had to pick some broken plastic out of the rail on the driver's side.

I suspect the following:
- maybe the nylon strap came adrift from the plastic clip/fastener
- the clip then moved itself into a position that obstructed the roof system
- when I opened the roof, the clip got in the way and was crunched

Does this sound right?
Is this a common problem... and more importantly, is it possible for me to fix this if I get my hands on a replacement clip/fastener?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

PS. Sorry my first post here is a problem!

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Hello everyone

I recently bought a used 500C and really enjoy it (2012 Twinair Lounge).
I had a small problem last weekend... when the roof was opening, there was a crunch sound and it looks like a plastic clip/fastener has broken.
The black nylon strap which runs along the roof rail is hanging down.
I then had to pick some broken plastic out of the rail on the driver's side.

I suspect the following:
- maybe the nylon strap came adrift from the plastic clip/fastener
- the clip then moved itself into a position that obstructed the roof system
- when I opened the roof, the clip got in the way and was crunched

Does this sound right?
Is this a common problem... and more importantly, is it possible for me to fix this if I get my hands on a replacement clip/fastener?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

PS. Sorry my first post here is a problem!

Welcome to the forum Manny.

Looking at my car it appears that is actually the guide on the end of the roof bar that slides in the roof track. It's likely that it jammed momentarily and as the other side continued to move it snapped off. That means that roof bar may now unsupported on that side and the metal bar that was attached to it is also loose. I shouldn't hesitate in taking it to FIAT for advice

You will certainly have to go to FIAT for the part anyway and probably for the repair also.

 

[Manny500C]

Thanks for your reply. I think you're right. I'd better get to my local Fiat workshop!

 

[bagutta]

Did you get this problem fixed ?? As I have just had the same problem happen
Any info greatly received

 

[Manny500C]

Hi Bagutta
I took the car to my local dealer (Gulson Canberra).
They took a few photos and sent them to Fiat Chrysler Australia.
After a few days, the repair (under warranty) was approved and a new roof was sent to the dealer to be fitted.
Apparently it was not easy to fix the plastic clip and the whole roof had to be changed.
I must admit, I was very concerned about changing the roof, but Gulson did a good job and the new roof does not leak a drop.
I've fixed a few things under warranty and I have been very pleased with Fiat Chrysler's warranty support.
They have been outstanding!
I hope your Fiat agent is equally good.

 

[bagutta]

Thank you for your quick reply Manny500C, our fiat is out of warranty so is likely to be expensive to fix , but will phone around, again thank you for your time