Fiat 500 Common Problems and Solutions
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating, white smoke is coming from the exhaust pipe, and there is unexplained coolant loss.
Solution:
Fiat 500s manufactured in 2008 had a recall caused by a head gasket failure. If your Fiat was built in 2008, you might be able to get the head gasket replaced for free, but not all drivers will be eligible. If you are not eligible, you will need to order a replacement head gasket from our store and replace it yourself.
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Black Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
Thick dark smoke is coming from your exhaust pipe. You might also notice a smell of oil inside the car.
Solution:
If your Fiat has mainly been used for short trips, there’s a good chance that the engine oil has become contaminated with fuel. Ignoring this can lead to engine failure, so you will need to flush the entire oil system. If you have a 1.3-litre model, you might also experience an oil leak affecting the coolant system. You should locate the leak and replace the faulty oil pipe, which you can find easily in our store.
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A Sweet Smell In Car
Problem:
There is a sweet smell noticeable when you're in the car. You might also notice that the clutch slips occasionally.
Solution:
This is caused by a burnt-out clutch. It’s very common on even relatively new Fiat 500s because many of them have been used as driving school vehicles. Your only choice is to browse our parts list for a replacement clutch, remove the worn-out one, and install the newer one.
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Black Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
There is very dark smoke coming from your exhaust pipe. You may also smell oil inside the car.
Solution:
If your Fiat has mainly been used for short journeys, there’s a good chance that the engine oil has become contaminated with fuel. Ignoring this can lead to engine failure, so you will need to flush the entire oil system. If you have a 1.3-litre model, there might also be an oil leak affecting the coolant system. You will need to locate the leak and replace the oil pipe responsible, which you can find easily in our store.
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A Sweet Smell In Car
Problem:
There is a sweet smell noticeable when you are in the car. You may also notice that the clutch slips occasionally.
Solution:
This is caused by a burnt-out clutch. It’s very common on even fairly new Fiat 500s because so many of them have been used as driving school vehicles. Your only option is to browse our parts list for a replacement clutch, remove the worn-out one and install the newer one.
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Clutch Kit
Incorrect readings On Instrument Cluster
Problem:
Your gauges are providing inaccurate readings. The most apparent one is the speed indicator.
Solution:
Although this can impact any Fiat 500 manufactured from 2008 onwards, it particularly affects those produced in 2017. The issue is a fault in your instrument cluster. You will need to order a replacement from us and fit the faulty one.
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Intense Shaking Beneath the Car
Problem:
You can feel strong vibrations coming from under the car while driving.
Solution:
The recall of 500s manufactured in the second half of 2018 will be caused by a faulty right-hand driveshaft. You may find that a Fiat dealership will replace your driveshaft free of charge. If not, you can find a replacement on our Fiat 500 parts list and should install it as soon as possible.
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Water Inside Car
Problem:
There is water in the footwells of the car, causing a damp smell and water damage.
Solution:
In most cases, this will originate from the windscreen and may be caused by degraded seals. Ensure that your drains are clear and flow freely, then hose the car down to help identify the source of the leak. You might be able to reseal the problematic area, but in some instances, you may need to purchase a replacement windscreen from our store and replace the entire unit.
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Loss of Steering
Problem:
You experience a sudden loss of steering assistance while driving.
Solution:
There was an immediate recall of Fiat 500s in June 2014 due to faulty wiring beneath the steering column. That wiring causes both premature wear and sudden electrical failure. If you have reached the point where the steering wheel is no longer functioning, you'll have little choice but to replace the entire steering column, which we always keep in stock for the Fiat 500.
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Power Steering loss
Problem:
You may have noticed a loss of power steering when performing slow manoeuvres such as parking or reversing. This is caused by a fault with the power steering motor.
Solution:
You will need to replace the power steering motor to resolve this issue, as the power steering system is electrical. If the vehicle is under warranty, you should be able to claim for it; otherwise, it will be a cost to you.
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Back of wing mirror plastic case loose
Problem:
This part tends to become loose on these vehicles and can easily break when you try to fit it back in place.
Solution:
The catches can easily break when you try fitting them back in place. If they are not broken yet, you will need to be careful when fitting them back, or if they are broken, you will need to purchase a replacement cover.
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Oil warning light
Problem:
The oil warning light on the dashboard is known to come on in these cars. If this occurs, it is not primarily an issue with the oil but with the ECU.
Solution:
You will need to take it to Fiat to resolve the issue. They will reprogram the ECU, which should not cost you anything. You will need to replace the oil and oil filter once this is done, and this will cost you! If you have to change the oil, watch the video below to see how it is done and save yourself money.
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Smell of oil
Problem:
When you're driving and notice an oil smell in the cabin, you probably have an oil leak. You should open the bonnet with the engine still running and inspect the back of the engine to see if the smell is coming from there. The common cause is a split oil breather pipe.
Solution:
You will need to replace the oil breather pipe to fix the issue.
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Window washer jet failure
Problem:
You may have noticed that the window washer jets are not spraying any water onto the windscreen or they barely spray any water at all.
Solution:
You will need to replace the windscreen washer jets to resolve this issue.
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Washer Jets
Tight Brake Pedal
Problem:
You need to press the brake pedal much harder.
Solution:
There is a fault with a pipe connected to the brake servo. This is a common issue with the Fiat 500, and you will need to remove and replace the pipe. We always have the relevant pipe section for the brake servo in stock and can deliver it to you promptly.
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Loose Front Seat
Problem:
The front seats feel loose and won’t lock into position.
Solution:
Although not very common, Fiats manufactured between December 2015 and March 2016 may have a problem with front seats not being fitted properly. You will need to remove the affected seats and fit a new seat plate, which can be ordered directly from our store.
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