Fiat 500 Common Problems and Solutions
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating, there is white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and there is unexplained coolant loss.
Solution:
Fiat 500s manufactured in 2008 had a recall that’s 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 for that. If you are not, then you will need to order your replacement head gasket from our store and replace it yourself.
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Black Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
There is very dark smoke coming from your exhaust pipe. You may also be able to smell oil inside the car.
Solution:
If your Fiat has been used primarily for short journeys, then there’s a good chance that the engine oil has been contaminated with your fuel. This will lead to engine failure if ignored, so you will need to flush the entire oil system. If you have a 1.3-ltr model, then you may also have an oil leak that is affecting the coolant system. You will need to locate the leak and replace the oil pipe that’s causing the problem, which you’ll be able to 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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Black Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
There is very dark smoke coming from your exhaust pipe. You may also be able to smell oil inside the car.
Solution:
If your Fiat has been used primarily for short journeys, then there’s a good chance that the engine oil has been contaminated with your fuel. This will lead to engine failure if ignored, so you will need to flush the entire oil system. If you have a 1.3-ltr model, then you may also have an oil leak that is affecting the coolant system. You will need to locate the leak and replace the oil pipe that’s causing the problem, which you’ll be able to 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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Incorrect readings On Instrument Cluster
Problem:
Your gauges are giving you incorrect readings. The most obvious one is the speed indicator.
Solution:
Although this can affect any Fiat 500 built from 2008 on, it particularly affects those that were built in 2017. The problem is a fault in your instrument cluster. You will need to order a replacement from us and replace the faulty one.
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Intense Shaking Beneath the Car
Problem:
You can feel intense vibrations coming from beneath the car while driving.
Solution:
The cause of recall of 500s built in the latter half of 2018 will be due to a failed right-hand driveshaft. You may find that a Fiat dealership will replace your driveshaft for free. If not, then you can find a replacement on our Fiat 500 parts list and will have to install it as soon as possible.
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Water Inside Car
Problem:
There is water in the footwells of the car, leading to a damp smell and water damage.
Solution:
In most cases, this will be coming from the windscreen and may be caused by degraded seals. Make sure that you have clear drains that flow freely, and then hose the car down to try and identify where the leak is coming from. You may be able to reseal the trouble area, but in some cases, you may have to buy a replacement windscreen from our store and replace the entire thing.
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Loss of Steering
Problem:
You have a sudden loss of steering power while driving.
Solution:
There was an immediate recall of Fiat 500s in June 2014 because of faulty wiring beneath the steering column. That faulty wiring causes both premature wear and sudden electrical failure. If you have reached the point where the steering wheel is simply not working anymore then you will have little choice but to replace the entire steering wheel column, which we always have in stock for the Fiat 500.
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Power Steering loss
Problem:
You may have noticed that there is a power steering loss when performing slow maneuvers 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 fix this issue, as the power steering is an electrical system. If the vehicle is under warranty you should be able to claim from that, otherwise it will cost you.
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Back of wing mirror plastic case loose
Problem:
This part is known to become loose on these vehicles, and can be easily broken when you try to fit it back in place.
Solution:
The catches can easily break when you try fitting it back in place. If it is not broken yet, you will need to be careful when fitting it back or if it is 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 these cars. If this is the case, then it is not so much 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 when 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 are driving and notice a smell of oil in the cabin, you most likely have an oil leak. You should open the bonnet with the engine still running and have a look at the back of the engine to see if the smell is coming from there. The usual cause is a split oil breather pipe.
Solution:
You will need to replace the oil breather pipe to resolve the issue.
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Window washer jet failure
Problem:
You may have noticed that the window washer jets are not firing any water onto the windscreen or they hardly spray much water altogether.
Solution:
You will have to replace the windscreen washer jets to fix this problem.
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Tight Brake Pedal
Problem:
You need to push a lot harder on the brake pedal.
Solution:
There is a fault on a pipe that’s connected to the brake servo. This is a common problem with the Fiat 500, and you’ll have to remove the pipe and replace it. We have the relevant pipe section for the brake servo in stock at all times and can deliver this to you quickly.
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Loose Front Seat
Problem:
The front seats feel loose and won’t lock into place.
Solution:
Not that common, but for Fiats built between December 2015 and March 2016, there was an issue with the front seats not being installed correctly. You will need to remove the affected seats and install a new seat plate that you can order directly from our store.
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