Factory mod requests

[Fiat500USA]

Alvon Elrod wrote

I would add to your list:
1) compact spare tire, with jack and tool kit.  These are essential safety items for any car.
2) Printed Owner's manual, radio manual, and warranty manual are a must.
3) Option to purchase a Shop Manual (since the owner's manual has no instructions for doing even the most basic maintenance, like changing oil & filter)

Thad, did you experiment with programming the Key fob to open all doors with one click?  I followed the instructions, but had no success.  (Hold door lock button for more than 4 but less than 10 seconds, then press unlock while holding the lock button, then release both buttons at the same time).

Alvon

Hi Alvon,

I've been bugging them for a shop manual for the last 5 months. Right now, I think it is a web based, for the dealers only.

Check your dealer's Parts Department for the spare.

[Alvon Elrod]

I had a nice visit with the dealer today.  They 'loaned' their shop manual for me to peruse overnight, but commented that they were told that there are a lot of changes that need be made.  They also indicated that they have a way to access it on line (but not the general public).

The Parts desk didn't know anything about the spare tire, jack, etc., and said that they would investigate.  They didn't have any oil filters in stock yet, either.  I did buy a 'fitted' car cover, the one that's about $135.  I think it's going to take more time for Fiat to get the ball rolling.

Alvon

[Mike S]

How is the fitted cover? I didn't know of the less expensive one.

I should start jumping on the parts dept. too for the spare and jack.

Thanks for the info.

[Alvon Elrod]

I need to clean my car before I check it for fit.  It's a little dusty right now.

Alvon

[Thad]

Does anyone have the Mopar parts numbers for the compact spare kit and jack and tool kits?

[sonicsby5]

Yes, also interested in how that car cover works out for you Alvon.  The $135 is the outdoor version, right?  

You can now buy an aftermarket car cover from calcarcover.com for the 2012 FIAT 500, and I'm sure other web venders too since CalCover buy their covers from someone else.  Covers are available in different colors for different weather.  Would be interested to see if the cover from FIAT is of the same fabric available elsewhere or if it's better/different.  Probably the Softweave.

[Mike S]

I was checking those yesterday. The Fiat cover is less expensive than the cheapest Calcover ($189).

[Alvon Elrod]

Did get a chance last night, with softball league and the NCAA b-ball final (pitiful match).  I'll clean the car tonight, and don the cover.  Pictures to follow.

[Fiat500USA]

Alvon Elrod wrote

I had a nice visit with the dealer today.  They 'loaned' their shop manual for me to peruse overnight, but commented that they were told that there are a lot of changes that need be made.  They also indicated that they have a way to access it on line (but not the general public).

The Parts desk didn't know anything about the spare tire, jack, etc., and said that they would investigate.  They didn't have any oil filters in stock yet, either.  I did buy a 'fitted' car cover, the one that's about $135.  I think it's going to take more time for Fiat to get the ball rolling.

Alvon

Alvon,

Is there any part number or reference number for the shop manual? I'm really annoyed I don't have this.

[Alvon Elrod]

Well, now that I have had some time to look at the "Service Manual", I would not call it a Service Manual.  It is a 372 page book entitled Fiat 500 Systems - Operation and Diagnosis.  81-699-10057.  It doesn't have any description of Maintenance, Maintenance Intervals, Dissasembly or Reassembly of components, or provide iany specs of engine performance, dimensions or tolerances, testing, fasterner torques.  It devotes much of its content toward an overview of the basics of the car (without digging into detailed depth), and diagnosing problems using electronic scanning tools.  The book serves more as a textbook for a 4-day instructor-led course, that gives the technician a logical way to troubleshoot issue, and assumes that the technician is an experienced auto mechanic.  It is not a do-it-yourself, step-by-step service manual.  It devotes more 'service manual' detail (35 pages) to something our cars don't have, than to any other feature of the car:  the cabrio canvas top and folding mechanism.  Here are 2 photos of the introductory pages:





It does provide a great deal of useful information about these cars, and is a good read and reference source.  It's just not what I was expecting as a Service Manual.  After, studying the manual, I still need to figure out how to go about changing the oil and filter on my own.

[Alvon Elrod]

The cover came in a cardboard box, and inside the box is a bag for storing the cover (if you can roll it up that small), some generic instructions that could apply to any car, and a medium weight cover that is exactly the shape of our 500's.  The material is heavier than the really cheapest covers that I've seen, and lighter than some real heavy duty covers.  I like the density of the fabric.  It's a tight fit.  Tighter than I like.  The advantage of being tight is that it is perhaps less likely to get blown off by gusty winds.  The disadvantage  of being tight is that any dust on the car can potentially scratch the car as you tug the tight cover into place.

It has a nice pocket for the antenna on top and the 2 side mirrors, and has a clear vinyl window to expose the rear license plate frame and center chrome trim of the trunk.  The vinyl fits very tight on the trunk chrome trim, so tight that it won't slide -- I hope it won't somewhat melt into the chrome on a hot day.  I think I may try to put a soft terry cloth between the cover and the chrome.  Here are a series of pictures:

I'll probably put the cover on when in the garage for more than a few days, and possibly if out in the hot sun all day long in the parking lot at work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mike S]

Looks like a nice cover.

[sonicsby5]

Very thorough review!  Ok I'm buying one.  Was wondering about the antenna, so that's good it has a pocket.

[sjmst]

Here's a factory mod request: Extenders for the sun visors. This is for when you turn them to block sun coming through the side window. Yes, they do swivel, but only extend a few inches. I need something that slides out that makes them longer to block the sun beating on my face for half hour during my commute.

[Alvon Elrod]

Yep.  The visors are too small for my liking, also.  They could be twice the size they are, and that would be about right.

Alvon

[sonicsby5]

haven't had the sun visor problem yet, since it's never sunny here until July....

[Giallo Edizione]

sjmst wrote

Here's a factory mod request: Extenders for the sun visors. This is for when you turn them to block sun coming through the side window. Yes, they do swivel, but only extend a few inches. I need something that slides out that makes them longer to block the sun beating on my face for half hour during my commute.

Tint your windows! Looks good, no cancer.

[fredfrey]

The first thing I did post delivery was to install coco floor mats. Carpet mats never last and I prefer the vintage look of the much more durable coco mats. I found a company making them for the 500 and wound up getting them way before I could even get my car!  They were not cheap but they are well made and fit perfect. They also have mats for the rear floor and the hatch back floor. Cost for the 2-Piece is $139.95 + 15.50 shipping so not cheap but they are offering a 10% discount to FLU members.

[sjmst]

They look great. Not a bad price.

[SeaDawg]

fredfrey wrote

I found a company making them for the 500 and wound up getting them way before I could even get my car!  

Ok, Fred, GIVE!   What's the name/address/website of this company?