Have you ever had an issue starting your Fiat 500 or 500 Abarth? Fiat has just released a revised Technical Service Bulletin (Fiat TSB) that describes a software update fixing starting issues for owners of 2012 - 2013 Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth models. This revised TSB, number 18-007-14 REV. B dated October 18, 2014 supersedes TSB 18-007-14 REV. A dated August 14, 2014. The fix involves reflashing the Fiat 500 Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with revised software. The reflash also enhances cold weather starting performance.

The symptoms are an occasional cranking no start condition. Fiat 500 owners may also experience an engine that sounds like it is freewheeling or has no compression. In most situations, this is normally resolved by simply trying to restart the car.

In the original TSB it was mentioned that a small number of Fiat owners may additionally experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) P2299 (Brake Pedal Position/ Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible) and/or P0456-00 (Evap System Small Leak) code(s). The new revised TSB now includes expanded symptoms with the following MIL codes:

P1607-00 - PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. (Sales code EAB only*)
P2610-00 - PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance. (Sales code EAB only*)
P1239-00 - Engine Oil Temperature Too Low. (Sales code EAB only*)
P0298-00 - Engine Oil Temperature Too High. (Sales code EAB only*)

Note this is for 2012-2013 Fiat 500, 500T Turbo and Fiat 500 Abarth models equipped with the 1.4L MultiAir and MultiAir Turbo engines (sales code EAB or EAF).*

The revised bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (sales code EAB or EAF) built on or before September 18, 2014 (MDH 0917XX).*

Contact your Fiat Studio for more information. Refer them to Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 18-007-14 REV. B, dated October 18, 2014.

*Decoding the Fiat 500 VIN*

The Original TSB: Fiat 500 Improved Starting TSB