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Monday, July 28, 2014

Fiat 500L-Vans Design Concept Debuts!

Fiat 500L-Vans design concept


Fiat debuted their Fiat 500L-Vans design concept at the Vans US Open of Surfing over this past weekend. The Vans company made their name with athletic shoes and apparel so this special Fiat 500L features design elements inspired by classic Vans products and materials. Inside, Vans logos on the instrument panel with vintage palm-patterned canvas and Vans Waffle Soles on the pedals and in storage bins reminds one of the original Vans hi-top sneakers.

Fiat 500L-Vans Interior


Outside, Off-road LED daytime running lamps in an integrated brush guard and unique body cladding standout. The matte blue and gloss white two-tone paint is topped with a Vans checkerboard pattern, and Shoe sole waffle pattern accents for the grille, step pad and rear cladding carry on the Vans theme. A raised ride height along with 18 inch blacked out wheels gives the car a rugged appearance. A roof mounted double decker surf board carrier with basket complete the look.

Fiat 500L-Vans Concept


You can view the Fiat 500L-Vans design concept as well as the full Fiat model line up at the Vans US Open for Surfing event going on now and running through August 3rd at Huntington Beach, California. The event is free and open to the public and can be viewed daily on the live webcast at the Vans US Open of Surfing website.


Fiat 500L-Vans Dashboard

Fiat 500L-Vans Seats


Fiat 500L-Vans Waffle Pattern Pedals

Interior Features:
  • Vans Canvas Pattern fabric with white and blue leatherette and leather accents
  • Vintage Vans Logo Stickers through the years detail on instrument panel trim
  • Vans waffle pattern Sole Texture on rubber surfaces and pedals

Exterior Features:
  • Unique Vans Checker roof
  • Matte and gloss paint with gloss black accents
  • Off-road LED daytime running lamps in integrated brush guard
  • Unique cladding with pronounced fenders
  • Roof rack with basket and surf board double decker
  • Shoe sole waffle pattern accents (grille, step pad and rear cladding)
  • 18” wheels with higher ground clearance and wider track

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Fiat at US Open of Surfing

Fiat 500 Watercrafts


Fiat is making a big splash this weekend at the Vans US Open of Surfing. Starting July 26 and running through August 3 in Huntington Beach, California, the Vans US Open of Surfing is the largest surfing competition in the world. This year, Fiat will be pulling out the stops with a beach display showing off its full model range, including the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, 500L Trekking, and the all-electric Fiat 500e. Fiat will also debut a special Fiat 500L design concept inspired by the Vans clothing and accessories brand.

Fiat Water Ski


This is the second year in a row that Fiat has partnered with the Vans US Open. The event is expected to draw 500,000 spectators.

Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat brand North America explains why teaming up with the US Open of Surfing is a good fit for the brand:

“Last year’s Vans US Open of Surfing gave us the opportunity to be a part of an event that matches the spirit and playfulness of the FIAT brand. As we continue to launch new products, including the all-new automatic Fiat 500 Abarth, the US Open of Surfing remains a great platform to showcase the depth of our portfolio and interact with the young audience attending this event.”


Fiat 500 Watercrafts Cruising

In addition to the land display, Fiat will bring back its Fiat 500 watercrafts that debuted at the event last year. Professional surfer Brianna Cope will be on hand to sign autographs and there will be plenty of giveaways, including Wayfarer sunglasses, branded shoelaces, and other FIAT-branded items available. The event is free and open to the public and can be viewed daily on the live webcast at the Vans US Open of Surfing website.

Brianna Cope

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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Fiat and Renault Team Up for New Vehicle

Fiat Scudo Commercial Van


Fiat and Renault have signed an agreement to produce a new commercial vehicle to be manufactured at a Renault factory in France. The vehicle will be the replacement for the Fiat Scudo, a medium duty commercial van that Fiat had produced in a joint venture with France's Peugeot. Fiat and Peugeot had cooperated on the Scudo for the past 20 years, but that will end when its replacement arrives in 2016. The new Fiat commercial van will feature distinctive Fiat Professional design elements and be based on a Renault platform. Production will begin during the second quarter of 2016 at the French company's Sandouville plant.

Fiat Scudo Passenger Van

The Fiat Scudo is smaller than the Fiat Ducato (Ram ProMaster in the North America) and comes in either a cargo or passenger van configuration.

Related:

The Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily being considered for the USA...

Friday, July 18, 2014

2014 Fiat FreakOut Recap

2014 Fiat FreakOut


The Fiat Club America held their annual Fiat FreakOut national convention last weekend and the highly anticipated event was another roaring success. It was the 31st year for the Fiat FreakOut and the event was held in the Chicago area for the first time. Fiat owners and fans from all around North America enjoyed four days filled with fun activities and friendly people. There were plenty of new and vintage Fiats on hand to entertain.

2014 Fiat FreakOut Show


The Fiat FreakOut is always chock full with things to do and this year's event kicked off with some kart racing. A poker run to the Volo Auto Museum and a late night cruise around Chicago were memorable. One of the key things about the Fiat FreakOut is socializing with fellow Fiat owners and the FreakOut's cocktail parties, lunches and dinners are a relaxed way to meet new people. Wandering the parking lot and seeing rare Fiats and talking with friendly owners is a popular Fiat FreakOut pastime. Vendors, movies and raffle prizes also added to the enjoyment and things to do.

1976 Lancia Scorpion at FreakOut

The highlight of the event is the concours auto show held on Saturday. This year, some early rain in the day failed to dampen the mood and the show field was full of some of the best examples of vintage, rare and significant Fiat Group cars.

Fiat USA was a major sponsor and sent a street team with the Fiat 500L to display. Nicole Longhini, Brand Manager for Fiat North America, was there for the second year in a row and gave a presentation on Fiat marketing that included the Funny or Die comedy video "Neighbors."

The 2015 Fiat FreakOut is already in the works, so make plans next year this time to attend. We'll have info on the 2015 Fiat FreakOut as soon as it is available, so keep an eye here on the blog. Don't forget to visit the Fiat Club America website and join the largest Fiat club in America!

More on the Fiat FreakOut:


Fiat 500 at 2014 Fiat FreakOut




Images: Thanks to the following for sharing their Fiat FreakOut experience: aevansgatech, Thad, Abarth67, Fiat Club America

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Fiat 500 Tech Bulletin Updates

Fiat 500 Test Track

Since its introduction just over three years ago, there have been more than 141,000 Fiat 500s delivered to owners in North America. The Fiat 500 is unique because it provides a high style, fun Italian driving experience at an affordable price point. Like any new model though, there are always going to be quirks, annoyances or issues that rear their head over time. Fiat has published a few updates recently that address the petty annoyances that some owners have experienced.

Fiat 500C Cabrio

These updates are in the form of Technical Service Bulletins issued to Fiat Studio technicians to help them identify, diagnose and rectify these issues. Here are a few of the latest Fiat TSBs that may be of interest to owners. Note: not all cars will have these issues and as always, consult your Fiat Studio for the latest information and to see if your car falls under these bulletins.

How to find your Fiat 500's MDH (Month Day Hour):

Decoding the Fiat 500 VIN

 Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 23-015-14: Rear Window Washer Nozzle Drips And/Or Leaks While Driving

MODELS:
2012 - 2013 FF 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or before April 15, 2013 (MDH 0415XX) equipped with Rear Window Wiper/Washer sales codes (JHB).
Qty. Part No. Description
1 68238613AA CHECK VALVE, Washer

This latest TSB has to do with a rear window washer that leaks. Some cars built before April 15, 2013 may exhibit a rear washer nozzle that dribbles occasionally. Fiat has issued an update that involves installing a check valve and hose assembly behind the rear window washer nozzle.

 Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-012-14 REV. A: Clock In The Cluster Gains Or Loses Time

MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500 Models

This can happen on 2012 Fiat 500s. An owner may notice the clock picks up a minute or two a month or lose the same amount. This minor problem may or may not be annoying, but now there is a solution out there that involves updating the software in the Instrument Panel Cluster.


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 17-001-14: Rear Axle Alignment Shims

MODELS:
Fiat 500
Part Number: 68236620AA Shim Kit : (Kit contains 1 front shim, 1 rear shim, and 4 spindle bolts)

This bulletin is to inform service personnel of the availability of rear axle alignment shims.

This is something Fiat owners have been waiting for, especially owners of the high performance Fiat 500 Abarth model. The rear suspension on a Fiat 500 is a torsion beam axle design. This type of suspension has a limited range of wheel alignment adjustment built in. Until the release of this kit, you were only able to shift the axle over to correct thrust angle adjustment on a Fiat 500. Now with this kit, toe in or out can be adjusted. The kit contains two rear axle alignment shims and replacement spindle mounting bolts. This is enough for one side.

Here are a couple of notes when using these shims. Please refer to the Fiat 500 Repair Manual available online at the Tech Authority website.


Before ordering the Axle Alignment Shim Kit, first attempt to correct the out of toe condition, by adjusting the alignment thrust angle until a zero thrust angle is achieved. If the toe angle is still out of specification after adjusting the thrust angle, use the Axle Alignment Shim to correct the out of specification toe condition. Shim will provide approximately 1/4 degree of toe correction. Do not use more than one shim kit per axle side and do not stack shims.

CAUTION: Do NOT completely remove more than 1 spindle bolt at a time to prevent the spindle and wheel assembly from rotating or coming off the vehicle because damage to the brake hose may occur. Loosen but do NOT remove all four spindle bolts on side of rear axle requiring alignment shim.

Note: Some repair manuals may have the wrong alignment specs listed:

Other Fiat Technical Service Bulletins


 Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 02-002-13: Cold Weather Noise From Front End Over Bumps

This bulletin involves replacing both left and right front jounce bumpers.
MODELS:
2012- 2013 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built prior to March 7, 2013 (MDH 0307XX).
Issues:
Owners may experience a noise from the front of the vehicle while going over bumps which may be more noticeable in colder temperatures.


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-014-14 Flash: Enable Shift Up Indicator

This Bulletin involves updating the software in the Instrument Cluster (IC).
MODELS:
2013 Fiat 500 Turbo
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or before February 07, 2013 (MDH 0207XX), equipped with 1.4L I4 16V Multiair Turbo Engine (sales code EAF), 5- SPD C510 Manual Transmission (sales code DDE) and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (sales code LAZ).

 Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 18-040-13 MIL Illumination P0456: Evap System Small Leak or P0128- Thermostat Rationality

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2013 Fiat 500/Abarth
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (sales code EAB or EAF) built on or before June 24, 2013 (MDH 0724XX)


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 18-028-13 REV. A MIL Illumination P1CEA- Boost Side Evap Purge System Performance, P0456- Evap System Small Leak or P0128- Thermostat Rationality

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2013 Fiat 500/Abarth (Hatchback only)
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (sales codeEAF) built on or before February 14, 2013 (MDH 214XX).


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-062-12: Tom Tom Message Searching For GPS Or Can't Pair With Blue And Me

This bulletin involves updating the software or replacing the unit if instructed.
MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicle built before July 26, 2012 (MDH 0726XX).


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-054-12 Flash: Convertible Decklid Will Not Close And Ajar Indicator Lamp On

This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Body Control Module (BCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500 (Cabrio only)
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built before May 18, 2012 (MDH 0518XX).


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 18-014-12 Flash: MIL Illumination Or Cancel Cruise Control Bump Feeling Or Chime With Message In Cluster - Coolant Overtemp Turn Ignition Off

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500
NOTE: **This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (sales code EAB) built before March 12, 2012 (MDH 0312XX).**


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-065-11: Express Down Window Function Stops With Window Part Way Down

This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Body Control Module (BCM) with new software.
MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to Fiat 500 vehicles built before April 21, 2011 (MDH 0421XX).


Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 09-003-11: Unable To Add Engine Oil

This bulletin involves verifying the oil fill housing is not partially blocked. If blockage is present replacing the oil fill housing will be necessary.
MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (sales code EAB) built between January 18, 2011 (MDH 0118XX) and March 3, 2011 (MDH 0302XX).

 
Fiat 500 Shift Knob

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 21-002-13: Chrome Top Cap On Shift Knob is Loose

This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary replacing the shift knob.
MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles without (sales code DF1) 6-Speed Aisin Auto Transmission built after June 30, 2011 (MDH0730XX) and prior to June 26, 2012 (MDH0626XX).

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 23-034-13: B-Pillar Body Creak Noise

This bulletin involves diagnosing noise source and spraying lubricant into B-pillar area.
MODELS:
2012-2013 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or after September 3, 2012 (MDH 1203XX) and on or before August 9, 2013 (MDH 809XX).
Issue:
Body creak noise coming from the passenger side lower B-pillar area during light acceleration, deceleration, and braking.

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 23-029-13: Side Door Glass Is Inoperable, Binds and/Or Moves Slow

This bulletin involves inspecting the door glass guide for excessive material and if necessary replacing the door glass and glass run weatherstrip.
MODELS:
2012- 2013 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built prior to September 14, 2012 (MDH 0914XX).
Issue:
Side Door Glass is inoperable, binds and/or moves slow.

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 23-023-13: Front And/Or Rear Emblems Bubbling And/Or Fading

This bulletin involves replacing the rear FIAT emblem and inspecting and if necessary replacing the front Fiat emblem.
MODELS:
2012-2013 Fiat 500
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built before January 25, 2013 (MDH0125XX).
Issue:
Front and/or rear emblems bubbling and/or fading.

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 23-035-12: Liftgate Emblem Paint Peeling

This bulletin involves inspecting for paint peeling and if necessary replacing the rear Abarth liftgate emblem.
MODELS:
2012 Fiat 500 (Abarth Only)
NOTE: This applies to vehicles equipped with (sales code MEA) Abarth exterior badging built before July 07, 2012 (MDH0707XX).

Read More:

Friday, July 11, 2014

2014 Fiat FreakOut Happening Now!

On the Road to the Fiat FreakOut


Fiat owners from all around North America are packed up and heading right now to the Chicago area for the Fiat FreakOut, the largest Fiat event of the year. The Fiat Club America's national convention is a four-day event filled with cars, activities and enjoyable, fun people. This year, the event is held in a beautiful location, 30 miles west of downtown Chicago at Pheasant Run Resort, a 250 acre resort.

Fiat 500 Abarth Trunk Room


The Fiat FreakOut kicked off yesterday but runs through Sunday, July 14th. Registration deadlines have passed, but there are still ways to participate and enjoy the event. For example, the car show Saturday is open to viewing and starts at 9:30 AM at Cantigny Park, a gorgeous park about 9 miles from the Resort. The Park does collect a small fee to get in, but it is nominal. There will be vendor tables setup at the hotel and, of course, plenty of late night parking lot action where you can mingle and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere loaded with Italian car talk. It is definitely worth a road trip to see what the Fiat FreakOut is all about.



2013 Fiat FreakOut Image Gallery by Fiat500USA.com


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