Fiat 500 TSB 18-040-13 P0456- Evap System Small Leak - P0128- Thermostat Rationality

[Fiat500USA]

SUBJECT:
Flash: MIL Illumination P0456- Evap System Small Leak or P0128- Thermostat Rationality

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) with new software.

MODELS:
2013 (FF) 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).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that the following
Diagnostic Trouble Codes have been set:
·
P0456- Evap System Small Leak
·
P0128- Thermostat Rationality
Updating the PCM software will correct the condition listed above.

[Andree]

Mama got her first code! P0456, on Sunday, July 26. Went to AutoZone to see what the CEL (Check Engine Light) was about, after reviewing some of the other code threads (and that it was okay to drive the vehicle if the light wasn't flashing). My car fits the bill, built Sep 21, 2012.

I guess this means a trip to Phoenix to have the car looked at. But I've forgotten which Fiat dealer folks have recommended I check out. There are several in the Phoenix area. I'd also like the occasional steering wheel rustling sound looked at, but unless it's making it at the time I arrive, I doubt it's something they can do in a day. I'm 80+ miles out from the nearest dealer, so I'm going to need a loaner or a rental if I'm leaving it for a few days.

Any suggestions on which Phoenix-metro dealer might be the best to visit?

[Fiat500USA]

Sorry to hear you had a code pop up. The dealer may be able to swap out the steering shaft while you wait. It doesn't take long. As for the code, make sure that your gas cap is tight, but it is a good idea to get the new updates done - the sooner the better.

[Fabio13]

I had the exact same code p0456 pop up a month or so ago and went to Bill Luke Fiat near me and they reflashed it. Issue came back a few days ago and went back to dealer. A new tsb is coming out in August so I had them clear the code and I will return. Dealer has been good to me so far. I've had them due an oil change with my Mobil 1 oil and rotate tires and came back for interior air filter another time.

You fix your hood?

[Andree]

I had the exact same code p0456 pop up a month or so ago and went to Bill Luke Fiat near me and they reflashed it. Issue came back a few days ago and went back to dealer. A new tsb is coming out in August so I had them clear the code and I will return. Dealer has been good to me so far. I've had them due an oil change with my Mobil 1 oil and rotate tires and came back for interior air filter another time.

You fix your hood?

Yeppers, the hood is looking good!

I have to say, though, the Verde Chiaro really hides dirt, scratches, dents very well. I had the car back for a couple days, and the light was just right so that some scratches on the hood (after painting) showed up! I hadn't seen them at all when picking up the car originally. I took it back, and it was so hard to see the scratches in the overhead sun. They DID see them, and then DID try to get the scratches out...after pulling into their shop. Problem is, you can't SEE the scratches in that lighting, and when they brought it out for me, all pleased, in that overhead sun I was again able to see the scratches...and so were they. I mean, they DID work on the car for awhile to get out the scratches and didn't get them at all. So it went back in and more was done, finally getting out the scratches.

I suppose that's both good and bad. If you accidentally scratch a Verde Chiaro car, you probably won't see it in all lighting. Even the hood dent wasn't all that noticeable in certain lighting...and it was a DENT.

I've only seen a few Fiats in the area. A white Sport. A Rame hardtop. A Verde Chiaro convertible Pop. And a 500L. Even so, I had folks getting all excited about mine to the point they yelled "I LOVE YOUR CAR", after some discussion that was slightly overheard at first, like "what kind of car is that?" and "I think that's a Fiat".

I know my area isn't very populated, but I still think it would be a sweet spot for a Fiat Studio. If they wanted to go upscale, they could put a Studio in Sedona. But more expensive areas mean higher overhead. Cottonwood is nicely located near enough to Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff, Jerome, Camp Verde. Flagstaff might seem the logical place, except I'm not ever driving there in the winter. It gets real winter with deep snow and closed roads.

Bonus, the closest Phoenix dealership is just under 90 miles away. About the right distance for a 500e to make the trip...and then put in the Studio here, and make 80 mile links between dealers so we can have the 500e here in Arizona too.

[Andree]

Sorry to hear you had a code pop up. The dealer may be able to swap out the steering shaft while you wait. It doesn't take long. As for the code, make sure that your gas cap is tight, but it is a good idea to get the new updates done - the sooner the better.

Wait...why would the dealer need to swap out the steering shaft? Is the rustling sound a bulletin too?

[Andree]

That was easy! I went to the second closest Studio, in Scottsdale. The closest, AutoNation, didn't pick up the phone yesterday when I was calling around to find a place to take in the car. Scottsdale had an available spot at 9:20 am today. Left here around a quarter to eight, and just made it to the Studio in time!

It was just a flash update, they didn't find any other problems. And I had them check out a couple other things while I was there. The rustling steering wheel (which, OF COURSE, didn't make the sound there) and the sometimes slow/dragging windows when rolling up. No problems found either side, but they tightened up something.

Did get to look over the 500X, including one in the Matte Bronze finish! I was surprised at the similarity in profile of the 500X and 500L. The family resemblance is there, for sure. Also checked out some of the colors and models/trims I hadn't seen in person.

No Alfas, a bright red Abarth took the niche where the Alfa should have been. One fellow sure was disappointed in not being able to check out the Alfa today. Pssssst, Fiat, Scottsdale could use a couple of those 4Cs, at least. I overheard one sales fellow chatting on the phone with another customer about the 4C. TWO potential sales lost because there were none to sell!

Wandered over to the Jeep area and checked out the Renegade. I love it!

Picked up a front sunshade and the little container of touch up paint while I was there. The Arizona sun really heats up the interior, especially the dash, and this will definitely help.

Folks there were very nice. Service guy Bill took care of me. Met a nice Fiat Specialist and we chatted about the 500X and the safety features. He invited me to a 500X thing they're having soon. While I think it would be fun to participate and take the 500X out for a drive, it's a 200 mile round trip. A tad far, and I probably wouldn't be much into driving at that point, but all folks close by should call them and find out when it is, it's a weekend thing, I think.

Nice folks in parts, and in other areas of service (I wandered around a lot). Several people asked if I'd like a cool water, which was very nice of them. I probably looked like I was about to die, and I was feeling that way toting around my laptop that I never ended up using.

They even have a hummingbird feeder up by service. And I did get to see a new bird, no idea what it was, but it was tiny, and picked at yellow flowers.

And I was out of there by about 12:30 or so.

Only bummer was they were having a meeting and had about 20 pizzas delivered. They didn't drop off one of them for me and the guy who was also waiting, for his 500L. And the meeting took my mechanic away from my car for part of the time. Yes, they get to have lunch. But, hey, you know, we're sitting right there, and, um, we might want pizza too.

Bonus, there was a tiny 1951 Fiat with real wood on the doors. A convertible to boot! Had a name that starts with a G I think. Gardenaire or something. Oh, Giardiniera. Can't touch it or sit in it, but it's still pretty cool to check out.

[chris g.]

It's funny this is now a TSB. My car was in the shop for over 50 days for this exact code. The car had 3 different fuel tanks put in it. And the last time the entire fuel system got replaced sans the injectors

[Fabio13]

Checked my Torque app and Blue Tooth adapter (for OBDII) for check engine light and the fault code. Brought my car in again for the P0456 small evaporative leak. Bill Luke Fiat, they took me on the spot. Waited an hour our two (I had all day). They did a smoke test. Found emission check valve (next to fuel tank) defective. Replaced with new Updated part. Common issue.

Part number 4861959-AA.
Description is "Detector 08037155".

Great service at Bill Luke in Phoenix!