The Fiat 500L is built to offer comfort to families. Thanks to its spacious cabin and cargo space. But like most estate cars, this car also comes with several issues, including transmission problems. But what are the Fiat 500L transmission problems?
Some of the common transmission problems with the Fiat 500L are difficulty shifting gears, clutch issues, low transmission fluid, and gears jumping or grinding during acceleration. Additionally, some people have registered experiencing whistling sounds from the hood, a burning smell, shaky transmission, and faulty solenoids.
What are the common Fiat 500L transmission problems?
Difficulty shifting gears
This is one of the main problems experienced by Fiat 500L owners. It is also common in the 2014 Fiat 500L that it forced the manufacturer to recall some models. The main reason why owners of this car usually experience this problem is because of low transmission fluid. In some cases, it can be due to the car operating with contaminated fluid.
To fix this issue, users must replace or refill the transmission fluid.
Low transmission fluid
After your Fiat 500L puts on several miles, your car may start to experience different issues, such as this one. The main cause of low transmission fluid is leakage which happens because of a cracked or punctured transmission pan. If the transmission pan is cracked, your car will continue to lose fluid until it is fixed.
The best way to fix this issue is not by refilling the fluid but by repairing or replacing the cracked transmission pan.
Clutch issues
This issue has been reported by both manual and automatic Fiat 500L users. The clutch helps to control the shifting of gears. So, if the clutch is compromised, it may lead to poor transmission performance. If clutch issues are not dealt with in time, they can damage your transmission which can be costly to fix.
Ensure to have the clutch examined and repaired by a professional mechanic before it damages your transmission.
Jumping or grinding during acceleration
If your car jumps or jerks when accelerating, this is an indication that you’ve got worn-out clutch assemblies. Besides, this problem is more common in the Fiat 500L models with the 5-speed Dualogic automated manual transmission. Nonetheless, some users of the dual-clutch automatic transmission have also reported a similar problem.
The best solution is to replace the worn-out clutch parts.
Burning smell
Like with most transmissions, if you notice that your car has a burning smell from the transmission, this is a sign that you’ve got overheated fluid. What’s more, you should check your fluid as it may be contaminated or old and unable to perform its lubricating duties properly.
You can fix this problem by replacing the old or contaminated transmission fluid with new fluid.
Whistling sounds coming from the hood
A whistling or whining sound from the transmission can be a sign of several issues with your transmission. The most common one is low fluid level. However, it can also be likely that your Fiat 500L has worn-out transmission gears and a failing torque converter.
So, to avoid the guesswork, you should have the car diagnosed by a professional mechanic and the issue resolved.
Faulty solenoid
Common signs of a faulty transmission solenoid are the transmission not shifting out of neutral or erratic gear shifts that lead to a rocky or shaky feeling. This is because a faulty solenoid won’t receive the right signals or open enough to shift the transmission.
To fix this issue, ensure to repair or replace the bad transmission solenoid.
Shaky transmission
If you notice that your transmission is shaking as you accelerate, you should check the transmission fluid level or the solenoid. Low transmission fluid can make the car shaky as you accelerate. This issue should be attended to quickly as it can lead to costly repairs. Have the mechanic inspect the car and either refill the fluid or replace the bad solenoid.
FAQ
How long does the Fiat 500L transmission last?
The Fiat 500L transmission can last for more than 150,000 miles. Many users have reported clocking more than 100,000 miles without any major problems or repairs. Besides, the car is very durable as it will clock more than 250k miles if it is well-maintained as well.
What type of transmission is fitted in the Fiat 500L?
This car comes with three different transmissions. It has a six-speed manual, dual-clutch transmission, and an Aisin six-speed traditional torque converter automatic. On top of that, it has a 5-speed dualogic automated manual transmission.
It is vital to note that the North American market is only offered with the Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.
Why did Fiat recall the 2014 Fiat 500L?
Chrysler recalled over 19,500 2014 Fiat 500L models because of a transmission issue. The manufacturer reported that the automatic transmission would not shift readily out of the park. Furthermore, the affected transmissions may not receive or are slow to receive, an intended gear selection.
With that said, the affected models were recalled and the problem was fixed.
How much does it cost to replace a Fiat transmission?
The cost of replacing a Fiat transmission ranges from $1,800 to $3,400. The price can be cheaper or costlier depending on whether you’re replacing parts or the entire transmission. Nevertheless, replacing the transmission is quite cumbersome and time-consuming.
How often should I have my Fiat 500L transmission fluid examined?
You can examine your Fiat 500L transmission fluid as often as you want. Regular inspection will ensure that you have the right level and type of fluid in your car for smooth operation. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to check or replace your car’s transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the common transmission issues with the Fiat 500L, it is crucial to maintain your car properly so that it can last longer. And even though different Fiat model years have reported transmission problems, the 2014 Fiat 500L model year is the model with the most problems. The manufacturer had to recall this model year due to the transmission shifting readily out of the park.
All in all, the Fiat 500L is still an outstanding car and can clock more than 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance
