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Purchase ChecklistBuyCost, Convenience1) High-Voltage Battery Health: 500e's HV batteries seem VERY robust, losing only a couple % per 10,000 mi. OBD health #s are very innaccurate, so the only way to check is to charge from as low as possible to as high as possible on 120v with a sub-$17 Amazon "power metering smart plug". The % of original capacity is the kWh used, divided by the % charged, then divided by 25.
2) Check for 2 keys (like it came with) that each start the car with the other one outside (out of transponder range), AND work in the door slot. Replacements can be $280 each! If you lose your only key it's $1500, + towing. If the door slot fails, you're locked out when your 2-year-old 12V battery dies without warning.
3) Check that it charges on the stock cord AND L2 (test-drive to a public charger). Use a $9 Amazon "outlet ground tester" to check any outlets you plan to use.
4) Check for cracks on the armrest(s) or the orange charge socket inside the filler cap. Its DIY eBay kit is $130, but dealers charge $1k since the factory part is one-piece all the way to the hood.
Filler-cap's locking "D" sometimes breaks to a "C". Check tire sealant exp. date.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/estimating-500e-battery-health.149502
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"No Purchase Necessary" (on average)ChargeCost, ConvenienceThe stock cord fully recharges the 40-mile average US daily drive from a standard wall outlet, during about 8 hours of sleep or work, adding about 5 miles every hour. Your mileage may vary, just like a gas car. See also "Extension Cord".
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Charge With 100' Extension CordChargeCost, ConvenienceMy friend has used a 100' 10-gauge extension cord for years. Some Google images of "extension cord load chart", say 14-Gauge is ok, but anything thinner than 12-Gauge is risky. Preferably plug it into a commercial-grade outlet (see "Wall-Plug Overheats")
https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=100%20Ft.%20x%2010%20Gauge%20Extension%20Cord
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Use a Voltage Spike ProtectorChargeCost, ConvenienceSome users have had OEM cord damage from voltage spikes, so it's a good idea to use a protector. You can also use its switch to power it off when not in use, & also plug/unplug IT from the outlet, to save wear on the OEM plug.
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Double the Stock Cord's Charging SpeedChargeCost, ConvenienceAdd about a mile every 6 minutes*. For $20, the stock cord plugs into the same 240V outlet required for any other plug-in 240V charger. See also "240V From two 120 Outlets". *Your mileage may vary, just like a gas car.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/double-speed-charging-on-oem-cord-for-20-12-for-lockable-cover.150731/unread
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240V From two 120 OutletsChargeCost, Convenience240V from 120, for only $209, but you need 2 outlets on alternate phases of the building's power supply, so it's best to check that first.
https://shop.quickchargepower.com/Quick-220-QK220a.htm
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DC Fast Charge Supposedly PendingChargeConvenienceAdd about 2 miles/min* with 40kW at CHAdeMO (Leaf) chargers. $3k kit for "any qualified mechanic or methodical weekend car hobbyist". Installation also available from QC Charge. *Your mileage may vary, just like a gas car.
https://qccharge.com/
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"Bad" HeadlightsSetupSafetyOEM head & fog lights are just ADJUSTED way too low. T15 Torx at the top of fog lights. Pop the hood & 6mm Allen key in the white plastic socket on each headlight. Each screw is like a sprinkler faucet: Turn left to make it go higher. Fogs fill in the low-beams well when raised.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/headlights-fogs-suck-until-you-adjust-them-upwards.150676/#post-1302964
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Mile Gauge Drop with A/C or HeatSetupPeace of MindWhen you first turn on HVAC, the GAUGE drops much more than the ACTUAL range, but it recalibrates in a few miles. I don't know exactly how long it needs to be off for it to revert to "worst case scenario".
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Recalls & CampaignsSetupPeace of MindTo the best of my knowledge, no 500e recall ever caused any actual problems, but at FiatUSA.com on a COMPUTER (phones don't allways show all recalls!) under "Owners" you can click "Recall Information" & enter your VIN (if it looks like an "Oh", it's likely a zer0).
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html
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Faster Phone ChargingSetupConvenienceOn a phone's oringinal cord, or most "data" cords, it charges much faster from an adapter in the 12V outlet than from the USB data port.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/faster-phone-charging-in-lighter-socket.149289/
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Super- Cheap Cell Mount in TomTom holeSetupCostOn an early model with a TomTom socket you can push several inches of 5/8" heater hose or similar into it & clamp on a belt-clip that holds your phone securely (like at Zizo.com).
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/cheap-cell-mount-in-tomtom-holder.149244/
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Save Your $7,000 Contactors.DriveLongevitySome users have had their contactors fail. They aren't available as a separate part. Only with the entire HV drive battery pack. They "clunk" open/shut up to 12 times per round-trip drive, but with just a few tiny changes in your habits, you can save wear by limiting it to as few as 2 clunks/trip. Check the link ->
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/save-your-irreplaceable-contactors-clunk-clunk-clunk.150127/post-1299282
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Biggest Range Factor by FAR is Speed.DriveRange60mph uses about 3kW more than 55mph. After the cabin is heated it only takes about 1kW to keep it warm enough on recirculate when it's freezing, & only about 1/2kW to keep it cool enough when it's hot out. If you try to save power by turning it off & driving a bit faster in order to arrive before you freeze/boil, it takes more power, except on trips under about 10 minutes.
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"Guess O'Meter" Miles Range GaugeDrivePeace of MindThe "GOM" is EXTREMELY inaccurate if you are near either end of a hill (up OR down) or speed change (between city & hiway speeds). If you're nearly always driving about the same speed on fairly level ground, it's usually pretty close, but if not, it might take you a while to learn to ignore its wild fluctuations.
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Fresh Air without A/CDriveRangePush each lighted button in the left-side HVAC cluster til all lights are off (including the "off" light), set temp to "LO" so heat is off. See also "Recirculate", or else the A/C compressor can turn itself on (but not its light!). Blasting the fan uses less power than A/C.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/ventilation-fix-saves-energy-fresh-air-w-o-a-c-and-recirc-w-a-c-or-heat.144689/#post-1257297
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Recirculate & Self- Activating Hi-Power A/CDriveRangeThe power-wasting A/C compressor is turned on by the very false-positive-prone humidity sensor. It also turns off power-saving air recirculation. It's just to the right of the rearview mirror. Pop the cover straight off, insert a round toothpick to unlock the black socket, unplug the purple plug & snap the cover back on.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/fiat-recirculation-climate-control-issue-solved.144537/
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Maximize Cold Weather RangeDriveRangeGo a bit slower (see "Biggest Range Factor"), be warm when you leave, dress warm, bring a big hot drink, & use the low-power seat heat to reduce the need for hi-power cabin heat. When possible: Park in a warm garage or sunlight, time the charging to finish shortly before leaving so the batt is pre-warmed, preheat the cabin 10 minutes while charging, use recirculate (see "Recirculate") & shut unused passenger vents.
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Maximize Hot Weather RangeDriveRangeGo a bit slower (see "Biggest Range Factor"), be cold when you leave, dress light, bring a big ice-cold drink, & crank the low-power fan in vent mode (see "Fresh Air") to avoid hi-power A/C. When possible: Park in a cool garage or shade, pre-cool the cabin 10 min. while charging, see "Recirculate" but use ONLY when you need it cooler inside than out, & shut unused passenger vents.
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STOP & Go LOWERS RangeDriveRangeSLOW & go (10-15mph rush-hour freeway) gives the BEST range, but braking below about 7mph deactivates regeneration AND activates the battery-powered brakes. Brake early for stop signs, & super-early for red lights & slow traffic. They often clear before you need to brake below 7mph. Below that, lighter braking uses much less power than harder braking.
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Fix Charging FailureFixConvenienceWith onboard charge timer deactivated, try unplugging the car & rebooting the charger: At home if you don't have a reset button or switch, unplug from the wall, or cycle the breaker. In public hit the charger's reset button (if avail), or return the plug to its holster (like some ChargePoints), or wait 15 minutes for auto-reset (as posted on some Volta chargers). That nearly always works for me, but if not, try starting & stopping the car motor. One time, my stock charge-cord seemed to reset my car! If those fail, see "Fix Moderate Computer Glitches".
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Fix Small Computer GlitchesFixCost, ConvenienceFor glitches like charging failure, or a "Service Propulsion System" display, etc: First just try cycling the key off until the loud clunk, & restart. That often works, but if not, leave it off until after the display goes black, or better yet 3 min for "sleep" mode. Two cycles nearly always works for me, but it may take TEN to reset error codes. That nearly always works for me, but if not, see "Fix Moderate Computer Glitches".
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Fix Moderate Computer GlitchesFixCost, ConvenienceFor glitches like stubborn charge failures or something weird (once, my ABS kept activating below 6mph!) keep a 10mm wrench in the car or a Crescent Wrench or at least pliers, for a 12V disconnect: With the key out, & hands on each end of the plastic motor cover, yank hard, straight up, remove the 12V battery's negative clamp for 30 seconds, replace it & re-tighten it until you can't twist it off by hand. That nearly always works, but if not, see "Fix Tough Computer Glitches".
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Fix Tough Computer GlitchesFixCost, ConvenienceFor tougher glitches, try a longer 12V disconnect* (3 minutes to 30 hours), or if it's easier for you (or to recalibrate the % gauge), discharge PAST zero: Drive around to 0% near a charger, park, & crank lights, fan, & rear defrost til the 12V batt warning shows (or til it drops from 14.x volts to 12.x on OBD or multi-meter), then fully charge on L2, then open/close the driver's door & once again charge til it stops. *See "Fix Moderate Computer Glitches"
http://www.fiat500usaforum.com/showthread.php?36396-Regain-Lost-Range-for-Free!&p=858218#post858218
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If it's "DEAD"FixCost, ConvenienceNewly discovered Contactor Disable glitch listed as #2B at this link ------------------------------->
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a_d4rbMPtzEHIqhecx19zecI-xo1l9B6JUmmJ_JeFP0/edit?usp=sharing
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Fix Very Tough Computer GlitchesFixCost, ConvenienceIF the above all fail: 1) Ideally in "ready" mode, open left door & don't close or open any door or hatch until done, to avoid "wake up signal". 2) Remove key & wait 3 min. for "sleep" mode. 3) Remove orange HV plug under black cover under rear seat, disconnect 12V, replace HV plug, & reconnect 12V.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/reboot-via-30-second-hv-disconnect-edit-worked.148977/post-1300891
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BulbsFixCost, Convenience"Bulb Out" display may indicate the wrong side of the vehicle. Also, LED headlight cost is close to OEM bulbs!
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/leds-that-work-without-errors.147819
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If Stock Wall-Plug OverheatsFixCost, ConvenienceIdeally, replace any $0.69 wall outlet with a $2.29 commercial-grade one, but if it still feels so hot it might melt, try letting the car cool a bit before plugging in.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/stock-evse-and-plug-get-quite-warm-during-charging.148707/
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If Stock Wall-Plug MeltedFixCost, ConvenienceReplace any melted plug with a hardware-store heavy-duty plug, preferably one that's weatherproof, as is the entire stock unit.
https://www.homedepot.com/s/15%2520Amp%2520Heavy%2520Duty%2520Plug?NCNI-5
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TiresFixCostOEM tires are the same all-around. Rear rims are wider than fronts, where OEMs wear super-fast. A Crescent wrench can remove the hubs' tire-rotation-prevention pins. Rotating complete stock wheels front-to-back still drives fine, with only slightly milder understeer. "Proper" rotation can cost more than a new set of 4 matching rims, which of course also drives fine.
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Extend 12V Battery LifeFixCost, ConvenienceWhen charging, try for cool times/places, & open the hood to let out the damaging heat of the onboard charger adjacent to the 12V battery. I did that, deleted the heat-trapping motor cover, & inserted a 1.5" styrofoam sheet for insulation. My 12V was still fine at 5+ years. Others have had theirs die in under 2 years with no warning. OBD & power-socket show only 14.x volt charger output, or WAKING voltage (lower than resting voltage).
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/500e-12v-battery.149650
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Jump- StarterFixPeace of MindThe manual covers regular jump-starting, & a portable jump-starter also works. You may need to cycle the key 5 times to clear any warnings.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/has-anyone-used-a-jumpstarter.149603/post-1294803
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12V Battery Same As GasFixConvenienceIf your car parts store doesn't list the 500e 12V battery, it's the same as a gas 500. A 10mm wrench fits the terminals & top clamp but there's also a base clamp that requires a ratchet, 6" extension, & 13mm or 1/2" socket. Nearly any 12V will work with adapters, even the smallest 3Ah motorbike battery, if you drive daily.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/tiny-20-12v-battery-works-saves-38-pounds.150208
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Gas Model Windshield FitsFixCost, ConvenienceApparently the very expensive OEM acoustic windshield is difficult to obtain, but the cheaper one for the gas models seems to fit.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/cant-get-replacement-windshield-for-fiat500e.147761/
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Cheap On-Board DiagnosticsFixCost, Convenience$17 eBay ELM327 KONNWEI KW902 OBD reader & free AlfaOBD "demo" app. If you only have an iPhone/iPad, try a laptop/tablet, or ask your friends if they have an old Android, or get one for $15 on Amazon. No service needed, just download the app on WiFi.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/diagnostic-tips-for-free-alfaobd-demo.149046/
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$66 Grabby Brake FixFix ComfortThe brakes grab slightly when regen stops around 6mph. With at least the cheap reader (see "Diagnostics") but the $49 AlfaOBD app: "SELECT FUNCTION, ABS, SELECT CONTROL UNIT, Regenerative Brake Controller, CONNECT", swipe left to "Active diagnostics, Select procedure to start, RBC Sensor Calibration, START".
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/fix-grabby-brakes-for-70.149282/
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If you only have one $280 electronic keyFix
Cost, ConvenienceIf the alarm activates without a valid key, apparently it ruins the BCM. Instead of risking that, you might want to risk bypassing some security by using cheap non-transponder key copies to lock, unlock, & drive. Glue your one remaining transponder key inside the steering column cover. See link to the right -‐>
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/need-replacement-key.147883
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