Fiat Check Engine Light: Reset, Flashing, Troubleshooting Guide
A Fiat check engine light is a warning indicator that alarms drivers of a possible issue with their vehicle’s engine or emissions control system. When the check engine light illuminates a Fiat vehicle, it’s important to address the issue promptly to maintain its performance and efficiency. This guide provides information on what to do when the check engine light turns on, including resetting the light, troubleshooting common causes, and understanding the flashing pattern.
In newer Fiat models, such as the late-model Fiat 500, you will note the “HAVE YOUR ENGINE CHECKED” error message on the cluster. The problem could be as simple as a loose gas cap with a fault code of P0456 or a sign of another problem, such as a turbo boost issue, engine malfunction, engine misfire, or transmission issue.
The light itself does not provide much information other than to warn you to get the car diagnosed. Knowing why your Fiat check engine light is on is impossible without reading the codes. In the next section, you will learn how to read codes.
🔧 Stop paying the dealer for every warning light
Get dealer level diagnostics at home with the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner.
- ✔ Works with all makes and models, including most luxury brands
- ✔ Topology map view shows all vehicle modules on one screen for faster diagnostics
- ✔ Bi directional controls to test fans, pumps, actuators and more so you do not have to guess
- ✔ Special resets and calibrations such as ABS bleed, EPB service, battery registration and more
- ✔ Free lifetime updates with no recurring fees
How to Troubleshoot Fiat Check Engine Light
Symptoms
Here are the common symptoms you may observe when your Fiat CEL comes on:
- Poor throttle response,
- Engine jerking when changing gears,
- Engine overheating
- “high coolant temp, turn the engine off” warning,
- Engine stalls when idle, or the car is difficult to start
The symptoms of Fiat check engine light vary. Sometimes, you may not notice any performance issues at all. If you fail to perceive performance issues, you may continue driving your Fiat but get it diagnosed as quickly as possible.
Why is my Fiat check engine light (CEL) on?
The most frequent faults triggering Fiat CEL are worn spark plugs or a loose gas cap.
Other issues can trigger the check engine light on a Fiat, such as:
- Poor fuel: Low-quality gasoline can trigger the CEL on Fiat vehicles
- Turbo problem: Under boost pressure
- Thermostat: Engine overheats or takes too long to reach operating temperature
- Oxygen sensor: Increases exhaust emissions and decreases fuel economy.
- Mass airflow sensor: Often results in multiple codes and poor throttle response
- Spark plugs: If one fails, it will cause an engine misfire and engine shaking
- EVAP: The EVAP emissions canister can fail, triggering CEL and codes such as P0499.
- PCM: Failure to change spark plugs and wire harness does not fix the CEL. PCM replacement may be required.
Many more possible problems and hundreds of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) can trigger the CEL on your Fiat. Knowing the problem in your case without diagnosing the vehicle is difficult.
How to Reset Fiat Check Engine Light
The following instructions work on Fiat vehicles manufactured from 1996 to the present. An OBD-II scanner is required to read the codes. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes on every control module of your Fiat vehicle.
- Turn on Ignition. All your dashboard lights should be on. Do not start the engine.
- Plug your scanner into the OBD II port under the dashboard. There is only one port like this. Sometimes, it has a small cover, so you may not notice it easily. It may be hidden under the dashboard, requiring you to look carefully under it.
- Allow the scanner to communicate with your Fiat and detect the correct protocol.
- Press read codes on your OBDII scanner or phone app to retrieve the codes.
- Fix and rectify the problem that triggered the codes you retrieved in step 4; return to the main menu and select Clear Fault Codes.
These instructions may help you check the engine trouble codes on Fiat models such as
- 500
- 500x
- Abarth
- Panda
- Fremont
- Viaggio
- Ottimo
- Ducato
- Dublo
- Tipo
- Toro
- Mobi
- Argo
- Punto
- Panda
- Croma
- Sedici
- Bravo, Etc.
Can a loose gas cap trigger the check engine light?
Yes. If you scan your Fiat and get a trouble code for an EVAP leak, fasten the fuel tank cap until you hear two clicks. Once you tighten the gas cap, you can use an OBD-II scanner to clear the code. If the CEL comes back, replace the gas cap.
If the CEL returns with a code for a small EVAP system leak, have a mechanic, or your Fiat dealer would have to perform a smoke test to find the leak.
It is strongly recommended that you write down the code and research the problem. Many owners get a code and start replacing parts based on the code alone. Don’t start replacing parts without researching the code first. There is more than one problem that can trigger one code.
Fiat Check Engine Light Flashing On and Off
The onboard diagnostics system (OBD) detects a current engine misfire when your Fiat CEL flashes. In other words, one or more cylinders are not fully functional. It is not recommended to drive your Fiat if the check engine light is flashing. Driving your Fiat with CEL flashing can cause more damage to the engine and catalytic converter.
If your Fiat CEL is NOT flashing, driving is usually safe. If you drive your Fiat when the CEL stays on, you should monitor dashboard warning lights and the engine temperature. Do not drive if the engine shakes or hesitates when pressing the gas.
We hope you find this guide, “Fiat Check Engine Light Stays On,” helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Fiat.
