[sl_austin]

After not finding anything in the manual, I checked with my dealer today, re. recommended first maintenance and maintenance intervals. They basically re-iterated what's in the manual (every 10k miles/16k km), and no new car break-in service. In other words, drive first 10k miles without changing oil, filter, checking common aspects like alignment, proper break pad/rotor break-in, leaks, etc. Seems like a recipe for trouble, esp. considering new engine?

In contrast, my 2009 Nissan (Pathfinder) has factory-recommended 6k miles service/oil change intervals. Granted, it's 8 years older, but even with advances in engine technology and lubricants, 10k miles seems high, esp. considering the turbo in the Spider.

Would appreciate any thoughts from the gear heads. I definitely want to ensure a happy and healthy engine, but also not go overboard. Just not sure how much I can trust the factory/Fiat on this one ....

Thx, S

 

[frankmar]

After not finding anything in the manual, I checked with my dealer today, re. recommended first maintenance and maintenance intervals. They basically re-iterated what's in the manual (every 10k miles/16k km), and no new car break-in service. In other words, drive first 10k miles without changing oil, filter, checking common aspects like alignment, proper break pad/rotor break-in, leaks, etc. Seems like a recipe for trouble, esp. considering new engine?

In contrast, my 2009 Nissan (Pathfinder) has factory-recommended 6k miles service/oil change intervals. Granted, it's 8 years older, but even with advances in engine technology and lubricants, 10k miles seems high, esp. considering the turbo in the Spider.

Would appreciate any thoughts from the gear heads. I definitely want to ensure a happy and healthy engine, but also not go overboard. Just not sure how much I can trust the factory/Fiat on this one ....

Thx, S

It's over 5 years and 4 months I have my Murano, and extended 7 yrs warantee. I change oir regularly and I have not seen my dealer since I bought the car. I will pay them a visit when I have 4 months left in the extended warranty. sure they'll hack me with that inspection, but hey any thing that needs to be changed it will be under warranty.

Since this will be my summer toy, I don't think I'll put over 10k km. So each spring I'll go see them to change oil, since I have a $200. credit with the service dept.

 

[PureAdrenaline]

I will be changing the oil and filter at 3000 miles. Not going to leave original oil and filter on there for 10k miles. Especially on a turbo engine...cleaner oil equals longer life on those bearings in that turbo. I may stretch that out to 5000 miles after the initial change. Oil is cheap compared to engine repairs.

 

[JFernald]

I will be changing the oil and filter at 3000 miles. Not going to leave original oil and filter on there for 10k miles. Especially on a turbo engine...cleaner oil equals longer life on those bearings in that turbo. I may stretch that out to 5000 miles after the initial change. Oil is cheap compared to engine repairs.

I've got 5500 on my Lusso and the oil level and color is unchanged from day one. However, 10,000 miles exceeds anything I have heard before, so I'm getting it changed tomorrow.

 

[joeframer44]

Longer service intervals seem to be the trend. My 2014 Mercedes Sprinter RV called for 10K miles intervals, even the first service. The 2017 model Sprinter, the V-6 turbo diesel, is now up to 20K mile intervals. Granted oil is cheap, although 13.5 qts of Mercedes spec pure synthetic, with filter, etc., isn't that cheap. I always used to believe in the "cheap insurance" 3000 mile interval, but in retrospect I believe it was a waste of a finite resource.

And I think the warranty claim adverse auto manufacturers wouldn't extend the intervals if they collectively didn't think the engines/turbos could hold up to the challenge. Interestingly, the Sprinter doesn't even come with a dipstick for the transmission!

Really enjoying my Lusso.

 

[TomM]

Full synthetic oil is a lot more durable than the old stuff. 10k miles isn't surprising.

 

[MotoPete]

My dealer recommends a 1,000 km oil change and post delivery check over. Going in for mine next Friday.

 

[canesice]

well.. my dealer said, just watch the on board computer. when it says time for an oil change, bring it in.

I dont see any reason to change anything at less than 6000 miles. I think all of those old recommendations are just that. old.

From the US Owners manual, page 230.
Change engine oil and
replace oil filter. (*)
In accordance with Oil Change Indicator System OR Severe Duty Mileage, whichever occurs first.

From page 226.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a
dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only
very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.


I dont understand why people want to spend all kinds of money doing things that are not recommended?

 

[canesice]

After not finding anything in the manual, I checked with my dealer today, re. recommended first maintenance and maintenance intervals. They basically re-iterated what's in the manual (every 10k miles/16k km), and no new car break-in service. In other words, drive first 10k miles without changing oil, filter, checking common aspects like alignment, proper break pad/rotor break-in, leaks, etc. Seems like a recipe for trouble, esp. considering new engine?

In contrast, my 2009 Nissan (Pathfinder) has factory-recommended 6k miles service/oil change intervals. Granted, it's 8 years older, but even with advances in engine technology and lubricants, 10k miles seems high, esp. considering the turbo in the Spider.

Would appreciate any thoughts from the gear heads. I definitely want to ensure a happy and healthy engine, but also not go overboard. Just not sure how much I can trust the factory/Fiat on this one ....

Thx, S

The manual has 30 pages on servicing and maintenance.
you can download it online here:
http://www.fiatusa.com/en/owners/manuals/index.html

Page 224 is the starting point.

 

[sl_austin]

Pete, can you please keep us posted what (if anything) your dealer finds at the 1000 km post delivery check-over?

Thx, S

 

[MotoPete]

I dont understand why people want to spend all kinds of money doing things that are not recommended?

Well, one, because I can, and two, because I know people (and undoubtedly so does FCA) who are cheap complain about having to spend additional time and money so soon after having purchased a new vehicle. I see it on the motorcycling forums I frequent all the time. For my current ride it's undoubtedly why Aprilia dropped the requirement of a 1000 km initial valve adjustment off their v-twins because nothing else about the engines changed...

 

[canesice]

Well, one, because I can, and two, because I know people (and undoubtedly so does FCA) who are cheap complain about having to spend additional time and money so soon after having purchased a new vehicle. I see it on the motorcycling forums I frequent all the time. For my current ride it's undoubtedly why Aprilia dropped the requirement of a 1000 km initial valve adjustment off their v-twins because nothing else about the engines changed...

So I understand that people can.. and will, spend money on what they want. it is after all, their money.

However, is there really value in changing these fluids earlier than recommended? Im not seeing it...

 

[TomM]

So I understand that people can.. and will, spend money on what they want. it is after all, their money.

However, is there really value in changing these fluids earlier than recommended? Im not seeing it...

I have to agree with you. The bean counters wouldn't tolerate something that might cost them more warranty repairs, so if they recommend oil changes every 10,000 miles you can be pretty sure they don't need it before then.

 

[MotoPete]

...so if they recommend oil changes every 10,000 miles you can be pretty sure they don't need it before then.

Yes, because oil is so expensive...

Anyway, each to their own, run the factory oil for 10,000 miles if that's what makes you happy.

 

[fiathead]

I'm planning on changing my oil at 1000 miles initially. Is it required? Probably not, but I plan on going over and above on maintenance on this car. The break in period on any engine can introduce more contaminates and a shorter interval for an initial oil change could help the engine in the long run. Heck, even BMW suggests a 1500 mile break in oil change on the M series cars. I plan on keeping this little guy forever, and with the right oil and filter available cheaply through Amazon Prime, why not?

 

[Romanojoe]

After not finding anything in the manual, I checked with my dealer today, re. recommended first maintenance and maintenance intervals. They basically re-iterated what's in the manual (every 10k miles/16k km), and no new car break-in service. In other words, drive first 10k miles without changing oil, filter, checking common aspects like alignment, proper break pad/rotor break-in, leaks, etc. Seems like a recipe for trouble, esp. considering new engine?

In contrast, my 2009 Nissan (Pathfinder) has factory-recommended 6k miles service/oil change intervals. Granted, it's 8 years older, but even with advances in engine technology and lubricants, 10k miles seems high, esp. considering the turbo in the Spider.

Would appreciate any thoughts from the gear heads. I definitely want to ensure a happy and healthy engine, but also not go overboard. Just not sure how much I can trust the factory/Fiat on this one ....

Thx, S

Just had my oil changed at 4600 and tires rotated...$76 at dealership. No issues.

 

[TomM]

Yes, because oil is so expensive...

Anyway, each to their own, run the factory oil for 10,000 miles if that's what makes you happy.

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make. You can change the oil every day if you want to. Go nuts.

It's just unlikely that it's actually doing anything positive for your car. I prefer to put my time and money into things that matter.

 

[Dyim]

Don't forget proper warm up and cool down for the turbo also. Probably just as important, if not more, for engine longevity IMO.

 

[MotoPete]

Don't forget proper warm up and cool down for the turbo also. Probably just as important, if not more, for engine longevity IMO.

There is a low coolant temperature blue warning light on Australian delivered Abarths, so I take it easy until it's turned itself off.

The 1.4 MA is fitted with an ARCP in the 500, so I am assuming the 124 is the same. Can anyone confirm this for certainty?

http://www.fiat500usa.com/2012/04/fiat-500-abarth-after-run-coolant-pump.html

 

[MotoPete]

It's just unlikely that it's actually doing anything positive for your car.

Perhaps the critically high levels of silicon Abarth 500 owners have found in the oil analysis' they've conducted at the first oil change aren't an issue, but personally I'd rather they not be there...