PreDelivery Prep
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There really isn't too much the dealer can screw up. The two items they seem to skip are setting up the TPMS and the chassis plugs. Other than those two things check your fluids and you should be good to go. I'll try and get the dealer manual and look for other things they could be skipping, but I think that's it.
Greg
Greg
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i actually managed to get someone to show me the prep list from FCA for the 124. It does not have any reference to installing the plugs, there is a small note to install all "shipped loose items". But nothings tells you what to do with them, weird because they tell you to install the center caps. It does tell the tech to adjust the tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewalls. As it is not likely to go back into the shop before the sale, i guess it falls to the detail shop to adjust the tire pressures down to a normal level. It does specifically talk about initializing the tire pressure system and initializing the power window system.
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If the dealer is told to set tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewalls of the tires then that's likely why my car and others have hit the road at 52 pounds. That's what's on the sidewalls of the Classica's Yokohamas. (The Mazda label on the door frame says normal tire pressure is 29 pounds.) But my pressure alarm was not initialized. The windows were.
Tires are over-inflated for shipping at the factory. Dealers often don't adjust them down before delivery ... not acceptable but happens all the time. They also often don't install the underbody plugs to cover the shipping tie-down holes. I've found those in the glove box or trunk of cars I've purchased. They've even left strut shims in place. If you can find the pre-delivery checklist on the web, double-check each item yourself.
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They forgot to take the white wrapping off the backs of my car's rollbars and the front of the fusebox. It did make me wonder what else they may have forgotten, but I've been treated so well by my dealership otherwise (through two FIAT purchases) that I didn't complain.
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342 Posts
On my way home with my new Abarth, the suspension was so harsh that it was making me have second thoughts about my purchase. Of course, the tires were set at 49 psi. At 29 psi, it is now a much much nicer car! What the dealer did not forget, apparently, was to coat my sidewalls with an oily mess. Why do dealers do that??
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Just checked mine and sure enough 39psi! Same here I was starting to notice a harsh ride over certain surfaces. Such a simple thing for the dealers to do, feel a bit disappointed. I also found a piece of 'packing' tape over the fuse box under the bonnet (hood) when doing the first inspection at home.
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I'm ordering a 124 Abarth but haven't driven one yet. Would you give more detailed impression of the ride quality (harshness, vibrations, rattles, road noise, etc.) now that the tires are set properly? Also, if you've driven a non-Abarth 124, how did the two models compare in ride quality?
I'm hoping the Abarth won't be excessively harsh riding, or overly loud at the exhaust. Looking for "just right" on both points.
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Perhaps the forum community could put together a pre-delivery checklist of our own based off those that have already received their 124s. I used similar checklists from the forums for my last two vehicles and found them helpful. I think it also gives a prospective buyer some insight into the dealer's attention to detail.
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I think while the car is in Park with the engine running, you can reset it regardless by holding the TPMS button in until it flashes twice. While we were on a fall color tour over the weekend, the TPMS alarm sounded at the same location for three of us (2 NDs and my Fiat 124) indicating that the head units aren't shielded well as they must be reacting to electromagnetic interference. This is the 4th time mine has sounded and the tires are all at exactly 29 psi. I wish they were real sensors instead of the crappy ABS algorithms, but heaven forbid if 3 or 4 pounds are added to the weight 
I asked the same question earlier...found the answer in another thread....page 120 of the owner's manual explains how to initialize/reset the tire pressure monitor...
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Joe m, ck the tires when they are stone cold. Just FYI
They were as cold as they could be after sitting overnight....
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OFF TOPIC, reply to Steven: what I had seen online convinced me that a Lusso was what I wanted. My concerns about the Abarth was the loud noise and the "boy racer" looks. Upon seeing it live and comparing it with the Lusso, my opinion on the sound and looks turned in the favor of Abarth. With proper tire pressure, the ride quality of the Abarth is firm and sporty, but not harsh. No road noise, no rattles. From what I have read, the ride quality is similar between both models.
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That's exactly what I had hoped to hear, thanks! Now back to the regular thread…
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OMG... I just read about Fiat shipping cars at 50PSI
One month, 450 miles later.. I just checked my 124's tires...
17" Bridgestones... supposed to be at 29PSI all tires... They were at 43PSI !!!! Let air out, and reset my TPMS.... WOW....
CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE....
One month, 450 miles later.. I just checked my 124's tires...
17" Bridgestones... supposed to be at 29PSI all tires... They were at 43PSI !!!! Let air out, and reset my TPMS.... WOW....
CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE....
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337 Posts
Just checked mine. They were at nearly 60 psi. Pressure adjusted, TPMS reset. Thanks for the tip, OP.
Also, the oval rubber plugs go in the chassis rail on the bottom of the car, about 2/3 of the way back to the rear wheels, one on each side. Feel around until you find them. That was another mystery the dealer left me.
Also, the oval rubber plugs go in the chassis rail on the bottom of the car, about 2/3 of the way back to the rear wheels, one on each side. Feel around until you find them. That was another mystery the dealer left me.
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