[azzura]

I don't know if it's the same in the US, but over here in the UK the Navigation only comes with "historical" traffic information, which seems pretty useless to me? I was annoyed to find that the "Live Traffic" option was greyed out. This was not how the system was sold to me when thinking about buying ("free maps for life based on TomTom with traffic included" was what I was told).

But last night I got it to work! Whilst parked in the garage I switched on the WiFi and connected to my home network. I found that I could now get live traffic and weather, but not any petrol (gas) stations. I was thinking how useless that was when it occurred to me that of course I can set up a WiFi hotspot on my phone, and the phone can provide the data connection. And that's what it says on the 124spiderinfotainment.com website, as well as stating that map updates are only free for 3 years after "locking" to the car after 100km/63miles.

I've found a few other limitations as well...

Not all of my contacts are imported, including the guys at the Fiat dealer that I bought the car from. On the infotainment website it says only up to 1,000 contacts are imported. I thought I only had around 700, but with all the extra ones that Google makes up from emails etc, I've got well over 1,000 and I think that some of the more recently added/edited contacts are not imported. Looks like I will need to trim down my contacts list, there are lots of people in there that I can't remember!

Whilst there is a list of "all calls" and "missed calls" there's no "calls made" list or "calls received" list, and when showing a contact, it doesn't show whether it is mobile, home or work, so when I select the entry, I don't know which number it will call?

When playing back music from a USB stick, the system annoyingly uses the manufacturer's "name" rather than the label I gave to the stick, and still fails to display some of the album art.

On a lot of menus or options, where the "wheel/joystick" can be used to move left/right or up/down, once it hits the end it stays there, so if I want to find "ZZ Top" in my contacts, I can't go "backwards" from A, I have to go all the way forwards to Z.

 

[ameridan]

I don't know if it's the same in the US, but over here in the UK the Navigation only comes with "historical" traffic information, which seems pretty useless to me? I was annoyed to find that the "Live Traffic" option was greyed out. This was not how the system was sold to me when thinking about buying ("free maps for life based on TomTom with traffic included" was what I was told).

(1) But last night I got it to work! Whilst parked in the garage I switched on the WiFi and connected to my home network. I found that I could now get live traffic and weather, but not any petrol (gas) stations. I was thinking how useless that was when it occurred to me that of course I can set up a WiFi hotspot on my phone, and the phone can provide the data connection. And that's what it says on the 124spiderinfotainment.com website, as well as stating that map updates are only free for 3 years after "locking" to the car after 100km/63miles.

I've found a few other limitations as well...

(2) When playing back music from a USB stick, the system annoyingly uses the manufacturer's "name" rather than the label I gave to the stick, and still fails to display some of the album art.

(3) On a lot of menus or options, where the "wheel/joystick" can be used to move left/right or up/down, once it hits the end it stays there, so if I want to find "ZZ Top" in my contacts, I can't go "backwards" from A, I have to go all the way forwards to Z.

(1) Traffic updates via internet are reported to be free for only 60 days, then requires a subscription.

(2) See my blog regarding updating Gracenote, which is the music database that is searched as songs are being played.

(3) See my blog regarding Infotainment Center tweaks. You have the European version, so make sure you only do the simple tweaks I identify if you are at version 56! Options L & K take care of the looping.

 

[Unknownsir]

(1) Traffic updates via internet are reported to be free for only 60 days, then requires a subscription.

subscription from where??

what screen is turning on wifi located, i popped out to my car on my lunch break and can not seem to find anyplace to turn that off or on?

 

[Newod]

Hi Azzura , "sitting in my garage last night" - you must have your car back. How did the rectification of the paint protection go?
Is the dealer back in your 'good book'?
Danny

 

[azzura]

See my blog regarding updating Gracenote

It seems to be only tracks that I bought from Google Play and copied off my phone, adding artist/song/album/artwork manually. These tracks just say Unknown Track - The Unknown DJ - Unknown Album. I currently have Gracenote 00.05.000

what screen is turning on wifi located

Settings - Devices - Network Management
I then get 3 choices: Wi-Fi, Other Network and Delete Wi-Fi Network
If I select Wi-Fi it then shows my previously connected home network
In my impatience the other day I couldn't see any Wi-Fi network so I went to enter the network Name/SSID manually along with password, but all I needed to do was wait a little longer

you must have your car back. How did the rectification of the paint protection go? Is the dealer back in your 'good book'?

Yes I picked it up yesterday late afternoon. The swirls and scratches are much reduced, but still there. Visible only when looking around the edge of a reflection of something bright like the sun or a torch or fluorescent light, etc. All the red cars at the dealer (both Fiat and Abarth Spiders) are the same, and now that they are alert to it, they can even see it in the pastel white too. The coachworks removed the Williams F1 ceramic coat and the "mopped" (machine orbital polished) the paint to remove the worst of the swirls but hesitated to try too hard without knowing the depth of paint. When I collected the car, it had supposedly been "detailed" by the dealer (to remove polish dust, etc.) but had still not been finished off very well. I pointed out that swirls were still there and expressed my reservations again, and indicated that I would probably be taking up the issue with FIAT UK. I now worry about the paint and am paranoid about even washing it let alone polishing it for fear of adding to the swirls and scratches, and it has ruined my enjoyment of the car so much that I am seriously contemplating returning it for a full refund, but expect to have a bit of a fight on my hands. It's such a serious problem, I am amazed that nobody else has noticed it? The problem could have arisen from poor treatment at the FIAT UK import centre where they offload the cars from the ship and take them from "transit" mode to "drive" mode (my descriptions) add missing fuses, initialise the Infotainment system, etc. since cars have arrived at the dealer showing similar paint issues. Or it's just the poor quality "soft" paint these days, but then surely every car painted in non-metallic, pastel, flat or whatever other description you want to use, would be the same? Or maybe just crap paint used by Mazda, I don't know. I suspect I will have to pass this one on and wait for a metallic one in blue, black or bronze to come along, or order a new one. Rant over (for now)...

 

[Newod]

My anniversary has some swirl marks and others which can be seen in bright light at an angle. I have detailed the car and it is better - not perfect. The detailing company I use for materials say it is a known problem with Fiat - the import centre is the main culprit. They tried to get a new car and asked them to leave it 'as from the ship' but they refused. Now I am driving it, the paintwork is less important as when it was in the garage. Danny

 

[JFernald]

No complaints here in Albuquerque, except for a chip in the paint that probably happened on the lot. Dealer said they would fix it, but they don't have any of the Grigo Argento Aluminum paint yet.

 

[wedgewa]

azzura's infotainment support link (www.124spiderinfotainment.com) appears to be for European owners. The similar looking USA owner page www.fiatconnect.com has no such info and does not yet have the toolbox software to use it.

 

[azzura]

According to the (European?) Infotainment web site:

To access Connected Services, you must first register and download your 124 Spider Toolbox. The 124 Spider Naviextras Toolbox is a utility designed to connect your navigation system with your computer. It enables you to view and download available updates and content that can then be conveniently uploaded to your system, including free map updates for three years. The 124 Spider Toolbox can also be used for creating and restoring backups, and moving or copying contents. Use your 124 Spider Toolbox to purchase Connected Services, download to your computer, and transfer to your vehicle's SD card.

Wi-Fi is required to use Connected Services. To get started, create a Wi-Fi hot spot with your phone (refer to phone's owner's manual for instructions), and then select it from the available networks display within the devices menu.

No mention of any "free" traffic for 60 days, but at the moment I can get it via home WiFi (will try via phone hotspot later).

As for the paint issues, this is for the pastel red and white colours only, not the metallics or pearl white. I guess I should get over to the Passione Red photo thread and see what people have to say...

 

[Unknownsir]

Settings - Devices - Network Management
I then get 3 choices: Wi-Fi, Other Network and Delete Wi-Fi Network
If I select Wi-Fi it then shows my previously connected home network
In my impatience the other day I couldn't see any Wi-Fi network so I went to enter the network Name/SSID manually along with password, but all I needed to do was wait a little longer

i went back and looked at that screen i do not have that option only bluetooth. I actually turned on wifi hotspot on my phone and then started car and waited 5 minutes to see if it something would change and it did not. i guess state side we don't have that option turned on, wonder if someone has a tweak to make that happen.

 

[Unknownsir]

actually went to the US fiat connect website and it list a whole array of features and settings that i do not have on my car and i don't think any 124 has state side but that the MX-5 does have. it seems liek they did and cut and paste from mazda and haven't fixed it to match what we have. one of the setting is lane departure anyone with a 124 have this in the US?

 

[ameridan]

i went back and looked at that screen i do not have that option only bluetooth. I actually turned on wifi hotspot on my phone and then started car and waited 5 minutes to see if it something would change and it did not. i guess state side we don't have that option turned on, wonder if someone has a tweak to make that happen.

Yes there is. See my blog comment #6

actually went to the US fiat connect website and it list a whole array of features and settings that i do not have on my car and i don't think any 124 has state side but that the MX-5 does have. it seems liek they did and cut and paste from mazda and haven't fixed it to match what we have. one of the setting is lane departure anyone with a 124 have this in the US?

I think the Lusso models have all of those goodies.

 

[phillawson]

I think the Lusso models have all of those goodies.

I've got a Prima, which should include all the Lusso features and mine does not have the lane departure or other features. It does look like they just copied the Mazda site.

 

[ameridan]

Lusso with Premium Collection with Sirius

• 9 Bose® Speakers including SubwooferAn available nine-speaker Bose® Audio System, includes a subwoofer. These speakers deliver crisp, powerful sound so everyone in the FIAT® 124 Spider can enjoy your music selection.
• Adaptive Front HeadlampsThe available adaptive headlamps use the steering angle and vehicle speed to adjust the headlamp position to maintain a wide field of vision.
• Auto-Dimming Exterior MirrorThe available auto-dimming exterior mirrors react to ambient light conditions by changing the tint of the mirror, reducing glare in bright conditions.
• Automatic Headlamp Leveling SystemThe available automatic headlamp leveling system automatically adjusts the headlamps so the beam is focused on the road ahead even if the car is tilted.
• Blind Spot and Cross Path DetectionThe available Blind Spot Monitoring System+ helps you make safer lane changes by alerting you when a vehicle enters your blind-spot zone. Sensors scan approximately one lane over on each side. When a sensor detects a vehicle in the blind spot zone, an icon lights up on the corresponding exterior mirror. Available Rear Cross Path Detection+ helps you back out of parking spaces when vehicles block your view. When moving in reverse, sensors scan for vehicles and/or objects crossing your path and the system alerts you with a lighted icon in the exterior mirror.
  + Always check visually for vehicles prior to changing lanes.
  + Always check visually before backing up.
• LED Daytime Running LampsAvailable LED daytime running lamps are designed for use in bright conditions to increase the visibility of your vehicle to other drivers.
• GPS NavigationAvailable GPS Navigation system provides turn-by-turn navigation to direct you to your destination.
• Headlamp WasherThe available headlamp washer clears rain and other fluids from your headlamps for optimum visibility.
• Heated Exterior MirrorsAvailable heated exterior mirrors stay clear of frost and fog.
• LED HeadlampsLED headlamps illuminate the road ahead with a very low power draw.
• ParkSense® Rear Park Assist SystemThe available ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System+ uses sound waves to detect nearby obstacles in and near the rear path of the vehicle to help you maneuver in tight spaces at parking speeds. Audiovisual indicators in the overhead display in the rear of the vehicle alert you to the proximity of most larger, stationary objects that might be outside your line of sight.
  + Always check entire surroundings visually before backing up.
  
• Auto-Dimming Rear View MirrorThe available auto-dimming rearview mirror reacts to ambient light conditions by changing the tint of the mirror, reducing glare in bright conditions.
• Security AlarmThe available security alarm+ sounds when it detects an unauthorized entry or an unauthorized attempt to activate the start/stop button.
  + The vehicle must be locked and the system activated for the alarm to sound.
  
• SiriusXM® Sat Radio w/ 1-Yr Radio SubscriptionAvailable SiriusXM® Satellite Radio+ provides more than 150 channels of commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, comedy, entertainment, and a collection of Spanish-language programming.
  + SiriusXM services require subscriptions, sold separately after the 12-month trial included with the new vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue your service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call SiriusXM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. Trial service is not transferrable or refundable. See SiriusXM Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. All fees and programming subject to change. Our satellite service is available only to those at least 18 and older in the 48 contiguous USA and D.C. Our Internet radio service is available throughout our satellite service area and in AK and HI with limited coverage.
  
• 1-Year SiriusXM Radio Service
• For More Info, Call 800-643-2112
• Universal Garage Door OpenerThe available universal garage door opener can be programmed to the frequency of your garage door so you don't need to carry a separate remote with you.

 

[phillawson]

Ameridan, yes those you highlighted in red we have but if you go tot the American Fiat site Unknownsir mentioned the features he is referring to are:
CUSTOMIZE DISTANCE RECOGNITION SUPPORT even though it's on the web site, the USA cars don't have these features
CUSTOMIZE SMART BRAKE SUPPORT
CUSTOMIZE FORWARD OBSTRUCTION WARNING
CUSTOMIZE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM

 

[ameridan]

Ahh, now I comprehend

 

[Unknownsir]

Yes there is. See my blog comment #6.

thnx for the heads up i will look at that!

 

[canesice]

Im 99% certain we do not have lane departure on the 124 spider.. nor smart braking... nor forward obstruction...

 

[Unknownsir]

Yes there is. See my blog comment #6

if i use v1.51 do i need to anything special before, like undoing changed in v1.50? or just proceed. also any change i made previous i assume do not need to reselect the mods i did before only add on the new ones?

 

[ameridan]

if i use v1.51 do i need to anything special before, like undoing changed in v1.50? or just proceed. also any change i made previous i assume do not need to reselect the mods i did before only add on the new ones?

1.51 is the same as 1.50, only the WiFi code was fixed and it recognizes the Fiat OS so it installs more options. No need to reselect options already installed, as nothing will change. Take care not to try the riskier options though, like Android Auto...