fiat 500 lcd display manufacturer

Details on the 2015 Fiat 500, which will feature a handful of updates, have now been released a week before the car is showcased at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

The most significant change is a 7-inch TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) display in the instrument cluster, which places the speed readout prominently in the center, along with an image of the car.

These models are currently available only with a five-speed manual, while other gasoline 500 models are available with either a manual or automatic transmission.

Fiat has not released updated fuel economy numbers for 2015, but the 2014 500 is EPA-rated at 34 mpg combined (31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway) with the manual transmission, and 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with the automatic.

The manual-only 2014 500 Turbo has identical combined and highway ratings to the non-turbocharged, automatic 500, but gains 1 mpg city, figures shared with the Abarth models.

The Fiat 500 was relaunched in 2007, marking exactly 50 years since the original model graced the automotive industry: the retro styled Fiat 500. And what a success it is. The 500 not only achieved the full five-star rating on the NCAP safety test, but it also won many prizes shortly after its introduction. For example, the small hatchback was named European Car of the Year 2008. In the ten years that followed, Fiat has managed to sell more than 1.7 million 500s: an outright sales success.

Defects to the Fiat 500 instrument cluster can occur on all variations of the model. In addition to the "standard" Fiat 500, other models have been released in recent years with the same cluster:

The most common fault that we see with the Fiat 500 instrument cluster, are that the LED lights do not function properly. The LEDs are positioned in the outer edge of the cluster and have an orange, green, blue or red color. Most LEDs are warning lights, but there are a few that are also used as an indicator or control lights. As an example of these different LEDs are the direction indicators and the LED’s for low or high headlight beam.

The display becoming defective is another common fault we see with the instrument cluster on the Foat 500. The middle screen of the cluster on which, among other things, the fuel gauge, temperature gauge, mileage, time and outside temperature can be found, can in some cases malfunction. The display will then flash or go out completely. Moreover, this display is not available separately, so our R&D department has had to develop a solution for this fault itself. The result is a completely new display that is designed entirely in-house: the only correct solution for this problem.

Another known problem of the Fiat 500 cluster are defective rev and/or speedometer. The failure can be caused by a faulty gauge motor. Incidentally, the cluster of the Fiat 500 is not the only one with this problem: we see defective gauge motors with almost every manufacturers instrument cluster.

Although the design of the Fiat 500 cluster deviates considerably from the standard format, the technology inside is relatively conventional: a gauge motor activates and sweeps the needles, LEDs are used for warning lights and the central display is an amber-colored LCD.

Fiat has strangely enough not opted for a multifunctional dot matrix display. This choice has meant that dozens of different displays have now been released: the Fiat 500 is in fact quite customizable, which means that the functionality of the display must of course be adjusted. Consider in particular the use of specific icons for the start-stop system or the acceleration indicator for cars with a automatic gearboxes.

The LCD of this cluster is transmissive, which simply explained means that lighting is placed behind the cluster to make the segments visible. A layer of liquid crystals in each segment transmits light as soon as it is put under (alternating) voltage: the LC molecules in the LCD segment then rotate to the orientation of the second polarization filter. Fun fact: If you turn this second polarization filter a quarter turn, the segments would be black and the background would turn amber.

Quality is one of the most important core values within ACtronics. This is why we consciously choose to remanufacture all the automotive components instead of repairing them. We will always look to remanufacture the fault with the unit, but if there are other components that are known to fail, these will also be replaced. The components that we use during our remanufacturing process are just as good or even better than the original (which you can also read in “Display problems”). In addition, each component follows a fixed route, so that the quality can actually be guaranteed.

This Fiat 500 instrument cluster is a very common problem, when the unit fails it will cause various warning lights to flash when the indicator is used (normally the right-hand indicator), usually the ABS, engine management, battery and airbag light are affected but we have had reports of various warning lights being affected also.

In a lot of cases the warning lights will remain constantly on, even with the key removed. If you have either of these issues, then this is a clear indication that your Fiat 500 has the common instrument cluster problem. The fault is caused by an internal failure of the instrument cluster control board. Normally you would need to replace the instrument cluster with a new unit from the manufacturer but is very expensive and will need to be programmed to the vehicle, causing additional expense. Plus, you only get a one-year warranty on a new unit.

Every Fiat 500 instrument cluster is fully tested on our bespoke instrument cluster test rig before any rebuild work is carried out. All functions are tested, lights, gauges, central display and warning functions. Once the unit is identified as faulty, we then move onto the rebuild stage. Each unit is fully stripped, all common failing components are then replaced with versions that are higher rated than standard. Once the rebuild is complete, we then retest the instrument cluster to ensure it functions in accordance with the manufacturers original specification.

We have rebuilt this type of Fiat 500 instrument cluster for Franchise main dealers and independent specialists for many years, so you can be sure of our very high standard of work.

The CAM-FT2-AD allows you to add in an aftermarket camera, whilst retain the use of your factory head unit on various Fiat 500 models (For specific models please check Vehicle Applications). This system is specifically designed for use on vehicles without a factory camera input. Following the simple installation process the camera image can be automatically viewed on the factory screen via reverse gear or manually through the vehicle’s onboard controls. This product also allows the extra addition of a Video in Motion accessory (sold separately)”.

OK so, as JR has said there seems to be an availability issue with the LCDs at present. They are around £87.50 usually. It boils down to the year of the car generally.

There"s a fella on the Fiat 500 Owners Club Facebook page called ChrisCRCFisher. He sells them for £150 which he will pre-set to roughly what your car is if you tell him the mileage. It will still need a proxy alignment as it"s a "foreign body" to the car. MultiECUScan will do this or Fiat will charge you £118. An independent about half of that. He needs to know mileage, year and the colour of the speedo ring (white, black or yellow).

I think at present that"s the best way of doing it due to the lack of available LCDs. What you could do of course, is if there was a high mileage one on eBay for the same year etc as your car, you could buy that and just nick the LCD out of it.

The reason yours isn"t working at all, asuming you haven"t broken it completely may be the backlight (the orange light). There is a small two pronged electrical connection that yu have to line up when you push the LCD panel back onto the body of the speedo. If they are not lined up properly then then orange backlight won"t work.

In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your 500"s stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. We"ll tell you all about:

The Fiat 500, on the other hand, is ideal for the urban lifestyle. It"s small, economical, easy to park and a whole lot of fun to drive. No, it"s not the car to take to the big box store when it"s time to stock up on food, and no, it"s probably not ideal for a cross-country drive with four friends. But if you"re looking for a (very) small car that"s made for living in the city, a 500 hatchback or convertible is a very nifty choice.

In base trim, the 500 (or "Cinquecento") is a fun, practical microcar that"s a blast in the cut-and-thrust of city driving. If you choose the hot-rodded Abarth model, you"ll have a legitimate pocket rocket that can embarrass a lot of so-called "muscle cars" at stoplights. The 500 offers plenty of trim variations between those two extremes, but all of them could stand a bit of a boost in the stereo department.

The 500"s standard stereo is an iPod-friendly AM/FM/CD unit with an aux input and six speakers. The optional Bose system adds upgraded speakers, a USB port, hands-free connectivity, an amp in the rear cargo area and a subwoofer under the passenger"s seat. Alpine and Beats systems appeared on the options sheet later on.

Upgrading the receiver and speakers isn"t especially difficult in the 500, but there are some differences between the 2012-15 and 2016-19 models. Wiring harnesses are not available for the speakers in 2012-15 cars, so you"ll either have to splice into the factory wiring or hook up your new speakers using Posi-Products connectors. Speaker harnesses are available for select locations in the later 500s.

A variety of receivers are available for the 500, but the choices vary depending on model year. In 20012-15 cars, you"re restricted to single-DIN (2" tall) models, but 2016-19 cars can also hold double-DIN (4" tall) aftermarket receivers. You"ll need a receiver mounting kit for all receivers, and it"s available at a big discount with your Crutchfield stereo purchase.

The 500"s factory sound system requires a special wiring adapter to install a new car stereo. We strongly recommend that you purchase one of these adapters along with your new receiver. The adapter isn"t free, but you"ll save big when you buy it with any car stereo from Crutchfield. Which adapter you choose depends on how your car is equipped and what kind of receiver you"re installing. Our database will help you select the right one for your installation.

Removing and replacing the factory unit isn"t hard in the 500, but as noted above, the process depends on your car. When you order your new receiver and/or speakers from Crutchfield, you"ll get our illustrated, vehicle-specific instructions, which will be a big help with your DIY project.

It"s relatively easy to retain the steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo in your 500. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with your new receiver.

The 500"s doors are home to a pair of 6-3/4" woofers that can be replaced by either 6-1/2" or 5-1/4" aftermarket models. Removing the factory units isn"t all that hard, but you will need to drill out the rivets that secure the factory speakers to the door.

If you"re serious about bass, you might want to leave this sub alone and focus on adding a new amp and sub elsewhere in the car. If you"re thinking about a component sub system, you have a 21"H x 34"W x 19"/9"D space to work with in the hatchback"s cargo area. That"s not much, but then again, there"s not much cargo area in the 500 to begin with.

A big screen nav receiver isn’t going to fit into the 500"s dash, but that doesn"t mean you have to be directionless. We offer a wide array of portable GPS models that will fit nicely on the dash when you need them and store easily in a purse or go-bag when you don"t. That"s kind of a handy thing when you"re parking on the street or in unattended garages.

The 500 can be a tad noisy when it"s being thrashed around, so you"ll want to give your new speakers every chance to cut through the road roar. A set of foam speaker baffles behind the door and side panel speakers is an inexpensive way to make a big difference in sound quality.

Installing a security system in your 500 isn"t easy (security systems rarely are), but it"s definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.