⚠️ Fiat 500 — Moderate misfuel risk
Electric 500e has no fuel tank; petrol and earlier petrol 500 models remain sensitive to diesel or water contamination.
If the engine was not started
Do not start the engine; drain and flush; replace fuel filter.
If the engine was started
Drain tank, replace filters, inspect high-pressure pump and injectors; diesel SCR faults may need diagnosis after contamination.
⚠️ Fiat position — 500
Stellantis prescribes pump-module access for drainage where fitted; running on wrong fuel is misuse and not warranty-covered. Follow ePER / Tech Authority procedures.
Vehicle information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Make | Fiat |
| Model | 500 |
| Market status | NZ-new and used: petrol, hybrid and electric 500/500e; confirm fuel type by badge and rego |
| Body styles | Hatch / convertible |
| Generations | 312 / 3+1 (2007–present); electric 500e |
| Engines | Petrol: 1.0–1.2 petrol; Abarth tuned variants; Electric: 500e BEV — no fuel tank |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 litres (petrol) |
| Fuel system | Stellantis EMP/CMP direct injection petrol or common-rail diesel with AdBlue on SCR diesels |
| Access method | Fuel pump access under rear seat or load floor — consult OEM |
| Anti-siphon | Yes — filler neck restrictor on NZ models |
| OEM service portal | Stellantis Tech Authority / ePER |
OEM access procedure
- Isolate the battery and depressurise the fuel system per Stellantis service information.
- Remove rear seat or load-floor trim to reach the pump access panel on the 500.
- Disconnect pump wiring and fuel quick connectors; contain vapours (HSWA 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017).
- Remove the lock ring, lift the sender unit, and extract fuel with approved recovery kit.
- Inspect tank, replace filter if contaminated, fit new seal, reconnect and prime before road test.
- Dispose of waste fuel via licensed carrier under Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and regional council requirements under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Additional notes
- NZ-new range includes 500e BEV — misfuel risk not applicable to battery electric variants.
Frequently asked questions
I misfuelled my Fiat 500 — can I drive to a garage?
No — towing without starting is safer. NZIFDA-certified drainage reduces repair cost.
Will Stellantis honour warranty after misfuel?
Fuel contamination damage is excluded; keep drainage records for insurer claims.
Who can drain the tank legally in New Zealand?
Use a NZIFDA-certified operator and a licensed waste carrier for contaminated fuel (Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and regional council requirements under the Resource Management Act 1991).
Need certified fuel contamination service?
Find an NZIFDA certified operator or read consumer guidance on wrong-fuel incidents.
Find an operatorFor consumers