Everything was running smoothly until your city car started showing signs of trouble. Contaminated Abarth 500 gearbox oil may have caused premature wear on this essential transmission component. Driving on rough or uneven surfaces could equally be to blame for a Fiat 500 Abarth gearbox problem. Missing fixings, a faulty speed sensor, an impact, or demanding driving conditions are all other likely causes of failure — and unfortunately, they are far from the only ones.

Whatever the cause, there is no need to panic. Simply keep a close eye on any unusual symptoms or behaviour and arrange for a repair as soon as possible.

Which gearbox does my Abarth 500 need?

The Abarth 500 officially launched in 2008, powered by a 135 bhp T-jet turbo engine running exclusively on petrol. It was renamed the Custom from 2013 onwards. The range was then expanded the following year with a 1.4 turbo T-jet Esseesse engine producing 160 bhp. Both versions came with a 5-speed manual gearbox, at least during the early years of production. An MTA gearbox did become available later — this is essentially an automated manual gearbox, allowing you to switch freely between automatic and manual modes depending on your preference and driving conditions.

The first Abarth 500 automatic gearbox appeared during 2010, paired with the 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 180bhp 695 Tributo Ferrari engine. It is, more precisely, the same 5-speed automated gearbox mentioned above, operating with a single clutch.

The convertible version, the Fiat Abarth 500C, is offered with an automatic gearbox whose paddle shifters are integrated directly into the steering wheel. This setup naturally enhances driving comfort and enjoyment — provided the transmission system is in perfect working order. The 500C was later also made available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Simply check how your gearbox operates and you should be able to identify the correct reference.

The Abarth 500 1.4 turbo T-jet Esseesse Koni 160 bhp arrived on the market in 2011 with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The other versions remained available and retained the same transmission systems as before. Here too, regular maintenance helps reduce the risk of failure, but if the damage is severe, replacing the faulty gearbox is always an option.

As you can see, the type of gearbox varies depending on the Abarth 500 version — and this applies even to vehicles produced and sold within the same year. Caution is therefore essential: you must make absolutely sure of the compatibility of the part before purchasing.

Important: simply searching for Fiat 500 or Abarth 500 is not enough. Ideally, you should also specify the engine and year of production to avoid any confusion.

How to repair a Fiat 500 Abarth gearbox

Working on a gearbox is an extremely delicate task. If the fault presents itself as unusual noises, a leak, or difficulty selecting gears, an Abarth 500 gearbox oil change may sometimes be enough to resolve the issue. However, it is important to check the correct oil reference carefully and to respect the fill level specified by the manufacturer after the oil change.

Is the lubrication correct? The problem may lie with the gears, the linkage, the selector, or the sensor (in the case of an automatic gearbox), and so on. Only a proper diagnostic will identify the exact nature of the fault, and removing the Abarth 500 gearbox may prove necessary.

Do not attempt to carry out any work yourself, even if you are reasonably handy. Specific expertise is required to analyse a gearbox, establish a reliable and accurate diagnosis, and carry out a lasting repair.

We strongly recommend contacting a professional. Describe the symptoms you have noticed and they will take care of the rest. If a replacement is needed, ask your mechanic for the exact gearbox reference. That said, there is nothing stopping you from sourcing the part yourself — and ordering it independently is often more cost-effective.

How much does a Fiat 500 Abarth gearbox cost?

EDEN BOITES has built a solid reputation in the world of gearboxes across all makes, models and vehicle types. You can therefore be confident of finding the right gearbox for your Abarth 500 through our services.

Our range of exchange Fiat 500 Abarth gearboxes gives you access to premium-quality parts, warranted for up to 24 months. If you would prefer a used Fiat 500 Abarth gearbox, rest assured that we inspect every unit carefully before it goes on sale. Our experts analyse and test each previously used part to ensure it is in full working order. Used gearboxes therefore carry a minimum 3-month warranty. In a hurry but the reference you need is not in stock? Reconditioning your existing gearbox to 0 km is entirely possible. Simply have it drained beforehand and we will handle the complete rebuild. The unit will then be covered by a 1-year warranty.

Whether you are looking for an automatic Fiat 500 Abarth gearbox or a manual version, do not hesitate to request your express online quote. Our sales team is also available by phone and can guide you towards the right references.

We do everything we can to keep delivery times as short as possible to minimise your wait. We also give you the choice of delivery address — we can send the parcel to your home or directly to your mechanic, as deliveries are available throughout Europe.