Expert Fiat maintenance and repair from ASE-certified technicians at ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa.
The Fiat 500 was made for places like Costa Mesa. It slips into tight spots at South Coast Plaza, zips along Newport Boulevard, and is a joy on a quick coastal run. ExperTec Automotive, at 1934 Newport Blvd, has kept small European cars like the 500, 500 Abarth and 124 Spider running for more than 30 years.
Short errands are the norm here, and they are exactly what the 1.4 MultiAir engine likes least. Oil that never fully warms up, plus salt air from Newport Beach, is hard on the MultiAir system, ignition parts and suspension hardware.
Our ASE-certified technicians use dealer-level scan tools that speak Fiat, install OEM-quality parts, and back repairs with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty. Whether your 500 needs an oil change or a MultiAir diagnosis, you get the same care that has made us OC’s best auto repair ten years in a row.
Modern Fiat models sold in the U.S. use an oil change indicator in the instrument cluster that calculates service timing from engine use and conditions, usually landing somewhere around 8,000-10,000 miles or 12 months, varying by model/engine. Fiat also lists a severe-service schedule for short trips, dusty roads, heavy idling and hot weather, which shortens oil intervals considerably. The 1.4 MultiAir engine is especially sensitive to oil level and the exact oil specification, so we check level at every visit and follow the mileage-based schedule for plugs, filters and fluids.
Upon completion of the standard maintenance tasks we provide an additional 30-point inspection to make sure that all components in your Fiat are up to date and working well.
~Per oil change indicator, ~8,000-10,000 miles or 12 months
~Every 4,000-5,000 miles severe; milestones vary by model/engine
At ExperTec Automotive, we’ve been repairing Fiat vehicles in Orange County for over 30 years. Even well-built Fiat models develop specific problems as they age, and 55 Freeway commutes and coastal salt air add to the wear. Our Costa Mesa technicians diagnose these issues quickly, follow Fiat factory repair procedures and use quality parts you can trust.
The 1.4 MultiAir engine uses an electro-hydraulic valve control unit, often called the brick, that can fail and cause rough idle, misfires, stalling or a check engine light. It is widely reported on the 500, 500 Abarth and 124 Spider, often tied to low or wrong oil. We confirm with scan data, replace the unit and its filter screen, and refill with correct oil.
MultiAir engines can consume some oil between changes, and running low starves the hydraulic valve system. Using the wrong viscosity can trigger warning lights and poor running. We check level and condition at every visit, use the exact oil specification for your engine, and advise owners on checking the dipstick between services, especially on turbocharged models.
The 500L with the dual dry clutch automatic, roughly 2014-2015, was widely reported for hesitation from a stop, shudder and jerky low-speed shifts. Software, clutch adaptation and clutch wear all play a part. We scan for transmission faults, check software levels, run clutch relearn procedures and inspect for wear before recommending any repair.
The 500X uses a 9-speed automatic that some owners find rough, slow to downshift or prone to clunky engagement. Software updates and fluid condition affect shift feel, and symptoms vary by model year. We read adaptive data, check for fault codes and fluid level, apply available updates through dealer-level tools and perform an adaptive relearn.
Manual 500s, Abarths and 124 Spiders see clutch wear, especially with city traffic or spirited driving. Signs include a high engagement point, slipping under boost, a soft pedal or grinding gears. Mileage varies widely by driving style. We test the hydraulic system and inspect the clutch, then replace the clutch kit and slave cylinder as needed.
Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and nearby hoses are a known issue on the 1.4 MultiAir and turbo engines. A low coolant warning, sweet smell or crust around the housing are common clues. We pressure-test the cooling system, replace the housing and gaskets with OEM-quality parts and bleed the system to prevent overheating.
Our Costa Mesa auto repair shop is on Newport Boulevard, the main route between the 55 Freeway and Newport Beach, a short drive from Triangle Square and the OC Fair & Event Center.
Between 55 Freeway commutes, coastal trips to Newport and short around-town errands, Costa Mesa cars see a lot of heat, salt air and stop-and-go driving. That’s why our Costa Mesa technicians focus on catching problems early, explaining your options clearly and fixing it right the first time.
Neighborhoods we serve: Eastside Costa Mesa, Westside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, College Park, South Coast Metro, Newport Heights.
Nearby cities: Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley.
Proud member of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM · Sun Closed
Book in Costa MesaGet DirectionsView Shop DetailsOur Costa Mesa shop is at 1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Call (949) 645-7722 or book online.
Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We are closed on Sunday.
The MultiAir system uses engine oil to operate the intake valves, so low oil or the wrong viscosity can cause rough running and damage the actuator. We always use the specification listed for your engine and check the level at every visit.
Yes. Every repair includes a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty plus 12 Month / 12,000 Mile Roadside Assistance.
Book online in minutes at ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa. Online appointments are drop-off appointments; for a waiting appointment, please call the shop.
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM. All appointments booked online are drop-off appointments. For waiting appointments, please call the shop.
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Voted Orange County’s Best Auto Repair 10 years in a row by readers of the Orange County Register. Book online in minutes or call your nearest shop.
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