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2012–2019 Fiat 500

2012-2019 Fiat 500 - Timing Belt & Water Pump Replacement

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced 3-4 hours $185 DIY 2 views

Save $315 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $500

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

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Total Cost
$185.00
Part Name Part Number Price Buy
Timing Belt 5EN125 $50.00
Water Pump 5EN126 $75.00
Timing Belt Tensioner 5EN127 $30.00
Crankshaft Pulley Bolt 5EN128 $10.00
Coolant 5EN129 $20.00

About prices: shown prices are estimates from typical Amazon listings and change frequently, and cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price on Amazon before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

1

Disconnect the battery and drain the cooling system

Work on a cold engine. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the coolant into a pan. On the Fiat 500, timing-belt service usually includes the water pump — plan to replace the pump, tensioner, and idlers as a kit. Wear gloves and eye protection.

2

Set engine to TDC and lock the timing

Remove belts, pulleys, and timing covers as required for access. Rotate the engine by hand to Top Dead Center on cylinder 1 and install the factory cam/crank locking pins or marks specified for this engine. Never rely on guesswork for timing marks.

3

Relieve tension and remove the old belt and pump

Release the timing-belt tensioner, slide the belt off the sprockets, and remove the water pump with its bolts (note bolt lengths). Clean all gasket surfaces carefully — do not gouge aluminum mating faces.

4

Install the new water pump and timing components

Install the new water pump with the specified gasket or sealant and torque bolts evenly. Fit the new tensioner and idlers. Route the new timing belt per the diagram with correct tooth engagement on crank and cam sprockets.

5

Set tension, verify marks, and reassemble

Apply tensioner preload per the procedure, then double-check that all timing marks/locks still align. Rotate the engine by hand at least two full crank revolutions and reconfirm marks before refitting covers, pulleys, and accessory belts.

6

Refill coolant, start, and verify

Reconnect the battery, refill and bleed the cooling system, then start the engine and listen for unusual timing noise. Confirm stable temperature, no coolant leaks at the pump, and normal oil pressure. Recheck coolant level after cooldown. Timing work is critical — stop and seek a professional if marks will not align.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Failing to properly align timing marks, leading to engine misfire or damage.
  • • Not replacing the water pump during timing belt replacement, risking future failure.
  • • Over-tightening the timing belt tensioner, causing premature wear.
  • • Neglecting to replace the crankshaft pulley bolt, which can lead to loosening over time.
  • • Skipping the coolant replacement, which can result in engine overheating.