Problem with ESC and Hillstart Sensors

Hey. Did you check your fuses under the dash. There is a 5 amp fuse more than likely that has blown.

Any shop with an OBD2 reader can read the codes, and tell you what the codes mean. There may be a TSB for this, too. Are you also seeing the ABS light as well? Yes, a tire change can do this. The computer can be a bit dimwitted and need to reset. Try disconnecting the battery for a bit. The computer will then have to read all sensors again.

Obd2 reader won't work on 500e I have a 300 us reader and wont connect to the car

Try this, and it makes no sense that it might work. Turn the ignition on, and wait until the dash completes it's light show. Turn the ignition off and then start the car. See if it happens again. Changing tires can throw the sensors off. Not being able to shift is an interesting problem. It shouldn't be related, but there's a brake light switch up under the dash that may have gotten out of adjustment somehow. Since it's an automatic, there may be an interlock circuit that reads if the brake pedal is pressed. It should only start in Park and Neutral. I also had this problem and it was a combination of that switch and the the hand brake (stick shift) being out of adjustment.

I have a 2012 500 The Hill Start braking system activates randomly when I drive away from my driveway at a couple of miles per hour. It grabs the wheels/brakes and makes a terrible noise and I have to fully brake the car, wait a couple of seconds and then it's fine. I turned off the Hill Start option but it still occurs. I really would like to avoid paying the dealer to work on it.

Hi I need to know wy on my display it shows phone and I cannot hear the radio

I suddenly got the ESC and Hill start not available message on my 2012 Fiat 500 pop, was at the mechanic for two months to no avail. After I did some extensive research, i found a video on YouTube I will put the link below. I purchased the Mopar 68073610AA Brake Light Switch. Voila it worked perfectly!! I am a woman, about average size, the replacement is a little challenging due to the location. You will definitely need a flat head screwdriver to release it from the clip. My neighbors got good laugh when the saw my feet in the drivers seat. Be patient, it’s worth it, I can only imagine how much the repair would’ve cost if I brought it to the dealership. Now if I could just find the license plate light for my 2012 500 pop, I would be so happy. I think it’s ridiculous that I have to spend 150 dollars to replace the whole tailgate lift handle. https://youtu.be/l7SoEZKwUt4

I had my summer tires put on last week and this week the esc hill start message showed up on my 2012 fiat 500! The car pulls to the right now and that message shows up shortly after starting my car!!

Danigirl: I have the same exact car and same exact problem right now. Hill start is unavailable, ESC light is on. Also, my cruise control won't work. Now, my license plate light is out. I'm at 43,000 miles. I will take your advice and try replacing that part. I'm so glad I checked here! Thank you

I have a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth - 5 speed. My check engine light came on with an error message "check hillclimber", and it was a blown 5 amp fuse. My fuse box was under the hood not in the dashboard like some models (I think). Very easy fix! There is also a Youtube video on how to locate the fuse box and replace the fuse.

Hello, just wanted to give a quick SHOUT OUT to Danigirl1201 for being the REAL MVP, by posting the YouTube Link for all of us to fix this issue out ourselves I, too am having this damn ESC light randomly come on while I am driving. However, I have a 2013 Fiat 500, and have NOT had any "immediate malfunctions" to the car when the ESC light comes on, like some of you have been having, other than it being on is "extremely annoying." I am also having an issue with my car randomly shutting itself OFF while I sit and wait at any given red light for "too long." When my Fiat does that, I always have to shift it back up to PARK to restart the ignition, and reads: HIGH COOLANT or the oil light symbol will come on; mind you, I checked the coolant: it was perfect. With regards to the oil symbol: i just recently had an oil change at the dealership. Any others with this issue as well?

So interesting to read these comments. My 2013 500 started out with the check engine light and that was the break light switch. Then the ESC light kept coming on at random times. I had the car at the dealership for 6 weeks and they could never fix it. Kept replacing the break switch to no avail. Chrysler had no idea what the problem is. Now I'm wondering if simply disconnecting the battery and replacing a fuse will take care of it. Like someone else, I have no problems with the operation of the car when this annoying light comes on.

Hi I do not know your models because I am in Europe but there is an accelerator/compass module locate in front of the hand brake under the plastic cover. It a part of the ESC system and if disconnected you cannot start the engine; ABS, speedo, steering wheel assistance, and HILL Start. This module is initialized with the steering wheel position sensor. When both measures do not match it triggers the ESC complex system to put the car back on track. If it is not the brake switch it could be this module (connections or 2 screws un-tightened, ...) Easy to access it can be removed while ignition is on but be careful no esc so not while driving except if you are a pro driver. Good luck. PS I have issue with boiling coolant while everything seems to work perfectly ;)

Sooo... If we check this sensor and the screws are loose or it's disconnected, we should be able to tighten screws/reconnect and be good to go? I am a seasoned manual transmission driver and really have no problems with this not working. I also don't live in the mountains! But I hate that it is not working properly for resale value.

I have a 2013 fiat 500 and it will drive normal and then out of the blue a bunch of indicators come on, ESC, Hill start, Transmission, check engine, etc and the car starts to run rough almost dying *unless I rev the engine), cannot shift unless I turn the car off and back on again. Had all the coil packs & plugs changed and to no avail, still doing the same thing. One mechanic told me my cylinder#1 was shot, but I just don't believe that. Anyone have this happen or any suggestions?

No thank goodness. Just the stupid ESC light and hill climb error. Doesn't affect the driving at all. I've decided no one, meaning the dealership, really know much about these cars. Wish I could help. Sounds serious to me.

Fiat 500C sensor failure C1010=54

What does this mean?

Guru who is that answer for?

GuruHJRGK

GuruLSQFC, I am having the exactly same problem with ESC and cars pulling to the right!!! Do you have any answers? any luck?

@Danigirl1201 did you have a brake light out also bc of the switch?

happening to me with the yellow ESC and ABS, just had transmission replaced... could that be related?

Hi Robyn, I wish I could pin-point it as that being the problem. Crazy thing is it sometimes doesn't happen and the car runs fine, that's why I feel its something electrical, sensor or computer related. Thank you for replying though! I still need to try changing the brake switch, MAP Sensor and reset the ECM so we'll see!

One other thing I saw that could cause this is the fuel injection software needs to be updated. I found a post that the 500 was doing the EXACT same thing as mine and the guy said his Fiat dealer told him they couldn't find the issue, and kept the car longer to see if they could figure it out. He said they told him about the fuel injection software needing updating. He said, "I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's what it is" and never returned to the blog. So not sure if it solved the problem for him or not. Leads me to think that maybe it did because had it not been fixed I would think he would have posted again?

We're does one get the software and if at dealer is it free or do I have to pay

Melissa here: I have a 500L 2014. When it’s really hot outside, starting and stopping will cause the engine to over heat. It has something to do with the transmission. I have been told By a dealership to switch between drive and neutral to keep from overheating. Researched it in the long version of the manual (not the book that came with car.) there are two sentences in that long version that mention it and confirmed the solution. So when hot and not moving for a while, I switch to Neutral.

2012 500c here: when making too tight of a turn (say, an on/off ramp of a highway), the esc/hill start sensor goes off and then will not shift until i can stop, shut off car and restart. Daily occurrence now, and at my wits end... any yall have recommendations?

So I have a 2013 Abarth and my hill assist is unavailable comes on and the esc light shows up BUT the biggest problem is the reverse lights come on and stay on. Has anyone had that issue??

Interesting read: To add, my 2013 Abarth had right taillight out, left brake light out and all ESC, ABS, and hill assist signals on the dash. Replaced tailight and brake light. During that process I noticed the wires leading to the trunk/ license plate light were exposed and frayed! Apparently rubbing when trunk was opened over time. Rewired and wrapped. Am looking to resolve the ESC, ABS and hill assist lights. Will continue to check here.