Cheap Fiat 500L Ignition Barrel

The vast majority of Fiat 500L models sold in the UK use a traditional key-operated ignition barrel rather than a push-button start system, so yes, this is a genuine part on this vehicle. A small number of higher-specification variants may have been fitted with keyless ignition, so it is worth confirming which system your car has before ordering. Check your existing key and steering column to be sure.

The Fiat 500L was produced from 2012 onwards, with a facelift arriving around 2017, so a 2013 and a 2014 car both sit within the same pre-facelift generation. Parts from within the same generation are generally more likely to be compatible, but whether a specific ignition barrel swaps directly is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration, as minor running changes can occur within a generation. Always provide your full VIN or registration when requesting a quote.

The Fiat 500L received a facelift in 2017, and changes to interior components including the steering column area mean that ignition barrel fitment across this boundary is genuinely uncertain. We would strongly recommend you confirm compatibility with the breaker against your specific registration rather than assuming pre- and post-facelift parts are interchangeable. A good breaker will be able to cross-reference part numbers to give you a reliable answer.

Trim level — whether Pop Star, Lounge, Trekking, or any other — does not affect the ignition barrel itself, as this is a mechanical component tied to the steering column and ignition system rather than the specification level. The main exception to be aware of is if one trim came with keyless ignition while another did not, which would mean a fundamentally different system rather than a trim variation. Confirm the ignition type on the donor vehicle matches yours, but otherwise trim should not be a concern.

Yes, ignition barrels on modern vehicles like the Fiat 500L are typically linked to the immobiliser and ECU, which means a used barrel will very likely need to be coded or programmed to your car after fitting. This is an important additional step beyond simply swapping the physical part, and you should factor in the cost of a locksmith or auto electrician when budgeting. Ask your breaker whether they can supply the associated key and transponder from the same donor vehicle, as this can sometimes simplify the coding process.

Engine type — whether petrol or diesel — does not inherently determine which ignition barrel is fitted, as the barrel is part of the steering column and ignition switch assembly rather than the engine system. However, the barrel is paired to the immobiliser system of the donor vehicle, so the key consideration is that the part comes from the same generation of 500L and can be correctly coded to your car. Confirm with the breaker using your registration to make sure the part number matches before purchasing.