How to Clean the Drain Filters on a 124 Spider or MX-5 ND

[@richardgillespie5703]

After watching your clear, careful video, I just cleaned my drain basketa and sponge filtera. It was as simple as you said, with the same little complications which you worked us through. My basketa were filled with muck, leaves, and maple seedlings; the sponge was black with muck. And yes--my passenger side one had overflowed and left the floor aswim (we're letting the sun gradually dry this out as weather allows). Thanks for taking the time to help others with this problem! Total time involved after watching your video, a little under a half hour. Faster next time!

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome. And if you want to twist and bend and your arms are the proper length, you can even do it without removing the trim. But, not everyone can do it that way, so I showed the way anyone can do it.

[@apexhugger]

Brilliant! Thanks to this guide, it took me all but 10 minutes to clean out my filters on my ND👍

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you!

[@ronaldvangulden7314]

Thanks for puting up and making this excellent video! 🙏 Cleaned the drain holes for the first time after a year of ownership and it was a piece of cake thanks to you. There was hardly any dirt but its nice to know for piece of mind that everything is clean.

[@DropTopTees]

It really varies from car to car (and parking situations) how much debris is in them

[@WorldsGreatestVidiot]

Thanks for all the 124 spider content, it really helps!

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome!

[@armandorivera3606]

Thank you for all these informative videos. Great for help other spiders owners out there

[@DropTopTees]

you're welcome

[@j9501b]

Thankyou a ton. I have watched every video about this damn drain and YOU are the only one that explains exactly where it is. I was done with both in half an hour (and they were filthy (creature of the black lagoon bad!) I'm a miata chick on the GA/FL coastal border Lot of vegetation and rain. This was needed for me. Again thank you.! Now I can cancel that trip to the dealer!!!

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome. Lived in Ft Walton Beach for 12 years long ago. This is something you should do probably once a year.

[@tklash149]

Thank you for taking the time to do the video. It was extremely helpful. Did the job in 15 minutes . Much appreciated.

[@ucmband]

Thanks for all the videos you do! They are a great resource! Because of your one on the AR exhaust, I now have them on my car. I have the hood and trunk struts because of you too! Great job!

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome!

[@Mrjayoh]

Thanks for this tutorial. I was able to clean mine in about 15-20 minutes thanks to you!

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome.

[@keithgonzalez]

Great guide for my 2022 Mazda MX-5 GT. With your help I was able to locate the small filters and get them cleaned out easily. Thanks!

[@DropTopTees]

Glad we could help!

[@DustyRoads23]

Just bought a used fiat 124. Thank you for showing me this. My car had really bad build up on the bottom of the filter/sponge

[@evolutionpsico]

You and your wife are the real MVP! Well detailed!!!!

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you, Pablo.

[@a8209160]

Thanks for your extremely explanatory series of videos... I've learned so many useful hints I've I used with my MX5. Good job !

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome!

[@a8209160]

@@DropTopTees You recommend Ali Express many times in your Videos,... Did you consider purchasing the Carbon Fibre styling accessories for one of you cars ? For example, I have done the door arm arm rests, around the gear shifter ( where the sunlight dazzles), and a round carbon fiber gear knob. I like the finished appearance 😊.

[@DropTopTees]

@@a8209160 I think Ali Express was where I bought my sequential side markers and maybe blue interior LEDS. Don't thin I have purchased anything else from them. As for carbon fiber accessories for appearance, I know a lot of people like it and it is a huge fad right now, but it does nothing for me.

[@a8209160]

@@DropTopTees I also tried the sequenciel side indicators.... They didn't fit at all to my Mazda,...they hung loose. However, strangely the plain black smoked indicators did fit perfectly. I went with those.

[@DropTopTees]

@@a8209160 You must have received a bad set? There are literally hundreds of 124 with the sequential markers on them and the slot is exactly the same size on both vehicles.

[@thomasstevenin]

Great video! even easier than it looks! One thing I did on top was to clean the spot where the sponge sits with a wet cloth before putting the sponge back. I also vacuumed all of the leaves and twigs that were lying around. Definitely was worth it. Thanks!

[@willburrito9710]

Bingo! No wiggling back and worth. Just push the tab down and pull inwards. Just like the diagram. Whew! My trunk was loaded with water and my windshield inside was thick with frozen moisture last week. Post thanksgiving gift. THANK YOU!

[@larrydalsin256]

Thanks for the video and tips. Did my ND2 today in 15 mins. Great annual maintenance.

[@corominasha]

Thank you so much!! Had my Fiat for ride on rainy day and just the thought of having to deal with the top made me anxious. So saw you video and problem solved! Thanks again!!

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome!

[@tlhamon]

Thanks so much! Mine weren't very dirty, but knowing they are clean now allays my worries.

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome! Same with ours. But, if you ignore them, over time, they WILL get clogged...

[@peteskeet9443]

Damages. I never heard of such a thing. Thanks for the information. I will get to it right away!

[@adamchoi8136]

Thoroughly explained. Thanks for the guidance!

[@DropTopTees]

you're welcome

[@williambayliss2367]

If I may add, I did the passenger(RH) side first in the garage. It wasn't easy holding the flashlight and trying to pull the basket out, it was full of leaves and little sticks, so worth the effort. The left side I pulled the car out in the midday sun, what a difference, I could see everything with the sun coming through the rear window that was partially down with the top. Whenever I do this again it will be in the middle of the day with no clouds. The left side was almost fun. Also the rivets are called push pins when you look them up on Amazon.

[@robnederland3371]

Great video and very helpful. I bought a 2019 spider yesterday and this was the first thing I did after the purchase. And it was necessary. There was some leaves in there and it needed cleaning.

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you. Bad things can happen if they ever clog completely. Enjoy your 124!

[@jeffmolesmusic]

Thanks for the very helpful video. My Spider (Lusso) filters were full of a surprising amount of leaves and twigs as described here.

[@DropTopTees]

you're welcome

[@chefadriantv]

Hey there I was inspecting the compartment where the top goes down into to make sure there wasn’t any debris back there. I was doing this while the top was still up by just shining a light through the back window. I noticed I could see the drain clear as day through the back window. So without putting the top down or removing any plastic parts at all, I just scooted my seat all the way up bent over towards the steering wheel and put my arm right above the seatbelt where it goes into the seat and bent my forearm forward and Bam ! my hand hits a drain plug and I can pop it right out. Because I saw it from a different angle I realized it wasn’t as hard as I was making it. Because I removed all my plastic before and did the whole dance and song with it. So just move your seat forward put your arm straight back right above where the seatbelt enters the hard plastic Behind the seat. And bend and turn your hand down and it’ll literally fall on top of the drain plug and just pop it out right then and there. Its so easy it seems like it was designed for someone’s arm to go right in there and land right on it. Just thought I’d share in case you wanted to make another quick video or something. Thanks man for all your videos I appreciate them. Still super happy I figured out what oil to put in my car!

[@brucecurrie6913]

Thanks from across the pond...well explained and much appreciated! The passenger carpet was soaking (on our five-year-old MX-5) which prompted me to look for a reason...turned out the baskets were almost full to the top with pine needles and leaves! Fifteen mins and all clear...now I just need to get the carpet dry! As it's only 3c here best get the heater going on the floor with the top down - ANY excuse for a drive! Cheers!

[@DropTopTees]

Glad we could help!

[@brucecurrie6913]

Thanks...but spoke to soon! Next heavy rain and water back...so suspect pipe to floor blocked. There's a black plastic access panel that when removed reveals the drain tube and a bright orange connector that appears to link tube to the floor panel. Ideally I'd like to unclip this and clean tube from bottom...but unsure if it can be unclipped from inside. Have you any advice on how to clear out this section of the drain system? One video suggests jacking car up and pushing connector back up into the inner void of the hatch to clean...others suggest poking wire/trombone pipe cleaner down from top. Any pointers appreciated!

[@DropTopTees]

@@brucecurrie6913 From what I understand there is a 90 degree turn in it and/or a trap door that prevents you from snaking it from the top. I have heard some people being successful going at it from the bottom as you are thinking of doing. Fiat will tell you it needs to be done by a factory certified technician.

[@brucecurrie6913]

@@DropTopTees Thanks for responding...it's appreciated!

[@brucecurrie6913]

Finally sorted. Hope this helps someone: CLEAN BASKETS BUT BLOCKED DRAIN. Cleaned baskets and sponges after foot well became flooded...but next rain it refilled. The blockage was beyond the filter unit. Before dismantling any further examined plastic drain unit (RHD passenger side) and noticed a couple of slots on the top - directly behind the seatbelt unit. Poked a 12" plastic tie through hole and pushed and wiggled it in direction of drain hose - whilst pouring water from a small watering can into the hole where the filter unit fits... After a couple of attempts water started to come out of bottom of drain - couple more flushes through and pipe cleared! I was just about to try dismantling orange hose end from floor of car - so happy I didn't!

[@derstrohmann7450]

Thanks, did know about it but never knew how to reach them until now.

[@kenlmans]

Thanks for the video, I need to check mine. It's a 2018 Classica but has only around 8k miles. However, being in SE Texas (Shenandoah), it's also close to the same temps as what you had when you made this. I'll be waiting until cooler days.

[@DropTopTees]

I go play disc golf when it is 110. But under that metal roof car port, it was almost unbearable.

[@andyhollick7272]

Best video yet on this subject thanks very much 👍😊

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you.

[@Jadisamo]

Eres el mejor haciendo videos del Fiat 124 spider.

[@DropTopTees]

Muchas gracias.

[@edwardcloak2215]

Thanks for your videos, very helpful! My question: will the soft top roof cover prevent rain water from entering the drain holes? I live in South Florida and it’s the rainy season. Thank you , Ed

[@DropTopTees]

If it is waterproof, it should. We use the half dome cover from 500 Madness on Saxy. Highly recommend it. 500madness.com/fiat-124-spider-custom-vehicle-cover-spiderdome-4415?tracking=dtt

[@philzvids3577]

I saw this video a while back and finally got around to cleaning my filters! I agree the easiest way is to remove the plastic trim. I did peer at the filters from above the the rear wing, but the clearance is so small with the roof in any position that I can't see how you would get a hand down there. The plastic comes out easily anyway. As per your video, don't attempt to remove the top piece of plastic, just remove the small popper. I made this mistake and it's difficult to refit. I should have paid more attention to your video! Also, my 124 Spider only had two poppers on the large plastic piece and importantly, when removing the filter block, watch out for the seatbelt pre-tensioner wires!

[@leedek66]

Once this clean up is done... would it be prudent to plug the drain hole under the car, mix up some 30-second cleaner half n half solution, carefully pour the solution down the hole until you can see it reach the top, let it sit, drain it out, and flush with clean water? Maybe not for minor debris filled basket and discolored sponge. I bet the mucky, crudy, leaf and scum baskets and sponges let some funky stuff into the channel. Just a thought. I appreciate your thoroughness and efforts to show how to clean this problem area. Thanks to you both.

[@DropTopTees]

The basket filter system was designed to prevent such things; however I have seen a few people in MX-5 forums saying their drain got plugged below the filter, so cleaning the line would probably be a good idea every so often.

[@miguelpalou4440]

I just had my Fiat spider lusso a couple of months ago and your video to clean the futures I thought it was going to be hard but it was so easy to do. I still have water coming in problem on the passenger side any other place I can take a look at myself or should I take it to the car dealer any information will help thank you. Miguel

[@DropTopTees]

If it is in the floor board, a clogged filter is often the problem. If cleaning the filters doesn't help, a trip to the dealer is probably in order.

[@Johnny_33]

Very clear and useful. Thanks a lot.👍

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you.

[@andrewstevenson6540]

Excellent demo

[@DropTopTees]

thank you

[@oscarplump]

It worked perfectly… great video…

[@DropTopTees]

thank you

[@Larkc-ty5sz]

best video ever. thank you.

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you.

[@chrisgrant4048]

Don’t have to move the seat, don’t have to move the top, don’t have to touch a panel. If you are doing it on the driver side (left side), face towards the car and snake your right arm into the opening and feel your way down the inside wall of the car. You’ll feel the little clip on the cup and right below it the foam padded pull tab. Push the clip, pull the tab and out it comes. Can have both sides of the car done start to finish in 5 minutes, 10 if you have to walk inside to use a sink. This is the easiest maintenance for a drain filter ever. Thank you for the video though. Without this, I was struggling to find the basket. I thought it was in the flat horizontal section inboard of where it actually is.

[@DropTopTees]

I agree you can do it this way, but for many, it is easier to do it as I did.

[@chrisgrant4048]

@@DropTopTees I get it. Not easy to visualize what’s in there. I almost started taking the panels off and then I saw where the latch was watching your video. It takes some dexterity and if your hands are larger than mine, I’m sure it would be easier the way you did it. My Miata sits parked under a huge ficus tree and I will need to do this probably quarterly. So just wanted to figure out the fastest way to do it.

[@DropTopTees]

@@chrisgrant4048 With me, it is more that i have limited mobility in my back...lol

[@DropTopTees]

@@chrisgrant4048 With me, it is more that i have limited mobility in my back...lol

[@kevinhaggard5106]

Thanks. I would have never known to clean these.

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome

[@baddad09]

great video! even easier than video makes it seem. mine were pretty clean (just picked up 7,000 mile 2018 model), still trying to find source of musty car smell 😞

[@MaxMcLaughlin-si7hh]

Is there a link for the wind protector i wanttt i just know it lights up.

[@DropTopTees]

The link is: windrestrictor.com/?mw_aref=a374fc2df3827f1eb34a76734c34fe65 Use the link and the code "droptop" and you should get a small discount.

[@edgarvazquez1613]

Could you please guide me on the following matter. Clean the drain pipe and when you put it back it does not seal 100% and the water seeps right where the seat belt is placed. How can I achieve a 100% seal between the plastic part and the metal of the bodywork? this is where it exits into the water at the bottom of the car.

[@DropTopTees]

Did you perhaps displace the foam rubber piece that goes around the edge?

[@edgarvazquez1613]

@@DropTopTees no, the rubber seal is still there (foam rubber). What I imagine is that the tabs of the plastic piece do not make enough pressure with the metal part of the car and there is a small gap between the metal and the plastic piece and that is where the water filters.

[@edgarvazquez1613]

I thought about putting an additional seal (foam ruber) but if the plastic tabs do not apply pressure, it seems to me that it will not solve the problem.

[@edgarvazquez1613]

I really appreciate your comments and help, I live in Mexico and here asking for an original part in an agency takes a long time, that's why I'm trying to find a solution since we're now in the rainy season. Again thank you very much.

[@DropTopTees]

@@edgarvazquez1613 It is very difficult to offer a solution when I can't see what the actual problem is. It could be the fact the drain pipe below the filter is clogged. It could be the seal isn't what it should be. There are other possibilities. If you have a Fiat dealer nearby, you might want them to check it out.

[@DropTopTees]

For most cars, once a year is fine. If you park in areas where your top gets a lot of debris on it, twice a year. Enjoy your Lusso! Might we see you at the Fiat Freakout this September?

[@gardeningbyheart4912]

We just bought a 2017 Lusso two weeks ago. How often do you find you need to check these filters? Thank you!!

[@gardeningbyheart4912]

You just answered. Teaches me to ask the question before finishing the video. We will plan on once and maybe twice a year since we live in Kansas City. Thank you!

[@mazdaroy7071]

thank you

[@DropTopTees]

You're welcome.

[@jdrewroberts]

Where do the A pillar draines terminate?

[@DropTopTees]

there is a hole under the car that they drain through

[@Paronak]

My ND RF has a clogged line and one of the drains doesnt work. Thankfully i have a 1 year warranty from the dealershop

[@DropTopTees]

Did you try to snake the line? The new filter system was supposed to reduce those types of problems, but it isn't foolproof.

[@Paronak]

@@DropTopTees its a 2017 model, it has the stupid tray and no filter (unless it's lower in the car. It's clogged and i could do the job myself, but there are 2 drain pipes that are held on with duct tape. They sold me the car like this and they gave me a 1 year warranty. So im gonna use it

[@DropTopTees]

@@Paronak did a previous owner mess it up?

[@Paronak]

@@DropTopTees probably, the drain pipes are held on with duct tape ahah. But its mostly a blockage from dirt and tiny leaves

[@rtintera]

Thank you very much!

[@timgibbs4762]

Great explanatory video. Will check my new to me 2017 FIAT 124 Spider Lusso very soon.

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you

[@MikeKeller]

Oh my God! You're telling me that Fiats have the same problem with plugged drain tubes that us VW Golf Alltrack owners have? And here I am considering switching from one to the other! (#sarcasm)

[@DropTopTees]

Not a problem if you do annual cleaning.

[@marktomarkable]

Brilliant video, many thanks! I suggest wearing gloves when removing the second panel as there are sharps under there (I cut my thumb).

[@DropTopTees]

Thank you! Work gloves are always a good idea. I'm just a horrible example when it comes to that..lol.

[@predictablyunpredictable3248]

You do not need to remove all the trim parts, to get that filter out. There are lots of videos from the mx5 nd that shows how to do without removing trim.

[@DropTopTees]

I say that up front at 2:23 It is just easier for most people to take the trim off.