I have tried the iphone APP and seems to work fine although I will still need the milti coloured cables for USB access via Laptop that I can use my older version of MES for. I appreciate that the Laptop version will not update but keep working if a new registration is not paid. Is this the case with...

Try cleaning the power fuse to dash so it is getting good power supply.

The steering draws a lot of power when running so check battery connections, earths and condition of battery.
Ask on the FIAT forum too.