INTRODUCTION/WELCOME
Welcome From Fiat.............2
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
Driver Cockpit...............4
Instrument Cluster.............6
GETTING STARTED
Key Fo b...................8
Theft Alarm.................8
Power Door Locks.............8
Seat Belt...................9
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Air Bags...................9
Child Restraints...............10
Front Seats.................12
Rear Seats..................14
Tilt Steering Column............14
Heated Seats................15
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Turn Signal/Lights/High Beam Lever.....16
Wiper/Washer Lever............17
Speed Control................18
Power Windows...............19
Manual Climate Controls..........20
Automatic Temperature Controls
(ATC)....................21
Rear Park Assist...............21
Sport Mode.................22
Manual Transmission.............22
Power Sunroof...............22
Power Convertible Top Operation.....23
Wind Buffeting...............24
Cold Weather Operation (Engine Block
Heater)...................25
ELECTRONICS
Your Vehicle's Sound System.........26
AM/FM Radio With CD Player And Sirius
XM™ Satellite Radio............28
BLUE&ME™ Hands-Free
Communication...............29
iPod®/USB/MP3 Control..........34
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)................35
Programmable Features...........35
Trip Button.................36
Power Outlet................37
UTILITY
Trailer Towing................38
Recreational Towing (Behind
Motorhome, Etc.)..............38
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
24-Hour Roadside Assistance........39
Instrument Cluster Warning Lights.....39
If Your Engine Overheats..........42
Jacking And Tire Changing..........43
TIREFIT Kit.................49
Jump-Starting Procedure..........53
Shift Lever Override.............56
Towing A Disabled Vehicle..........56
Enhanced Accident Response System....57
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle...........58
Event Data Recorder (EDR).........59
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Opening The Hood.............60
Engine Compartment............61
Fluids And Capacities............62
Maintenance Chart.............63
Fuses....................65
Tire Pressures................66
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care....... 67
Exterior Bulbs................67
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Fiat Customer Center............68
Assistance For The Hearing Impaired... 68
Publications Ordering............68
Reporting Safety Defects In The 50 United
States And Washington, D.C..........69
MOPAR ACCESSORIES
Authentic Accessories By MOPAR®.....70
INDEX.................. 71
FAQ(HowTo?)
Frequently Asked Questions.........73
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Warning Lights
- Low Fuel Warning Light
- Charging System Light
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
- Air Bag Warning Light
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
- Seat Belt Reminder Light
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
- Power Steering System Warning Light
- Generic Warning Light
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
- Automatic Gearbox Failure
(See page 39 for more information.)
CONTROLS AT A GLANCE
6
TURN SIGNAL/LIGHTS/HIGH BEAM LEVER
Turn Signal/Lane Change Assist
•Tap the lever up or down once and the turn signal (right or left) will flash briefly to indicate a
lane change and automatically turn off.
Headlights/Parking Lights
•The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for the headlights to operate.
• Rotate the end of the lever to the first detent for parking lights and headlight operation.
High Beams
•Push the lever forward to activate the high beams.
• A high beam symbol will illuminate in the cluster to indicate the high beams are on.
NOTE: For safe driving, turn off the high beams when oncoming traffic is present to prevent
headlight glare and as a courtesy to other motorists.
Flash To Pass
• Pull the lever toward you to activate the high beams.The high beams will remain on until the
lever is released.
Headlight Delay (Follow Me Home)
•Within two minutes from when the engine is turned off and the ignition key is in the
OFF/LOCK position or removed, pull the turn signal lever toward the steering wheel.
• Each movement of the lever toward the steering wheel will increase the illumination period by
30 seconds, up to a maximum of 210 seconds.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
16
SPORT MODE
•The Sport mode increases steering feedback to the driver with slight increases in effort and
throttle pedal-to-engine response. Changes to the transmission shift schedules for more
aggressive shifting will occur on automatic transmission versions.
• Sport driving mode is useful while driving on winding roads where more steering precision is
desired.
•Press the SPORT button, located above the
climate controls, to activate the Sport mode.
Manual Transmission
• Once activated, a SPORT message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
• Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.
• Press the accelerator pedal again to activate.
Automatic Transmission
• Once activated, a SPORT message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
• Press the SPORT button again to return to the
standard driving mode.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
•Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
POWER SUNROOF
•The power sunroof roof switch is located in the overhead console.
To Open
•Press and hold the power sunroof switch rearward for approximately two seconds and the
sunroof will stop at the vented position. Press the switch a second time and hold for
approximately one second and release, the sunroof will open fully, then stop automatically.This is
called “Express Open”. During Express Open operation, any movement of the sunroof switch
will stop the sunroof.
To Close
•With the sunroof in the full open position, pull the power sunroof button and hold it for
approximately one second, the sunroof will return to the vented position. Pull the switch a
second time and hold for approximately two seconds to completely close the sunroof.
Pinch Protect Override
•If a known obstruction (ice, debris, etc.) prevents the sunroof from closing, press the switch
forward and hold for two seconds after the reversal occurs.This allows the sunroof to move
toward the closed position.
NOTE: Pinch protection is disabled while the switch is pressed.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
22
COLD WEATHER OPERATION (Engine Block Heater)
Engine Block Heater
•To prevent possible engine damage while starting at low temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit
engine cranking when the ambient temperature is less than –22° F (–30° C) and the oil
temperature sensor reading indicates an engine block heater has not been used.An
externally-powered electric engine block heater is available as optional equipment or from your
authorized dealer.
• The message "plug in engine heater" will be displayed in the instrument cluster when the
ambient temperature is below 5° F (–15° C) at the time the engine is shut off as a reminder to
avoid possible crank delays at the next cold start.
If Engine Fails To Start
CAUTION!
•Use of the recommended SAE 5W-30 oil and adhering to the prescribed oil change
intervals is important to prevent engine damage and ensure satisfactory starting in
cold conditions.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.Vehicles equipped with
an automatic transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
• To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously crank the engine for more
than 15 seconds at a time.Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the throttle body air inlet opening in
an attempt to start the vehicle.This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal
injury.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
25
24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
•If your FIAT 500 requires jump start assistance, out of gas/fuel delivery, tire service, lockout
service or towing due to a defect covered under the Basic Limited Warranty, dial toll-free
1-888-242-6342. See your Warranty booklet for further details.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel
you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know.With your consent, we will contact local
police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Generic Warning Light
•The Generic Warning Light will illuminate if any of the following conditions occur: Engine Oil
Pressure Sensor Failure, External Light Failure, Fuel Cut-Off Intervention, Fuel Cut-Off Not
Available, Parking Sensor Failure.
- Power Steering System Warning
•If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message and icon are displayed in the EVIC
display, it indicates that extreme steering maneuvers have occurred, which caused an over
temperature condition in the power steering system.You will lose power steering assistance
momentarily until the over temperature condition no longer exists. Once driving conditions are
safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle.After approximately five minutes, the system will cool and
return to normal operation.
- Automatic Gearbox Failure
•This light will illuminate when there is an automatic transmission fault.
• Have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
•This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If
the A/C system is on, turn it off.Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.You may want to call an authorized service center for service if
your vehicle overheats.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
39
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
•This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position; the
light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see
an authorized service center immediately. If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough
idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
•This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control system (ESC) has been turned off by the
driver.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation / Malfunction Indicator
Light
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on for four
seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on
momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN.
• Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC system will be ON even if it was turned
off previously.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
•Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated.Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE
AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE
PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S
DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20
MINUTES BEFORE THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
40
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
•Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the
MIL after engine start.The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical
driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage.We recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
•This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains
on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
•This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and
shut off the engine as soon as possible.A chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
•This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive
to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Air Bag Warning Light
•If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced
by an authorized service center immediately.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
•In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine
idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor and the
Fan control to high.This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in
removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
42