2012 FIAT 500 liftgate

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ................. 11
▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫ Locking Doors With A Key .............. 13
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 14
 Sentry Key .......................... 14
▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 15
▫ General Information ................... 15
 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 16
▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 16▫
Opening Power Top Remote Function ....... 16
▫ To Lock The Doors And Liftgate .......... 18
▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 18
▫ General Information ................... 19
▫ Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 20
 Door Locks ........................... 22
▫ Power Door Locks .................... 23
 Power Windows ....................... 24
▫ Power Window Switches ................ 24
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Liftgate ............................. 26
 Occupant Restraints ..................... 27
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 31
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 36
▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 36
▫ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 37
▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 38
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 38
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ......................... 39
▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 40
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 40▫
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Air Bags ............................ 40
▫ Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 43
▫ Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 46
▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 56
▫ Child Restraints ...................... 57
 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 67
 Safety Tips ........................... 68
▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 68
▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 68
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 69
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 71
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF
EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate from distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m)
using a hand-held Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmit-
ter. The RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.NOTE:
The line of transmission must not be blocked
with metal objects.To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver ’s door or twice,
within five seconds, to unlock all doors and the liftgate.
The turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the
unlock signal. The illuminated entry system will also
turn on.
Opening Power Top Remote Function
The remote keyless power top function can only be used
with the engine off.
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter With Mechanical Key
Release Button
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never place any extremities (hands, feet, etc.) near
the convertible top components, the upper wind-
shield area, the shelf area behind the rear seats, or
the convertible top stowage area while raising or
lowering the convertible top.
•When using the power top button on RKE trans-
mitter, if potential danger exists while lowering
the top, release the button immediately to inter-
rupt the operation.
•Only drive the vehicle with the convertible top
completely closed and latched or fully lowered
into its stowage compartment.
•Do not operate the power top when the vehicle is
in motion.
To Lock The Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit-
ter to lock all doors and the liftgate. The turn signal lights
will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the
signal. If a door is ajar the turn signal lights will flash at
an increased rate and there will be no horn chirp, this is
to indicate that a door is still ajar.
Programming Additional Transmitters
Refer to Sentry Key“Customer Key Programming.”
If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter,
contact your authorized dealer for details.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Power Door Locks
A power door lock switch is incorporated into the door
handle. Push or pull the handle to lock or unlock the
doors and liftgate. If the door handle is pushed a red lock
indicator will show on the door handle (indicating
locked) when the door is closed, the door will lock.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

down automatically. To cancel the Auto-Down move-
ment, operate the switch in either the up or down
direction and release the switch.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize
the buffeting or open any window.
LIFTGATE
To unlock the liftgate, use the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter or activate the power door lock
switches located on the front door handles.
To open the liftgate, squeeze the liftgate release handle
and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.
Liftgate Handle
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison-
ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the liftgate closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
•If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
Do not use the recirculation mode.
Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
•Three-point lap and shoulder belts for all seating
positions
•Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passen-
ger
•Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
•Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABIC) for the driver and passengers seated next to a
window
•Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
•Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants
•Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may
enhance occupant protection by managing occupant
energy during an impact event
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

WARNING! (Continued)
•If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed and
the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69