2012 FIAT 500C Owners Manual

Air Conditioning (A/C)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator
to manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning
system. When in A/C mode with the ATC set to a cool
temperature, dehumidified air flows through the air
outlets. If Economy mode is desired, press the A/C
button to turn off the A/C mode in the ATC display and
deactivate the A/C system.
NOTE:
•If the system is in Mix or Defrost Mode, the A/C can
be turned off, but the A/C system shall remain active
to prevent fogging of the windows.
•If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed.
Recirculation Control
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired,
you may wish to recirculate interior air by
pressing the RECIRCULATION control button.
Recirculation mode should only be used temporarily. The
recirculation LED will illuminate when this button is
selected. Push the button a second time to turn off the
Recirculation mode LED and allow outside air into the
vehicle.
NOTE: In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the Defrost mode to improve
window clearing operation. Recirculation will be dis-
abled automatically if this mode is selected.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199

Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning the air conditioning (pressing the A/C button) on
will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control, air
direction, and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
DEFROST mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
NOTE:
In some cases during high temperature opera-
tion, the air conditioning system performance may be
reduced. This is to help protect the engine from overheat-
ing during the high load condition.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use Recir-
culation A/C mode to provide additional comfort while
in automatic mode.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air using the high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 207
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 207
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 207
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 207
▫ Cold Weather Operation ............... 208
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 208
▫ After Starting ....................... 209
 Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........ 209
▫ Five-Speed Manual Transmission ......... 209▫
Recommended Shift Speeds ............. 210
▫ Downshifting ....................... 211
 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ...... 211
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 212
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 212
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ........ 212
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 213
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 218
▫ Operation ......................... 219
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▫General Information .................. 219
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 220
▫ Acceleration ........................ 220
▫ Traction ........................... 221
 Driving Through Water ................. 221
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 221
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 222
 Power Steering ....................... 223
 Parking Brake ........................ 224
 Sport Mode .......................... 226
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 226
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 227
 Brake System ........................ 228 ▫
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 228
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 229
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 230
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 230
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 231
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 231
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 232
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 235
 Tire Safety Information ................. 236
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 236
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 240
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 241
204 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 242
 Tires — General Information ............. 246
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 246
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 247
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 248
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 249
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 249
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 250
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 251
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 252
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 252
 Tire Chains .......................... 253
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 255
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..... 256
▫ Base System ........................ 258
▫ General Information .................. 260
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 261
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 261
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 262
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 262
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 263
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 263
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 264
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 265
 Adding Fuel ......................... 266
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 266
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STARTING AND OPERATING 205

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 267
 Trailer Towing ........................ 267 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . 268
▫
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle. . 268
206 STARTING AND OPERATING