2012 FIAT 500C tow

Spare Tire Removal
The spare tire is stowed to the underbody below the
cargo area.
1. Remove the plug located in the rear cargo area.2. Fit the wrench tool over the drive nut. Use the wrench
to rotate the nut counterclockwise until the spare is on
the ground with enough slack in the cable to allow you to
pull the tire out from under the vehicle.
Winch Access PlugLowering/Raising Spare Tire
284 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
NOTE: Refer to the “Compact Spare Tire” section of the
“Tires-General Information” under “Starting And Oper-
ating” for information about the spare tire, it s use, and
operation.
Jack Warning Label
288 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:The wheel cover is held on the wheel by the
wheel bolts. When reinstalling the original wheel, prop-
erly align the wheel cover to the valve stem, place the
wheel cover onto the wheel, then install the wheel bolts.
6. Install the spare wheel and wheel bolts with the cone
shaped end of the bolts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten
the bolts. To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the bolts fully until the vehicle has
been lowered.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
8. Finish tightening the bolts. Push down on the wrench
while tightening the wheel bolts. Alternate bolts until
each bolt has been tightened twice. The correct wheel bolt
torque is 63 ft lbs (85 N·m) for steel wheels and 75 ft lbs
(100 N·m) for aluminum wheels. If you doubt that you
have tightened the bolts correctly, have them checked
with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or
service station. 9. Disassemble the jack and tools and place them in the
bag. Stow it under the driver’s seat and secure the bag to
the floor with the straps attached to the floor of the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
10. Place the deflated (flat) tire in the cargo area. Have
the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
292 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop could injure the occupants in the vehicle. Have
the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immedi-
ately.
11. Check the spare tire pressure as soon as possible.
Correct the tire pressure as required.
Spare Tire Stowage
Reverse instructions of the spare removal section.
Rotate the jack wrench tool on the winch drive nut
clockwise until effort becomes heavy and an audible click
is heard indicating the spare is properly stowed.
CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack wrench extension tool only. Use of air wrench or
power tool may damage the winch.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be jump-
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in
another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster
pack. Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly
so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster pack,
follow the manufacturer ’s operating instructions and
precautions.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 293

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position
without starting the engine.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, push and
hold the override release lever in.6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic Transmission
•
Vehicle can be towed with the front wheels elevated.
•Vehicle can be towed on a flatbed truck (all wheels off
the ground).
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Shift Lever Override Access Cover6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 299

Manual Transmission
•
Vehicle can be flat towed (all four wheels on the
ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
•Vehicle can be towed with the front wheels elevated.
•Vehicle can be towed on a flatbed truck (all wheels off
the ground).
All Transmissions
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON/
RUN position. Make certain the transmission remains in
NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the OFF/LOCK position. A dolly
should be used under the front wheels if the rear wheels
are raised. Proper towing equipment is necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system (automatic transmission
only). There is a removable plug in the right side of the
shift lever housing that allows you to insert your finger to
300 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

override the system. The ignition key must be in the
ON/RUN position to use the override lever.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these towing methods can cause
severe transmission damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
After the event occurs, when the system is active, the
message Fuel Cutoff See Handbook is displayed.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine com-
partment and fuel tank before resetting the system and
starting the engine.
System Reset Procedure
After an impact causing airbag deployment, the left and
right turn signal lights, located in the instrument panel
cluster, will both be blinking, until the ignition is turned
off.
In order to move your vehicle to the side of the road you
must follow the system reset procedure.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 301

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM – OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE