2012 FIAT 500C air conditioning

▫Technical Specifications ................ 164
▫ Quick Guide ....................... 165
▫ General Information .................. 167
▫ Functions And Adjustments ............. 169
▫ Radio ............................ 176
▫ Sirius Satellite Radio — If Equipped ...... 178
▫ CD Player ......................... 181
▫ CD MP3 Player ..................... 183
▫ Troubleshooting ..................... 185
 iPod/USB/Media Player Control — If
Equipped ............................ 186
 Steering Wheel Audio Controls ............ 187▫
Radio Operation ..................... 188
▫ CD Player Operation .................. 188
▫ Operating Instructions — Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped) ....................... 189
 CD/DVD Disc Maintenance .............. 189
 Radio Operation And Mobile Phones ....... 189
 Climate Controls ...................... 190
▫ Manual Heating And Air Conditioning ..... 190
▫ Operating Tips Chart ................. 193
▫ Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped .......................... 194
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 200
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CLIMATE CONTROLS
The air conditioning and heating system is designed to
make you comfortable in all types of weather.
Manual Heating And Air Conditioning
The Manual Climate controls consist of a series of rotary
dials and one inner push knob.1. Temperature Control
Rotate this control to regulate the temperature of the air
inside the passenger compartment. Rotating the dial to
the left into the blue area of the scale indicates cooler
temperatures, while rotating to the right into the red area
indicates warmer temperatures.
2. Blower Control
Rotate this control to regulate the amount of air forced
through the ventilation system in any mode. The blower
speed increases as you move the control to the right from
the “0” (OFF) position. There are four blower speeds.
3. Recirculation Control
Rotate this control to change the system between recir-
culation mode and outside air mode. Recirculation can be
used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present.
Manual Temperature Control (MTC)
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
•DefrostAir is directed through the windshield and side
window demister outlets. Use this mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix
or Defrost, even if the Air Conditioning (A/C) button is
not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the
windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these modes
only when necessary. 5. A/C Button
Press this button to engage the Air Conditioning. A light
will illuminate when the Air Conditioning system is
engaged.
MAX A/C
For maximum cooling, use the A/C and recirculation
modes at the same time.
ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
OFF the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,
move the temperature control to the desired temperature.
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

2. A/C Button
Press and release to change the current Air Conditioning
(A/C) setting. Performing this function will cause the
ATC to switch into manual mode.
3. Temperature Control Up Button
Provides temperature up control. Push the button for
warmer temperature settings.
4. Blower Control Up Button
There are 12 blower speeds. The blower speed increases
as you press this button. Performing this function will
cause the ATC to switch into manual mode.
5. Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side win-
dow demister outlets. This setting works best in cold or
snowy conditions that require extra heat to the wind-
shield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort while
reducing moisture on the windshield. Performing this
function will cause the ATC to switch into manual mode.6. Front Defrost
Press and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON. The blower will auto-
matically default to medium-high if the Defrost mode is
selected. Performing this function will cause the ATC to
switch into manual mode.
7. Floor Mode
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a small
amount flowing through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
8. Panel Mode
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
Performing this function will cause the ATC to switch
into manual mode.
NOTE:
The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195

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.
4
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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark,
the instrument cluster will sound a chime. When
safe, pull over and stop the vehicle with the engine at
idle. Turn off the air conditioning and wait until the
pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H (red) mark for more than a
minute, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures up to 1/4 in (6 mm) in the tire tread can
be sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you
to drive your vehicle up to 100 miles (160 km) with a
maximum speed of 55 mph (88 km/h).
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES