2013 FIAT 500 tow

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 studio 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.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355

CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
or metal polishes. Do not use oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel’s protective finish.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions
or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent is recommended.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following manner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPAR® Total Clean, or a
mild soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•For grease stains, apply MOPAR® Multi-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use
a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of
protectants on Stain Repel products.
Interior Care
Use MOPAR® Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use MOPAR® Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
MOPAR® Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections on the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Re-
quired” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as
early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission as needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
390 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Downshifting............................228
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................240
Electrical Power Outlets.....................134
Electric Remote Mirrors......................94
Electronic Brake Control System...............249
Brake Assist System.....................250
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........122
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............252
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......160
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher..................297
Jacking...............................308
Jump Starting..........................320
Towing..............................327
Emission Control System Maintenance..........337
Engine
Air Cleaner...........................344
Break-In Recommendations.................78
Checking Oil Level......................340
Compartment..........................335
Cooling..............................356
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................80
Fails to Start...........................224
Flooded, Starting.......................224
Fuel Requirements......................285
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..340
Oil Filler Cap..........................342
Oil Selection...........................342
Oil Synthetic..........................343
Overheating...........................297
Starting..............................223
Temperature Gauge......................157
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............53
Event Data Recorder........................58
10
INDEX 409

Passing Light............................113
Pets....................................78
Placard, Tire and Loading Information..........264
Power
Door Locks............................25
Mirrors...............................94
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)...........134
Steering..............................242
Sunroof..............................131
Windows..............................26
Power Steering Fluid.......................387
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts................42
Preparation for Jacking.....................312
Pretensioners
Seat Belts..............................40
Radial Ply Tires..........................271
Radio Operation..........................179
Radio Reception..........................179
Radio (Sound Systems).....................179
Rear Liftgate (Sedan).......................28
Rear Window Features.....................140
Recorder, Event Data.......................58
Recreational Towing.......................293
Reformulated Gasoline.....................286
Refrigerant..............................347
Release, Hood............................111
Reminder, Seat Belt.........................40
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
FCC General Information..................22
Power Convertible Top Function.............17
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls.........205
Replacement Bulbs........................380
Replacement Keys.........................15
Replacement Parts.........................339
Replacement Tires.........................276
Reporting Safety Defects....................399
Restraints, Child...........................59
10
INDEX 415

High Speed...........................270
Inflation Pressures.......................269
Jacking...............................308
Life of Tires...........................275
Load Capacity.........................263
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............280
Pressure Warning Light...................151
Quality Grading........................401
Radial...............................271
Replacement...........................276
Rotation..............................279
Safety...............................257
Sizes................................258
Snow Tires............................272
Spinning.............................274
Tread Wear Indicators....................274
Tire Safety Information.....................257
To Open Hood...........................111
Towing................................292
Disabled Vehicle........................327
Recreational...........................293
Traction................................239
Traction Control..........................251
Trailer Towing...........................292
Transaxle
Automatic.............................11
Autostick.............................237
Transmission
Automatic............................229
Fluid................................365
Maintenance...........................365
Manual..............................226
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .20
Transporting Pets..........................78
Tread Wear Indicators......................274
Trip Odometer...........................158
Turn Signals.............................114
418 INDEX