2013 FIAT 500C Owners Manual

Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount
of air is directed through the defrost and side
window demister outlets.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
Press and release the Panel mode button and Floor
mode button to enter Bi-Level mode, the indicators
illuminate when ON. Performing this function will cause
the ATC to switch into manual mode.
Mix Mode
Air comes from the floor, defrost and side window
demister outlets. This mode works best in cold or
snowy conditions. It allows you to stay comfortable
while keeping the windshield clear.
Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window
demister outlets. Use Defrost mode with maxi-
mum temperature settings for best windshield and side
window defrosting. When the defrost mode is selected,
the blower will automatically default to medium-high.
NOTE:While operating in the other modes, the system
will not automatically sense the presence of fog, mist or
ice on the windshield. Defrost mode must be manually
selected to clear the windshield and side glass.
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
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215

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:Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will au-
tomatically adjust the climate control settings to reduce
or eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
When this occurs, recirculation will be unavailable.
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
216 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 (cigarette
smoke, 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 obstruc-
tions.
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 air conditioning system
is started again.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
!STARTING PROCEDURES................223
▫Manual Transmission – If Equipped........223
▫Automatic Transmission – If Equipped......223
▫Normal Starting.......................223
▫Cold Weather Operation................224
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................224
▫After Starting........................225
!MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .226
▫Five-Speed Manual Transmission...........226
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............228
▫Downshifting........................228
!AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED...........................229
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock...............230
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .231
▫Six-Speed Automatic Transmission.........231
▫Gear Ranges.........................232
!AUTOSTICK® — IF EQUIPPED............237
▫Operation...........................237
!DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES.........239
5

▫Acceleration.........................239
▫Traction............................239
!DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............240
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................240
▫Shallow Standing Water.................240
!POWER STEERING.....................242
!PARKING BRAKE......................244
!SPORT MODE.........................246
▫Manual Transmission – If Equipped........246
▫Automatic Transmission – If Equipped......247
!BRAKE SYSTEM.......................248
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .248
!ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .249
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............250
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............250
▫Traction Control System (TCS)............251
▫Hill Start Assist (HSA).................251
▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..........252
▫ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light............255
!TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION.............257
▫Tire Markings........................257
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)...........260
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions..........262
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........263
!TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION........268
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Pressure........................268
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................269
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .270
▫Radial Ply Tires......................271
▫All Season Tires – If Equipped............272
▫Summer Or Three Season Tires – If Equipped . . .272
▫Snow Tires..........................272
▫Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped................273
▫Compact Spare Tire....................273
▫Tire Spinning........................274
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................274
▫Life Of Tire.........................275
▫Replacement Tires.....................276
!TIRE CHAINS.........................277
!TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS.....279
!TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS).......................280
▫Base System.........................282
▫Enhanced System– If Equipped............285
▫General Information...................285
!FUEL REQUIREMENTS..................285
!FUEL REQUIREMENTS – 1.4L Turbo........286
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................286
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............287
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles.......287
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STARTING AND OPERATING 221

▫MMT In Gasoline.....................288
▫Materials Added To Fuel................288
▫Fuel System Cautions...................289
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings.............290
!ADDING FUEL........................291
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............291
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............292
!TRAILER TOWING.....................292
!RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)...................293
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .293
222 STARTING AND OPERATING