2013 FIAT 500C torque

automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head
winds), use the AutoStick® shift control (described be-
low) to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using
a lower gear will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
If the transmission operating temperature exceeds nor-
mal operating limits, the transmission controller will
expand the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine coolant temperature.
Normal operation will resume once the engine tempera-
ture has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu-
minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized studio for service without dam-
aging the transmission.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited-slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in
the Partial Off mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC)” in this section for further information.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain the
level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period
of time after the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal. If
the driver does not apply the throttle during this short
period of time, the system will release brake pressure and
the vehicle will roll down the hill. The system will release
brake pressure in proportion to the amount of throttle
applied as the vehicle starts to move in the intended
direction of travel.
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•Vehicle must be stopped.
•Vehicle must be on a 2.5% (manual transmission) or 7%
grade or greater (automatic transmission) hill.
•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e., ve-
hicle in NEUTRAL (manual transmission), vehicle facing
uphill is in forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is in
REVERSE gear).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 251

WARNING!
To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with any sharp
edges.
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
studio 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.
318 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid speci-
fications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized studio can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunc-
tion, visit your authorized studio immediately to have
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE