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10. Electronic Stability Control OFF (ESC OFF) Indi-
cator Light
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol system (ESC) has been turned off by the
driver.
11. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exte-
rior turn signal, when using the turn signal
lever.
12. EV System Malfunction Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when there is a
malfunction in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Sys-
tem. If the EV System Malfunction Indicator
light comes on while driving or charging see
your authorized studio as soon as possible.
13. Regenerative Brake System Light
If the light turns on and remains on while
driving, it suggests that there is a potential
problem with the Regenerative Brake System
(RBS) and the need for system service. See your
authorized studio as soon as possible.
14. Door Ajar
This light will turn on to indicate that one or
more doors or the trunk may be ajar.
15. Service Propulsion System Warning Light
The Service Propulsion System Warning Light
will illuminate if there is a malfunction de-
tected with the Propulsion System. If the light
comes on or remains on while driving see your
authorized studio.
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22. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices. If the charging system light remains on,
it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
See an authorized studio.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indi-
cator will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for further information.
23. Exterior Bulb Failure Indicator
This light will illuminate when there is a malfunction in
one of the exterior bulbs.
24. Power Steering System Warning
This light is used to manage the electrical
warning of the EPS (Power Steering System).
Refer to “Power Steering” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
25. Speedometer
The Speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour (mph) and/or kilometers per hour (km/h).
26. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
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If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized studio.
27. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces driving range and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 159
Page 207 of 350
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................208
▫ Single-Speed Transmission ...............208
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .208
SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION ...........209
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............212
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .212
▫ Auto Park .......................... .215
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........216
▫ Acceleration ........................ .216
▫ Traction ........................... .216
DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............217
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................217
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................217
POWER STEERING .....................219
PARKING BRAKE ..................... .220
BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .222
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .223
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .224
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............224
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............224
5
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Single-Speed Transmission
The transmission must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the vehicle. Apply the
brakes before placing the transmission into any position.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before selecting
a transmission gear.
Normal Starting
Turn the key to the START position while your vehicle is
in PARK. When the ignition key is turned to the START
and then the RUN position, the “READY” indicator in
the EVIC will illuminate to indicate the 500e’s Electric
Drive System has started. When the “READY” indicator
is illuminated your 500e is ready to be driven.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING
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The push-buttons are located on the lower instrument
panel.CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Place the transmission into PARK only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Place the transmission into or out of REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Before placing the transmission into any range
make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
NOTE:
• You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
• If all push-button LEDs are on when the key is ON, see
your authorized studio.
Single-Speed Transmission Push-Buttons
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WARNING!
•Only place the transmission into gear when your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the vehicle is
in “READY” mode. Before exiting a vehicle, always
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and remove the ignition key. Once the
key is removed, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission range buttons.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
5
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Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the OFF
position. The key can only be removed from the ignition
when the ignition is in the OFF position, and once
removed, the transmission is locked in PARK.
Gear Ranges
Gear ranges are engaged by pressing one of the push-
buttons.
NOTE:
•The brake pedal must be depressed to select a trans-
mission gear range.
• After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow
the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The vehicle can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may place the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the transmission into PARK. As an added pre-
caution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
NOTE: Refer to the transmission range position dis-
played on the EVIC and verify that it indicates the PARK
position.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING