Page 231 of 350

NOTE:
•The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and
the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
Regenerative Braking
Your 500e has a Regenerative Braking System (RBS). The
RBS increases the fuel economy of the vehicle, particu-
larly in stop-and-go city traffic. The electric motors which propel the vehicle forward can operate as generators
when braking. The RBS recharges the high voltage bat-
tery under certain braking conditions by recapturing
energy that would otherwise be lost while braking. The
electric power that is generated goes back into the high
voltage battery for later use, for example when accelera-
tion is desired.
The RBS uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes,
regenerative braking, or a combination to slow the ve-
hicle. If the system detects slippery conditions while
braking, mainly friction is used to slow the vehicle. The
RBS can result in extended life of the hydraulic service
brakes; however, all inspection, scheduled maintenance,
and service intervals for the vehicle service brakes must
be followed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
Page 301 of 350

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on and the parking brake is
not applied.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
Page 340 of 350

Adding Washer Fluid..................... .298
Airbag ..................................56
Airbag Deployment ........................68
Airbag Light .............................64
Airbag Maintenance ........................70
Airbag, Side ..............................60
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................60
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................296
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................296
Air Conditioning System ....................196
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .241
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............8
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................223
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................158
Appearance Care ........................ .301
Automatic Dimming Mirror ...................99
Automatic Door Locks ......................41
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........196
Automatic Transaxle ........................32 Automatic Transmission
....................209
Gear Ranges .......................... .212
Battery ................................ .295
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........37
Belts, Seat ...............................92
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................297
B-Pillar Location ......................... .236
Brake Assist System ...................... .224
Brake, Parking .......................... .220
Brakes ................................ .299
Brake System ........................... .299
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .223
Master Cylinder ....................... .299
Parking ............................. .220
Warning Light ........................ .152
Bulb Replacement ........................ .314
Bulbs, Light ..............................94
338 INDEX
Page 344 of 350

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............159
Traction Control ....................... .228
Turn Signal ............................94
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......152
Loading Vehicle Tires ............................... .236
Locks Automatic Door .........................41
Door .................................39
Power Door ............................41
Lubrication, Body ........................ .297
Maintenance Free Battery ....................295
Maintenance, General ..................... .287
Maintenance Procedures ....................287
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .322
Manual, Service ......................... .332
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................299
Mirrors .................................98 Automatic Dimming
......................99
Electric Powered ....................... .100
Heated .............................. .101
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............8
Multi-Function Control Lever .................119
Occupant Restraints ........................63
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................44
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
Paint Care ............................. .301
Parking Brake ........................... .220
Passing Light ........................... .120
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........236
Power Door Locks ............................41
Mirrors ............................. .100
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........140
342 INDEX