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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 229
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Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. Refer
to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•
Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 246 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 288 of 350

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine parts for normal/scheduled maintenance
and repairs is highly recommended to ensure the de-
signed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of parts which are not quality-equivalent to genuine
parts for maintenance and repairs will not be covered by
the manufacturer ’s warranty.
STUDIO SERVICE
Your authorized studio has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 289 of 350

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
WARNING!
Your vehicle has both a high voltage DC and AC
system as well as a 12 Volt system. DC and AC high
voltage are both extremely dangerous and can cause
severe burns, electric shock, serious injury or even
death. In order to avoid personal injuries:
•DO NOT TOUCH THE HIGH VOLTAGE CABLES
(ORANGE COLORED) AND/OR THE CONNEC-
TORS.
• Follow all Caution and Warning labels attached to
the High Voltage components.
• Do not remove or replace any of the 500e System
components. All replacement or repairs of 500e
System components should be performed by a
factory-trained technician at an authorized studio. The pages that follow contain the
requiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized studio or qualified
repair center.
(Continued)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 287
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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 324 of 350
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Once A Month Or Before A Trip:
•Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoirs and
brake master cylinder
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Service Interval:
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and
hoses.
• Inspect battery cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Check and adjust hand brake.
Maintenance Chart
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S322 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 327 of 350
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your ve-
hicle could result in a component malfunction and
effect vehicle handling and performance. This
could cause an accident.
8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 325
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