2014 FIAT 500 automatic transmission

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The key fob contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter with an integrated key. To use the mechanical
key simply press the mechanical key release button.The vehicle is supplied with a code card containing key
code numbers to order duplicate keys, and the autho-
rized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys.
Ignition Key Removal
1. Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with an
automatic transmission).
2. Rotate the key to the OFF/LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylinder.
Mechanical Key Release Button
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Always remove any buildup of snow that prevents
the windshield wiper blades from returning to the
off position. If the windshield wiper control is
turned off and the blades cannot return to the off
position, damage to the wiper motor may occur.
Rear Windshield Wiper
Rotate the end of the windshield wiper/washer lever
upward to the first detent past the intermittent settings
for intermittent wipe operation. With the front wind-
shield wiper active, rotate the end of the windshield
wiper/washer lever upward. The rear wiper will operate
in the same mode as the front windshield wipers, but at
half the frequency. When the transmission is shifted into
REVERSE, the rear wiper will automatically operate at
Low Speed and return to normal operation when the
transmission is shifted out of REVERSE. NOTE:
The windshield wipers/washers will only oper-
ate with the ignition in the ON/RUN position.
Rear Wiper Operation
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your ve-
hicle could go too fast for the conditions, and you
could lose control and have an accident. Do not use
Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.
REAR PARK ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
The Rear Park Assist system provides an audible indica-
tion of the distance between the rear fascia/bumper and
a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a
parking maneuver. Refer to the “Park Assist System
Usage Precautions” for the limitations of this system and
recommendations.
Rear Park Assist is automatically activated when the
transmission is placed into REVERSE. As the distance
from an obstacle behind the vehicle decreases, the au-
dible alert becomes more frequent.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!(Continued)
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
16. Automatic Gearbox Fault This light will illuminate when there is an
automatic transmission fault.
17. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBDII, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF/LOCK
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................223
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......223
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....223
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .223
▫ Cold Weather Operation ................224
▫ Extended Park Starting ..................224
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................225
▫ After Starting ....................... .225
▫ Turbocharger “Cool Down” ..............226
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .226 ▫
Five-Speed Manual Transmission ...........226
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ..............228
▫ Downshifting ....................... .229
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .229
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............231
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .231
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........231
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .233
 AUTOSTICK® ........................ .238
5

▫Operation .......................... .238
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........240
▫ Acceleration ........................ .240
▫ Traction ........................... .240
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............241
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................241
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................241
 POWER STEERING .....................243
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .244
 SPORT MODE ........................ .246
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........246
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......247
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .248
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .249
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .249
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............250
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............251
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................251
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........253
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light ................256
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............257
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .257
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........261
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........263
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........264
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlock-
ing ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch
pedal is pressed to the floor.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Depress the
brake pedal before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 223

Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift
at too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may
cause the engine to overspeed if too low of a gear is
selected and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to
the clutch and the transmission can result from
skipping a gear while downshifting or downshifting
at too high of a vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal
is held pressed (i.e., not released).
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to second or first gear when descending a steep
grade. When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 229