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When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the Brake
Warning Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brakeshould always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
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 transmission push but-
tons.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children), and do not
leave the ignition in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
(Continued)
Parking Brake
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
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WARNING!(Continued)
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event regenerative braking or power assist is lost
for any reason (for example; repeated brake applications
with the vehicle off), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be significantly
more than that required with the power system operat-
ing.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning Light and the ABS Warning Light during brake
use.
226 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning
the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.
WARNING!
•Pumping the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press
firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow
down or stop.
• The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
5
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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 partially
off.
Regenerative Braking
Your 500e has a Regenerative Braking System
(RBS). The RBS increases the fuel economy of
the vehicle, particularly 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 battery 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 acceleration 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, ONLY 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
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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.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 326 of 363
CavityMaxi
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F08 40 Amp Orange HVAC
F09 5 Amp
Ta n Air Electric Heater
Charge Indicator
F10 10 Amp
Red Horn
F11 10 Amp
Red Electronic Vehicle
Control Unit
(EVCU)
F14 5 Amp
Ta n High Beam
(Shutter)
F15 15 Amp
Blue Cigar Lighter
F16 10 Amp
Red Humidity Sensor
VPAM
AC CompressorCavity
Maxi
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F18 5 Amp
Ta n Electronic Vehicle
Control Unit
(EVCU)
F19 10 Amp
Red HVAC
F20 15 Amp
Blue Heated Seats –
If Equipped
F23 25 Amp
Clear Anti-Lock Brake
Valves
F24 7.5 Amp
Brown EPS
YAW Sensor
F30 15 Amp
Blue Fog Lamps
F81 30 Amp Green Electronic Shifter
(ESM)
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 336 of 363
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.
8
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S334 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 352 of 363

Adding Washer Fluid..................... .309
Airbag ..................................58
Air Bag Air bag Operation .......................61
Air Bag Warning Light ....................73
Enhanced Accident Response ................72
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................75
FrontAirBag...........................58
If A Deployment Occurs ...................71
Knee Impact Bolsters .....................62
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............75
Airbag Deployment ........................58
Airbag Light .............................73
Airbag Maintenance ........................75
Airbag, Side ..............................67
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................69
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................306
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................306
Air Conditioning System ....................201 Air Pressure, Tires
........................ .246
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............8
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................227
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................163
Appearance Care ........................ .312
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................105
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........201
Automatic Transaxle ........................32
Automatic Transmission ....................213
Gear Ranges .......................... .216
Battery ................................ .304
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........38
Belts, Seat ...............................96
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................307
B-Pillar Location ......................... .240
Brake Assist System ...................... .228
Brake, Parking .......................... .224
Brakes ................................ .310
350 INDEX