Page 235 of 363

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
STARTING AND OPERATING 233
Page 312 of 363

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 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
Page 356 of 363

Life of Tires............................ .254
Liftgate (Sedan) ...........................45
Light Bulbs ..............................99
Lights ..................................99
Airbag ................................73
Anti-Lock ............................ .163
Brake Assist Warning ....................232
Brake Warning ........................ .157
Bulb Replacement ...................... .328
Exterior ...............................99
Fog ................................ .159
High Beam ........................... .126
High Beam Indicator .....................159
Park ............................... .126
Passing ............................. .126
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .157
Service .............................. .328
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............163
Traction Control ....................... .232Turn Signal
............................99
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......157
Loading Vehicle Tires ............................... .240
Locks Automatic Door .........................43
Door .................................40
Power Door ............................42
Lubrication, Body ........................ .307
Lug Nuts .............................. .272
Maintenance Free Battery ....................304
Maintenance, General ..................... .297
Maintenance Procedures ....................297
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .334
Manual, Service ......................... .345
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................310
Media Hub ..............................113
Mirrors ............................... .104
354 INDEX