2014 FIAT 500E Owners Manual

be used temporarily. The recirculation LED will illumi-
nate when this button is selected. Push the button a
second time to turn off the Recirculation mode LED and
allow outside air into the vehicle.
NOTE:In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation
feature may be unavailable (indicator light shall blink) if
conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of
the windshield. On systems with Manual Climate Con-
trols, the Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost
mode to improve window clearing operation. Recircula-
tion will be disabled automatically if this mode is se-
lected. Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode will cause the LED in the control button to blink
and then turn off.Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning the air conditioning (pressing the A/C button) on
will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control, air
direction, and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
Defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207

smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
NOTE:Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will au-
tomatically adjust the climate control settings to reduce
or eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
When this occurs, recirculation will be unavailable.
Summer Operation
NOTE: In some cases during high temperature opera-
tion, the air conditioning system performance may be
reduced. This is to help protect the vehicle from over-
heating during the high load condition.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use Recir-
culation A/C mode to provide additional comfort while
in automatic mode. Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air using the high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the air conditioning system
is started again.
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................212
▫ Single-Speed Transmission ...............212
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .212
 SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION ...........213
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............215
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .216
▫ Auto Park .......................... .219
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........220
▫ Acceleration ........................ .220
▫ Traction ........................... .220
DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............221
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................221
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................221
 POWER STEERING .....................223
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .224
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .226
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .227
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .228
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............228
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............228
5

▫Traction Control System (TCS) ............229
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........229
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light ............232
▫ Regenerative Braking ...................233
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............234
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .234
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........237
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........239
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........240
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........245
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... .245
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................246 ▫
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .248
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .248
▫ Tire Types .......................... .249
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............250
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............251
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .253
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................253
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .254
▫ Replacement Tires .....................255
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) ........257
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....258
 PREMIUM TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
SYSTEM ............................ .259
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Premium TPM System ..................262
▫ Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
Warnings .......................... .262
▫ TPMS Warning ...................... .263
▫ General Information ....................265
 TRAILER TOWING .....................265 
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................266
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .266
 EXTENDING YOUR DRIVING RANGE PER
CHARGE ............................ .267
▫ Driver Behavior Gauge ..................268
▫ Range Projection ..................... .269
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STARTING AND OPERATING 211

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.
Single-Speed Transmission
The transmission must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the vehicle. Apply the
brakes when selecting a transmission gear from Park.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before selecting
a transmission gear.
Normal Starting
Turn the key to the START position while your vehicle is
in PARK. When the ignition key is turned to the START
and then released to the RUN position, a chime will
sound and the “READY” indicator in the EVIC will
illuminate to indicate the 500e’s Electric Drive System has
started. When the “READY” indicator is illuminated
your 500e is ready to be driven.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•If the key is held in the START position for more than
10 seconds “READY” mode will not be achieved.
Return the key to OFF position, and then back to the
START position and hold for less than 10 seconds to
achieve “READY”.
• If the “READY” indicator fails to illuminate after you
have followed the normal starting procedure contact
your authorized dealer.
SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION
Your 500e uses a Single-Speed Transmission to direct the
output from the electric motor. The single-speed trans-
mission is operated using push-buttons instead of a
traditional shift lever.“READY” Indicator
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 213

The push-buttons are located on the lower instrument
panel.CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Place the transmission into PARK only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Place the transmission into or out of REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Before placing the transmission into any range
make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
NOTE:
• You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
• If all push-button LEDs are on when the key is ON, see
your authorized dealer.
Single-Speed Transmission Push-Buttons
214 STARTING AND OPERATING