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It is advisable to use original CDs to ensure optimal
playing. If CD-R/RWs are used, we recommend using
good quality media that are burned at the slowest speed
possible.
CD Loading/Ejecting
To load the CD, insert it gently into the slot to activate the
motorized loading system, which will position it cor-
rectly.
The CD can be loaded with the radio off and the ignition
key turned to ON/RUN. In this case, the radio will
remain off. When the radio is turned on, the last source
listened to before being switched off, will be activated.
When a CD is inserted, the display will show the symbol
“CD” and the wording “CD Reading.” They will remain
displayed for the whole time required for the radio to
read the CD. When this time has elapsed the radio
automatically starts playing the first track.Press the
button with the radio turned on, to
activate the motorized CD ejection system. After ejec-
tion, the last audio source listened to before playing
the CD will be heard.
If the CD is not removed from the radio, it will automati-
cally be reloaded about 20 seconds later but will not
resume playing until the MEDIAbutton is pressed to
select the CD mode. The radio will switch to the last
source prior to CD mode.
The CD cannot be ejected if the radio is off.
Possible Error Messages
If the loaded CD cannot be read (e.g. a CD ROM has been
inserted or the CD is inserted the wrong way or there is
a reading error) the display shows the wording “CD Disc
error.”
The CD will then be ejected and the audio source
activated before the CD mode selection will be heard.
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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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
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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
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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
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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
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WARNING!
•Only place the transmission into gear when your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the vehicle is
in “READY” mode. Before exiting a vehicle, always
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and remove the ignition key. Once the
key is removed, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission range buttons.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the OFF
position. The key can only be removed from the ignition
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 215
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WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others
if it is not in PARK. Make sure the transmission is
in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal.
The vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift the transmis-
sion into gear when your foot is firmly pressing the
brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the vehicle is
in “ready mode”. Before exiting a vehicle, always
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and remove the ignition key. Once the
key is removed, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
5
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WARNING!(Continued)
•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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission range buttons.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
REVERSE (R)
This gear range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift
into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
The vehicle may be started in this gear range. Apply the
parking brake and place the transmission into PARK if
you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
(Continued)
218 STARTING AND OPERATING