2014 FIAT 500E air conditioning

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT VEHICLE INFORMATION .......12
▫ High Voltage Battery ....................12
 500e ELECTRIC VEHICLE FEATURES .........14
▫ Audible Pedestrian Warning System .........14
▫ Single-Speed Transmission ................15
▫ Auto Park ............................15
▫ E-Park ..............................15
▫ Climate Control (HVAC System) ............16
▫ Electric Air Conditioning Compressor ........16
▫ Electric Power Steering ..................16 ▫
Smartphone Features ....................16
 ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATION ............20
▫ Level 1 Charging (120V — Requires NEMA 5–15
Outlet) ..............................20
▫ Level 2 Charging (240V — Requires A 40 Amp
Circuit Breaker Or Greater) ...............20
▫ Charge Times .........................21
▫ Vehicle Charge Cord ....................21
▫ EVSE Operation And Status Information ......23
▫ Charging The High Voltage Battery ..........25
2

NOTE:The engagement of the E-Park can be heard when
there is no noise in the interior of the vehicle, this is a
normal condition.
Climate Control (HVAC System)
Your 500e is equipped with an Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) HVAC system. This HVAC system utilizes
a humidity sensor, cabin sensor, and ambient tempera-
ture sensor to choose operation mode and control cabin
comfort. These components allow the controller to oper-
ate the HVAC system in a very efficient manner to
maximize driving range.
Your 500e also uses an electric air heater to provide heat
to the cabin.
Electric Air Conditioning Compressor
Your 500e uses an electric air conditioning compressor.
The air conditioning compressor is powered by the high
voltage battery system and is used to cool the vehicle occupants and the high voltage battery while the vehicle
is being driven or when it is being charged.
The high voltage battery may require cooling to keep the
vehicle running. The air conditioning compressor will
activate without any input from the occupant.
NOTE:
The AC system helps cool the high voltage
battery. If the air conditioning system should require
service see your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Electric Power Steering
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steering
(EPS) system. The power steering system requires no
maintenance and operates without the use of power
steering fluid.
Smartphone Features
With the “FIAT Access” smartphone app, you can moni-
tor the state of charge of the high voltage battery or
initiate charging from your phone. You can also turn on
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during mobile phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The air conditioning and heating system is designed to
make you comfortable in all types of weather.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
•The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) allows the
occupant to select a comfort settings.
• The system provides set-and-forget operation for op-
timum comfort and convenience.
• The system can be controlled manually, if desired.
The ATC system automatically maintains the interior
comfort level desired by the occupant.
1. AUTO Temperature Control (ATC) Button
Controls airflow, temperature, distribution, and air recircu-
lation automatically. Press and release to select. Performing
this function will cause the ATC to switch between manual
mode and automatic modes. Refer to “Automatic Opera-
tion” for more information.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

2. A/C Button
Press and release to change the current Air Conditioning
(A/C) setting. Performing this function will cause the
ATC to switch into manual mode.
3. Temperature Control Up Button
Provides temperature up control. Push the button for
warmer temperature settings.
4. Blower Control Up Button
There are 12 blower speeds. The blower speed increases
as you press this button. Performing this function will
cause the ATC to switch into manual mode.
5. Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side win-
dow demister outlets. This setting works best in cold orsnowy conditions that require extra heat to the wind-
shield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort while
reducing moisture on the windshield. Performing this
function will cause the ATC to switch into manual mode.
6. Front Defrost
Press and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON. The blower will auto-
matically default to medium-high if the Defrost mode is
selected. Performing this function will cause the ATC to
switch into manual mode.
7. Floor Mode
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a small
amount flowing through the defrost and side window
demister outlets. Performing this function will cause the
ATC to switch into manual mode.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Mix ModeAir comes from the floor, defrost and side window
demister outlets. This mode works best in cold or
snowy conditions. It allows you to stay comfortable
while keeping the windshield clear.
Defrost Mode
Air comes from the windshield and side window
demister outlets. Use Defrost mode with maxi-
mum temperature settings for best windshield and side
window defrosting. When the defrost mode is selected,
the blower will automatically default to medium-high.
Air Conditioning (A/C)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator
to manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning
system. When in A/C mode with the ATC set to a cool
temperature, dehumidified air flows through the air outlets. If Economy mode is desired, press the A/C
button to turn off the A/C mode in the ATC display and
deactivate the A/C system.
NOTE:
•
If the system is in Mix or Defrost Mode, the A/C can
be turned off, but the A/C system shall remain active
to prevent fogging of the windows.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed.
Recirculation Control
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or high
humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired, you may
wish to recirculate interior air by pressing the RECIRCU-
LATION control button. Recirculation mode should only
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
4
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

Points To Remember
If an examination of your underhood compartment
shows no evidence of cooler or hose leaks, the vehicle
may be safely driven.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottles.
• Check coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the coolant
recovery bottles. If coolant (antifreeze) needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottles must also
be protected against freezing.
• If frequent coolant (antifreeze) additions are required,
or if the level in the coolant recovery bottles does not
drop when the engine cools, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks. •
Maintain coolant (antifreeze) concentration at 50%
OAT coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and distilled/
deionized water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant control systems recovery
bottles overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the coolant control systems clean. If
your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep
the front of the condenser clean.
Maintenance-Free Battery 12 Volt
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free 12 Volt
battery. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE