Page 35 of 363
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, place the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the Key Fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• 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 shift but-
tons.
• 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.
(Continued)
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — STOP (OFF/LOCK) 3 — AVV (START)
2 — MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33
Page 43 of 363
NOTE:To prevent the key from being locked in the
vehicle, the doors will automatically unlock if the driv-
er’s door handle is pushed when the key is in the ignition
and either front door is open. A chime will sound as a
reminder to remove the key.
WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
• For personal security and safety in the event of an
collision, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, place the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the Key Fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)
Door Lock Handle
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
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WARNING!(Continued)
•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 push-buttons.
•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.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Power Door Locks
A power door lock switch is incorporated into the driver
door handle. Push or pull the handle to lock or unlock the
doors and liftgate. If the driver ’s door handle is pushed
a red lock indicator will show on the driver ’s door handle
(indicating locked) when the door is closed, the door will
lock.
NOTE:
To prevent the key from being locked in the
vehicle, the doors will automatically unlock if the driver’s
door handle is pushed when the key is in the ignition.
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Seat Belt Reminder LightWhen the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on if the driver’s seat belt
is unbuckled, a chime will sound. When driving,
if the driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt
Reminder Light will illuminate and the chime will sound.
Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.
2. Air Bag Warning Light
If this light turns on while driving, have the
system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Re-
straints” in “Things To Know Before Starting
Your Vehicle” for further information. 3. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the Brake Warning Light turns
on it may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is
a problem with the brake system reservoir.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 157
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Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF/LOCK position
to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn
off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
4. Rear Defrost Button
Press and release this button to turn on the rear
window defroster. This indicator will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after 20 minutes.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
• Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off after
soaking with warm water.
(Continued)
158 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 211 of 363
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
Page 214 of 363

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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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