2014 FIAT 500L LIVING Owners Manual

SNOW CHAINSThe use of snow chains should be in compliance with
local regulations.
Snow chains may be fitted to the tyres of the front
wheels (drive wheels) only.
Check the tension of the snow chains after the first
few metres have been driven.
17" tyres cannot be fitted with chains. For other
tyres (15" and 16") fit only reduced size snow chains
with a maximum projection of 9 mm beyond the
tyre profile.
IMPORTANT Snow chains cannot be fitted to the
space-saver wheel (for versions/markets, where
provided). If a front tyre is punctured, replace a rear
wheel with the space-saver wheel and move the
rear wheel to the front axle. In this way, with two
normal drive wheels at the front, snow chains can be
fitted.
Keep your speed down when snow chains
are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and avoid
driving for long distances on roads not covered
with snow to prevent damaging the car and
the roadbed.
STORING THE CARIf the car is to be left inactive for longer than a
month, the following precautions should be followed:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if possible
well-ventilated premises and slightly open
the windows;
❒engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not
engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal (for
versions with Start&Stop system refer to the
paragraph "Start&Stop system" in the chapter
"Knowing your car"); If the battery is not
disconnected the from the electrical system, check
its charge every thirty days;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using
protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using
special compounds available commercially;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforated plastic
sheet. Do not use sheets of non-perforated plastic
as they do not allow moisture on the car body
to evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the standard
specified pressure and check it at intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
181GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGESGENERAL WARNINGS
The warning light switches on together with a
dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when
applicable. These indications areconcise and
precautionaryand, as such, must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or an alternative to the
information contained in this Owner Handbook,
which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. In
the event of a failure indication,always refer to
the contents of this chapter.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided
into two categories:very seriousandless serious
failures.
Very seriousfailures are indicated by a repeated
and prolonged warning “cycle”.
Less seriousfailures are indicated by a shorter
warning “cycle”.
The displaying cycle of both failure categories can be
stopped by pressing the button
. The control
panel warning light will stay on until the cause of the
malfunction is eliminated.
BRAKE FLUID LOW (red) /
HANDBRAKE ENGAGED (red)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
The warning light turns on when the level of the
brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum
level due to a possible leak in the circuit. On some
versions the display shows the dedicated message.
WARNING
If the
warning light switches on while
driving, stop immediately and contact
a Fiat Dealership.
HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
When the key is turned to MAR position, the
warning light switches on but should switch off after
a few seconds.
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches
on when the handbrake is engaged. If the car is
moving the buzzer will also sound.
182GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on when the
car is in motion, check that the handbrake is not
on.
EBD FAILURE (red)
(amber)
The simultaneous switching on of the
(red),
(amber) andESCwarning lights with the engine
on, indicates either a failure of the EBD system or
that the system is not available.
In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and
the vehicle may swerve when braking sharply.
A dedicated message is displayed on certain versions.
Drive very carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership
to have the system inspected immediately.
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The warning light switches on (on some versions,
together with a message and a symbol on the display)
when the system is not efficient. In this case the
braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but
without the advantage of the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon
as possible.
AIRBAG FAILURE (red)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The warning light switches on constantly (on some
versions, together with a message and a symbol
on the display) to indicate an airbag system fault.
WARNING
If the warning light
does not come on
when the key is turned to the MAR-ON
position or if it remains lit while driving, there
may be a problem with the airbag restraint
system. In this case, the airbags or pretensioners
may not be activated in the event of an
accident or, in a more limited number of cases,
may be activated when not necessary. Before
continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
183GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING
Afaultwiththe
warning light is
indicated by flashing of the
warning
light , which signals the deactivation of the
passenger side front airbag. In addition, the
airbag system automatically disables the
airbags on the passenger's side (both front and
side airbags - for versions/markets, where
provided). In this case, the
warning light may
not indicate a possible problem with the airbag
restraint system. Before continuing, contact a
Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system
checked.
PASSENGER/SIDE AIR BAGS
DEACTIVATED (amber)
The
warning light switches on when the front
passenger's airbag and side bag are disabled.
With key at MAR-ON, the
warning light switches
on constantly for a few seconds and switches off only
if the front airbags/side bags are activated.
WARNING
A failure of the
warning light is
indicated by warning light
switching
on. In addition, the airbag system automatically
disables the airbags on the passenger's side
(both front and side airbags - for versions/
markets where provided). Before continuing,
contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have
the system checked.
UNFASTENED SEAT BELTS (red)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light switches on constantly with the
car stationary and the driver's side or passenger side
seat belt (when the passenger is present) not
fastened.
The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if
the vehicle is in motion and the front seat belts are
not correctly fastened.
For permanent deactivation of the SBR (Seat Belt
Reminder) system buzzer, contact a Fiat Dealership.
The system can be reactivated at any time using
the Setup menu (see the description in the chapter
"Knowing you car").
184GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

LOW BATTERY CHARGE (red)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is moved to MAR, the warning
light switches on but should switch off as soon as
the engine is started (with the engine idling, a brief
delay can be expected).
If the warning light (or, on some versions, a message
and a symbol on the display) remains on constantly
or flashing, contact a Fiat Dealership.CONTINUOUSLY ON: LOW
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE (red)
ON FLASHING: ENGINE OIL
DETERIORATED
(only Diesel versions with DPF - red)
When the ignition key is moved to MAR, the warning
light switches on but should switch off as soon as
the engine is started.
1. Insufficient engine oil pressure
The warning light switches on constantly together
(for versions/markets, where provided) with a
message on the display when the system detects that
the engine oil pressure is too low.
WARNING
If the warning light
turns on whilst
driving (on cer tain versions together
with the message on the display) stop the
engine immediately and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
2. Engine oil deteriorated
(only Diesel versions with DPF)
The warning light will flash and a dedicated message
will appear on the display (for versions/markets,
where provided).
The warning light may flash in the following ways,
depending on the version:
❒1 minute every two hours;
❒cycles of 3 minutes with intervals with the warning
light off for 5 seconds until the oil is changed.
After the first indication, at each engine start-up the
warning light will continue flashing as described
above until the oil is changed. On some versions, the
display shows a dedicated message together with
the warning light.
The flashing of the warning light should not be
considered as a fault, it simply informs the customer
that the oil needs to be changed following normal car
use.
185GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Remember that the deterioration of the engine oil is
accelerated by:
❒mainly town use of the car which makes the DPF
regeneration process more frequent;
❒use of the car for short drives, in which the engine
does not have time to reach its regular operating
temperature;
❒repeated interruption of the regeneration process,
signalled by the DPF warning light coming on.
WARNING
If the warning light switches on, the
deteriorated engine oil must be changed
as soon as possible, and never more than 500
km from the first time that the warning light
switches on. Failure to observe the above may
result in severe damage to the engine and
invalidate the warranty.The activation of this
warning light is not related to the amount of oil
in the engine.Therefore, never top up with oil
when the warning light starts flashing.
HOT ENGINE COOLANT
(red)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.The warning light switches on (on some versions
together with a message and a symbol on the display)
when the engine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on when driving, proceed
as follows:
❒when driving normally:stop the car, switch off
the engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is, wait
for the engine to cool down, then slowly and
carefully open the cap, top up with coolant and
check that the level is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir. Also check visually for
any fluid leaks. If, when restarting, the warning
light comes on again, contact a Fiat Dealership;
❒if the vehicle is used under demanding
conditions(e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully
loaded): slow down and, if the light stays on, stop
the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine
running and slightly accelerated to further favour
the coolant circulation. Then stop the engine.
Check the correct coolant level as described
above. Should the level of fluid be too low, top up
(for the quantity and type of fluid to use, see
the description in the "Refuelling" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" chapter).
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable
to keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for
a few minutes before switching it off.
186GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

FUEL RESERVE – LIMITED
RANGE (amber)
This warning light comes on when about 6 to 8 litres
of fuel are left in the tank. When the remaining
range is lower to approx. 50 km (or equivalent value
in miles), on some versions, the display will show a
warning message.
IMPORTANT The warning light will flash to indicate
a system failure. If this is the case, go to a Fiat
Dealership to have the system checked.
EOBD/INJECTION SYSTEM
FAILURE (amber)
In normal conditions, the warning light switches on
when the key is turned to MAR (on some versions,
with a message on the display), but should switch off
as soon as the engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or switches on whilst
driving, the injection system is not working properly;
in particular, if the warning light switches on
constantly, this indicates a malfunction in the
supply/ignition system that could cause excessive
exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance,
poor driveability and high fuel consumption.
Under these conditions, you may continue travelling
at moderate speed without demanding excessive
effort from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with
the warning light on constantly may cause damage:
contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.The warning light goes out after the fault disappears,
but the notification is stored in the system.
NOTE (valid only for petrol engines)
If the warning light is flashing, the catalytic converter
could be damaged.
In this case, it is necessary to release the accelerator
pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the
warning light stops flashing.
Continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to
avoid driving conditions that may cause further
flashing and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible if
warning light either does
not light up when the key is turned to
MAR-ON or if while travelling the warning light
switches on or flashes (along with a message and
a symbol on the display on some versions).The
exhaust emission levels may be checked by the
traffic control authorities using the appropriate
equipment . Comply with the laws and regulations
of the country where you are driving.
187GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

ESC SYSTEM FAILURE (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
If the warning light does not switch off or remains on
(together with a message and a symbol on the
display on some versions) whilst driving, contact a
Fiat Dealership.
Flashing of the warning light whilst driving indicates
the action of the ESC system.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light comes on, on some versions
together with the
symbol and a message in the
display, in the event of a fault with the Hill Holder
system. In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
Traction Plus failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If the Traction Plus system is faulty, theESCwarning
light on the instrument panel switches on
constantly.
FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light switches on (on some versions,
together with a message and a symbol on the display)
to indicate a Fiat CODE system failure: in this case
contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.GLOW PLUG HEATING/GLOW
PLUG HEATING FAILURE (Diesel
versions) (amber)
GLOW PLUG HEATING
This warning light switches on when the key is
turned to MAR-ON. It will switch off as soon as the
heater plugs have reached the preset temperature.
The engine can be started as soon as the warning
light switches off.
IMPORTANT At high ambient temperatures the
warning light may stay on for an extremely short
time.
GLOW PLUG HEATING FAILURE
The warning light will flash (on some versions,
together with a message and a symbol on the display)
to indicate a fault in the plug preheating system.
Contact a Fiat Dealership to have the fault fixed as
soon as possible.
188GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX