2014 FIAT 500L coolant system

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.
7. Rear Defrost Light
This indicator will illuminate when the rear win-
dow defroster is on. The rear window defroster
automatically turns off after 20 minutes.
8. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gallon
(7.6L) this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is
added. 9. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position, the
digital scale will show the level of fuel remaining in the
fuel tank.
NOTE:
The fuel gauge and range will not immediately
update accurately when refueling with the engine on.
10. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exte-
rior turn signal, when using the turn signal
lever.
11. Temperature Gauge
The temperature digital scale shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 159

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, or up mountain
grades. It should not be allowed to exceed the upper
limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If all the segments of the temperature
gauge are lit, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the
pointer drops back into the normal range. If you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call an authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your
Vehicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling
System Pressure Cap” paragraph.
12. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. The
engine coolant temperature indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air flow to windshield and side windows.
Selecting the footwell/windshield or only windshield
distribution activates the climate control system com-
pressor (LED on A/C button on) and the air recirculation
is set to outside air (LED on Recirculation Control
button off ). This logic guarantees optimum visibility at
the windows. The user can always set air recirculation
and climate control system compressor.Additional Electric Heater (If Equipped)
The additional electric heater ensures more rapid passen-
ger compartment heating.
It activates in cold weather conditions, if the following
conditions are verified:
• outside temperature low;
• engine coolant temperature low;
• engine on;
• fan speed set to 1st speed;
• Temperature Control knob turned completely clock-
wise to red section.
The heater is switched off when at least one of the
conditions above is no longer verified.
NOTE: The power of the electric heater is modulated
according to the battery voltage.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

System Maintenance
In winter, the climate control system must be turned on at
least once a month for about 10 minutes.
Have the system inspected at a Fiat dealership before the
summer.
NOTE:The system uses R134a coolant which does not
pollute the environment in the event of accidental leak-
age. Under no circumstances use R12 fluid which is
incompatible with the components of the system.
Automatic Dual Zone Climate Control System (If
Equipped)
Controls
Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC)
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•The fan speed can be reset manually.
With the compressor on and the engine running, manual
ventilation cannot be lower than the minimum speed
(only one LED lit).
NOTE: With the compressor off, air cannot be introduced
to the passenger compartment with a temperature lower
than the outside temperature. Moreover, under certain
environmental conditions, windows could mist rapidly
since the air is not dehumidified.
Rapid Window Demisting (MAX-DEF function)
Press the MAX-DEF button to activate (LED on button
on) the windshield and side window demisting function.
The climate control system carries out the following
operations:
• switches on the air conditioning compressor when
environmental conditions are suitable; •
switches air recirculation off;
• sets maximum air temperature (HI) in both zones;
• sets fan speed according to the engine coolant tem-
perature;
• directs air flow to windshield and front side window
diffusers;
• activates the heated rear window;
• activates the heated windshield (if equipped);
• displays the fan speed (Blower Control Indicator LED
lit).
NOTE: The Front Defrost Control (MAX-DEF) function
remains on for about three minutes from when the engine
coolant reaches the appropriate temperature.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203

Switching Off The Climate Control System
Press the On/Off button.
With climate control system off:
•air recirculation is on, thus isolating the passenger
compartment from the outside;
• the compressor is off;
• the fan is off;
• the heated rear window can be activated / deacti-
vated.
NOTE: The climate control system control unit stores the
temperatures set before the system was switched off and
restores them when any button of the system is pressed
(except for the A/C Control button).
To restart the climate control system in fully automatic
mode press the AUTO button.
Additional Heater (If Equipped)
This allows the passenger compartment to be heated
more quickly in cold weather conditions.
The heater switches off automatically when the required
comfort conditions are achieved.
The additional heater activates automatically depending
on the environmental conditions and with engine started.
NOTE: The heater only operates if the outside tempera-
ture and engine coolant temperature are low. The heater
will not activate if the battery voltage is too low.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark,
the instrument cluster will sound a chime. When
safe, pull over and stop the vehicle with the engine at
idle. Turn off the air conditioning and wait until the
pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H (red) mark for more than a
minute, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure
that the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any
time a wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the
vehicle the lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a
properly calibrated torque wrench.
288 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment, and the fluid level should be
checked at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield washer solvent (not engine coolant/ antifreeze).
Refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, have the
exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 335