2014 FIAT 500L coolant temperature

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.
4
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.
4
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.
4
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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• 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 is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS-12106) that
allows extended maintenance intervals. This engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) can be used up to ten years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent reduc-
ing this extended maintenance period, it is important that you use the same engine coolant (OAT coolant conform-
ing to MS-12106) throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze)
that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-12106. When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•
We recommend using MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive
Technology) that meets the requirements of Chrysler
Material Standard MS-12106.
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-12106 and distilled water. Use higher concen-
trations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
34° F (37° C) are anticipated.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE