2014 FIAT 500X load capacity

Cargo Box — If Equipped
The cargo area contains a preformed cargo box that can
be used for the storage of objects that allows you to
obtain a uniform level when loading.
NOTE:The cargo box is sized for a maximum capacity
of distributed weight equal to 242 lbs (110 kg).
INTERNAL EQUIPMENT
Glove Compartments
The glove compartments are located on the passenger
side of the instrument panel.
Upper Glove Compartment
To open the upper compartment, push in the button
located on the bottom side of the upper door. The door
will automatically open.
To close the compartment door, push downward on the
door’s surface to latch the door closed.
Cargo Box
Upper Glove Compartment Button
110 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Grab Handles
The Grab Handles are located immediately above the
doors. The rear handles are equipped with hooks for
dress hangers.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Roof Luggage
Rack for transporting accessories.
Crossbars should always be used whenever cargo is
placed on the Roof Luggage Rack. Check the straps
frequently to be sure that the load remains securely
attached.
NOTE:Crossbars can be purchased at a authorized
dealer through Mopar parts. External racks do not
increase the total load carrying capacity of the vehicle.
Be sure that the total occupant and luggage load inside
the vehicle, plus the load on the Roof Luggage Rack, do
not exceed the maximum vehicle load capacity.
The load carried on the roof, when equipped with a
luggage rack, must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and it
should be uniformly distributed over the cargo area.
Do not use the sunroof when using the crossbars.
Rear Grab Handle Assembly
1 — Grab Handle
2 — Hook
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 117

WARNING!
Roof rack cargo must be securely tied down before
driving your vehicle. Improperly secured loads may
fall off the vehicle, particularly at high speeds,
resulting in personal injury or property damage.
Follow the Roof Luggage Rack warnings and cau-
tions when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
CAUTION!
•To avoid damage to the Roof Luggage Rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the maximum roof rack
load capacity. Always distribute heavy loads as
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
evenly as possible and secure the load appropri-
ately.
• Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, should be
secured to both the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Place a blanket or other protection between the
surface of the roof and the load.
• Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes or
nearby truck traffic, can add sudden upward
loads. This is especially true on large flat loads
and may result in damage to the cargo or your
vehicle.
118 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Do not affix objects/plugs to the end of the filler
neck other than is provided on the car.
• The use of objects/plugs do not comply with the
vehicle and may cause pressure increases inside
the tank, creating dangerous conditions.
• Do not approach the neck of the tank with open
flames or lit cigarettes its an extreme fire hazard.
Also, avoid close contact with the filler pipe with
your face, do not inhale harmful vapors.
• Do not use your mobile phone in the vicinity of
the pump fuel nozzle, it can be a possible risk of
fire.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is included on this label and indicates
the Month, Day and Hour of manufacture. The bar code
that appears on the bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your
vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle, options
and cargo. The label also specifies maximum capacities
of front and rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must
be limited so GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not
exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable
load weight a truck can carry, including the weight of
the driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the
front and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the
cargo area so that the GAWR of each axle is not
exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in
the system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
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components sometimes specified by purchasers for
increased durability does not necessarily increase the
vehicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label repre-
sents the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement
tires must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle
for all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total
weight of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle
fuel, at full capacity conditions, and with no occupants
or cargo loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb
weight values are determined by weighing your vehicle
on a commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be deter-
mined by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for
operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a com-
mercial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been
exceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the
vehicle should then be determined separately to be sure
that the load is properly distributed over the front and
rear axle. Weighing the vehicle may show that the
GAWR of either the front or rear axles has been ex-
ceeded but the total load is within the specified GVWR.
If so, weight must be shifted from front to rear or rear to
front as appropriate until the specified weight limita-
tions are met. Store the heavier items down low and be
sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow all
loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles and
the way the brakes operate.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 269

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and
rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear
axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either
front or rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on
the hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this as
part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by
the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control — Mechanical
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue that typically provides adjustable friction asso-
ciated with the telescoping motion to dampen any
unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball
or some other connecting point of the vehicle. These
kinds of hitches are the most popular on the market
today and they are commonly used to tow small and
medium sized trailers.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
in PARK. Always block or chockthe trailer
wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following
four ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized.
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500
miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The
engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Towing Requirements — Tires
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting And Op-
erating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting And Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting And Operating” for the proper
tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a
higher load carrying capacity will not increase the
vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 279

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the
trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and
possible personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped
with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an
electronic brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for
additional space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could
result in a collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING