Page 230 of 367

BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event regenerative braking or power assist is lost
for any reason the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be significantly more
than that required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning Light and the ABS Warning Light during brake
use.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with a advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Con-
trol System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
All systems work together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions and are com-
monly referred to as ESC.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning
the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 236 of 367

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also
flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash during accel-
eration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and
the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off.
Regenerative Braking System (RBS)
Your 500e has a Regenerative Braking System
(RBS). The RBS increases the fuel economy of the
vehicle, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic.
The electric motors which propel the vehicle
forward can operate as generators when braking. The RBS
recharges the high voltage battery under certain braking
conditions by recapturing energy that would otherwise be
lost while braking. The electric power that is generated goes
back into the high voltage battery for later use, for example
when acceleration is desired.
The RBS uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes, regen-
erative braking, or a combination to slow the vehicle. If the
system detects slippery conditions while braking, ONLY
friction is used to slow the vehicle. The RBS can result in
extended life of the hydraulic service brakes; however, all
inspection, scheduled maintenance, and service intervals for
the vehicle service brakes must be followed.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 314 of 367

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.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on and the parking brake is
not applied.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 328 of 367
CavityMaxi
FuseMini Fuse Description
F07 40 Amp
Orange
–Regen Brake Mod-
ule
F08 40 Amp
Orange
–HVAC
F09 – 5 Amp
Ta n
Air Electric Heater
Charge Indicator
F10 – 10 Amp
Red
Horn
F11 – 10 Amp
Red
Electronic Vehicle
Control Unit
(EVCU)
F14 – 5 Amp
Ta n
High Beam
(Shutter)
F15 – 15 Amp
Blue
Cigar Lighter
CavityMaxi
FuseMini Fuse Description
F16 – 10 Amp
Red
Humidity Sensor
VPAM
AC Compressor
F18 – 5 Amp
Ta n
Electronic Vehicle
Control Unit
(EVCU)
F19 – 10 Amp
Red
HVAC
F20 – 15 Amp
Blue
Heated Seats – If
Equipped
F23 – 25 Amp
Clear
Anti-Lock Brake
Valves
F24 – 7.5 Amp
Brown
EPS
YAW Sensor
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 340 of 367
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Once A Month Or Before A Trip:
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoirs and
brake master cylinder
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Service Interval:
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and
hoses.
•Inspect battery cooling system protection and
hoses.
•Check and adjust hand brake.
338 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 356 of 367

Adding Washer Fluid......................311
Air bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Air Bag
Air bag Operation.......................62
Air Bag Warning Light....................72
Driver Knee Air Bag......................63
Enhanced Accident Response................69
Event Data Recorder (EDR).................75
Front Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
If A Deployment Occurs...................68
Knee Impact Bolsters.....................63
Maintaining Your Air Bag System............74
Air bag Deployment........................59
Air bag Light.............................72
Air bag Maintenance........................74
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................308
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................308
Air Conditioning System....................202
Air Pressure, Tires.........................249
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............8
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................228
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................158
Appearance Care.........................314
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................103
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........202
Automatic Transaxle........................32
Automatic Transmission....................215
Gear Ranges...........................218
Battery.................................306
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........37
Belts, Seat...............................96
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................309
B-Pillar Location..........................242
Brake Assist System.......................230
Brake Fluid.............................334
Brake, Parking...........................226
Brakes.................................312
354 INDEX
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Brake System............................312
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................228
Master Cylinder........................312
Parking..............................226
Warning Light.........................158
Bulb Replacement.........................329
Bulbs, Light..............................98
Capacities, Fluid..........................333
Cargo Area Features.......................149
Car Washes.............................315
CD (Compact Disc) Player...................173
Cellular Phone...........................202
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................236
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............95
Checks, Safety............................95
Child Restraint............................76
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................81
Child Restraints.........................76
Child Seat Installation.....................92
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt........89
Infants And Child Restraints................79
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint.....88
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt..................................90
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.......83
Older Children And Child Restraints..........79
Seating Positions........................82
Cleaning
Wheels...............................316
Climate Control..........................202
Clutch.................................312
Clutch Fluid.............................312
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............201
Compact Spare Tire........................254
Connector
UCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..199
10
INDEX 355
Page 358 of 367

Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)..........199
Contract, Service..........................347
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity.......................333
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).............334
Corrosion Protection.......................314
Cupholders.............................148
Customer Assistance.......................345
Data Recorder, Event.......................75
Daytime Running Lights....................124
Dealer Service............................298
Defroster, Windshield.......................96
Door Locks..............................40
Door Locks, Automatic......................43
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water.........................223
Electrical Power Outlets.....................145
Electric Remote Mirrors.....................104
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.....................230
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........132
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............231
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......166
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher..................274
Towing..............................293
Engine
Compartment..........................297
Starting..............................214
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............69
Event Data Recorder........................75
Exterior Lights............................98
Flashers
Turn Signal............................98
356 INDEX