2015 FIAT 500E maintenance

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces driving range and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165

Reception Conditions
Reception conditions change constantly while driving.
Reception may be interfered with by the presence of
mountains, buildings or bridges, or when you are far
away from the broadcaster.
WARNING!
Having the volume turned up high can cause the
driver to not be able to hear important traffic sounds,
i.e. sirens, horns, etc. Failure to hear traffic sounds
and other important audible information can result
in serious injury or death. Always adjust the volume
so that you can still hear background noises.
Care And Maintenance
Clean the cover with a soft antistatic cloth only. Cleaning
and polishing products could damage the surface.
CDs
The presence of dirt, scratches or distortions on the CDs
could cause skipping and poor sound quality while it is
playing. For optimal playback conditions, follow these
guidelines:
•Only use branded CDs.
•Clean every CD thoroughly removing any finger
marks or dust using a soft cloth. Hold CDs by the
outside and clean them from the middle outwards.
•Never use chemicals (e.g. antistatics or thinners or
sprays) for cleaning as they could damage the surface
of the CDs.
•After listening to them place CDs back in their boxes to
prevent them from being damaged.
•Do not expose CDs to direct sunlight, high tempera-
tures or moisture for long periods.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Radio Operation
Pushing the top of the switch will “Seek” up for the next
listenable station and pushing the bottom of the switch
will “Seek” down for the next listenable station.
The button located in the center of the left-hand control
will tune to the next preset station that you have pro-
grammed in the radio preset button.
CD Player Operation
Pushing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pushing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track, or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you push the switch up or down twice, it plays the
second track; three times, it will play the third, etc.
Operating Instructions — Hands-Free Phone
(If Equipped)
Refer to the appropriate Blue&Me™ User ’s Manual for
further information.
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep a CD/DVD in good condition, take the following
precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners,
or anti-static sprays.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

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

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as
possible and then retighten after driving about
½mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer ’s instructions
on the method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the lower suggested
operating speed of the chain manufacturer if dif-
ferent from the speed recommended by the manu-
facture.
•Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals. The reasons for any rapid or
unusual wear should be corrected prior to rotation being
performed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 261

CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warnings have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system op-
eration or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.
NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
•Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•It is particularly important for you to check the tire
pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly and
to maintain the proper pressure.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

The 500e uses high voltage components to heat and cool
the cabin, so when using automatic climate control,
consider setting temperatures a few degrees higher or
lower during hot and cold days. If your 500e has been
soaking in hot or cold temperatures for an extended
period, it is recommended that the car be preconditioned
using the FIAT Access smartphone app while still
plugged into a charging source. This will allow 500e to
use external power to establish a comfortable cabin
temperature before the drive and allow the battery to
maintain the temperature at significantly lower energy
levels.
Additional tips:
•Keep tires properly inflated
•When practical, choose surface streets over the high-
way, and work to maintain a steady speed
•Avoid carrying nonessential cargo
•Be mindful of adding external accessories that may
increase aerodynamic drag
•Perform all scheduled maintenance at recommended
intervals
Driver Behavior Gauge
To help the driver extend the driving range of the high
voltage battery your vehicle is equipped with a Driver
Behavior Gauge. The Driver Behavior Gauge is located
on the right side of the instrument cluster and contains
three driving ranges:
•Power
The needle will move into the Power range when under
acceleration.
•ECO
The needle will move into the ECO range when you are
maximizing the driving range of the high voltage battery.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 271

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
!UNDERHOOD COMPARTMENT...........297
!REPLACEMENT PARTS..................298
!DEALER SERVICE......................298
!MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES...........299
▫Power Electronics And Battery Thermal
Management Systems...................300
▫Power Electronics and Battery Thermal
Management Systems — Coolant Level
Check..............................300
▫Power Electronics and Battery Thermal
Management Systems — Cooling Pressure
Caps...............................302
▫Selection Of Coolant...................303
▫Adding Coolant.......................304
▫Power Electronics and Battery Thermal
Management Systems — Drain, Flush And
Refill..............................305
▫Disposal Of Used Power Electronics and Battery
Thermal Management Systems Coolant......305
7