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3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is
not necessary to change the settings. You will experi-
ence the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the
system to function automatically.
NOTE:
•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode and fan speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
•The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/M customer-programmable
feature. Refer to the “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — Customer-Programmable Features”
in this section of the manual.
Manual Operation
The system allows for manual selection of blower speed,
air distribution mode, A/C status and recirculation control.
The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control. The fan will now operate at
a fixed speed until additional speeds are selected. This
allows the front occupants to control the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle and cancel the Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the available mode settings. A/C
operation and Recirculation control can also be manually
selected in Manual operation.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
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Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning the air conditioning (pressing the A/C button) on
will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control, air
direction, and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
Defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
NOTE:Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will au-
tomatically adjust the climate control settings to reduce
or eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
When this occurs, recirculation will be unavailable.
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Summer Operation
NOTE:In some cases during high temperature opera-
tion, the air conditioning system performance may be
reduced. This is to help protect the engine from overheat-
ing during the high load condition.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use Recir-
culation A/C mode to provide additional comfort while
in automatic mode.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air using the high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the air conditioning system
is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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Operating Tips Chart
210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
!STARTING PROCEDURES................214
▫Single-Speed Transmission...............214
▫Normal Starting.......................214
!SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION...........215
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock...............218
▫Gear Ranges.........................218
▫Auto Park...........................221
!DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES.........222
▫Acceleration.........................222
▫Traction............................223
!DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............223
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................223
▫Shallow Standing Water.................224
!POWER STEERING.....................225
!PARKING BRAKE......................226
!BRAKE SYSTEM.......................228
!ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .228
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .228
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............230
▫Traction Control System (TCS)............231
5
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▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..........231
▫ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light............233
▫Regenerative Braking System (RBS).........234
!TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION.............235
▫Tire Markings........................235
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)...........239
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions..........240
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........242
!TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION........247
▫Tire Pressure........................247
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................249
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .250
▫Radial Ply Tires......................250
▫Tire Types...........................251
▫Run Flat Tires — If Equipped.............253
▫Spare Tires — If Equipped...............253
▫Tire Spinning........................256
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................257
▫Life Of Tire.........................257
▫Replacement Tires.....................258
!TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)........260
!TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS.....261
!PREMIUM TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
SYSTEM.............................262
▫Premium TPM System..................265
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 215 of 367
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
Warnings...........................265
▫TPMS Warning.......................266
▫General Information....................269
!TRAILER TOWING.....................269
!RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)............270
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .270
!EXTENDING YOUR DRIVING RANGE PER
CHARGE.............................270
▫Driver Behavior Gauge..................271
▫Range Projection......................272
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Single-Speed Transmission
The transmission must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the vehicle. Apply the
brakes when selecting a transmission gear from Park.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before selecting
a transmission gear.
Normal Starting
Turn the key to the START position while your vehicle is
in PARK. When the ignition key is turned to the START
and then released to the RUN position, a chime will
sound and the “READY” indicator in the EVIC will
illuminate to indicate the 500e’s Electric Drive System has
started. When the “READY” indicator is illuminated
your 500e is ready to be driven.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING