2015 FIAT 500L air conditioning

NOTE:
•Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
•The use of the Recirculation mode in cold or damp
weather could cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Se-
lect the outside air position for maximum defogging.
•Recirculation can be used in all modes except for
Defrost.
•The A/C can be deselected manually without dis-
turbing the mode control selection.
3. Blower Control
Rotate this control to regulate the amount of air forced
through the ventilation system in any mode. The blower
speed increases as you move the control to the right from
the “0” (OFF) position. There are four blower speeds.
4. A/C Button
Push this button to engage the Air Conditioning. A light
will illuminate when the Air Conditioning system is
engaged.
MAX A/C
For maximum cooling, use the A/C and recirculation
modes at the same time.
ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, push the A/C button to turn
OFF the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,
move the temperature control to the desired temperature.
5. Rear Defrost Control
Push and release the Rear Defrost Control button to turn
ON the rear window defroster and the heated outside
mirrors (if equipped). An indicator will illuminate when
the rear window defroster is ON. The rear window
defroster automatically turns OFF after 20 minutes.
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

6. Mode Control
Rotate this control to change the system between Modes
(Panel, Bi-Level, Floor, Mix, Defrost).
•Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct
airflow.
NOTE:The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed
so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers
for maximum airflow to the rear.
•Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
•Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demister outlets.
•Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demister outlets. This setting works best
in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat
to the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
•Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demister outlets. Use this mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix
or Defrost, even if the Air Conditioning (A/C) button is
not pushed. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the
windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these modes
only when necessary.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193

indicator illuminates when this feature is ON. Perform-
ing this function will cause the ATC to switch into
manual mode. The blower speed may increase when
Defrost mode is selected, the air conditioning compressor
is switched ON (LED on button ON) and the air recircu-
lation is switched OFF (LED on button OFF). If the front
defrost mode is turned OFF, the climate system will
return to the previous setting.
10. Passenger Temperature Control
Provides the passenger with independent temperature
control. Rotate adjustment knob to set desired tempera-
ture.
NOTE:Rotating the Passenger Temperature Control
knob while in Sync mode will automatically exit Sync.
11. SYNC Button
Push the Sync button to toggle the Sync feature ON/OFF.
The Sync indicator is illuminated when this feature is
enabled. Sync is used to synchronize the passenger
temperature setting with the driver temperature setting.
Changing the passenger temperature setting while in
Sync will automatically exit this feature.
12. AUTO Button
Automatically controls the interior cabin temperature by
adjusting airflow distribution and amount. Performing
this function will cause the ATC to switch between
manual mode and automatic modes.
Description
The automatic dual zone climate control system regulates
the air temperatures in the passenger compartment in
two zones: driver side and passenger side.
The system maintains comfort inside the passenger com-
partment and compensates for possible variations in
external climate conditions.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199

•air distribution to seven positions;
•compressor enablement;
•rapid defrosting/demisting function;
•air recirculation;
•heated rear window;
•system deactivation.
NOTE:The climate control system detects the passenger
compartment temperature using a mean radiant tem-
perature sensor located in the interior rear view mirror
and protected by a specific cover. Obstructing the field of
view of this sensor with any object could cause the
climate control system to operate with less than optimal
efficiency.
Switching On The Climate Control System
The climate control system can be switched on in differ-
ent ways: it is advisable to push the AUTO button and
turn the knobs to set the desired temperatures.
In this way the system operates completely automatically
to adjust the temperature, quantity and distribution of
the air introduced into the passenger compartment. It
also manages the air recirculation function and the acti-
vation of the air conditioning compressor.
During automatic operation, you can change the set
temperatures, air distribution and fan speed at any time
by using the relevant buttons or knobs: the system will
automatically change the settings to adjust to the new
requirements.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

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)
Push 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 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.
When the function is activated, the LED on the AUTO
button switches off. With the function activated the only
possible manual adjustments are adjusting the fan speed
and turning the heated rear window off.
When the Recirculation Control, Rear Defrost Control , or
AUTO buttons are pushed, the climate control system
will deactivate the Front Defrost (MAX-DEF) function.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark,
the instrument cluster will sound a chime. When
safe, pull over and stop the vehicle with the engine at
idle. Turn off the air conditioning and wait until the
pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H (red) mark for more than a
minute, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
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
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure
that the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any
time a wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the
vehicle the lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a
properly calibrated torque wrench.
312 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If a flush is needed because of component malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the flushing
procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and
about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range markings on the
dipstick. The safe range is indicated by a crosshatch zone.
Adding 1 quart (0.9 Liters) of oil when the reading is at
the low end of the indicated range will result in the oil
level at the full end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
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350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling HFO 1234yf
HFO 1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmen-
tal Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355