2015 FIAT 500L window

with maximum temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting. When the defrost
mode is selected, the blower will automatically default
to medium-high.
•Right Arrow – Air flow at central and side dashboard
vents to ventilate the chest and the face during the hot
season.
•Down Arrow – Air flow to the front and rear footwell
diffusers. This air distribution setting heats the passen-
ger compartment most quickly, giving a prompt sen-
sation of warmth.
•Right/Down Arrows – Air flow distributed between
footwell diffusers (hotter air) and central and side
dashboard vents (cooler air). This distribution setting
is useful in spring and autumn on sunny days.
•Up/Down Arrows – Air flow distributed between
footwell diffusers and windshield and front side win-
dow defrosting diffusers. This distribution setting al-
lows the passenger compartment to be warmed effec-
tively and prevents the windows from misting.
•Up/Right Arrows – Air flow distribution between
windshield defrosting diffusers and side and central
dashboard vents. This allows air to be sent to the
windshield in conditions of strong sunlight.
•Up/Right/Down Arrows – Air flow distribution to all
diffusers on the car.
NOTE:Air always flows from the side dashboard diffus-
ers: it is, however, possible to interrupt the air flow by
operating the wheel located near the corresponding
vents.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203

In automatic operation, recirculation is managed auto-
matically by the system according to outside environ-
mental conditions.
NOTE:
•The engagement of the recirculation system makes it
possible to reach the required heating/cooling condi-
tions faster. It is, however, inadvisable to use it on
rainy/cold days as it would considerably increase the
possibility of the windows misting up inside (espe-
cially if the climate control system is off ). When the
outside temperature is low, recirculation is forced off
(air drawn in from the outside) to prevent the win-
dows from misting up.
•It is inadvisable to use internal air recirculation when
the outside temperature is low, since the windows
could mist up rapidly.
Climate Control System Compressor
Push the A/C Control button to activate/deactivate the
compressor (activation is indicated by the LED on the
button switching on).
The system remembers that the compressor has been
switched off, even after the engine has stopped.
When the compressor is switched off, the system deacti-
vates air recirculation to prevent the windows from
misting up.
Pushing the A/C button will stop the AUTO MODE (the
AUTO LED will switch off). To restore automatic control
of compressor engagement, push the AUTO button
again.
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207

Selecting the footwell/windshield or only windshield dis-
tribution activates the climate control system compressor
(LED on A/C button on) and the air recirculation is set to
#outside air#intake (LED on the recirculation button off ).
This logic guarantees optimum visibility at the windows.
It is, however, always possible to manage air recirculation
and the climate control system compressor manually.
Rear Window Defrosting
Push the Rear Defrost button to activate heated rear
window defrosting.
The effective activation of the function is indicated by the
rear defrost warning light on the instrument panel
switching ON.
This function switches OFF automatically after about 20
minutes or when the engine is turned OFF. It is not
switched on automatically the next time the engine is
started.
If equipped, push the rear defrost button to activate
defrosting of door mirrors and heated rear window.
NOTE:Do not affix stickers to the inside of the heated
rear window over the heating filaments, to avoid damage
that might cause them to stop working properly.
Switching Off The Climate Control System
Push the On/Off button.
With climate control system off:
•air recirculation is on, thus isolating the passenger
compartment from the outside;
•the compressor is off;
•the fan is off;
•the heated rear window can be activated / deacti-
vated.
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlock-
ing ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch
pedal is pressed to the floor.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Depress the
brake pedal before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission gear selector.
•Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 235

WARNING!(Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING