2015 FIAT 500L coolant level

off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
6. Rear Defrost Light
This indicator will illuminate when the rear win-
dow defroster is on. The rear window defroster
automatically turns off after 20 minutes.
7. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gallon
(7.6L) this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is
added.
8. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position, the
digital scale will show the level of fuel remaining in the
fuel tank.
NOTE:The fuel gauge and range will not immediately
update accurately when refueling with the engine on.
9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exte-
rior turn signal, when using the turn signal
lever.
10. Temperature Gauge
The temperature digital scale shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, or up mountain
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169

range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is
done to prevent transmission damage due to overheat-
ing.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine coolant temperature.
Normal operation will resume once the engine tempera-
ture has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu-
minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 249

Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment, and the fluid level should be
checked at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield washer solvent (not engine coolant/ antifreeze).
Refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
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.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, have the
exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:
•Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
•Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369

•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and
brake master cylinder reservoir, and fill as needed.
•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 Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and
hoses.
•Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
•Check and adjust hand brake.
•Inspect exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 403

Automatic Transmission....................229
Adding Fluid..........................376
Autostick.............................250
Fluid and Filter Changes..................377
Fluid Change..........................377
Fluid Level Check.......................376
Fluid Type............................400
Gear Ranges...........................244
Special Additives.......................376
Autostick...............................250
Auto Up Power Windows....................27
Battery.................................353
Jump Starting..........................332
Belts, Seat...............................85
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................358
B-Pillar Location..........................273
Brake Assist System.......................259
Brake Fluid.............................400
Brake, Parking...........................255
Brakes.................................371
Brake System............................257
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................257
Master Cylinder........................371
Parking..............................255
Warning Light.........................168
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................231
Bulb Replacement.........................390
Bulbs, Light..............................87
Camera, Rear............................134
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........397
Capacities, Fluid..........................397
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................344
Oil (Engine)...........................351
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................84
Car Washes.............................378
10
INDEX 421

Cooling System...........................365
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............367
Coolant Level..........................365
Disposal of Used Coolant.................369
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................365
Inspection............................369
Points to Remember.....................368
Pressure Cap..........................368
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).............366
Corrosion Protection.......................377
Cruise Light.............................167
Cupholders.............................150
Customer Assistance.......................410
Data Recorder, Event.......................60
Daytime Running Lights....................113
Dealer Service............................349
Deck Lid, Emergency Release.................30
Defroster, Windshield.......................85
Diagnostic System, Onboard.................348
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission..................376
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................369
Door Locks..............................22
Door Opener, Garage.......................136
Downshifting............................228
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................252
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)........147
Electrical Power Outlets.....................147
Electric Remote Mirrors......................95
Electronic Brake Control System...............257
Brake Assist System.....................259
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..............265
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........123
10
INDEX 423