2016 FIAT 500 Owners Manual

11. Climate Control ON/OFF Button
Push and release to turn the Climate Control ON or OFF.
12. Recirculation Control Button
Push and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON.
NOTE:When in Defrost mode, the Recirculation button
will flash if pushed. This indicates that you can not
proceed to this mode due to fogging risk.
Climate Control Functions
Air Conditioning (A/C)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator
to manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning
system. When in A/C mode with the ATC set to a cool
temperature, dehumidified air flows through the air outlets. If Economy mode is desired, push the A/C
button to turn off the A/C mode in the ATC display and
deactivate the A/C system.
NOTE:
•
If the system is in Mix or Defrost Mode, the A/C can
be turned off, but the A/C system shall remain active
to prevent fogging of the windows.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and adjust blower speed if
needed.
Recirculation Control
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or high humid-
ity, or if rapid cooling is desired, you may wish to
recirculate interior air by pushing the RECIRCULATION
control button. Recirculation mode should only be used
temporarily. The recirculation LED will illuminate when
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215

this button is selected. Push the button a second time to
turn off the Recirculation mode LED and allow outside
air into the vehicle.
NOTE:In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation
feature may be unavailable (indicator light shall blink) if
conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of
the windshield. On systems with Manual Climate Con-
trols, the Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost
mode to improve window clearing operation. Recircula-
tion will be disabled automatically if this mode is se-
lected. Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode will cause the LED in the control button to blink
and then turn off.
Automatic Operation
1. Push the AUTO button on the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel, the indicator will illuminate
when on. 2. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the
system to maintain by adjusting the temperature con-
trol buttons. Once the desired temperature is dis-
played, the system will achieve and automatically
maintain that comfort level.
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.
216 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Manual Operation
The system allows for manual selection of blower speed,
air distribution mode, A/C status and recirculation con-
trol.
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.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
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.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217

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.
Summer Operation
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.
218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips Chart
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................225
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......225
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....225
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .225
▫ Cold Weather Operation ................226
▫ Extended Park Starting ..................226
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................227
▫ After Starting ....................... .227
▫ Turbocharger “Cool Down” ..............228MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . . .228
▫
Five-Speed Manual Transmission ...........228
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ..............230
▫ Downshifting ....................... .231
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................ .231
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............233
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .233
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........233
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .235
5

AUTOSTICK ......................... .240
▫ Operation .......................... .240
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........241
▫ Acceleration ........................ .241
▫ Traction ........................... .242
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............243
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................243
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................243
 POWER STEERING .....................244
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .246
 SPORT MODE ........................ .248
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........248
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......249
BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .250
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .250
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .250
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............252
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............253
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................253
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........254
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light ............258
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............259
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .259
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........263
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........264
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........266
222 STARTING AND OPERATING