2016 FIAT 500E automatic transmission

Your 500e operates differently then a traditional vehicle
or Hybrid vehicle. Here are some of the main differences:
Audible Pedestrian Warning System
Your vehicle is equipped with an Audible Pedestrian
Warning System. The Audible Pedestrian Warning Sys-
tem uses distinct sounds to alert pedestrians that your
vehicle is approaching.
The audible warning system uses an in-car sound syn-
thesizer with a speaker located in the underhood com-
partment. The warning system is automatically activated
when selecting DRIVE or REVERSE.
In DRIVE range, the system will remain active until the
vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 22 mph
(35.5 km/h). At approximately 22 mph (35.5 km/h), the
warning system is deactivated and will automatically be
active when the vehicle returns to approximately 20 mph
(32 km/h).
Single-Speed Transmission
Instead of a traditional transmission, your vehicle is
equipped with a single-speed transmission to transfer the
torque from the E-Drive motor to the drive wheels. This
transmission requires no maintenance and is designed to
operate for the life of the vehicle.
Auto Park
Auto Park will automatically place the transmission into
PARK if there is an indication that the driver may leave
the vehicle while still in the DRIVE, NEUTRAL or
REVERSE gear. Refer to “Single-Speed Transmission” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
E-Park
The parking pawl is traditionally located inside an auto-
matic transmission and activated when the vehicle is
placed in the PARK position.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

E-Park is activated when the driver pushes the PARK
button. An electric motor activates the parking pawl and
locks the single-speed transmission when the vehicle is
placed into PARK. This will prevent any unwanted
movement of the vehicle.
NOTE:The engagement of the E-Park can be heard when
there is no noise in the interior of the vehicle, this is a
normal condition.
Climate Control (HVAC System)
Your 500e is equipped with an Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) HVAC system. This HVAC system utilizes
a humidity sensor, cabin sensor, and ambient tempera-
ture sensor to choose operation mode and control cabin
comfort. These components allow the controller to oper-
ate the HVAC system in a very efficient manner to
maximize driving range.
Your 500e also uses an electric air heater to provide heat
to the cabin.
Electric Air Conditioning Compressor
Your 500e uses an electric air conditioning compressor.
The air conditioning compressor is powered by the high
voltage battery system and is used to cool the vehicle
occupants and the high voltage battery while the vehicle
is being driven or when it is being charged.
The high voltage battery may require cooling to keep the
vehicle running. The air conditioning compressor will
activate without any input from the occupant.
NOTE: The AC system helps cool the high voltage
battery. If the air conditioning system should require
service see your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Electric Power Steering
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steering
(EPS) system. The power steering system requires no
maintenance and operates without the use of power
steering fluid.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Always remove any buildup of snow that prevents
the windshield wiper blades from returning to the
off position. If the windshield wiper control is
turned off and the blades cannot return to the off
position, damage to the wiper motor may occur.
Rear Windshield Wiper
Rotate the end of the windshield wiper/washer lever
upward to the first detent past the intermittent settings
for intermittent wipe operation. With the front wind-
shield wiper active, rotate the end of the windshield
wiper/washer lever upward. The rear wiper will operate
in the same mode as the front windshield wipers, but at
half the frequency. When the transmission is placed into
REVERSE, the rear wiper will automatically operate at
Low Speed and return to normal operation when the
transmission is placed out of REVERSE. NOTE:
The windshield wipers/washers will only oper-
ate with the ignition in the ON/RUN position.
Rear Wiper Operation
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without Electronic Speed
Control.
WARNING!
Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your ve-
hicle could go too fast for the conditions, and you
could lose control and have an accident. Do not use
Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.
REAR PARK ASSIST
The Rear Park Assist system provides audible indications
of the distance between the rear fascia/bumper and a
detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a parking
maneuver. Refer to the “Park Assist System Usage Pre-
cautions” for the limitations of this system and recom-
mendations.
The Rear Park Assist is automatically activated when the
transmission is placed into REVERSE.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
Use this gear for all city and highway driving.
Auto Park
The Auto Park feature automatically places the transmis-
sion into PARK if there is any indication that the driver
may leave the vehicle while the transmission is in D
(DRIVE), N (NEUTRAL) or R (REVERSE).Auto Park is enabled under the following conditions:
•
Key On (12 Volt ON and High Voltage OFF) or READY
mode (12 Volt ON and High Voltage ON).
• Vehicle speed is below 2 mph (3 km/h).
NOTE:
• Auto Park is enabled (only once) at the beginning of
each key cycle and is re-enabled each time the vehicle
speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h).
• Auto Park is disabled above 2 mph (3 km/h) and
transmission range will be maintained.
The instrument cluster will display an Auto Shift To Park
message and chime once when Auto Park is activated.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 213

CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
EXTENDING YOUR DRIVING RANGE PER
CHARGE
The drive system and cabin temperature management
features use the most energy from the high voltage
battery. Reducing energy draw from these features are
the easiest and most effective way to extend driving
range.
The 500e uses high voltage components to heat and cool
the cabin, so when using automatic climate control, con-
sider setting temperatures a few degrees higher or lower
during hot and cold days. If your 500e has been soaking inhot or cold temperatures for an extended period, it is
recommended that the car be preconditioned using the
Uconnect Access smartphone app while still plugged into a
charging source. This will allow 500e to use external power
to establish a comfortable cabin temperature before the
drive and allow the battery to maintain the temperature at
significantly lower energy levels.
Additional tips:
•
Keep tires properly inflated
• When practical, choose surface streets over the high-
way, and work to maintain a steady speed
• Avoid carrying nonessential cargo
• Be mindful of adding external accessories that may
increase aerodynamic drag
• Perform all scheduled maintenance at recommended
intervals
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

In order to move the vehicle in cases where the transmis-
sion will not shift out of PARK (such as a dead battery),
a Manual Park Release is available. If a dead 12 volt
battery is the cause of the condition refer to “Jump Start
Procedure — 12 Volt Battery” before performing the
Manual Park Release.
To perform the Manual Park Release follow these steps:
1. To prevent the vehicle from rolling unintentionally,firmly apply the parking brake.
2. If possible, raise the front driver’s side of the vehicle to provide access to the transmission.
3.
Working from underneath the vehicle, remove the black
rubber plug from the front of the Park module (a black
canister mounted on the front of the transmission).
4. Using a T25 driver bit, rotate the Manual Park Release shaft (located just behind the rubber plug) clockwise,
at least 20 turns, to release the Park mechanism. The
vehicle is now out of PARK and can be moved. 5. Reinstall the rubber plug.
6. Release the parking brake only when a driver is in the
vehicle, or the vehicle is secured by other means. The
Manual Park Release will be reset automatically once
the vehicle is restarted.
Manual Park Release Location
284 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Adding Washer Fluid..................... .304
AirBag.............................. .58, 59
Advance Front Air Bag .................59, 60
Air Bag Operation .......................61
Air Bag Warning Light ....................69
Driver Knee Air Bag ......................62
Enhanced Accident Response ................68
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................71
FrontAirBag ........................58, 59
If A Deployment Occurs ...................67
Knee Impact Bolsters .....................62
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............71
Air Bag Deployment ........................58
Air Bag Light ...................... .69, 93, 147
Air Bag Maintenance .......................71
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................300
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................300
Air Conditioning System .................195, 300
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .240Alarm
Disarm The System .......................36
Vehicle Security Alarm ....................35
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................35
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............8
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................220
Anti-Lock Warning Light ..........154, 159, 160, 162
Appearance Care ........................ .306
Audio Systems (Radio) .....................174
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................100
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........195
Automatic Transaxle ........................32
Automatic Transmission ....................208
Gear Ranges .......................... .210
Battery ............................ .152, 299
Charging System Light ...................152
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........38
Belts, Seat ...............................93
348 INDEX