2016 FIAT 500X towing

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
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Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)•What Does It Mean
The light will illuminate when the ignition
is first placed in the MAR/RUN or AVV/
START position and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light does not come on during
starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while
the engine is running. Bring the vehicle to a complete
stop and place it into PARK. Cycle the ignition to the
STOP/OFF position; the light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. You may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
Automatic Transmission Failure •What Does It Mean
This light will illuminate when the system
detects a failure of the automatic transmis-
sion.
• What To Do
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Oil Temperature Warning Light •What Does It Mean
This light indicates engine oil temperature
is high.
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap/Flapper Message Indicator•What Does It Mean
This light will illuminate when fuel filler
cap is loose. For capless fuel systems, the
fuel flapper or the door are not closed
properly.
• What To Do
Properly close the filler cap. For capless fuel systems,
ensure the fuel flapper and door are properly closed.
Automatic Headlights Failure •What Does It Mean
The light turns on to indicate the failure of
the main beam automatic headlights.
• What To Do
Please contact an authorized dealer as soon as pos-
sible. Transmission Over Temperature
•What Does It Mean
This light indicates that the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is running
hot. This may occur with heavy usage, such
as trailer towing.
• What To Do
Safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Shift the trans-
mission to PARK. Keep the engine off or at idle speed
until the light turns off.
Towing Hook Breakdown •What Does It Mean
The light illuminates to indicate the failure
of the tow hook.
• What To Do
Please contact an authorized dealer.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............347
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................347
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................348
 POWER STEERING .....................349 
TRAILER TOWING .....................350
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................351
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .351
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
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 “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
Drive (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain or traveling into strong head winds),
use the AutoStick shift control (refer to “AutoStick” in
this section for further information) to select a lower gear.
Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the transmission controller may modify the
transmission shift schedule, reduce engine torque,
and/or expand the range of torque converter clutch
engagement. This is done to prevent transmission dam-
age due to overheating.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 297

WARNING!
•Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using the Rear Park Assist system. Always
check carefully behind your vehicle, look behind
you, and be sure to check for pedestrians, animals,
other vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots before
backing up. You are responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your surround-
ings. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
• Before using the Rear Park Assist System, it is
strongly recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected from the ve-
hicle when the vehicle is not used for towing.
Failure to do so can result in injury or damage to
vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
when the warning display turns on the single
flashing arc and sounds the continuous tone. Also,
the sensors could detect the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly, depending on its size and shape,
giving a false indication that an obstacle is behind
the vehicle.
If it’s necessary to keep the trailer hitch and hitch ball
assembly mounted for a long period, it is possible to filter
out the trailer hitch and hitch ball assembly presence in
sensor field of view. The filtering operation must be
performed only by an authorized dealer.
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED
LaneSense Operation
The LaneSense system is operational at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h). The
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STARTING AND OPERATING 321

If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM HOT - PERFOR-
MANCE MAY BE LIMITED” message and an icon are
displayed on the EVIC screen, it indicates that extreme
steering maneuvers may have occurred, which caused an
over temperature condition in the power steering system.
You will lose power steering assistance momentarily
until the over temperature condition no longer exists.
Once driving conditions are safe, then pull over and let
vehicle idle for a few moments until the light turns off.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Cluster” for further
information.NOTE:
•
Even if the power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle.
Under these conditions there will be a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially at low speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for
service.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE (FWD)ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD)
TOWING
CONDITION WHEELS OFF THE
GROUND AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION MANUAL
TRANSMISSION MANUAL/
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow REARNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
FRONT OKOKNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD OK
NOTE: When recreationally towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 351