2017 FIAT 500 coolant temperature

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
between the bottom and top lines marked “COLD FILL
RANGE”.
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.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being va-
porized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows
no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may
be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299

•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs
may result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnor-
mally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear, and possible brake damage. Riding the
brakes may also reduce braking capacity in an
emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may
be needed.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that
service is required for your vehicle. Operating condi-
tions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely
hot or cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage
will influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Con-
ditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate
as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the
next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indica-
tor message after completing the scheduled oil change.
If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone
other than your authorized dealer, the message can be
reset by referring to the steps described under “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve
months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever
comes first. The 350 hours of engine run or idle time is
generally only a concern for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment
or is operated predominantly at idle or only very low
engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered
Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
324 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............297
Adding Fuel ............................. .242
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .293
Additives, Fuel ........................... .241
AirBag ..................................32 Advance Front Air Bag .....................32
Air Bag Operation .........................33
Driver Knee Air Bag .......................34
Enhanced Accident Response ................276
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................276
FrontAirBag ............................32
If A Deployment Occurs ....................38
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................34
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............42
Transporting Pets .........................59
Air Bag Light .......................... .61, 118
Air Bag Maintenance .........................42
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......286
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................288
Air Conditioning Filter ...................178, 289
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............177
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ..................288
Air Conditioning System ..................177, 288
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .220Alarm
Disarm The System ........................12
Vehicle Security Alarm .....................12
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................12
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................296, 320
Capacities ............................. .320
Disposal .............................. .298
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................203
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................133
Appearance Care .......................... .304
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .150
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................71
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ................324
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........177
Automatic Transaxle ..........................9
Automatic Transmission ...............189, 302, 303
Adding

Fluid .......................... .303
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................303
Fluid Change .......................... .303
Fluid Level Check ....................... .303
Fluid Type ............................ .322
Gear Ranges ........................... .192
Special Additives ........................ .303
336 INDEX