2017 FIAT 500C service indicator

Red Telltale Indicator Lights
Air Bag Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN position. If the light is either not on during startup, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This
light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has
been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Red Telltale
Light What It Means
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN position, if the driver ’s seat belt is un-
buckled, a chime will sound and the light will turn on. When driving, if the driver or front
passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on
continuously and a chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off. For further information, refer
to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Starting And Operating.”
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in nor-
mal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if
you drive slowly or park over flammable sub-
stances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy
and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe
catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
Rear Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Rear Fog Light Indicator
This indicator will illuminate when the rear fog lights are on.
Rear Defrost Light
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Rear Defrost Light
This indicator will illuminate when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window de-
froster automatically turns off after 20 minutes.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 131

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread
depth becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the
tread is worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire
should be replaced. Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this
section for further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle
maintenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire fail-
ure. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.
Tire Tread
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
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STARTING AND OPERATING 227

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
This engine is designed to meet all
emission regulations, provide satis-
factory fuel economy and perfor-
mance when using high-quality un-
leaded “Regular” gasoline having a
posted octane number of 87 as speci-
fied by the (R+M)/2 method. For
optimum performance and fuel economy the use of
“Premium” 91 octane gasoline or higher is recom-
mended.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of
87, hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is
not a cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard
making a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer im-
mediately. Use of gasoline with an octane number lower
than 87 can cause engine failure and may void or not be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience
these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before
considering service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gaso-
line”. Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and
are specifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and
improve air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended.
Properly blended reformulated gasoline will provide
improved performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
oxygenates such as ethanol.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing methanol or gaso-
line containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15). Use
of these blends may result in starting and drivabil-
ity problems, damage critical fuel system compo-
nents, cause emissions to exceed the applicable
standard, and/or cause the “Malfunction Indicator
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 239

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 auto-
matic transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
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. Although 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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
The vehicle must be serviced before any emis-
sions 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.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emis-
sions controls. Authorized service technicians may need
to access this information to assist with the diagnosis
and service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port
in order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
(Continued)
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
•If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including per-
sonal information.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in the
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” section.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control sys-
tem. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Main-
tenance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is
not on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery
replacement. If the OBD II system should be deter-
mined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail
the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check
if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281

NOTE:If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off
position or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is readyand you can proceed
to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replace-
ment, you may need to do nothing more than drive
your vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to update. A recheck with the above test
routine may then indicate that the system is
now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle ser-
viced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station
can fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with the
engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine parts for normal/scheduled mainte-
nance and repairs is highly recommended to ensure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by
the use of parts which are not quality-equivalent to
genuine parts for maintenance and repairs will not be
covered by the manufacturer ’s warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE