2017 FIAT 500E Owners Manual

3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, itis not necessary to change the settings. You will
experience 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 blower speed to
provide comfort as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/Metric customer-
programmable feature.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Auto-
matic mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan will
remain on low until the engine warms up. The blower
will increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual over-
ride features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC
display will be turned off when the system is being
used in the manual mode. NOTE:
The system will not automatically sense the
presence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. DE-
FROST mode must be manually selected to clear the
windshield and side glass.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheat-
ing. OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recom-
mended. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper coolant selec-
tion.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is func-
tioning properly and the proper amount, type, and
concentration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167

coolant selection. Use of the air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended because it
may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before 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
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C
for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow,
and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service
your A/C air filter, and to have it replaced when
needed.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips Chart
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ...............173
▫ Single-Speed Transmission ..............173
▫ Normal Starting ..................... .173
 SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION ..........174
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ..............175
▫ Gear Ranges ....................... .176
▫ Auto Park ......................... .178
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ........178
▫ Acceleration ....................... .178
▫ Traction .......................... .179
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ............179
▫ Flowing/Rising Water .................179
▫ Shallow Standing Water ................180
 POWER STEERING ....................180 
PARKING BRAKE .....................181
 BRAKE SYSTEM ..................... .183
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . .183
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . .183
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ..............184
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ...........185
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .........185
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light ...........187
▫ Regenerative Braking System (RBS) ........188
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ............189
▫ Tire Markings ...................... .189
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........192
▫ T
ire Terminology And Definitions .........193
5

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ..........194
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION .......198
▫ Tire Pressure ...................... .198
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................199
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . .200
▫ Radial Ply Tires .....................200
▫ Tire Types ......................... .201
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ............202
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ..............202
▫ Tire Spinning ...................... .204
▫ Tread Wear Indicators .................205
▫ Life Of Tire ....................... .206
▫ Replacement Tires ....................206
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......207
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .208
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .......209▫
Treadwear ......................... .209
▫ Traction Grades ..................... .209
▫ Temperature Grades ...................210
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM ........210
▫ TPM System ....................... .213
▫ Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
Warnings ......................... .213
▫ TPMS Warning ..................... .214
▫ General Information ..................215
 TRAILER TOWING ....................215
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ..................216
▫ T

owing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle .......................... .216
 EXTENDING YOUR DRIVING RANGE PER
CHARGE ........................... .216
▫ Driver Behavior Gauge .................217
▫ Range Projection .....................218
172 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust
both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat
belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Single-Speed Transmission
The transmission must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the vehicle. Apply the
brakes when selecting a transmission gear from Park.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before selecting
a transmission gear.
Normal Starting
Turn the key to the START position while your vehicle
is in PARK. When the ignition key is turned to the
START and then released to the RUN position, a chime
will sound and the “READY” indicator in the instru-
ment cluster display will illuminate to indicate the
500e’s Electric Drive System has started. When the
“READY” indicator is illuminated your 500e is ready to
be driven.
“READY” Indicator
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 173

NOTE:
•If the key is held in the START position for more than
10 seconds “READY” mode will not be achieved.
Return the key to OFF position, and then back to the
START position and hold for less than 10 seconds to
achieve “READY”.
• If the “READY” indicator fails to illuminate after you
have followed the normal starting procedure contact
your authorized dealer.
SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION
Your 500e uses a Single-Speed Transmission to direct
the output from the electric motor. The single-speed
transmission is operated using push-buttons instead of
a traditional gear selector.
The push-buttons are located on the lower instrument
panel.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the fol-
lowing precautions are not observed:
• Place the transmission into PARK only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Place the transmission into or out of REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Before placing the transmission into any range
make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
Single-Speed Transmission Push-Buttons
174 STARTING AND OPERATING