
NOTE:
•You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting in or out of PARK.
• If all push-button LEDs are on when the key is ON,
see your authorized dealer.
WARNING!
• Only place the transmission into gear when your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the vehicle
is in “READY” mode. Before exiting a vehicle,
always apply the parking brake, shift the trans-
mission into PARK, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission range buttons.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to children). A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition can be turned to the OFF position.
The key can only be removed from the ignition when
the ignition is in the OFF position, and once removed,
the transmission is locked in PARK.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 175

WARNING!(Continued)
always apply the parking brake, shift the trans-
mission into PARK, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and lock your vehicle.
• 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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission range buttons.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to children). A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
REVERSE (R)
This gear is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
The vehicle may be started in this gear. Apply the
parking brake and place the transmission into PARK if
you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traf-
fic 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 “What To Do
In Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE (D)
Use this gear for all city and highway driving.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 177

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the
Brake Warning Light in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
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 transmission push but-
tons.
• 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.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury.
Parking Brake
182 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event regenerative braking or power assist is lost
for any reason the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be significantly more
than that required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of
the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Warning Light
during brake use.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with a advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), TractionControl System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC). All systems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions and
are commonly referred to as ESC.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer
to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel
lock-up and to help avoid skidding on slippery sur-
faces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turn-
ing the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if
the fault detected was only momentary.
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vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and
more wheel spin than ESC would normally allow is
required to gain traction.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily pushing the switch
again. This will restore the normal ESC On mode of
operation.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the Partial Off
mode by pushing the switch. Once the situation requir-
ing ESC to be switched to the Partial Off mode is
overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily pushing
the switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING!
• When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functional-
ity of ESC, (except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section), has been disabled
and the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will be illumi-
nated. When in “Partial Off” mode, the engine
power reduction feature of TCS is disabled, and
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC
system is reduced.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position for four sec-
onds. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light comes on continuously with the vehicle operating
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have
the problem diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
also flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/5
STARTING AND OPERATING 187

Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and
the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off.Regenerative Braking System (RBS)
Your 500e has a Regenerative Braking System
(RBS). The RBS reduces the high voltage
battery consumption of the vehicle, particu-
larly in stop-and-go city traffic. The electric
motors which propel the vehicle forward can operate as
generators when braking. The RBS recharges the high
voltage battery under certain braking conditions by
recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost while
braking. The electric power that is generated goes back
into the high voltage battery for later use, for example
when acceleration is desired.
The RBS uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes,
regenerative braking, or a combination to slow the
vehicle. If the system detects slippery conditions while
braking, ONLY friction is used to slow the vehicle. The
RBS can result in extended life of the hydraulic service
brakes; however, all inspection, scheduled mainte-
nance, and service intervals for the vehicle service
brakes must be followed.
188 STARTING AND OPERATING

TPMS Warning
When a system fault is detected, the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light” will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault will
sound a chime and also display a “Service Tire Pressure
Monitoring System” message in the instrument cluster
for approximately 5 seconds.
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” will no longer flash, and the “Service TPM
System” message will no longer display.A system fault can occur due to any of the following:
1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driv-
ing next to facilities emitting the same radio frequen-
cies as the TPM sensors.
2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains materials that may block radio wave signals.
3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
NOTE:
• The TPMS will not monitor the pressure in a replace-
ment tire installed without a tire pressure sensor.
• If you install a replacement tire in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition switch cycle, the “Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will remain on
and a chime will sound. In addition, the highlighted
graphic in the instrument cluster will still display a
low pressure text message and a pressure value in a
different color.
Service TPM System Message
214 STARTING AND OPERATING

•After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h), the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light” will flash on and off for 75 seconds
and then remain on solid. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a “Service Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System” message.
• For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime
will sound, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on solid, and the instrument cluster will
display a “Service TPM System” message.
Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it, the TPMS will update automatically. In
addition, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light”
will turn off, as long as no tire pressure is below the
low-pressure warning limit in any of the four active
road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion.
NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user ’s authority to operate the equipment.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
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