
Red Telltale Indicator Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, if the driver ’s seat
belt is unbuckled, 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.
Air Bag Warning Light
Red Telltale
Light 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 MAR (ACC/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 pos-
sible. 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 inter-
mittently or remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle imme-
diately.
122 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

Auto Park
The Auto Park feature automatically places the trans-
mission into PARK if there is any indication that the
driver may leave the vehicle while the transmission is in
D (DRIVE), N (NEUTRAL) or R (REVERSE).
Auto Park is enabled under the following conditions:
•Key On (12 Volt ON and High Voltage OFF) or
READY mode (12 Volt ON and High Voltage ON).
• Vehicle speed is below 2 mph (3 km/h).
NOTE:
• Auto Park is enabled (only once) at the beginning of
each key cycle and is re-enabled each time the vehicle
speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h).
• Auto Park is disabled above 2 mph (3 km/h) and
transmission range will be maintained.
The instrument cluster will display an Auto Shift To
Park message and chime once when Auto Park is
activated. Mode Of Operation With Key ON:
Auto Park will be engaged when the transmission is in
DRIVE, NEUTRAL or REVERSE and the following
conditions are detected:
•
Seat Belt is unlatched
• Brake pedal is released
• Driver’s door is ajar
• Vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h)
Mode Of Operation With Key OFF:
Auto Park will be engaged when the transmission is in
DRIVE, NEUTRAL or REVERSE and the vehicle speed
is less than 2 mph (3 km/h).
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the front (driving) wheels.
178 STARTING AND OPERATING

Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface
which minimizes reflections on the windshield. Do not
use protectants or other products which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your
vehicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solutionmay be used, but do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a
clean damp cloth. 2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the
fabric. Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper
turning loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with
a wet soft cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision
and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt
system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or
loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced imme-
diately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
(Continued)
258 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a colli-
sion if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.).
FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an
appropriate replacement fuse with the same amp
rating as the original fuse. Never replace a fuse
with another fuse of higher amp rating. Never
replace a blown fuse with metal wires or any
other material. Failure to use proper fuses may
result in serious personal injury, fire and/or prop-
erty damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the igni-
tion is off and that all the other services are
switched off and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an au-
thorized dealer.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering sys-
tem blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Interior Fuses
The interior fuse panel is part of the Body Control
Module (BCM) and is located on the driver’s side under
the instrument panel.
Fuse Panel
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 259

Adding Washer Fluid.....................251
AirBag................................50 Advance Front Air Bag ...................50
Air Bag Operation ......................52
Driver Knee Air Bag .....................53
Enhanced Accident Response ..............236
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............236
FrontAirBag..........................50
If A Deployment Occurs ..................57
Knee Impact Bolsters ....................53
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ...........59
Transporting Pets .......................75
Air Bag Light ....................... .76, 122
Air Bag Maintenance ......................59
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................248
Air Conditioning Filter ....................168
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............167
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ................248
Air Conditioning System ................166, 248
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... .199
Alarm Disarm The System .....................31
Vehicle Security Alarm ...................31
Alarm (Security Alarm) .....................31
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ..............6Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
...............183
Anti-Lock Warning Light .........128, 132, 133, 134
Appearance Care ....................... .252
Audio Systems (Radio) ....................144
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................83
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) .........166
Automatic Transaxle .......................28
Automatic Transmission ...................174
Gear Ranges ......................... .176
Battery ........................... .127, 247
Charging System Light ..................127
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ..............33
Belts, Seat ..............................76
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................249
B-Pillar Location ........................ .194
Brake Assist System ..................... .184
Brake Fluid ........................... .270
Brake,
Parking ......................... .181
Brakes ............................... .251
Brake System .......................... .251
Anti-Lock (ABS) ...................... .183
Master Cylinder ...................... .251
Parking ............................ .181
Warning Light ....................... .123
284 INDEX

Bulb Replacement.....................266, 267
Bulbs, Light ......................... .79, 266
Capacities, Fluid ........................ .269
Cargo Area Features ......................114
Car Washes ........................... .253
Cellular Phone ......................... .160
Chart, Tire Sizing ....................... .190
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............76
Checks, Safety ...........................76
Child Restraint ...........................60
Child Restraints Booster Seats ..........................64
Child Restraints ........................60
Child Seat Installation ....................72
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .......70
Infants And Child Restraints ...............62
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ......66
Older Children And Child Restraints .........63
Seating Positions .......................65
Cleaning Wheels ............................ .254
Climate Control ........................ .161
Manual ............................ .161
Clutch ............................... .251Clutch Fluid
........................... .251
Compact Spare Tire ...................... .203
Connector UCI............................... .144
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) .........144
Contract, Service ........................ .280
Cooling System Coolant Capacity ..................... .269
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........270
Corrosion Protection ..................... .252
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ...............101
Cruise Light ..................125, 126, 136, 137
Cupholders ............................113
Customer Assistance ..................... .278
Customer Programmable Features ............146
Daytime Running Lights ....................95
Dealer Service .......................... .240
Defroster, Windshield ......................77
Disarming,
Security System ..................31
Door Ajar ......................... .126, 127
Door Ajar Light ..................... .126, 127
Door Locks .............................35
Door Locks, Automatic .....................36
10
INDEX 285

Instrument Cluster....................121, 135
Instrument Cluster .....................120
Instrument Cluster Display Instrument Cluster Display ............120, 138
Instrument Panel And Controls ..............119
Instrument Panel Cover ....................258
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ..............258
Interior Appearance Care ...................256
Interior Lighting ..........................96
Key Fob Disarm The Alarm ......................31
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .33
Key-In Reminder .........................29
Key, Replacement .........................30
Keys ..................................28
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ...................29
Lane Change Assist .......................95
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........................41
Latches ................................79
Hood ...............................92
Leaks, Fluid .............................79
Life Of Tires ........................... .206
Liftgate (Sedan) ..........................38 Light Bulbs
......................... .79, 266
Lights .............................. .79, 94
AirBag...........................76, 122
Brake Assist Warning ...................187
Brake Warning ....................... .123
Bulb Replacement ..................... .267
Cruise ....................125, 126, 136, 137
Exterior ..............................79
High Beam ...........................94
Park ............................ .95, 135
Passing ..............................94
Seat Belt Reminder .....................122
Service ............................. .267
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ...........130
Traction Control ...................... .187
Turn Signal .....................79, 95, 135
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) .....135
Loading Vehicle Tires .............................. .194
Locks Automatic Door ........................36
Door ................................
35
Power Door ...........................36
Lubrication, Body ....................... .249
10
INDEX 287