500e ELECTRIC VEHICLE FEATURES
Understanding the unique characteristics of your 500e
will help ensure maximum performance and the best
driving range from your vehicle.
Your 500e is equipped with two electrical systems; a 12
Volt system that is used to power the conventional
electrical system and a high voltage system, which is
used to drive the wheels through a single-speed trans-
mission as well as other high voltage system compo-
nents.
Your 500e operates differently then a traditional vehicle
or Hybrid vehicle. Here are some of the main differ-
ences:
Audible Pedestrian Warning System
Your vehicle is equipped with an Audible Pedestrian
Warning System. The Audible Pedestrian Warning Sys-
tem uses distinct sounds to alert pedestrians that your
vehicle is approaching.
The audible warning system uses an in-car sound
synthesizer with a speaker located in the underhood
compartment. The warning system is automatically
activated when selecting DRIVE or REVERSE.In DRIVE range, the system will remain active until the
vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 22 mph
(35.5 km/h). At approximately 22 mph (35.5 km/h), the
warning system is deactivated and will automatically
be active when the vehicle returns to approximately
20 mph (32 km/h).
Single-Speed Transmission
Instead of a traditional transmission, your vehicle is
equipped with a single-speed transmission to transfer
the torque from the E-Drive motor to the drive wheels.
This transmission requires no maintenance and is de-
signed to operate for the life of the vehicle.
Auto Park
Auto Park will automatically place the transmission
into PARK if there is an indication that the driver may
leave the vehicle while still in the DRIVE, NEUTRAL or
REVERSE gear. Refer to “Single-Speed Transmission” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
E-Park
The parking pawl is traditionally located inside an
automatic transmission and activated when the vehicle
is placed in the PARK position.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
E-Park is activated when the driver pushes the PARK
button. An electric motor activates the parking pawl
and locks the single-speed transmission when the ve-
hicle is placed into PARK. This will prevent any un-
wanted movement of the vehicle.
NOTE:The engagement of the E-Park can be heard
when there is no noise in the interior of the vehicle, this
is a normal condition.
Climate Control (HVAC System)
Your 500e is equipped with an Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) HVAC system. This HVAC system uti-
lizes a humidity sensor, cabin sensor, and ambient
temperature sensor to choose operation mode and
control cabin comfort. These components allow the
controller to operate the HVAC system in a very effi-
cient manner to maximize driving range.
Your 500e also uses an electric air heater to provide heat
to the cabin.
Electric Air Conditioning Compressor
Your 500e uses an electric air conditioning compressor.
The air conditioning compressor is powered by the high
voltage battery system and is used to cool the vehicle
occupants and the high voltage battery while the ve-
hicle is being driven or when it is being charged.
The high voltage battery may require cooling to keep
the vehicle running. The air conditioning compressor
will activate without any input from the occupant.
NOTE: The AC system helps cool the high voltage
battery. If the air conditioning system should require
service, see your Authorized Dealer as soon as possible.
Electric Power Steering
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steer-
ing (EPS) system. The power steering system requires
no maintenance and operates without the use of power
steering fluid.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, place the transmission into PARK, and
remove the key fob from the ignition. When
leaving the vehicle, always 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. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor buttons.
• 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.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation. Always re-
move the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With A Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key to the left. To unlock the door, turn
the key to the right.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the
ignition and the ignition switch position is OFF/LOCK
sounds a signal to remove the key.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Opera-
tion is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is
locked or unlocked.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
CAUTION!(Continued)
to the off position. If the windshield wiper con-
trol is turned off and the blades cannot return to
the off position, damage to the wiper motor may
occur.
Rear Windshield Wiper
Rotate the end of the windshield wiper/washer lever
upward to the first detent past the intermittent settings
for intermittent wipe operation. With the front wind-
shield wiper active, rotate the end of the windshield
wiper/washer lever upward. The rear wiper will oper-
ate in the same mode as the front windshield wipers,
but at half the frequency. When the transmission is
placed into REVERSE, the rear wiper will automatically
operate at Low Speed and return to normal operation
when the transmission is placed out of REVERSE. NOTE:
The windshield wipers/washers will only op-
erate with the ignition in the ON/RUN position.
Rear Windshield Washer Operation
Push the windshield wiper/washer lever toward the
instrument panel to activate the rear washer. Push and
hold the lever for more than a half second and the
wipers will activate automatically for three cycles after
the lever is released.
Rear Wiper Operation
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
•If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a
1 km/h decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE: The Speed Control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without Speed Control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle
could go too fast for the conditions, and you could
lose control and have an accident. Do not use Speed
Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are wind-
ing, icy, snow-covered or slippery.
REAR PARK ASSIST
The Rear Park Assist system provides audible indica-
tions of the distance between the rear fascia/bumper
and a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a
parking maneuver. Refer to the “Park Assist System
Usage Precautions” for the limitations of this system
and recommendations.
The Rear Park Assist is automatically activated when
the transmission is placed into REVERSE.
Rear Park Assist Sensors
The four Rear Park Assist sensors, located in the rear
fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the vehicle that
is within the sensors’ field of view. The sensors can
104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground Single-Speed Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable
state and provincial laws. Contact state and provin-
cial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
• This vehicle must be towed on a dolly or vehicle
trailer with the front wheels OFFthe ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
EXTENDING YOUR DRIVING RANGE PER
CHARGE
The drive system and cabin temperature management
features use the most energy from the high voltage
battery. Reducing energy draw from these features are
the easiest and most effective way to extend driving
range.
The 500e uses high voltage components to heat and cool
the cabin, so when using automatic climate control,
consider setting temperatures a few degrees higher or
lower during hot and cold days. If your 500e has been
soaking in hot or cold temperatures for an extended
period, it is recommended that the car be precondi-
tioned using the Uconnect Access smartphone app
while still plugged into a charging source. This will
216 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!(Continued)
allow your vehicle to roll away if it is not secured
by the parking brake or other means. Activating the
Manual Park Release on an unsecured vehicle could
lead to serious injury or death for those in or
around the vehicle.
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the trans-
mission will not shift out of PARK (such as a dead
battery), a Manual Park Release is available. If a dead 12
volt battery is the cause of the condition refer to “Jump
Start Procedure — 12 Volt Battery” before performing
the Manual Park Release.
To perform the Manual Park Release follow these steps:
1. To prevent the vehicle from rolling unintentionally, firmly apply the parking brake.
2. If possible, raise the front driver’s side of the vehicle to provide access to the transmission.
3. Working from underneath the vehicle, remove the black rubber plug from the front of the Park module
(a black canister mounted on the front of the trans-
mission). 4. Using a T25 driver bit, rotate the Manual Park
Release shaft (located just behind the rubber plug)
clockwise, at least 20 turns, to release the Park
mechanism. The vehicle is now out of PARK and can
be moved.
5. Reinstall the rubber plug.
6. Release the parking brake only when a driver is in the vehicle, or the vehicle is secured by other means.
The Manual Park Release will be reset automatically
once the vehicle is restarted.
Manual Park Release Location
234 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES