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
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles
in the way before driving through the standing
water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., transmis-
sion, coolant, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e.,
fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance) after
driving through standing water. Do not continue
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears con-
taminated, as this may result in further damage.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
• Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
• Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide
light efforts while parking and good feel while driving.
If the electric steering system experiences a fault that
180 STARTING AND OPERATING
