Page 21 of 300

NOTE:The vehicle should start charging automati-
cally. If not, please check the following:
•Charging Cordset - The charging cordset status
indicators illuminate green or red to identify the
charging cordset status. Refer to “Troubleshooting
Using The Status Indicator Display” in this section
for further information on the charging cordset
status.
• Wall Receptacle – Check whether the wall recep-
tacle is functional (no power outage) and/or plug
the charging cordset into a different wall receptacle.
• Charging Schedule – Check whether or not the
charging schedules have been enabled. If enabled,
check that you are within the scheduled time and
date. If a charging schedule has been enabled and
you are outside the time and date, you may over-
ride the schedule for this charging event by plug-
ging in the charge connector, unplugging it, and
then plugging it back into the vehicle charge inlet.
Complete the double plug sequence within 10
seconds for it to override the set schedule.
5. To stop the charging process, disconnect the vehicle side connector first and then the charging cordset
from the wall receptacle. To disengage the vehicle coupler, push the button on the charge connector
before removing the connector from the vehicle
charge inlet.
6. Close the inlet door.
NOTE: It is good practice to keep the ignition in the
OFF position while conducting Level 1 Charging. This
minimizes any additional vehicle loads the EVSE has to
support which extend the charging time.
Removing The Charge Connector From The Vehicle
Charge Inlet
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
Page 30 of 300
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The key fob contains a mechanical integrated key. To
use the mechanical key, simply push the mechanical key
release button.
The vehicle is supplied with a code card containing key
code numbers to order duplicate keys, and the autho-
rized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys.
Ignition Key Removal
1. Place the transmission in PARK.
2. Rotate the key to the OFF/LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylin-der.
Mechanical Key Release Button
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — STOP (OFF/LOCK)
2 — MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
3 — AVV (START)
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 93 of 300

The Reactive Head Restraints will automatically return
to their normal position following a rear impact. If the
Reactive Head Restraints do not return to their normal
position, see your authorized dealer immediately.
NOTE:The head restraints should only be removed by
qualified technicians, for service purposes only. If either
of the head restraints require removal, see your autho-
rized dealer.
WARNING!
• A loose head restraint thrown forward in a colli-
sion or hard stop could cause serious injury or
death to occupants of the vehicle. Always securely
stow removed head restraints in a location out-
side the occupant compartment.
• ALL the head restraints MUST be reinstalled in
the vehicle to properly protect the occupants.
Follow the re-installation instructions above prior
to operating the vehicle or occupying a seat.
• Do not place items over the top of the Reactive
Head Restraint, such as coats, seat covers or
portable DVD players. These items may interfere
with the operation of the Reactive Head Restraint
in the event of a collision and could result in
serious injury or death.
Rear Head Restraints
To raise the head restraint, pull upward on the head
restraint. To lower the head restraint, push the adjust-
ment button, located at the base of the head restraint,
and push downward on the head restraint. Refer to
“Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before
Starting Your Vehicle” for information on tether routing.
Head Restraint
1 — Release Button
2 — Adjustment Button
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
Page 176 of 300

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
Page 179 of 300

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 177