2017 FIAT 500L LIVING light

Driving in special conditions
In certain driving conditions, such as,
for example: driving around a bend (see
fig. 63) / small vehicles and/or vehicles
not aligned with the driving lane (see fig.
64) / lane change by other vehicles
(see fig. 65) the system operation might
be unexpected or delayed. Pay the
utmost attention, keeping control of the
vehicle to drive in complete safety.
iTPMS (indirect Tyre
Pressure Monitoring
System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49)
The iTPMS can monitor the tyre inflation
status through the wheel speed
sensors. The system warns the driver if
one or more tyres are flat by switching
on the warning light
on the
instrument panel and a warning
message on the display, along with an
acoustic signal.
If one tyre only is flat, the system can
indicate its position: it is in any case
recommended to check the pressure
on all four tyres.
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the "Reset" procedure is carried out.
"Reset" procedure
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length dependingon the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driven on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the "Reset"
procedure is carried out.
The "Reset" procedure must be carried
out:
❒each time tyre pressure is modified;
❒when even only one tyre is changed;
❒when tyres are rotated/inverted;
❒when the space-saver wheel is fitted.
Before carrying out the "Reset"
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see the "Wheels"
paragraph in the "Technical
specifications" chapter).
If the "Reset" procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the
warning
light may give false indications on
one or more tyres.
To carry out the "Reset" procedure,
with the vehicle stopped and the
ignition device at MAR, use the Setup
Menu as follows:
❒briefly press the
button fig. 65a:
the display will show "Reset";
❒press the
button or the
button to select ("Yes" or "No");
63F0Y0320C
64F0Y0321C
65F0Y0322C
69
❒briefly press thebutton: the
display will show "Confirm";
❒press the
button or the
button to select ("Yes" to "Reset"
or "No" to exit the screen);

❒hold thebutton down again to go
back to the standard screen or to the
main menu according to where you are
in the menu.
Once the "Reset" procedure has been
performed, the display shows a
message indicating that the "self-
learning" procedure has started.
Working conditionsThe system is active for speeds above
15 km/h. In a few situations such as
sporty driving, particular conditions of
the road surface (e.g. icy, snowy,
unsurfaced roads) the signalling may be
delayed, or be partial in the detection
if more tyres are flat simultaneously.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,
fitting the space-saver wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go Automatic" kit, fitting snow
chains, fitting different tyres on the
axles) the system may give false
indications or be temporarily
deactivated.If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a dedicated message. This indication
is displayed also after the engine has
been switched off and then on again if
the correct operating conditions are not
restored.
WARNING
64)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver, who must take into account
the traffic conditions in order to drive
in complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front.
65)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
66)The laser beam is not visible at the
naked eye. Do not look directly, or with
optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the
laser beam from a distance lower than 10
cm: this may cause damage to the sight.
The laser beam is also present when
the key is at MAR but its operation is off,
not available or manually deactivated
with the display Setup Menu.67)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. Small sized
vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)
or people, animals and things (e.g.
pushchairs) and more in general all those
obstacles with a low reflection of the light
emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled
with mud) are not taken into consideration.
68)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench (at a speed within 5 and 30 km/h)
for maintenance interventions or if it is
washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part
(e.g. another car, a wall or another
obstacle), the system may detect its
presence and activate. In this case the
system must be deactivated through the
display Setup Menu.
WARNING
36)The laser sensor may have limited or
absent operation due to weather
conditions such as: heavy rain, hail, thick
fog, heavy snow, formation of ice layers on
the windscreen.
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SAFETY
65F0Y0777Ca

37)Sensor operation may also be
compromised by the presence of dust,
condensation, dirt or ice on the
windscreen, by traffic conditions (e.g.
vehicles that are driving not aligned with
yours, vehicles driving in a transverse
or opposite way on the same lane, bend
with a small radius of curvature), by road
surface conditions and by driving
conditions (e.g. off-road driving). Make sure
the windscreen is always clean. Use
specific detergents and clean cloths to
avoid scratching the windscreen. The
sensor operation may also be limited or
absent in some driving, traffic and road
surface conditions.
38)Projecting loads on the roof of the
vehicle may interfere with the correct
operation of the sensor. Before starting
make sure the load is correctly positioned,
in order not to cover the sensor operating
range.
39)If the windscreen must be replaced
due to scratches, chipping or breakage,
contact exclusively a Fiat Dealership.
Do not replace the windscreen on your
own, risk of malfunction! It is advisable to
replace the windscreen if it is damaged
in the area of the laser sensor.
40)Do not tamper with nor operate on the
laser sensor. Do not close the openings
in the aesthetic cover located under the
interior rear view mirror. In the event of
a sensor failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.
41)If you are driving on roads close to
trees with protruding branches it is
advisable to deactivate the system to
prevent the branches at the height of the
bonnet or the windscreen from interfering
with the system.42)Do not cover the operating range of the
sensor with stickers or other objects. Also
pay attention to other objects on the
bonnet (e.g. a layer of snow) and make
sure they do not interfere with the light
emitted by the laser.
43)If a trailer or a vehicle is towed, the
system must be deactivated with the
display Setup Menu.
44)If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the pressure on all
four tyres.
45)iTPMS does not relieve the driver from
the obligation to check the tyre pressure
every month; it is not to be considered
a system to replace maintenance or a
safety system.
46)The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (for example when a tyre
bursts). In this case, stop the vehicle,
braking with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
47)The iTPMS only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
48)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
49)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary for
whatever reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even
though it is higher than the prescribed
value, but repeat the check when tyres are
cold.OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
The most important safety equipment
of the vehicle comprise the following
protection systems:
❒seat belts;
❒SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
❒head restraints;
❒child restraint systems;
❒front airbags and side bags.
Read the information given the
following pages with the utmost care. It
is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
For the description of the head restraint
adjustment see paragraph "Head
restraints" in chapter "Knowing your
vehicle".
71

WARNING
69)Never press button C fig. 66 when
travelling.
70)Remember that in the event of a violent
impact the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
SBR (Seat Belt
Reminder) SYSTEM
This system consists of a device which,
in conjunction with the
warning
light coming on in the instrument panel
fig. 70 (initially in fixed mode with
continuous acoustic signal and then in
flashing mode with intermittent acoustic
signal), warns the driver and front
passenger that their seat belts have not
been fastened.
To deactivate the acoustic warning
permanently go to a Fiat Dealership.
The acoustic warning can be
reactivated at any time through the
display Setup Menu.
DRIVER
If the driver is the only occupant and
the seat belt is not fastened, when 20
km/h is exceeded or when travelling
at a speed from 10 to 20 km/h for
longer than 5 seconds, an acoustic
signal sequence will be started (front
seats) consisting of a tone for 6
seconds followed by a 90 second
beep. The
warning light will flash.
The warning light will stay on constantly
at the end of the cycle until the engine
is stopped. The acoustic signal will
be interrupted immediately when the
driver's seat belt is fastened and the
warning light will switch off.
The reminder cycle (acoustic and visual)
will be repeated as described above if
the seat belt is unfastened while
travelling.
PASSENGER
A similar solution applies for the
passenger, but the indication is
interrupted when the passenger leaves
the car as well.
If both the front seat belts are
unfastened with car in motion and
within a few seconds one from
the other, the acoustic signal and
activation of the warning light will refer
to the most recent event.70F0Y0116C
73

PRETENSIONERS
71) 72) 73) 74)50)
The vehicle is equipped with front seat
belt pretensioners, which draw back
the seat belts by several centimetres in
the event of a strong frontal impact.
This guarantees the perfect adherence
of the seat belts to the occupant's
bodies before the retention action
begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
been activated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This vehicle is also equipped with a
second pretensioner (fitted in the kick
plate area). Its activation is signalled by
the shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not indicate any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it replaced.IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the torso and pelvis.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase safety in the event of an
accident, the front seat belt retractors
contain a load limiter which controls the
force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining
action in the event of a head-on
collision.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
Respect and ensure that all the other
occupants of the vehicle comply with
the local laws in force regarding the use
of seat belts. Always fasten the seat
belts before setting off.
Seat belts must also be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the event of an accident is reduced for
them and the unborn child if they are
wearing a seat belt.Pregnant women must position the
lower part of the belt very low down so
that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen fig. 71. While pregnancy
increases, the driver must adjust both
seat and steering wheel to have full
control over the vehicle (pedals and
steering wheel should be easily
accessed). The maximum clearance
should be kept between the abdomen
and the steering wheel.
The seat belt must not be twisted. The
upper part must pass over the shoulder
and cross the chest diagonally fig. 72.
The lower part must adhere to the
pelvis, not to the abdomen of the
occupant. Never use devices (clips,
clamps, etc.) that hold the seat belt
away from your body.
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74
SAFETY

88)SEVERE DANGER: when an active
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rearward facing child restraint systems
on the front passenger seat. Deployment of
the airbag in an accident could cause fatal
injuries to the child regardless of the
severity of the impact. Therefore, always
deactivate the passenger side airbag when
a rearward facing child restraint system is
installed on the front passenger seat.
The front passenger seat must also be
positioned back as far as possible in order
to prevent the child restraint system from
coming into contact with the dashboard.
Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed.
89)When an active passenger airbag is
fitted, DO NOT install rear facing child
restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the child
regardless of the severity of the impact.
90)If the
warning light does not switch
on when the key is turned to MAR, or
stays on whilst driving, a fault may have
occurred in the restraint systems. In this
case the airbags or pretensioners may not
deploy in an impact or, in a lower number
of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Before proceeding, contact a
Fiat Dealership immediately to have the
system checked.
91)On some versions if the
warning
light does not switch on, thewarning
light switches on instead, deactivating
the explosive charges of the passenger
airbag.
92)If a side bag is present, do not cover
the front seat backrests with extra covers.93)Do not travel carrying objects in your
lap, in front of your chest or between your
lips (pipe, pencils, etc.). They could cause
severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
94)If the vehicle has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at a Fiat
Dealership.
95)When the ignition key is inserted and
turned to MAR, airbags may be deployed if
another vehicle crashes into yours, even if
the engine is not running and the vehicle
is stationary. Therefore, even if the vehicle
is stationary, when an active front
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rearward facing child restraint systems
on the front passenger seat. Deployment of
the airbag following an impact could cause
fatal injuries to the child. Therefore, always
deactivate the passenger side airbag
when a rearward facing child restraint
system is installed on the front passenger
seat. The front passenger seat must also
be positioned back as far as possible in
order to prevent the child restraint system
from coming into contact with the
dashboard. Immediately reactivate the
passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed. Also
remember that, if the key is turned to
STOP, none of the safety devices (airbags
or pretensioners) will be deployed in the
event of collision. Non-deployment in such
cases does not indicate a system
malfunction.96)The
LED indicates the passenger
side airbag protection status. If the LED is
off, passenger side protection is active:
to deactivate it, use the Setup Menu (in this
case the LED lights up). When the engine
is started (ignition key turned to MAR
position), the LED turns on for about 8
seconds, provided that at least 5 seconds
have elapsed from when it was switched
off. If not, contact a Fiat Dealership. If
the engine is switched off/on again in less
than 5 seconds the LED may remain off.
In this case, to check correct LED
operation, switch the engine off, wait for at
least 5 seconds and switch the engine
on again. The LED may light up with
various intensity levels depending on the
vehicle conditions. The intensity may also
vary during the same key cycle.
97)The airbag deployment threshold is
higher than that of the pretensioners. When
the impact is between the two deployment
thresholds, it is normal that pretensioners
only are engaged.
98)The airbag does not replace seat belts,
but increases their efficiency. Because
front airbags are not deployed for
low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are
protected, in addition to any side bags,
only by their seat belts, which must
therefore always be fastened.
91

STARTING THE
ENGINE
99) 100)51) 52) 53) 54) 55)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors,
the door mirrors and fasten the seat
belt correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
GEARBOX
Petrol versions
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral.For 0.9 TwinAir
Turbo 105 HP versionsengage the
handbrake and place the gear lever
in neutral or fully press the clutch pedal
if a gear other than neutral is engaged;
❒for all versions (except 0.9
TwinAir Turbo 105 HP)fully depress
the clutch pedal, without pressing
the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
Diesel versions
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake, put the gear
lever into neutral and turn the ignition
key to MAR: the warning lights
andon the instrument panel
will turn on;
❒wait for the warning lights
and
to turn off and then fully depress
the clutch pedal without pressing the
accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV as soon
as warning light
switches off.
Release the ignition key as soon as the
engine starts.
IMPORTANT If the engine does not
start at the first attempt, return the
ignition key to STOP before repeating
the procedure. If, with the ignition
key at MAR, the warning lights
and
(only for petrol versions) stay on
in the instrument panel, the ignition key
must be brought back to STOP and
then to MAR again. If the
warning
light stays on, retry with the other
keys provided. Contact a Fiat
Dealership if you still cannot start the
engine.
VERSIONS WITH
DUALOGIC GEARBOX
101)Engine starting is allowed both with a
gear engaged and with the gearbox
in neutral (N).
However, the brake pedal must always
be pressed first if neutral is not
engaged. It is therefore advisable to
place the gear lever in neutral (N) before
starting the engine.
LPG AND NATURAL
POWER VERSIONS
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the mode previously
selected.
There must therefore always be an
adequate reserve of petrol in the tank to
protect the petrol pump and to
guarantee temporary switching from
methane or LPG to petrol operation, if
high performance is required.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
before turning the engine off you should
allow it to idle to allow the temperature
in the engine compartment to
decrease.
93

WARNING
99)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine burns oxygen
and releases carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
100)Remember that the brake servo and
power steering are not operational until the
engine has been started, therefore you
need to apply much more force than usual
to the brake pedal and steering wheel.
101)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the gearbox is
automatically placed in neutral will be
signalled by an acoustic signal.
WARNING
51)Warning lightflashing for 60
seconds after starting or during prolonged
cranking of the engine indicates a fault
with the glow plug heating system. You
can use the vehicle as usual if the engine
starts but you should contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
52)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively intense braking,
etc.) when it is first used.
53)When the engine is off, do not leave
the key turned to MAR to prevent
unnecessary electrical consumption from
draining the battery.54)Never jump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
These actions could cause the fuel to flow
into the catalytic converter and damage
it beyond repair.
55)Revving up before stopping the engine
is useless, it causes unnecessary fuel
consumption and can damage the engine,
in particular engines equipped with
turbocharger.
HANDBRAKE
102) 103)
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Handbrake engagement: pull lever A
fig. 89 upwards until the vehicle is
braked. Four or five clicks are generally
enough when the car is on level
ground, while ten or eleven may be
required if the car is on a steep slope
and laden. If this is not the case,
contact a Fiat Dealership for
adjustment.
Handbrake disengagement: slightly
raise lever A and hold button B pressed
checking that the
warning light
switches off in the instrument panel.
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94
STARTING AND DRIVING