2017 FIAT 500L automatic transmission

NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Apply the parking brake
and shift 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)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading con-
ditions, in hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head
winds), use the AutoStick shift control (refer to
AutoStick in this section for further information) to
select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance and extend trans-
mission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the transmission controller will expand the
range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is
done to prevent transmission damage due to overheat-
ing.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 225

can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driv-
ing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position
(beside the Drive position), it can be moved forward
and rearward. This allows the driver to manually select
the transmission gear being used. Moving the gear
selector forward (-) triggers a downshift, and rearward
(+) an upshift. The current gear is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
NOTE:In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only
shift up or down when the driver moves the gear
selector rearward (+) or forward (-), except as described
below.
• The transmission will automatically upshift when
necessary to prevent engine over-speed.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear. •
The transmission will automatically downshift to
first gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the
driver should manually upshift (+) the transmission
as the vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out (from a stop) in first, second, or
third gear. Starting out in second or third gear can be
helpful in snow or icy conditions. To select second or
third gear after the vehicle is brought to a stop, tap
the gear selector rearward (+) once or twice.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low
of a vehicle speed.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is en-
gaged because the transmission will not shift auto-
matically.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector
to the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 227

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE: When towing your vehicle, always follow ap-
plicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and
provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer
provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
This vehicle may also be towed using a tow dolly (with
the front wheels OFF the ground).
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result. If these vehicles require towing, make
sure all drive wheels are OFF the ground.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
NOTE:This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition WheelsOFF The Ground AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow RearNOT ALLOWED
Front OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to pre-
vent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and
other equipment designed for this purpose, following
equipment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety
chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing
device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
regarding vehicles under tow must be observed.
CAUTION!
• Do not use sling-type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defroster, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON/RUN
position.
• Vehicle can be towed with the front wheels elevated.
• Vehicle can be towed on a flatbed truck (all wheels off
the ground).
292 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If the ignition key is unavailable, or the battery is
discharged, refer to “Gear Selector Override” in this
section for instructions on shifting the transmission out
of PARK in order to move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result. If these vehicles require towing, make
sure all drive wheels are OFF the ground.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
IGNITION KEY REMOVAL OVERRIDE
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF (key removal) position. To remove the key manu-
ally, proceed as follows:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake 2. Remove the Allen Key located in the rear cargo area,
in the tool bag (if equipped) or on the left side in the
cargo box.
3. Unlock the steering column, pull the tilt/telescoping control handle down.
4. Pull the steering wheel outward until it is in the end of the travel position, then lock the steering column
in position, push the control handle up until fully
engaged.
5. Using the Allen key, undo the lower steering column cover screws, and remove the lower cover.
Lower Steering Column Screw Locations
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 293

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO . . .299

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .300
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity .......................300
 REPLACEMENT PARTS .................301
 DEALER SERVICE ....................301
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ..........302
▫ Engine Oil ........................ .302
▫ Engine Oil Filter .....................304
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...............304
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ..............305
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............306
▫ Body Lubrication ....................309
▫ Wiper Blades .......................309 ▫
Adding Washer Fluid .................312
▫ Exhaust System .....................312
▫ Cooling System .....................314
▫ Brake System .......................318
▫ Automatic Transmission ...............320
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ..........................321
 FUSES ............................ .327
▫ Underhood Fuses ....................328
▫ Interior Fuses .......................330
▫ Rear Interior Fuses ...................333
 VEHICLE STORAGE ...................334
 REPLACEMENT BULBS ................334
 BULB REPLACEMENT .................336
7

Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life.
Use only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts”
in this section for fluid specifications. It is important to
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level
using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transmission; only the approved
lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque con-
verter shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid
additives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission com-
ponents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer
can check your transmission fluid level using special
service tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit your authorized dealer immediately
to have the transmission fluid level checked. Operating
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only MOPAR AW-1 Automatic Transmission Fluid
or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect
the function or performance of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 4. If DOT 4 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 3 is acceptable.
If using DOT 4 brake fluid, the fluid must be changed
every 24 months. This interval is time based only,
mileage intervals do not apply.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE