2017 FIAT 500L climate control

Automatic Climate Control Overview
Automatic Climate Control Descriptions
IconDescription
A/C Button
Push and release to change the current setting, the indicator illuminates when A/C is ON.
Performing this function again will cause the A/C operation to switch into manual mode
and the A/C indicator will turn off.
Automatic Climate Controls
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199

IconDescription
Recirculation Button
Push and release this button to change the system between recirculation mode and outside
air mode. Recirculation can be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust,
or high humidity are present.
NOTE:
•Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make the inside air stuffy and window
fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
•The use of the Recirculation mode in cold or damp weather could cause windows to fog
on the inside, because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Select the outside air posi-
tion for maximum defogging.
•Recirculation can be used in all modes except for Defrost.
•The A/C can be deselected manually without disturbing the mode control selection.
AUTO Button — If Equipped
Automatically controls the interior cabin temperature by adjusting airflow distribution and
amount. Performing this function will cause the system to switch between manual mode
and automatic modes. Refer to “Automatic Operation” for more information.
Front Defrost Button
Push and release to change the current airflow setting to Defrost mode. The indicator illu-
minates when this feature is ON. Air comes from the windshield and side window demist
outlets. When the defrost button is selected, the blower level will increase. Use Defrost
mode with maximum temperature settings for best windshield and side window defrosting
and defogging. Performing this function will cause the ATC to switch into manual mode. If
the front defrost mode is turned off the climate system will return the previous setting.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

IconDescription
Rear Defrost Button
Push and release the Rear Defrost Control button to turn ON the rear window defroster
and the heated outside mirrors (if equipped). An indicator will illuminate when the rear
window defroster is ON. The rear window defroster automatically turns OFF after 10 min-
utes.
Passenger Temperature Knob
Provides the passenger with independent temperature control. Rotate the knob clockwise
for warmer temperature settings. Rotate the knob counterclockwise for cooler temperature
settings. When the SYNC feature is active, the passenger ’s temperature will move up with
the driver ’s temperature, when it is increased.
Blower Control Knob
Blower Control is used to regulate the amount of air forced through the climate system.
There are seven blower speeds available. The speeds can be selected using the blower con-
trol knob on the faceplate. The blower speed increases as you turn the blower control knob
clockwise from the lowest blower setting. The blower speed decreases as you turn the
blower control knob counterclockwise.
Panel Mode
Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel. Each of these outlets can be individu-
ally adjusted to direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets and outboard out-
lets can be moved up and down or side to side to regulate airflow direction. There is a
shut off wheel located below the air vanes to shut off or adjust the amount of airflow from
these outlets.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

IconDescription
Bi-Level Mode
Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from the instrument panel outlets and floor outlets. A slight amount of air is
directed through the defrost and side window demister outlets.
NOTE: BI-LEVEL mode is designed under comfort conditions to provide cooler air out of
the panel outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed through the defrost and
side window demister outlets.
Mix Mode
Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demister outlets. This setting
works best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This set-
ting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Climate Control Power Button
Push and release this button to turn the Climate Control ON/OFF.
Driver Temperature Knob
Provides the driver with independent temperature control. Rotate the knob clockwise for
warmer temperature settings. Rotate the knob counterclockwise for cooler temperature set-
tings. When the SYNC feature is active, the driver ’s temperature will move down with the
passenger ’s temperature, when it is decreased.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage
to the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping paral-
lel to the heating elements. Labels can be peeled
off after soaking with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of
the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator
to manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning
system. When the air conditioning system is turned on,
cool dehumidified air will flow through the outlets into
the cabin. For improved fuel economy, push the A/C
button to turn off the air conditioning and manually
adjust the blower and airflow mode settings. Also,
make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level or Floor modes. NOTE:
•
If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed if
needed.
• If your air conditioning performance seems lower
than expected, check the front of the A/C condenser
(located in front of the radiator), for an accumulation
of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from the front of the radiator and through the
condenser.
Recirculation
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or high hu-
midity, or if rapid cooling is desired, you may wish to
recirculate interior air by pushing the Recirculation
control button. The recirculation indicator will illumi-
nate when this button is selected. Push the button a
second time to turn off the Recirculation mode and
allow outside air into the vehicle.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203

NOTE:In cold weather, use of recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation
feature may be unavailable (button on the touchscreen
greyed out) if conditions exist that could create fogging
on the inside of the windshield. On systems with
Manual Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window clearing
operation. Recirculation will be disabled automatically
if this mode is selected. Attempting to use Recirculation
while in this mode will cause the LED in the control
button to blink and then turn off.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
Automatic Operation
1. Push the AUTO button on the faceplate, or the AUTO
button on the touchscreen on the Automatic Tem-
perature Control (ATC) Panel.
2.
Next, adjust the temperature you would like the
system to maintain by adjusting the driver and pas-
senger temperature control buttons. Once the desired
temperature is displayed, the system will achieve and
automatically maintain that comfort level.
3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is not necessary to change the settings. You will
experience the greatest efficiency by simply allowing
the system to function automatically.
NOTE:
• It is not necessary to move the temperature settings
for cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically
adjusts the temperature, mode, and blower speed to
provide comfort as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/Metric customer-
programmable feature.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Auto-
matic mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan will
remain on low until the engine warms up. The blower
will increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual over-
ride features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC
display will be turned off when the system is being
used in the manual mode.
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:The system will not automatically sense the
presence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. DE-
FROST mode must be manually selected to clear the
windshield and side glass.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is func-
tioning properly and the proper amount, type, and
concentration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended because it
may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air
with the blower setting on high. This will ensure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C
for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow,
and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service
your A/C air filter, and to have it replaced when needed.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205

vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
also flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and
the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off or full off.ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has two available operating modes.
Full On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever
the vehicle is started the system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for most driving situations.
ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off” for specific
reasons as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” for additional
information.
Partial Off
The “ESC OFF” button is located in the switch bank
above the climate control. To enter the “Partial Off”
mode, momentarily push the “ESC OFF” button and the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will il-
luminate. To turn the ESC on again, momentarily push
the “ESC OFF” button and the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” will turn off. This will
restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
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