2017 FIAT 500L towing

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never ex-
ceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount
of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there
will be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is
295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
•
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The follow-
ing table shows examples on how to calculate total
load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations and num-
ber and size of occupants. This table is for illustration
purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating
and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 247

CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank
is being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and may cause the “Malfunction In-
dicator Light” to turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the
ground while filling.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
Emergency Fuel Filling Procedure
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STARTING AND OPERATING 271

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

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ..........274
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ..........274
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .....................275
▫ Torque Specifications ..................275
 TIRE SERVICE KIT .....................277
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING — IF
EQUIPPED ..........................280
▫ Jack Location .......................280
▫ Spare Tire Removal ...................281
▫ Preparations For Jacking ...............281
▫ Jacking Instructions ..................282
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ...................285 
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE ...........286
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start .............286
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ...............287
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............289
 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE ............290
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ..........292
 IGNITION KEY REMOVAL OVERRIDE ......293
 CAP-LESS FUEL FILL FUNNEL ...........294
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ............................ .294
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ..........295
6

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

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and transmis-
sion control systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent perfor-
mance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)”. It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emis-
sions tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emis-
sions controls. Authorized service technicians may need
to access this information to assist with the diagnosis
and service of your vehicle and emissions system.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
condition. In the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine misfire or other
apparent loss of performance, have your vehicle
serviced promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause the
converter to overheat, resulting in possible dam-
age to the converter and vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is
important to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifi-
cations, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing
the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313