2018 FIAT 500 check engine

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
194
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger 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.
•Do not wash the seats with water or pressurised steam
(wash by hand or at automatic seat washing stations).
• The front airbag is designed to be deployed for impacts of a
greater intensity than for the pretensioners. For impacts whose
intensity falls between the two levels, normally, only the
pretensioners will be activated.
•Do not affix rigid objects to the garment hooks or support
handles.
•The airbag does not replace seat belts but increases their
efficiency. Furthermore, since front airbags are not deployed in
low-speed frontal impacts, side impacts, rear shunts or roll-
overs, the passengers are protected only by the seat belts
which must therefore be fastened at all times.
•In some versions, in case of a LED
“fault (located on the
plate of the instrument panel), the warning light ¬on the
instrument panel turns on and the passenger side airbags are
deactivated. •Malfunction of the
¬warning light is indicated by the activation
of an airbag fault symbol and a dedicated message on the
instrument panel display (or, for versions where provided, by the
activation of a blinking generic fault warning light).
In this case, the warning light
¬may not indicate failures in the
retaining systems. Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have
the system checked.
•The
“warning light indicates the passenger side airbag
protection status. If the warning light is off, passenger side
protection is active: to deactivate it, use the Setup Menu (in this
case the LED lights up). When the vehicle is started (ignition key
turned to MAR position), the warning light 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
warning light may remain off. In this case, to check correct
warning light operation, switch the engine off, wait for at least 5
seconds and switch the engine on again. The warning light may
light up with various intensity levels depending on the vehicle
conditions. The intensity may also vary during the same key
cycle.
•When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
“warning light
switches for few seconds, then if the passenger airbag protection
is active it should switch off.
26) STARTING THE ENGINE
•It is dangerous to run the engine in enclosed areas. The engine
takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
and other toxic gases.
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PERSONAL SAFETY
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195
•Remember that the servo-brake and power steering are not
operational until the engine has been started, therefore much
effort than usual is required on the brake pedal and steering
wheel.
•For vehicles featuring a Dualogic gearbox, if the engine is not
started with a gear engaged, a warning is sounded to notify
the driver of the potential danger due to the gear being
automatically put into neutral.
•This starting procedure must be performed by expert
personnel because incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity. Furthermore, battery fluid
is poisonous and corrosive: avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lighted cigarettes away from the
battery and do not cause sparks.
•Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings, watches, bracelets),
that might cause an accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
•Do not attempt to charge a frozen battery: it must be thawed
first, otherwise it may explode.
If freezing has occurred, the battery should be checked by
skilled personnel to make sure that the internal elements are
not damaged and that the body is not cracked, with the risk of
leaking poisonous and corrosive acid.
27) HANDBRAKE
• The car should be braked after a few clicks of the lever, if it is
not, contact a Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.
• Never leave children in the unattended car. Always remove
the ignition key when leaving the car and take it out with you. • In the case of parking manoeuvres on roads on a gradient, the
front wheels must be steered towards the pavement
(when parking downhill), or in the opposite direction if the vehicle
is parked uphill. Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the
car is parked on a steep slope.
28) USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears correctly. It is
therefore essential that there is nothing under the pedals: make
sure the mats are lying flat and do not get in the way of the pedals.
29) TOWING TRAILERS
•The ABS with which the car is equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer. Particular caution is required on
slippery roads.
•Do not, under any circumstances, modify the vehicle braking
system to control the trailer breaking system.
The towing braking system must be completely independent of the
vehicle’s hydraulic system.
30) SNOW TYRES
The maximum speed for snow tyres marked
“Q” is 160 km/h, while it is 190 km/h for “T” tyres and 210 km/h for
“H” tyres.
The highway code speed limits must however always be complied
with.
31) WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
•If the warning light
xturns on when travelling (on certain
versions together with the message on the display) stop the car
immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
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PERSONAL SAFETY
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
196
The engine can be stopped even if the DPF warning light is on:
however, repeated interruptions of the regeneration process could
cause premature deterioration of the engine oil.
For this reason, always wait until the warning light switches off
before stopping the engine as described above. Do not complete
the DPF regeneration process when the vehicle is stopped.
•Water in the fuel circuit may severely damage the injection
system and cause irregular engine operation. If the warning light
or the symbol
Eturns on (together with a message on the display
for some versions), contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible
to have the system bled. If the above indication occurs
immediately after refuelling, water may have entered the tank: turn
the engine off immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
• If the system signals a pressure decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the pressure on all four tyres. The 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. 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.
• 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.
The system only warns that the tyre pressure is low: it is not able
to inflate them. Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration and may affect the
capacity to drive safely.
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PERSONAL SAFETY
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•If when turning the key to MAR the warning light ¬does not
turn on or if it stays on when travelling there could be a failure in
safety systems;
in this event airbags or pretensioners may not be deployed in
case of impact or, in a minor number of cases, they may be
deployed accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to
have the system checked.
•A fault to the
¬warning light is indicated, according to the
version, by the ¬symbol appearing on the display or by the èwarning light blinking. In this case, warning light ¬may not
indicate failures in the retaining systems. Before continuing,
contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system
checked.
•The blinking
èwarning light on indicates possible ¬warning light faults. In this case, warning light ¬may not
indicate failures in the retaining systems. Contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
•If the warning light
vturns on when the car is travelling
(on certain versions together with the message on the display),
stop the car immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
•If the
vwarning light (or v, for versions/markets, where
provided) switches on, the degraded engine oil must be changed
as soon as possible, and never more than 500 km from the first
time that the warning light switches on. Failure to observe the
above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate
the warranty. The activation of this warning light is not related to
the amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil
when the warning light starts flashing.
•The driving speed must always be suitable for traffic and
weather conditions and the driver must always comply with the
Highway Code.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
198
PERSONAL SAFETY
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Do not use the jack for loads higher than the one shown on its
label. Never start the engine with vehicle raised. If the vehicle is
raised more than necessary, everything can become more
unstable, with the risk of the vehicle dropping violently.
Thus, lift the vehicle only as needed in order to access the
spare tyre.
33) FIX&GO QUICK TYRE REPAIR KIT
•The information required by the applicable regulation is
indicated on the Fix&Go kit package label. Carefully read the
label on the cartridge before use, avoid improper use. The kit
should be used by adults and cannot be used by children.
IMPORTANT: Do not exceed 80 km/h. Avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. The kit provides a temporary repair,
therefore the tyre must be examined and repaired by a
specialist as soon as possible. Before using the kit, ensure that
the tyre is not excessively damaged and that the rim is in good
condition, otherwise do not use it and call roadside assistance.
Do not remove foreign bodies from the tyre. Do not let the
compressor turned on for more than 20 consecutive minutes -
overheating hazard.
34) CHANGING A BULB
•Modifications or repairs to the electric system that are not
carried out properly or do not take the system technical
specifications into account can cause malfunctions leading to
the risk of fire.
•Halogen bulbs contain pressurised gas, in the case of
breakage they may burst causing glass fragments to be
projected outwards.
•Due to the high power supply voltage, gas discharge bulbs
(Xenon) should only be replaced by specialised personnel:
danger of death! Contact a Fiat Dealership.35) REPLACING FUSES
•If the replaced fuse blows again, contact a Fiat Dealership.
•Never replace a fuse with metal wires or anything else.
•Never replace a fuse with another with a higher amp rating; RISK
OF FIRE.
•If a general fuse (MEGA-FUSE, MIDI-FUSE,
MAXI-FUSE) blows contact a Fiat Dealership.
•Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition key has
been removed and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
•Contact Fiat Dealership if a safety system (airbags, brakes),
engine system
(engine, gearbox) or steering system general protection fuse
blows.
36) BATTERY RECHARGING
•Battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive:
avoid contact with your skin and eyes. The battery should be
charged in a well ventilated place, away from naked flames or
possible sources of sparks: danger of explosion and fire.
•Do not attempt to charge a frozen battery: it must be thawed
first, otherwise it may explode.
If freezing has occurred, the battery should be checked by skilled
personnel to make sure that the internal elements are not
damaged and that the body is not cracked, with the risk of leaking
poisonous and corrosive acid.
37) TOWING THE CAR
•Before tightening the ring clean the threaded housing thoroughly.
Make sure that the ring is fully fastened in the housing before
towing the car.
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199(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
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• The electronic Cruise Control can be dangerous if the system is
unable to maintain a constant speed. In specific conditions speed
may be excessive, resulting in the risk of losing control of the
vehicle and causing accidents. Do not use the device in heavy
traffic or on winding, icy, snowy or slippery roads.
39) SERVICING - CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
•Never smoke while working in the engine compartment: gas
and inflammable vapours may be present, with the risk of fire.
•Be very careful when working in the engine compartment when
the engine is hot: you may get burned. Remember that when the
engine is hot, the fan may operate: danger of injury. Scarves, ties
and other loose clothing might be pulled by moving parts.
•The cooling system is pressurised. If necessary, only replace
the plug with another original or the operation of the system may
be adversely affected. Do not remove the reservoir plug when the
engine is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
•Do not travel with the windscreen washer fluid reservoir empty:
the windscreen washer is essential for improving visibility.
•Some commercial windscreen washer additives are flammable.
The engine compartment contains hot components which may
set it on fire.
•Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive. In the event of
accidental contact, immediately wash the affected parts with
water and mild soap. Then rinse thoroughly. Call a doctor
immediately if swallowed.
•Symbol
πon the contain indicates a synthetic brake fluid,
which is different from a mineral fluid.
Use of a mineral type fluid will damage the special rubber seals of
the braking system beyond repair.
•Battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive. Avoid contact with skin
and eyes. Keep naked flames and sources of sparks away from
the battery: risk of explosion and fire. •Before towing, turn the ignition key to MAR and then to STOP
without removing it. The steering column will automatically lock
when the key is removed and the wheels cannot be steered.
•When towing, remember that without the help of the brake
servo and electric power steering, a greater effort is required on
the pedal and steering wheel.
•Do not use flexible cables when towing and avoid jerky
movements.
•During towing, make sure that the trailer hitch does not
damage any components it is touching.
•When towing the vehicle, you must comply with all specific
traffic regulations, both in terms of the towing device and
behaviour on the road.
•Do not start the engine while towing the car.
•The (front/rear) tow hook must be used exclusively for
roadside assistance operations.
You are allowed to tow the vehicle for short distances using an
appropriate device in accordance with the highway code (a rigid
bar), to move the vehicle on the road in readiness for towing or
transport via a breakdown vehicle.
The tow hook MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles off the road
or where there are obstacles and/or for towing operations using
cables or other non-rigid devices. In compliance with the above
conditions, towing must take place with the two vehicles (one
towing, the other towed) aligned as much as possible along the
same centre line.
38) ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL
•Never move the shift lever to neutral when driving with the
device active.
• In the event of device malfunction or failure, contact a Fiat
Dealership.

203
•Never use alcohol, petrol, chemical products, detergents,
stain removers, wax, solvents and “wash and polish” products.
•Rinse immediate to remove soap to prevent stains. Repeat
the operation if needed.
•Rinse immediately, and repeat this operation if necessary.
If you choose to waterproof the soft top, strictly follow the
instructions on the package of the waterproofing product you
have selected in order to obtain optimal results.
•The rubber seals on the soft top must be cleaned exclusively
with water. If you notice that this trim is dry or is sticking, apply
talcum powder or products specifically for rubber trim (silicone
spray).
7) ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
The use of transversal bars on longitudinal ones prevents the
use of the sunroof, because the latter, while opening, interferes
with the bars. Therefore do not move the sunroof if transversal
bars have been fitted.
8) EOBD SYSTEM
If, when the ignition key is turned to the MAR position, the
Uwarning light either does not come on or, when driving, it
comes on constantly or flashing (along with a message in the
display, for versions/markets, where provided) contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible. The operation of the
Uwarning light may be checked by traffic police using appropriate
equipment. Comply with the laws and regulations of the country
where you are driving.
9) DOORS
Make sure to take the key with you once a door or the tailgate
is locked, to prevent locking the same key inside the vehicle.
If the key has been locked in, it can only be recovered using
the second provided key.10) MULTIMEDIA
• Only clean the front panel and the display lens with a soft,
clean, dry, anti-static cloth.
Cleaning and polishing products may damage the surface. Never
use alcohol, petrols and derivatives.
• Do not use the display as a base for supports with suction pads
or adhesives for external navigators or smartphones or similar
devices
11) REFUELLING YOUR DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLE
Vehicles with a diesel engine must only be filled with diesel fuel for
motor vehicles, in compliance with European Standard EN 590.
The use of other products or mixtures may damage the engine
beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to
the damage caused. If you accidentally introduce other types of
fuel into the tank, do not start the engine. Empty the tank. If the
engine has been run for even an extremely limited amount of time,
you must not only drain the fuel tank, but the rest of the supply
circuit as well.
12) SEAT BELTS - PRETENSIONERS
Operations which lead to impacts, vibrations or localised heating
(over 100°C for a maximum of six hours) in the area around the
pretensioner may damage or deploy it. Contact a Fiat Dealership
should intervention be necessary on these components.
13) STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE
• It is advisable not to demand maximum performance from your
car (e.g. excessive accelerations, long distances at top rpm,
excessive intense braking, etc.) as soon as the engine is started.
• When the engine is switched off never leave the key turned to
MAR to prevent useless current absorption from draining the
battery.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
204(CONTINUES)
• Warning light mwill blink for 60 seconds after starting or
during prolonged cranking to indicate a fault to the glow plug
heating system.
Use the car normally if the engine starts and go to a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
• Never bump start the engine by pushing, towing or coasting
downhill. This could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
• Never use a fast battery-charger to start the engine as this could
damage the electronic systems of your vehicle, particularly the
ignition and engine fuel supply control units.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative terminal (–) of the flat
battery. The following spark could lead to battery explosion and
cause serious harm.
Only use the specific earth point; do not use
any other exposed metallic part.
• A quick burst on the accelerator before turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to turbocharged engines.
14) USING THE GEARBOX: MANUAL AND DUALOGIC
• Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear lever as the
force exerted, even if slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
• If the gearbox is faulty, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible to have the system checked.
• Avoid keeping your hand placed on this lever in between
gear changes or Auto/Manual mode.
• Using the paddles incorrectly (paddles pushed towards the
dashboard) could break them.• In order to safeguard the efficiency of the clutch, do not use the
accelerator to keep the car still (for example:
stopped on a hill); the clutch could overheat and be damaged;
use the brake pedal and only operate the accelerator pedal when
you decide to set off.
• If the messages continue to be shown in the display, contact a
Fiat Dealership.
15) SNOW CHAINS
• Keep the vehicle’s speed down when snow chains are fitted;
never exceed 50 km/h.
• With snow chains, use the accelerator with extreme care to
prevent, or to limit as much as possible, slipping of the drive
wheels that could cause chain breakage, resulting in damage to
the car body or mechanical components.
• Avoid potholes, steps and pavements and avoid driving long
distances on roads not covered with snow to avoid damaging the
car and the roadbed.
16) POWER SOCKET
Only accessories with a maximum power of 180 W (maximum
absorption 15 A)
can be connected to the socket.
17) DIESEL FILTER
The presence of water in the supply circuit may cause severe
damage to the injection system and irregular engine operation.
If the warning light or the symbol
Eon the colour display turns
on, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the
system bled.
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205
VEHICLE SAFETY
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If the above indication occurs immediately after refuelling,
water may have entered the tank: turn the engine off
immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
19) BULBS AND FUSES
• Halogen bulbs must be handled holding the metallic part
only. Touching the transparent part of the bulb with your
fingers may reduce the intensity of the emitted light and even
compromise duration of the lamp. In the event of accidental
contact, wipe the bulb with a cloth moistened with alcohol and
let the bulb dry.
• Where possible, it is advisable to have bulbs changed at a
Fiat Dealership.
The correct operation and direction of the external lights are
absolutely essential for the safety of the car and of compliance
with the law.
• The intervention must be carried out taking all precautions
necessary to avoid damaging the bodywork (use a sufficiently
rigid and appropriately thick plastic card).
• If you need to wash the engine compartment, take care not
to directly hit the engine compartment fuse box
with the water jet.
20) LIFTING THE CAR
For versions equipped with side-skirts, pay particular attention
when positioning the lift arms at the workshop.
21) SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN
• Petrol versions: If the vehicle is used mainly around town or
is driven less than 10,000 km annually, the engine oil and
engine oil filter must be changed every 12 months. • Diesel versions: If the car is used mainly for town driving, the
engine oil and filter should be changed every 12 months.
22) SERVICING: CHECKING LEVELS
• When topping up, take care not to mix up the various types of
fluids: they are not compatible with each other and could
seriously damage the car.
• Do not add oil with specifications other than those
of the oil already existing in the engine.
• The use of products with specifications other than those
indicated above could cause damage to the engine not covered
by the warranty.
• Prevent brake fluid, which is highly corrosive, from coming into
contact with painted parts while checking.
Should it happen, immediately wash with water.
23) PARAFLU
UP
PARAFLUUPanti-freeze is used in the engine cooling system.
Use the same fluid as in the cooling system when topping up.
PARAFLU
UPcannot be mixed with any other type of fluid.
If this occurs, do not start the engine and contact your Fiat
Dealership immediately.
24) BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Incorrect installation of electric and electronic devices may cause
severe damage to your car. After purchasing your vehicle, if you
wish to install any accessories (anti-theft, etc.), go to a Fiat
Dealership, which will suggest the most suitable devices and
advise you whether a higher capacity battery needs to be
installed.