2018 FIAT 500 warning lights

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: Only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in compliance with the European
specification EN228. Do not use petrol containing methanol or ethanol E85. Using these mixtures may cause misfiring and driving
issues, as well as damage fundamental components of the supply system.
Diesel engines: refuel only with Diesel fuel motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of other
products or mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
For further details on the use of the correct fuel see the “Refuelling the vehicle” paragraph in the “Starting and driving” chapter.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Versions with manual gearbox (petrol engines): make sure that the handbrake is engaged, put the gear in neutral, fully
depress the clutch without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has
started.
Versions with manual gearbox (diesel engines): make sure that the handbrake is engaged, put the gear in neutral, fully
depress the clutch pedal without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the
mwarning
lights to switch off. Turn the ignition key to AVV and finally release it as soon as the engine starts.
Versions with automatic transmission: make sure that the handbrake is engaged and that the gear lever is in P (Parking) or N
(Neutral), fully depress the brake pedal, then turn the ignition key to AVV.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or
other flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help
protect the environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the vehicle, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact a Fiat
Dealership. They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the electric system of the vehicle can support the
required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental
friendliness and low running costs for a long time to come.
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INSTRUMENT PANEL
VERSIONS WITH MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY
A speedometer
B rev counter (diesel version shave
a full-scale of 6
RPMX1000)
C display with digital fuel level and engine
coolant temperature indicators
Warning lights
mtEare only
provided on diesel versions.
Warning light supplied on Dualogic
versions only.
DVDF0S0222c2

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WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES 31)
IMPORTANT NOTES
IMPORTANT Warning lights are accompanied by a specific message and/or sound when
applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases.
Always refer to the information in this section in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures.
Serious faults are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning “cycle”.
Less serious faults are indicated by a warning “cycle” with a shorter duration. The display cycle of both categories can be
interrupted by pressing the MENU button. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause of the
malfunction is eliminated.
–
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE – ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level, possibly due to a
leak in the circuit. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is engaged.
On certain versions, if the car is moving the acoustic warning will also sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when travelling, make sure that the handbrake is not engaged.
AIRBAG FAULT
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a fault in the airbag system.
On some versions the display shows the associated message.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR
12
HOT ENGINE COOLANT
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light or symbol on the display lights up when the engine is overheated, on some versions, together with a
dedicated message on the display.
❒ In normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and check that the fluid level in the reservoir is not
below the MIN mark. In this case, wait for the engine to cool down, then slowly and carefully open the cap, top up with
coolant and check that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any
fluid leaks. Should the warning light turn on again at the next start-up, contact a Fiat Dealership.
❒ if the vehicle is used under demanding conditions (e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow down and, if the
light stays on, stop the car. Stop for two or three minutes with the engine running and slightly accelerated to facilitate
better coolant circulation, then turn the engine off. Check that the coolant level is correct as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine running and slightly accelerated for a few minutes
before turning it off.
On certain versions the dedicated message is displayed.uu
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“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAULT
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may not have steering
assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
If the warning light switches on while driving (on some versions, together with a dedicated message on the display) you may
not have steering assistance. Although it will still be possible to steer the vehicle, the effort needed to operate the steering
wheel could be increased: contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the warning light on
the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in motion), stop the engine for about
20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light stays on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches on to indicate
this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to the other or drive in a straight
line for about a hundred metres.

KNOWING YOUR CAR
14
R
S
DOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN (colour display)
The symbols appear on the display, together with a dedicated message, on some versions, when one or more doors, the
tailgate or the bonnet
(for versions/markets, where provided) are not properly closed.
An acoustic signal is also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
R
S
“DUALOGIC” GEARBOX FAULT (for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light comes on flashing, along with a dedicated message on the display and an acoustic signal, to indicate a
gearbox fault.
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED
The warning light switches on constantly with the vehicle stationary and the driver’s side or passenger side seat belt
(when the passenger is present) not fastened.
The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if the car is in motion and the front seat belts are not correctly fastened.
For permanent deactivation of the acoustic signal (buzzer) of the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system contact
a Fiat Dealership. The system can be reactivated at any time using the Setup Menu.
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EBD FAULT (Multifunction display)
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD system or that
the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking
sharply.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to a Fiat Dealership to have the system inspected.
x
>x
>

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EBD FAULT (colour display)
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD system or that
the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking
sharply.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to a Fiat Dealership to have the system inspected.
x
>x
>
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED (Colour display – for versions/markets, where provided)
The symbol is shown on the display, together with a dedicated message and an acoustic signal, when the vehicle exceeds
the speed limit set in the Setup Menu (e.g. 120 km/h).
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PASSENGER AIRBAG/SIDE BAGS DEACTIVATED
The warning light indicates the passenger’s airbag protection status. If the warning light is off, passenger’s airbag 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 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.
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ASR SYSTEM DISCONNECTED (Colour display)
The symbol lights up on the colour display together with a dedicated message when the ASR system is deactivated by
pressing the ASR-OFF button on the dashboard. The LED in the button will light up at the same time.
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ABS FAULT
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the system is inefficient or not
available. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but without the advantage of the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
>>

KNOWING YOUR CAR
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WATER IN THE DIESEL FILTER (Diesel Versions)
When the key is turned to MAR, the symbol appears but it should switch off after a few seconds.
The symbol on the display switches on constantly when driving
to indicate the presence of water in the diesel filter.
On some versions, in alternative, the warning light
èswitches on and the display shows a dedicated message.
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FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
With the key in the MAR position, on some versions the warning light, or the symbol on the display, turns on continuously,
along with a dedicated message on the display, to signal a possible Fiat CODE system failure.
If the warning light or symbol blinks on the display with engine running, it means that the vehicle is not protected by the
engine immobiliser device.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
REAR FOG LIGHTS
The warning light comes on when the fog lights are turned on.
GENERIC FAULT INDICATION
The warning light switches on in the following circumstances. In these cases contact a Fiat Dealership to have the fault fixed
as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure sensor failure
The warning light switches on when the engine oil pressure sensor is incorrect.
Fuel cut-off system intervention/failure
This warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, in the case of fuel cut-off
system activation/fault.
Exterior lights failure
The warning light switches on when an external light fault is detected.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR
22
SIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS - FOLLOW ME HOME
Side lights and dipped beam headlights
The warning light switches on when the side lights or dipped headlights are turned on.
Follow Me Home
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, when the
“Follow me home” device is used.
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iTPMS SYSTEM (for versions/markets, where provided)
Low tyre pressure
The warning light switches on constantly to indicate that the pressure of one or more tyres is lower than the recommended
value or to indicate a slow loss of pressure.
In this way the iTPMS warns the driver that one or more tyres may be flat and probably punctured. In this case it is advisable
to restore the correct pressure value.
Once the normal operating conditions of the vehicle are restored, carry out the Tyre reset procedure.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling may be compromised.
Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering.
iTPMS failure/iTPMS temporarily deactivated
The warning light flashes for about 75 seconds and then stays on constantly (together with a message on the display) to
indicate that the system is temporarily deactivated or faulty.
The system goes back to normal operation when the operating conditions allow it. If this is not the case, carry out the Reset
procedure after restoring the normal operating conditions.
If the malfunction warning persists, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
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FOG LIGHTS
The warning light comes on when the fog lights are turned on.
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator control lever is moved downwards or, together with the right
indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
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