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WARNING!(Continued)
•ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into
the driver ’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,
towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
coolant or other fluid leaks. If fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
5
SAFETY 151
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Page 155 of 302

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................155
▫ Single-Speed Transmission ................155
▫ Normal Starting ........................155
PARKING BRAKE .......................156
SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION ............157
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................159
▫ Gear Ranges ..........................159
▫ Auto Park ............................161
POWER STEERING ..................... .162
SPEED CONTROL .......................163
▫ To Activate .......................... .164
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................164
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................164
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................165 ▫
To Resume Speed ..................... .166
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .166
REAR PARK ASSIST ..................... .166
▫ Rear Park Assist Sensors ..................166
▫ Rear Park Assist Audible Alerts .............166
▫ Failure Indications ..................... .167
▫ Cleaning The Rear Park Assist System ........168
▫ Park Assist System Usage Precautions ........168
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ........169
VEHICLE LOADING .....................171
▫ Certification Label ..................... .171
TRAILER TOWING ..................... .172
RECREA TIONAL
TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ....................173
6
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▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . . .173
DRIVING TIPS ..........................173
▫ Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............173
▫ Driving Through Water ..................174
EXTENDING YOUR DRIVING RANGE PER
CHARGE ............................. .175
▫ Driver Behavior Gauge ...................176
▫ Range Projection .......................177
154 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 157 of 302

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Single-Speed Transmission
The transmission must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the vehicle. Apply the brakes
when selecting a transmission gear from Park.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before selecting a
transmission gear.
Normal Starting
Turn the key to the START position while your vehicle is in
PARK. When the ignition key is turned to the START and
then released to the RUN position, a chime will sound and
the “READY” indicator in the instrument cluster display
will illuminate to indicate the 500e’s Electric Drive System
has started. When the “READY” indicator is illuminated
your 500e is ready to be driven.
“READY” Indicator
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
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NOTE:
•If the key is held in the START position for more than 10
seconds “READY” mode will not be achieved. Return
the key to the OFF position, and then back to the START
position and hold for less than 10 seconds to achieve
“READY”.
• If the “READY” indicator fails to illuminate after you
have followed the normal starting procedure contact an
authorized dealer.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To
apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, push the center button, then lower the lever
completely. When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the Brake Warning
Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.Parking Brake
156 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 159 of 302

WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission push buttons.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the park-
ing brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.
SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION
Your 500e uses a Single-Speed Transmission to direct the
output from the electric motor. The single-speed transmis-
sion is operated using push-buttons instead of a traditional
gear selector.
The push-buttons are located on the lower instrument
panel.6
STARTING AND OPERATING 157
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CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Place the transmission into PARK only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Place the transmission into or out of REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Before placing the transmission into any range make
sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal. NOTE:
•
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting
in or out of PARK.
• If all push-button LEDs are on when the key is ON, see
an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
•Only place the transmission into gear when your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the vehicle is in
“READY” mode. Before exiting a vehicle, always
apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and remove the ignition key. Once the key is
removed, the transmission is locked in PARK, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
(Continued)
Single-Speed Transmission Push-Buttons
158 STARTING AND OPERATING