WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Never leave the key
fob in or near the vehicle or in a location accessible to
children. Occupants, particularly unattended chil-
dren, can become entrapped by the power sunroof
while operating the power sunroof switch. Such
entrapment may result in serious injury or death.
• In a collision, there is greater risk of being thrown
from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You could also
be seriously injured or killed. Always fasten your
seat belt properly and make sure all passengers are
properly secured too.
• Do not allow small children to operate the sunroof.
Never allow your fingers, other body parts, or any
object to project through the sunroof opening. Injury
may result.
To Open
Push and hold the power sunroof switch rearward for
approximately one second and the sunroof will stop at the
vented position. Push the switch a second time and hold
for approximately one second and release, the sunroof will open fully, then stop automatically. This is called “Express
Open”. During Express Open operation, any movement of
the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
To Close
With the sunroof in the full open position, pull the power
sunroof button and hold it for approximately one second,
the sunroof will return to the vented position. Pull the
switch a second time and hold for approximately one
second to completely close the sunroof.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the ears.
Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the windows
down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open or
partially open positions. This is a normal occurrence and
can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear
windows open, open the front and rear windows together
to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the
sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the
buffeting or open any window.
74 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
LIFTGATE
Opening
To unlock the liftgate, use the key fob or activate the power
door lock switches located on the driver door handle.
To open the liftgate, squeeze the liftgate release handle and
pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.
NOTE:Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when opening
the liftgate in cold weather.
INTERNAL EQUIPMENT
Storage
Glove Compartment
The glove compartment is located on the passenger side of
the instrument panel.
To open the glove compartment, pull the release handle.
Liftgate HandleGlove Compartment Latch
78 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
•Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump
NOTE: After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition
to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key
from the ignition switch to avoid draining the battery.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine compart-
ment and fuel tank before resetting the system and starting
the engine. If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the
vehicle electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident,
reset the system by following the procedure described
below. If you have any doubt, contact an authorized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
After an event occurs requiring activation of the Enhanced
Accident Response System, when the system is active, a
“Service Electrical System” message will be displayed on
the instrument cluster. The vehicle is not drivable in this state and must be towed to an authorized dealer immedi-
ately to be inspected and have the Enhanced Accident
Response System reset.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
•
Modifications to any part of the air bag system could
cause it to fail when you need it. You could be
injured if the air bag system is not there to protect
you. Do not modify the components or wiring, in-
cluding adding any kind of badges or stickers to the
steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper passenger
side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front
bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on
your vehicle that it has an air bag system.
• Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may
not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any air
bag system service. If your seat, including your trim
(Continued)
5
SAFETY 131
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
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
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
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
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