NOTE:
•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode, and blower speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric units
by selecting the US/Metric customer-programmable fea-
ture.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan remains on low
until the vehicle warms up. The blower increases in speed
and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will
be turned off when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
NOTE: The system will not automatically sense the pres-
ence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. Defrost mode
must be manually selected to clear the windshield and side
glass.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The vehicle cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against vehicle overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the vehicle cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Use of the Air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended, because it may
cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e.,
vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This ensures adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-
age when the system is started again.
70 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through shal-
low standing water, consider the following Caution and
Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., transmission, coolant,
etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving through
standing water. Do not continue to operate the ve-
hicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this may
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
result in further damage. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h)
when driving through standing water.
• Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
braking capabilities, which increases stopping dis-
tances. Therefore, after driving through standing
water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake
pedal several times to dry the brakes.
• Failure to follow these warnings may result in inju-
ries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.
EXTENDING YOUR DRIVING RANGE PER CHARGE
The drive system and cabin temperature management
features use the most energy from the high voltage battery.
Reducing energy draw from these features are the easiest
and most effective way to extend driving range.
The 500e uses high voltage components to heat and cool
the cabin, so when using automatic climate control, con-
sider setting temperatures a few degrees higher or lower
during hot and cold days. If your 500e has been soaking in
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 175
CavityCartridge FuseDescription
FPT3 25 Amp WhiteBattery Coolant Pump
FPT5 20 Amp Lt. BlueInverter Coolant Pump
FPT6 40 Amp GreenSupply for fuses F9, F13, F16, F17 and
F20
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED
Small punctures up to 1/4 inch (6 mm) in the tire tread can
be sealed with Tire Service Kit. Foreign objects (e.g., screws
or nails) should not be removed from the tire. Tire Service
Kit can be used in outside temperatures down to approxi-
mately -4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you to
drive your vehicle up to 100 miles (160 km) with a
maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Tire Service Kit Storage
The Tire Service Kit is located in the rear cargo area.Tire Service Kit Location
190 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Power Electronics And Battery Thermal
Management Systems — Coolant Level Check
The coolant expansion bottles provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the vehicle off and coolant at ambient temperature,
the level of the coolant (antifreeze) in the bottles should be
between the bottom and top lines marked “MIN-MAX
FILL RANGE”.
As long as the vehicle operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottles need only be checked once a month.When additional coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottles.
Do not overfill.
Check the Power Electronics and Battery Thermal Manage-
ment Systems coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable).
Maintain coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a minimum
of 50% Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology) and
distilled/deionized water for proper corrosion protection.
Check the coolant bottles tubing for brittle rubber, crack-
ing, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the bottles
and radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks.
Check the front of the A/C condenser for any accumula-
tion of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying
water from a garden hose vertically down the face of the
condenser.
NOTE:
DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Coolant MIN/MAX
220 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
When adding coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT coolant (anti-
freeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34ºF (-37ºC)
are anticipated.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water and coolant (antifreeze)
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the cooling systems.
Please note that it is the owner ’s responsibility to maintain
the proper level of protection against freezing according to
the temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
NOTE: Mixing coolant (antifreeze) types will decrease the
life of the Power Electronics and Battery Thermal Manage-
ment Systems coolant (antifreeze) and will require more
frequent coolant (antifreeze) changes.Power Electronics And Battery Thermal
Management Systems — Drain, Flush And Refill
Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
If the coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old coolant
(antifreeze) solution.
CAUTION!
It is recommended to have the cooling systems ser-
viced at your authorized dealer. Failure to do so could
result in poor cooling system performance and/or ve-
hicle damage.
Disposal Of Used Power Electronics And Battery
Thermal Management Systems Coolant
Used antifreeze is a regulated substance requiring proper
disposal. Check with your local authorities to determine
the disposal rules for your community. To prevent inges-
tion by animals or children, do not store antifreeze in open
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 223