2018 FIAT 500L Owner handbook (in English)

JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, a jump starting can
be performed using the battery and
the cables of another car, or using an
auxiliary battery. In all cases, the battery
used must have a capacity equal to or
a little higher than the flat one.
IMPORTANT NOTES
When a booster battery is used, comply
with the utilisation and precaution
instructions specified by the producer.
Do not use the booster battery or
any other source of external supply with
a voltage above 12 V: the battery, the
starter, the alternator and the electrical
system of the vehicle could be
damaged.
Do not attempt jump starting if the
battery is frozen. The battery could
break and explode!
JUMP STARTING
140) 141) 142) 143)67) 68)
IMPORTANT The positive terminal (+) of
the battery is shielded by a protective
cover. Lift the cover to access the
positive terminal.Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake, move the
Dualogic gear lever to P (Park) or,
for versions with manual gearbox, to
neutral and bring the ignition key to
STOP;
switch off all the other electrical
devices in the car;
if another vehicle is ready for jump
starting, park the vehicle within the
reach of the cables to be used for
starting, operate the handbrake and
make sure that the ignition is
deactivated.
IMPORTANT Avoid contact between
the two vehicles since this could cause
a connection to earth and may result
in serious injury to any people nearby.
IMPORTANT Do not directly connect
the negative terminals of the two
batteries: sparks could ignite explosive
gas released from the battery. If the
auxiliary battery is installed on another
car, prevent accidental contact
between metallic parts of the two cars.JUMP STARTING
IMPORTANT If the procedure below is
carried out incorrectly, it can cause
severe injury to people or damage the
recharging system of one or both
vehicles. Carefully follow the
instructions given below.
Cable connection
Proceed as follows to carry out a jump
starting:
connect one end of the cable used
for positive (+) to the positive terminal
(+) of the car with flat battery;
connect the other end of the cable
used for positive (+) to the positive
terminal (+) of the auxiliary battery;
connect one end of the cable used
for negative (–) to the negative terminal
(–) of the auxiliary battery;
connect the other end of the cable
used for negative (–) to an engine earth
(the visible metal part of the car engine
with flat battery) far from the battery
and the fuel injection system;
start the vehicle engine with the
auxiliary battery, let it run for a few
minutes at idling. Start the engine of the
vehicle with flat battery.
143

Cable disconnection
Once the engine has been started,
remove the cables proceeding as
follows:
disconnect the end of the cable
used for negative (–) from the engine
earth of the car with flat battery;
disconnect the other end of the
cable used for negative (–) from the
negative terminal (–) of the auxiliary
battery;
disconnect the end of the cable
used for positive (+) from the positive
terminal (+) of the auxiliary battery;
disconnect one end of the cable
used for positive (+) from the positive
terminal (+) of the car with flat battery.
If it is often necessary to perform a
jump starting, have the car battery and
the recharging system checked by a
Fiat Dealership.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake
servo and electric power steering are
not active until the engine is started. A
much greater effort will therefore be
required to use the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.IMPORTANT Any accessories (e.g.
mobile phones, etc.) connected to the
vehicle power sockets draw current
even if they are not used. These
devices, if left connected too much time
with engine off, may cause the battery
to drain with following reduction of
its life and/or failure to start the engine.
WARNING
140)Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury. Scarves, ties and other
loose clothing might be pulled by moving
parts.
141)Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings,
watches, bracelets), that might cause an
accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
142)The batteries contain acid that can
burn skin or eyes. Batteries produce
hydrogen, which is easily flammable and
explosive. Thus keep away flames or
devices which may cause sparks.
143)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.
WARNING
67)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.
68)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.
144
IN AN EMERGENCY

FUEL CUT-OFF
SYSTEM
144)
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
the interruption of the fuel supply
with the engine consequently cutting
out;
the automatic unlocking of the
doors;
turning on the lights inside the car;
the switching on of the hazard
warning lights.
The intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the
display.
IMPORTANT Carefully check the vehicle
for fuel leaks, for instance in the engine
compartment, under the vehicle or
near the tank area. After an impact, turn
the ignition key to STOP to prevent the
battery from running down.
Reset procedure
To restore correct operation of the
system, carry out the following Reset
procedure (the procedure must be
completed in less than 1 minute):
turn the ignition key to the MAR
position;
activate the right direction indicator
and then stop it;
activate the left direction indicator
and then stop it;
activate the right direction indicator
and then stop it;
activate the left direction indicator
and then stop it;
turn the ignition key to the STOP
position and then to MAR.
LPG versions: in case of collision, the
petrol feed is immediately closed, the
LPG safety solenoid valves are closed
and injection is interrupted to stop
the engine.
Natural Power versions: in the event
of an impact, the power supply is
immediately cut off, causing engine
switching off.
WARNING
144)If, after an impact, you smell fuel or
notice leaks from the fuel system, do
not reactivate the system to avoid the risk
of fire.
TOWING THE
VEHICLE
ATTACHING THE TOW
RING
145) 146) 147) 148)
The tow rings, which are supplied with
the car, are housed in the tool box,
under the carpet in the luggage
compartment.
IMPORTANT The shorter tow ring is for
use on the front of the car and the
longer one on the rear.
500L WAGON versions
NOTE 500L WAGON versions have
only one tow ring, which can be used
on either the front or the rear bumper.
Front
Manually remove cap A fig. 168,
pressing in the lower part. Take tow ring
B from its housing in the tool support
and screw it completely onto the
threaded pin.
Rear
Manually remove cap A fig. 169 or fig.
170 (500L WAGON versions) by
pressing at the bottom. Take tow ring B
from its housing in the tool support
and screw it completely onto the
threaded pin.
145

Versions with Dualogic
transmission
Make sure that the transmission is in
neutral (N) (checking that the car moves
when pushed) and proceed in the
same way as for towing a normal car
with a manual transmission. If the
gearbox cannot be put in neutral, do
not tow the car and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
145)Before towing, turn the ignition key to
MAR-ON and then to STOP without
removing it. The steering column
will automatically lock when the key is
removed and the wheels cannot be
steered.
146)Before tightening the ring clean the
threaded housing thoroughly. Make sure
that the ring is fully screwed into the
housing before towing the car.
147)Whilst towing, remember that the
assistance of the brake servo and the
electric power steering is not available,
therefore greater force needs to be exerted
on the brake pedal and more effort is
required on the steering wheel. Do not use
flexible cables when towing and avoid
jerky movements. Make sure not to
damage parts in contact with the car while
towing. 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 vehicle.148)The front and rear tow hooks should
be used only for emergencies on the road.
The car may be towed for short distances
when a dedicated device is used in
compliance with the Highway Code (rigid
bar), and in order to move the vehicle
on the road in preparation for towing or
transport via a tow truck (on Cross versions
do NOT use the rear tow hook for
transport on a tow truck: use the front tow
hook). Tow hooks MUST NOT be used
to tow vehicles off the road or where there
are obstacles (e.g. snow, mud, etc.) and/or
for towing operations using cables or
other non-rigid devices, or if there are
obstructions preventing the car from
moving forward normally with the
transmission in neutral. 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, to
prevent excessive lateral forces on the
towing devices.
168F0Y0630C
169F0Y0631C
170F0Y0144C
146
IN AN EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND CARE
Correct servicing permits the
performance of the vehicle to be
maintained over time, as well as limiting
running costs and safeguarding the
efficiency of the safety systems.
This chapter explains how.SCHEDULED SERVICING ...............148
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ...............160
BATTERY RECHARGING ................168
WINDSCREEN / REAR WINDOW
WIPERS ..........................................170
LIFTING THE CAR...........................171
WHEELS AND TYRES.....................172
BODYWORK ...................................172
147

SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions. For this
reason, Fiat has planned a series of
checks and services at fixed distance
intervals and, where provided, at fixed
time intervals, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each coupon however you
always need to pay attention to what is
written in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check liquid
levels, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all
Fiat Dealerships according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in
addition to the ones scheduled, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out with
the owner's explicit agreement only.
If your car is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one scheduled
servicing operation and the next should
be reduced.IMPORTANT The Scheduled Servicing
coupons are prescribed by the
Manufacturer. Failure to carry them out
can cause the guarantee to decline. It is
advisable to inform a Fiat Dealership of
any small operating irregularities without
waiting for the next scheduled service
deadline.PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 kmor before long trips
check and, if necessary, top up:engine coolant level;
brake fluid level;
windscreen washer fluid level;
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of windscreen washer/
wiper system and positioning/wear of
rear window wiper blades.
Every3,000km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.For 0.9
TwinAir Turbo versionsevery3,000
km check the engine oil level and
top it up to the maximum level, if
necessary.
148
SERVICING AND CARE

DEMANDING USE OF THE
CAR
If the vehicle is used in one of the
following conditions:
law enforcement (or security
service), taxi service;
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Service Schedule:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect conditions of:
engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes)
and rubber elements (gaiters/sleeves/
bushes, etc.);
check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter;
check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
149

SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN (petrol version)
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/8 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from
the first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary; check the
expiry date of the “Fix&Go Automatic”
repair kit (for versions/markets, where
provided)●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, boot,
passenger compartment, glove
compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid
levels (engine coolant, hydraulic
clutch/brakes, windscreen washer,
battery, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check exhaust emissions●●●●●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management systems
operation, emissions and, for
versions/markets, where provided,
engine oil degradation●●●●●●●●●●
150
SERVICING AND CARE