2018 FIAT 500L ABS

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The car has the following active safety
systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
system;
HH (Hill Holder) system;
ASR (AntiSlip Regulation) system;
DST (Dynamic Steering Torque
or steering corrector) system;
ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation)
system.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The ABS also integrates the following
systems: EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment Regelung) and HBA
(Hydraulic Brake Assist).IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500 km is
needed: during this period it is better to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
braking.
50) 51) 52)
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58)
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the car.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.Switching the system on
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
GRAVITY CONTROL
(for versions/markets, where provided)
63)
It is an integral part of the ESC system
and is aimed at keeping the car at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time.
In this way, the “Gravity Control”
function assists the drive on steep
gradients in low-grip conditions and/or
on rough terrain.
For more information on system
operation, see the “Driving assistance
systems” paragraph in this chapter.
73

HH (Hill Holder) SYSTEM
59) 60)
This system is an integral part of the
ESC system and facilitates starting on
slopes.
The system is automatically activated in
the following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in
the event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on
one or more drive wheels.
Engagement/disengagement of the
system
The system switches on automatically
each time the engine is started. The
ASR can be turned off and then turned
back on again whilst driving by pressing
the button located in the dashboard
fig. 63.When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
DST (Dynamic Steering
Torque or steering
corrector) system
61)
The DST (steering corrector) system
function uses the integration of the ESC
system with the electric power steering
to increase the safety level of the whole
car. In critical situations (e.g.
understeering, oversteering, braking
with different grip conditions), through
the DST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to be performed to
the driver.ERM (Electronic Rollover
Mitigation) SYSTEM
62)
The system monitors the tendency of
the wheels to rise from the ground if the
driver performs extreme manoeuvres
like quick steering to avoid an obstacle,
especially in poor road conditions.
If these conditions occur, the system
intervenes on the brakes and engine
power to reduce the possibility that the
wheels are raised from the ground. It
is not possible to avoid tendency to roll
over if the phenomenon is due to
reasons such as driving on high side
gradients, collision with objects or other
vehicles.
WARNING
43)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake
in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
44)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about
500 km is needed: during this period it is
better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
63F0Y0656C
74
SAFETY

45)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
46)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
47)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
48)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
49)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
50)The HBA system cannot increase tyre
grip on the road over the limits imposed by
laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road
surface.
51)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
52)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver. The features of the HBA system
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver, occupants
or other road users at risk.53)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
54)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
55)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
56)For the correct operation of the ESC
and ASR systems it is extremely important
that the tyres are the same brand and
the same type on all the wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, the
recommended type and size.
57)The performance of the ESC and ASR
systems must not encourage the driver
to take unnecessary risks. Your driving style
must always be suited to the road
conditions, visibility and traffic. The driver
is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
58)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
59)The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the car
without having engaged the handbrake,
turned the engine off and engaged the first
gear, so that the car is parked in safe
conditions (for further information read
paragraph "When parked" in the chapter
"Starting and driving").60)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 5%), with car laden, in
which the Hill Holder system may not
activate, causing a slight reversing motion
and increasing the risk of collision with
another car or object. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
61)DST is a driving assistance system and
does not relieve the driver of responsibility
for driving the car.
62)The performance of a vehicle with ERM
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.
63)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the
driver, who must take into account the
traffic conditions in order to drive in
complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front.
75

WARNING
64)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver, who must take into account
the traffic conditions in order to drive
in complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front.
65)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
66)The laser beam is not visible at the
naked eye. Do not look directly, or with
optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the
laser beam from a distance lower than 10
cm: this may cause damage to the sight.
The laser beam is also present when
the key is at MAR but its operation is off,
not available or manually deactivated
with the display Setup Menu.
67)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. Small sized
vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)
or people, animals and things (e.g.
pushchairs) and more in general all those
obstacles with a low reflection of the light
emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled
with mud) are not taken into consideration.68)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench (at a speed within 5 and 30 km/h)
for maintenance interventions or if it is
washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part
(e.g. another car, a wall or another
obstacle), the system may detect its
presence and activate. In this case the
system must be deactivated through the
display Setup Menu.
WARNING
35)The laser sensor may have limited or
absent operation due to weather
conditions such as: heavy rain, hail, thick
fog, heavy snow, formation of ice layers on
the windscreen.
36)Sensor operation may also be
compromised by the presence of dust,
condensation, dirt or ice on the
windscreen, by traffic conditions (e.g.
vehicles that are driving not aligned with
your car, vehicle driving in a transverse or
opposite way on the same lane, bend with
a small radius of curvature), by road
surface conditions and by driving
conditions (e.g. off-road driving). Make sure
the windscreen is always clean. Use
specific detergents and clean cloths to
avoid scratching the windscreen. The
sensor operation may also be limited or
absent in some driving, traffic and road
surface conditions.
37)Projecting loads on the roof of the car
may interfere with the correct operation
of the sensor. Before starting make sure
the load is correctly positioned, in order not
to cover the sensor operating range.38)If the windscreen must be replaced
due to scratches, chipping or breakage,
contact exclusively a Fiat Dealership.
Do not replace the windscreen on your
own, risk of malfunction! It is advisable to
replace the windscreen if it is damaged
in the laser sensor area.
39)Do not tamper nor operate on the laser
sensor. Do not close the openings in the
aesthetic cover located under the interior
rear view mirror. In the event of a sensor
failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.
40)If you are driving on roads close to
trees with protruding branches it is
advisable to deactivate the system to
prevent the branches at the height of the
bonnet or the windscreen from interfering
with the system.
41)Do not cover the operating range of the
sensor with stickers or other objects. Also
pay attention to other objects on the
bonnet (e.g. a layer of snow) and make
sure they do not interfere with the light
emitted by the laser.
42)If a trailer or a vehicle is towed the
system must be deactivated with the
display Setup Menu.
43)If the system signals a loss of pressure
on a specific tyre, it is recommended to
check the pressure on all four tyres.
44)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not even to be
considered a replacement system for
maintenance or a safety system.
79

WARNING
102)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gasses.
103)Remember that the brake servo and
electrical power steering system are not
operational until the engine is started,
therefore a greater effort will be required to
press the brake pedal or turn the steering
wheel.
104)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the
transmission is automatically placed in
neutral will be signalled by an acoustic
warning.
WARNING
49)The flashing of the warning lightfor
60 seconds after starting or during
prolonged cranking of the engine indicates
a fault with the glow plug heating system.
You can use the vehicle as usual if the
engine starts but you should contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
50)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at maximum
rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.)
when it is first used.51)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
52)Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter and
damage it beyond repair.
53)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely
no practical purpose, it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to turbocharged
engines.
WHEN PARKED
Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (1stgear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions with Dualogic gearbox, 1
st
gear or reverse must be engaged
with the foot on the brake pedal and, if
on a slope, the handbrake must be
operated in order to park safely.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (on versions
equipped with Dualogic transmission,
this is indicated by the letter N on
the display).
104
STARTING AND DRIVING

IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with an approved tow
hook and an adequate electrical
system. Installation must be carried out
by specialised technicians.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that, when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces the car's loading
capacity by the same amount. To make
sure that the maximum towable weight
is not exceeded (given in the vehicle
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage.
Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in
the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.Any electric brake (or electric winch,
etc.) should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a section
of at least 2.5 mm
2.
In addition to the electrical branches,
the car electrical system can only
be connected to the supply cable for an
electric brake and to the cable for an
internal light for the trailer, not
exceeding 15 W. For connections, use
the preset control unit with a battery
cable with section not less than 2.5
mm
2.
IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads
other than external lights (electric brake,
winch, etc.) must take place with
engine running.
IMPORTANT To install a tow hook
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
116)The ABS with which the car is
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
117)Never modify the braking system of
the vehicle to control the trailer brake. The
trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the vehicle’s hydraulic
system.
118)After fitting, screw holes must be
sealed to prevent a exhaust gas inlet.
REFUELLING THE
VEHICLE
119) 120) 121)60)
Before refuelling, make sure that the
fuel type is correct. During refuelling
procedure, switch off the engine,
engage handbrake, rotate the ignition
key to STOP and do not smoke.
PETROL ENGINES
Only use unleaded petrol with a number
of octanes (R.O.N.) not lower than 95
(EN228 specification).
DIESEL ENGINES
Only use Diesel for motor vehicles
(EN590 specification).
When using or parking the car for a
long time in the mountains or cold
areas, it is advisable to refuel using
locally available Diesel. In this case, it is
also advisable to keep the tank over
50% full.
REFUELLING
PROCEDURE
Diesel and petrol versions
Proceed as follows:
open the flap A fig. 111 pulling
outwards, insert the nozzle in the filler
and refuel;
118
STARTING AND DRIVING

disconnect the electrical connector,
undo the fixing screws E fig. 151 and
remove the bulb holder assembly;
then replace the bulb concernedfig.
152: F = direction indicators,
G = side/brake lights.FIXED REAR LIGHT
CLUSTERS
These contain the rear fog light bulbs
(left side) and reversing light bulbs (right
side).
IMPORTANT Take particular care when
replacing the rear fog light bulb: RISK
OF BURNS if the exhaust pipe is hot
500L versions
To replace the bulb, proceed as follows:
from the underneath of the rear
bumper, release the tabs A fig. 153,
unscrew the fixing screw B and remove
the flap;
disconnect the electrical connector
C, rotate the bulb/bulb holder unit D
anticlockwise fig. 154 and remove the
unit;
release the bulb and replace it;
reinsert the bulb/bulb holder unit D
by turning it clockwise;
reconnect the electric connector C;
refit the flap and check that it is
correctly locked;
tighten the fixing screw B.
150F0Y0151C
151F0Y0027C
152F0Y0028C153F0Y0634C
154F0Y0635C
135

WARNING
64)Halogen bulbs must be handled
holding the metallic part only. Touching the
transparent part of the bulb with your
fingers may reduce the intensity of the
emitted light and even reduce the lifespan
of the bulb. In the event of accidental
contact, wipe the bulb with a cloth
moistened with alcohol and let the bulb
dry.
65)Where possible, it is advisable to have
bulbs changed at a Fiat Dealership. The
correct operation and direction of the
external lights are absolutely essential for
the safety of the car and of compliance
with the law.
REPLACING FUSES
134) 135) 136) 137) 138) 139)66)
FUSE LOCATION
Fuses are grouped together in three
fuseboxes located in the engine
compartment, under the dashboard
and inside the boot.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CONTROL UNIT
To access the fuses unscrew the two
screws A fig. 159 and remove the cover
B in the direction shown by the arrow.
IMPORTANT Before removing cover
Bfig. 159 press and turn the two
bayonet screws A slowly anticlockwise
(using the flat tip screwdriver provided)
until unlocking them. This is shown
by the screw heads lifting.After replacing the fuse, make sure you
close cover B on the junction unit.
The fuseboxfig. 160 is located by the
side of the battery.
159F0Y0071C
160F0Y0072C
137