2018 FIAT 500L tow

In Italy, the tank has a life of 10 years
starting from the car registration date. If
the vehicle has been registered in a
country other than Italy, the duration
and the testing/inspection procedures
of the LPG tank can vary depending on
the national laws of that country. In all
case, when the time limit for your
country has expired, go to a Fiat Dealer
to have the tank replaced.
SELECTION OF
PETROL/LPG SUPPLY
TYPE
The fig. 55 button (petrol/LPG switch)
allows you to select running on petrol or
LPG.
If, during LPG operation, the same runs
out, the car switches to petrol
automatically and all the bars near the
letters LPG on the display switch off.
This condition persists until the next
LPG refuelling.The engine always starts up on petrol,
with automatic switching to LPG when
the best conditions are achieved
(engine water temperature, minimum
engine rpm limit) for switching to LPG.
REFUELLING
LPG
Maximum refuelling capacity (including
reserve): 38.4 litres. The figure already
takes into account the 80% tank filling
limit and the residual fluid required
for priming; this figure represents the
maximum permitted capacity.In
addition, this value may, in different
refuelling situations, give rise to
variations as a result of: differences
between the supply pressures of
the pumps, pumps with different
supply/stopping specifications,
tank not in reserve condition.
IMPORTANT In order to avoid
inconsistent information by the LPG
gauge on the instrument panel, it is
recommended to refill with at least 10
litres each time.
WARNING
34)Note that in some countries (including
Italy) there are legal restrictions in force
for parking/garaging motor vehicles fuelled
by gas that is denser than air; LPG comes
under this category.
35)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.
36)If gas is smelt, switch from LPG
operation to petrol operation and
immediately go to a Fiat Dealership to have
the vehicle checked and possible system
faults excluded.
WARNING
16)The car is equipped with a specifically
designed gaseous LPG injection system:
it is therefore absolutely forbidden to
alter the configuration of the system or its
components. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and lead to a reduction
in safety; therefore, in the case of
problems, contact a Fiat Dealership. When
towing or lifting the vehicle, follow the
instructions in the main handbook under
the paragraph on "Towing the vehicle"
to prevent damage to the gas system
parts.
17)The system operates at temperatures
ranging between -20°C and 100°C.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR

To guarantee switching in full safety, the
actual change to the chosen fuel
system takes place depending on the
car usage conditions; it may not
therefore be immediate.
In addition, when starting at outside
temperatures below approximately
-10°C, the switching times from petrol
to methane increase to allow the
pressure regulator/reduction unit to
heat up.
WARNING
37)The car is equipped with a high-
pressure methane system designed to
operate at 200 rated bar. It is dangerous to
force the system to run at higher
pressures. When towing or lifting the car,
follow the instructions in the "Towing
the car" paragraph to prevent damage to
the methane system parts. If there is a fault
in the methane system, only contact a
Fiat Dealership. Do not modify
configuration or components of the
methane system; they have been designed
exclusively for this car. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and prejudice safety.38)When oven painting, the cylinders must
be removed from the vehicle and
subsequently refitted by a Fiat Dealership.
Although the methane system has
numerous safety features, it is advisable to
close the manual cocks for the cylinders
every time the car is not in use for a long
period, transported on other cars or moved
in an emergency as a result of a fault or
accident.
39)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.
40)If gas is smelled, switch from methane
operation to petrol operation and
immediately go to a Fiat Dealership to have
the vehicle checked and possible system
faults excluded.
WARNING
23)If, during methane operation, the same
runs out, the car switches to petrol
automatically and all the bars near the
letters CNG on the display switch off. This
display remains until the next methane
refuelling.
24)Regardless of the last fuel system
used, at the following engine starting, after
the initial petrol stage, the system will
automatically switch to methane.
25)When switching from petrol to methane
is requested, a metal noise from the valves
which pressurise the circuit can be heard,
as it happens while starting the car. For the
switching logics described above, a delay
between the valve ticking and the switching
off of the green warning light
is
absolutely normal.26)In particular usage conditions, such as
starting and operation at low ambient
temperature, the system may switch
temporarily to petrol operation, without
indicating the performed switching. In the
event of low methane levels in the tank
or request for high performance (e.g.
overtaking, car fully laden, steep hills) the
system may automatically switch to petrol
operation to guarantee the engine power
requested; the green icon
switches
on to indicate this. When the above
conditions are no longer present, the
system automatically restores methane
operation. The green warning light
turns
off. To achieve the automatic switching
described above, make sure that there is
always enough fuel in the petrol tank.
27)The other plates (provided with the
vehicle documents) show the date when
the first cylinder inspection/test is due.
Methane refuelling stations are not
authorised to refill the cylinders when the
inspection date has expired.
43

The "Reset" procedure must be carried
out:
each time tyre pressure is modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
when the space-saver wheel is
fitted.
Before carrying out the “Reset”
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the “Reset” procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the
warning
light may give false indications on
one or more tyres.
To carry out the “Reset” procedure,
with the car stopped and the ignition
device at MAR, use the Setup Menu on
the display as follows:
go to "Vehicle info" and then to
"Reset tyres";
hold the "OK" button the steering
wheel pressed (see figure) more longer
than 2 seconds;
the display will show the procedure
progress until the "Reset" is completed.At the end of the “Reset” procedure the
display will show the dedicated
message, indicating that the self-
learning has been started. If the
self-learning procedure of the iTPMS
system has was not performed
correctly on the display, no message
will be shown.
Operating conditions
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. ice, snow, unsurfaced
roads) the warning may be delayed or
partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.Under special conditions (e.g. car
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,
fitting the space-saver wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go Automatic" kit, fitting snow
chains, fitting different tyres on the
axles) the system may give false
indications or be temporarily
deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a dedicated message and the symbols
"– –" will appear next to the shape of
the car next to each tyre.
This warning is displayed also after the
engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
In the case of abnormal signals, it is
recommended to perform the “Reset”
procedure. If the indications appear
again after a successful “Reset”, check
that the tyres used on all four wheels
are the same and that the tyres are not
damaged. As soon as possible, refit
the standard tyre instead of the
space-saver spare, remove the snow
chains (if possible), check correct
load distribution and repeat the “Reset”
procedure by driving on a clean,
tarmacked road. If the indications
persist, contact a Fiat Dealership.68F0Y0659C
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SAFETY

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

SBR (Seat Belt
Reminder) SYSTEM
This system consists of a device which
by means of the warning light
on
the instrument panel displayfig. 73,
warns the driver and front passenger if
their seat belts have not been fastened.
When the ignition key is turned to
MAR, the warning light
comes on for
a few seconds to indicate the warning
light is operating correctly.
The warning light is switched off if the
driver and passenger seat belt (the
latter, if present) are correctly fastened.
To deactivate the acoustic warning
permanently go to a Fiat Dealership.
The acoustic warning can be
reactivated at any time through the
display Setup Menu.DRIVER
If the driver is the only occupant and
the seat belt is not fastened, when 20
km/h is exceeded or when travelling
at a speed from 10 to 20 km/h for
longer than 5 seconds, a buzzer
sequence will be started for the front
seats (intermittent acoustic warning
lasting for approximately 105 seconds).
The warning lightwill flash.
At the end of the cycle, the warning
lights stays on with fixed light and the
engine is stopped. The acoustic signal
is interrupted immediately when the
driver and passenger seat belt is
fastened.
If the seat belt is unfastened again
when driving the car, the acoustic signal
and the flashing warning light resume
as described previously.
PASSENGER
A similar solution applies for the
passenger, but the indication is
interrupted when the passenger leaves
the car as well.
It both front seat belts are unfastened
while the car is travelling a few seconds
apart, the acoustic warning and the
warning light will refer to the most
recent event.
PRE-TENSIONERS
71) 72) 73) 74)48)
The car is equipped with front seat belt
pretensioners, which draw back the
seat belts by several centimetres in the
event of a severe frontal collision. This
guarantees the perfect adherence of
the seat belts to the occupant's bodies
before the retention action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
been activated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it replaced.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.
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SAFETY

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE .................103
WHEN PARKED ..............................104
HANDBRAKE ..................................105
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX ....105
USING THE DUALOGIC
GEARBOX.......................................106
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................108
CRUISE CONTROL (CONSTANT
SPEED REGULATOR) .....................109
SPEED LIMITER ..............................111
MODE SELECTOR ..........................112
PARKING SENSORS.......................115
REAR BACKUP CAMERA
(PARKVIEW® REAR BACKUP
CAMERA) ........................................116
TOWING TRAILERS ........................117
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........118
102
STARTING AND DRIVING

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

The unstable positions, in other words
those that are abandoned as soon
as the lever is released, are the
positions for requesting a higher gear
(+), requesting a lower gear (–) and
requesting to switch mode from
automatic to manual and vice versa
(A/M).
OPERATING MODE
The transmission/transmission can
function in two operating modes:
MANUALin which the driver
decides when to shift gear
AUTOin which the system decides
when to shift gear
MANUAL MODE
Proceed as follows:
press the brake pedal and start the
engine;
push the gear lever towards (+) to
engage first gear (if starting from N
or R, simply place the lever in the
middle position) or R to engage reverse;
in case of forward gear, the view on
the display must be “M1”, “M2” (see
figure), etc. If this is not so, move the
A/M to activate manual mode;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal;
in driving conditions, push the gear
lever towards (+) to engage the next
gear up or towards (–) to engage the
next gear down.
IMPORTANT For the correct use of the
system only use your right foot to
operate the pedal unit.
AUTOMATIC MODE
(AUTO)
Proceed as follows:
press the brake pedal and start the
engine;
push the gear lever towards (+) to
engage first gear (if starting from N
or R, simply place the lever in the
middle position) or R to engage reverse;
in case of forward gear, the view on
the display must be “A1”, “A2” (see
figure), etc. If this is not so, move the
A/M to activate automatic mode;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal: the gear most
suited to the vehicle speed will be
engaged.AUTO-ECO OPERATION
To activate the function press the ECO
button fig. 97. The ECO function can be
only activated only with automatic
mode active.
With the ECO function active, the
system will select the most suitable
gear depending on the vehicle speed,
engine rpm and intensity with which the
accelerator pedal is pressed, with the
aim of limiting fuel consumption.
“Kick Down” FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If necessary (e.g. when overtaking),
the system downshifts one or more
gears when the accelerator is
depressed beyond the point where it
becomes stiff (and if the rpm allow it) in
order to provide suitable power and
torque for the required acceleration.
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