2018 FIAT 500L towing

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.
55F0Y0657C
40
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
78
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

SYMBOLS AND
MESSAGES ON THE
DISPLAY
When displayed, the static line grid
illustrates the width of the vehicle.
The grid shows separate areas,
permitting the distance from the rear of
the car to be detected.
The various coloured areasfig. 110
indicate the distance from the rear part
of the car.
Red area (A): 0–30 cm
Yellow area (B): 30–100 cm
Green area (C):1mormore
The "red area A" contains a horizontal
line D, which indicates the obstacle the
car is approaching. Therefore, take
special care when reversing.IMPORTANT When parking, take the
utmost care over obstacles that may be
above or under the operating range of
the camera.
WARNING
115)Parking and other potentially
dangerous manoeuvres are, however,
always the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The camera is an aid for the
driver, but the driver must never allow
his/her attention to lapse during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even those
executed at low speeds. Always keep a
slow speed, so as to promptly brake in the
case of obstacles.
WARNING
59)It is vital, for correct operation, that the
camera is always kept clean and free
from any mud, dirt, snow or ice. Be careful
not to scratch or damage the camera
while cleaning it. Avoid using dry, rough or
hard cloths. The camera must be washed
using clean water, with the addition of
car shampoo if necessary. In washing
stations which use steam or high-pressure
jets, clean the camera quickly, keeping
the nozzle more than 10 cm away from the
sensors. Also, do not apply stickers to
the camera.
TOWING TRAILERS
116) 117) 118)
INSTALLING A TOW
HOOK
The towing device should be fastened
to the body by specialised technicians
according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the
Manufacturer of the device.
The towing device must meet current
regulations with reference to Directive
94/20/EC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must be right for the towable weight
of the car on which it is to be installed.
For the electrical connection a standard
connector should be used which is
generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened to the towing device,
and a special ECU for external trailer
light control must be installed on the
vehicle.
For the electrical connection,a7or13
pin 12 V DC connection is to be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards).
Follow the reference instructions
provided by the car Manufacturer
and/or the tow device Manufacturer.
110F0Y0617C
117

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

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the national or
international universal freephone
number to search for the nearest
Dealership.HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS...........123
REPLACING A WHEEL ...................123
“FIX&GO AUTOMATIC” KIT .............127
REPLACING A BULB ......................130
REPLACING FUSES........................137
JUMP STARTING ............................143
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM ................145
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..................145
122
IN AN EMERGENCY