2018 FIAT 500X ignition

109)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
42) There must therefore always be some
petrol in the tank to protect the petrol
pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from LPG to petrol operation, if
high performance is required.
43) We recommend that during the initial
period, or during the first 1600 km, you do
not drive to full car performance (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long journeys at top
speed, sharp braking, etc.).
44) When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR
position to prevent useless current
absorption from draining the battery.
45) 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.
46) Warning light
will flash after starting
or during prolonged cranking to indicate a
fault with the glow plug heating system. If
the engine starts, the vehicle can be used
as normal, but a Fiat Dealership must be
contacted as soon as possible.
PARKING THE
VEHICLE
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 apply the
electric parking brake;
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission or dual clutch automatic
transmission, wait for the letter P to be
displayed before releasing the brake
pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with automatic transmission
or dual clutch automatic transmission,
before putting the shift lever in the P
position).
ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE (EPB)
The vehicle is equipped with electric
parking brake (EPB) to guarantee better
use and optimal performance
compared to a manually operated
parking brake.
The electric parking brake features a
switch, located on the central tunnel
fig. 94, a motor with caliper for each
rear wheel and an electronic control
module.
IMPORTANT Always engage the
electric parking brake before leaving the
car.
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115

IMPORTANT In addition to parking the
vehicle with the parking brake always
engaged, the wheel steered, chocks or
stones positioned in front of the wheels
(when on a steep slope), a gear must
always be engaged (the 1
stgear with
the vehicle parked uphill or the reverse
gear with the vehicle parked downhill).
On versions with automatic
transmission, place the gear lever at P
(Park).
IMPORTANT Should the vehicle battery
be faulty, to unlock the electric parking
brake the battery must be replaced.
The electric parking brake can be
engaged in two ways:
manually pull the switch fig. 94 on
the central tunnel in the direction shown
by the arrow;
automatically in "Safe Hold" or "Auto
Apply" conditions.
Engaging the parking brake
manually
110) 117) 112)
Briefly pull the switch located on the
central tunnel to manually engage the
electric parking brake when the car is
stationary.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle when engaging the electric
parking brake. A slight movement of the brake pedal
may be detected when engaging the
electric parking brake with the brake
pedal pressed.
With the electric parking brake
engaged, the warning light
on the
instrument panel and the LED on the
switch fig. 94 turn on.
IMPORTANT With the EPB failure
warning light on, some functions of the
electric parking brake are deactivated.
In this case the driver is responsible for
brake activation and vehicle parking in
complete safety conditions.
If, under exceptional circumstances, the
use of the parking brake is required with
the car in motion, keep the switch on
the central tunnel pulled as long as the
brake action is necessary.
The
warning light may switch on
with the hydraulic system temporarily
unavailable; in this case braking is
controlled by the motors.
The stop lights also automatically
switch on.
Release the switch on the central tunnel
to stop the braking action with the car
in motion.
If, through this procedure, the vehicle is
braked until a speed below 3 km/h is
reached and the switch is kept pulled,
the parking brake will definitively
engage.
IMPORTANT Driving the vehicle with
the electric parking brake engaged, or
using it several times to slow down the
vehicle, may cause severe damage to
the braking system.
Releasing the electric parking
brake manually
The ignition device must be in the MAR
position in order to manually release the
parking brake. Moreover, you need to
press the brake pedal, then press the
fig. 94 switch briefly.
Noise may be heard from the rear part
of the car and a slight movement of the
brake pedal may be detected during
release.
After disengaging the electric parking
brake, the
warning light on the
instrument panel and the LED on the
switch will turn off.
If the
warning light on the
instrument panel remains on with the
electric parking brake disengaged, this
indicates a failure: in this case contact a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT On versions with
automatic transmission never use the P
(Park) position instead of the electric
parking brake. Always engage the
electric parking brake when parking the
vehicle to prevent injury or damage
caused by the unexpected movement
of the vehicle.
116
STARTING AND DRIVING

IMPORTANT For cars with manual
transmission, if the clutch pedal is
pressed all the way and then released
simultaneously with the press of the
accelerator, the electric parking brake
automatically releases.
OPERATING THE
ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE
The electric parking brake can operate
in the following ways:
"Dynamic operating mode": this
mode is activated by pulling the switch
fig. 94 repeatedly whilst driving;
"Static engagement and release
mode": with the car stationary, the
electric parking brake can be activated
by pulling the switch once. On the other
hand, press the switch and the brake
pedal at the same time to disengage
the brake;
“ Drive Away Release”: the electric
parking brake will automatically
disengage with the detection of the
driver’s intention to move the car
forward or in reverse. On versions with
automatic transmission, the driver’s
safety belt has to be properly fastened.
"Safe Hold": if the car speed is lower
than 3 km/h and, for the versions with
automatic transmission, the gear lever
is not in P (Park) position and the driver
intention of leaving the car is detected,
the electric parking brake will
automatically engage to hold the car in
safety conditions;
"Auto Apply": if the car speed is
lower than 3 km/h, the electric parking
brake will automatically engage with the
gear lever moved to P (Park) position
(versions with automatic transmission),
or with the ignition device at STOP
(versions with manual transmission).
The LED on the switch will light up
together with the
warning light on
the instrument panel when the parking
brake is engaged and applied to the
wheels. Each automatic parking brake
engagement can be cancelled by
pressing the switch on the central
tunnel and at the same time moving the
gear lever for the automatic
transmission to position P (Park) or the
ignition device to STOP (versions with
manual transmission). This way can be
handled by using the system Menu
Uconnect™.
SAFE HOLD
It is a safety function that automatically
engages the electric parking brake in
the event of a dangerous condition for
the vehicle.
If:
the vehicle speed is below 3 km/h;
the gear lever is not at P (Park)
(versions with automatic transmission);
the driver's seat belt is not fastened;
the driver side door is open;
no attempted operation of the brake
pedal or the accelerator pedal, or, in
versions with manual gearbox, the
clutch pedal is detected
the electric parking brake engages
automatically to prevent vehicle
movement.
The Safe Hold function can be
temporarily disabled by pressing the
switch located on the central tunnel and
the brake pedal at the same time, with
the vehicle stationary and the driver
side door open.
Once disabled, the function will activate
again when the vehicle speed reaches
20 km/h or the ignition device is moved
to STOP and then to MAR.
117

STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting the engine is allowed only
when the gear lever is in position P or
N. Therefore, when the engine is
started, the system will be at position N
or P (the latter means neutral, but with
the vehicle's wheels are locked
mechanically).
MOVING THE CAR
To move the car, from P press the brake
pedal and, using the button on the gear
lever, move the lever to the desired
position (D, R or "Sequential mode").
The display will show the gear engaged.
When the brake pedal is released, the
car starts moving forwards or
backwards, as soon as the manoeuvre
is activated ("creeping" effect). The
accelerator should not be pressed in
this case.
IMPORTANT The inconsistency
between the speed actually engaged
(shown on the display) and the position
of the gear lever is indicated by the
letter corresponding to the position of
the lever flashing on the trim (also
accompanied by an acoustic signal).
This condition should not be interpreted
as an operational fault, but simply as a
request by the system to repeat the
manoeuvre.
IMPORTANT With the electric parking
brake released and brake pedal
released, engine at idling speed and
gear lever in position D, R or sequential,
pay the utmost care because the car
can move even without the operation of
the accelerator pedal. This condition
can be used with the car on a level
surface during tight parking
manoeuvres using the brake pedal only.
GEAR ENGAGEMENT
INHIBITION
This system prevents you from moving
the gear lever from position P (Park) or
N (Neutral) if the brake pedal has not
been previously depressed.
When the ignition device is in MAR
(engine on or off):
to shift the gear to a position
different from P (Park) or from N to R,
you need to press the brake pedal and
the button A fig. 96 on the knob of the
gear lever;
to shift the lever from position N to
position D, press the brake pedal.
In case of a failure or when the vehicle's
battery is flat, the lever remains locked
in position P. To manually unlock the
lever, see paragraph "Automatic
transmission - lever unlocking" in the "In
an emergency" chapter.
VEHICLE SHUTDOWN
Versions equipped with the Keyless
Go system: this function requires the
gear lever to be positioned at P (Park);
then bring the ignition device to STOP.
Versions equipped with key without
remote control: this function requires
the gear lever to be positioned at P
(Park) before extracting the key from the
ignition device.
If the vehicle battery is flat and the
ignition key is engaged, the latter is
locked in position. To remove the key
manually see paragraph "Automatic
transmission - key removal" in the
chapter "In an emergency".
"RECOVERY" OPERATION(where provided)
Transmission operation is constantly
monitored to detect any fault. If a
condition that might damage the
transmission is detected, the "recovery"
function is activated.
In this condition, the transmission stays
in 4
thgear, regardless of the selected
gear.
Positions P (Parking), R (Reverse) and N
(Neutral) still work. Icon
might light
up in the display.
In the case of "recovery" operation
immediately contact the nearest Fiat
Dealership.
121

Temporary failure
In the event of a temporary failure,
correct transmission operation can be
restored for all the forwards gears by
proceeding as follows:
stop the vehicle;
bring the transmission lever to P
(Park).
bring the ignition device to STOP;
wait for about 10 seconds, then
restart the engine;
select the desired gear: correct
transmission operation should be
restored.
IMPORTANT In the event of a
temporary failure it is in any case
recommended to contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
WARNING
114) Never use position P (Park) instead of
the electric parking brake. Always engage
the electric parking brake when parking the
vehicle to avoid the accidental movement
of the vehicle.
115) If the P (Park) position is not engaged,
the vehicle could move and injure people.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that
the gear lever is in position P and that the
electric parking brake is engaged. 116)
Do not shift the gear lever to N
(Neutral) and do not stop the engine when
driving on a downhill road. This type of
driving is dangerous and reduces the
possibility of intervening in the case of
variation of the road traffic or surface. You
risk losing control of your vehicle and
causing accidents.
117) Never leave children alone in an
unattended vehicle; make sure that when
you move away from the vehicle, you have
the key with you.
IMPORTANT
48) Before moving the gear lever from
position P (Park), bring the ignition device
to position MAR and press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, the gear lever may get
damaged.
49) Engage reverse only with the car
stationary, engine at idling speed and
accelerator fully released.
50) If the car is on a gradient, always
engage the electric parking brake BEFORE
placing the gear lever in P.
51) Engage reverse only with the car
stationary, engine at idling speed and
accelerator pedal fully released.
52) Using the paddles incorrectly (paddles
pushed towards the dashboard ) could
break them.
TWIN CLUTCH
TRANSMISSION
GEAR LEVER
The fig. 98 lever has the following
positions:
P = Park
R = Reverse
N = Neutral
D= Drive, (automatic forward speed)
"AutoStick": + shifting to higher
gear in sequential driving mode; –
shifting to lower gear in sequential
driving mode.
118) 119) 120) 121)
53) 54) 55)
The gear engaged is shown on the
display.
To select the "sequential" mode, shift
the lever from D (Drive) towards the left.
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122
STARTING AND DRIVING

The reachable positions are + (higher
gear) or - (lower gear). These positions
are unstable: the lever always returns to
central position.
The lever has a button A fig. 98, which
must be pressed to move the lever to P
or R.
Shifting from P to any other position of
the selector lever, with ignition key in
MAR-ON position, must be made
pressing the brake pedal and using the
button on A fig. 98.
To shift from R to P, it is necessary to
push button A fig. 98 when engine is at
idle speed.
To shift from position N to D or R, you
need to press the brake pedal. It is
advisable not to accelerate and to
make sure that the engine is stabilised
at idle speed.
Shifting from D to N is free, while
shifting from D to R or P can only be
made by the button A fig. 98.
AUTOMATIC DRIVING
MODE
To select the automatic driving mode,
you need to shift the gear lever to D
(Drive): the best ratio is selected by the
electronic transmission control unit
depending on vehicle speed, engine
load (accelerator pedal position) and
gradient of the road.D can be selected from sequential
operation in any driving conditions.
“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
(kick-down function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads
with poor grip conditions (snow, ice,
etc.) avoid activating the kick-down
function.
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic
mode (selector lever in position D),
when gearshifting is required by the
paddles on the steering wheel (where
provided), the system shifts to
"Sequential mode" ("Autostick"),
displaying the engaged gear for about
5 seconds.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic
mode (D), with following displaying.
AUTOSTICK - Sequential
mode
In the case of frequent gearshifting (e.g.
when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load, on slopes, with strong headwind
or when towing heavy trailers), it is
recommended to use the Autostick
(sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, using a lower gear
improves vehicle performance and
prolongs the transmission's life, limiting
gearshifting and preventing overheating.
It is possible to shift from position D
(Drive) to the sequential mode
regardless of vehicle speed.
Activation
With gear lever in position D (Drive), to
activate the sequential drive mode,
move the lever to the left (– and +
indication of the trim). The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Gearshifting is made by moving the
gear lever forwards, towards symbol –
or backwards, towards symbol +.
Off
To deactivate the sequential driving
mode, bring the gear lever back to
position D (Drive), automatic mode.
123

STEERING WHEEL
CONTROLS
(where provided)
56)
On some versions, the steering wheel
paddles fig. 99 can be used to change
gear.
To use the paddles on the steering
wheel, the gear lever must be in
"Sequential mode" or in D:
operating the steering wheel paddle (
+) (pulling the paddle towards the
driver): engage higher gear;
operating the steering wheel paddle (
−) (pulling the paddle towards the
driver): engage lower gear.
The engagement of a lower (or higher)
gear is only permitted if the engine revs
allow it.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting the engine is allowed only
when the gear lever is in position P or
N. Therefore, when the engine is
started, the system will be at position N
or P (the latter means neutral, but with
the vehicle's wheels are locked
mechanically).
MOVING THE CAR
To move the car, from P press the brake
pedal and, using the button on the gear
lever, move the lever to the desired
position (D, R or "Sequential mode").
The display will show the gear engaged.
When the brake pedal is released, the
car starts moving forwards or
backwards, as soon as the manoeuvre
is activated ("creeping" effect). The
accelerator should not be pressed in
this case.
IMPORTANT The inconsistency
between the speed actually engaged
(shown on the display) and the position
of the gear lever is indicated by the
letter corresponding to the position of
the lever flashing on the trim (also
accompanied by an acoustic signal).
This condition should not be interpreted
as an operational fault, but simply as a
request by the system to repeat the
manoeuvre.
GEAR ENGAGEMENT
INHIBITION
This system prevents you from moving
the gear lever from position P (Park) or
N (Neutral) if the brake pedal has not
been previously depressed.
When the ignition device is in MAR
(engine on or off):
to shift the gear to a position
different from P (Park) or from N to R,
you need to press the brake pedal and
the button A fig. 98 on the knob of the
gear lever;
to shift the lever from position N to
position D, press the brake pedal.
In case of a failure or when the vehicle's
battery is flat, the lever remains locked
in position P. To manually unlock the
lever, see paragraph "Twin clutch
automatic transmission - lever
unlocking" in the "In an emergency"
chapter.
VEHICLE SHUTDOWN
Versions equipped with the Keyless
Go system: this function requires the
gear lever to be positioned at P (Park);
then bring the ignition device to STOP.
Versions equipped with key without
remote control: this function requires
the gear lever to be positioned at P
(Park) before extracting the key from the
ignition device.
99F1B0508C
124
STARTING AND DRIVING

If the vehicle battery is flat and the
ignition key is engaged, the latter is
locked in position. To remove the key
manually see paragraph "Twin clutch
automatic transmission - key removal"
in the chapter "In an emergency".
"RECOVERY"
FUNCTIONS
In case of a gear lever failure, the
instrument panel display could show a
dedicated message recommending that
the driver continues driving without
shifting the lever to the P position.
In this case, the transmission will
maintain the forward gear (with reduced
performance) even if the lever is
positioned at R or N.
Once the lever is positioned at P, or
after shutting down the vehicle,
selecting R or any other forward gear
will no longer be possible. In this case,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
118)Never use position P (Park) instead of
the electric parking brake. Always engage
the electric parking brake when parking the
vehicle to avoid the accidental movement
of the vehicle. 119)
If the P (Park) position is not engaged,
the vehicle could move and injure people.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that
the gear lever is in position P and that the
electric parking brake is engaged.
120) Do not shift the gear lever to N
(Neutral) and do not stop the engine when
driving on a downhill road. This type of
driving is dangerous and reduces the
possibility of intervening in the case of
variation of the road traffic or surface. You
risk losing control of your vehicle and
causing accidents.
121) Never leave children unattended in
the car. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the car and take the key with
you.
IMPORTANT
53) Before moving the gear lever from
position P (Park), bring the ignition device
to position MAR and press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, the gear lever may get
damaged.
54) If the car is on a gradient, always
engage the electric parking brake BEFORE
placing the gear lever in P.
55) Engage reverse only with the car
stationary, engine at idling speed and
accelerator pedal fully released.
56) Using the paddles incorrectly (paddles
pushed towards the dashboard ) could
break them.
START&STOP
SYSTEM
The Start&Stop system automatically
stops the engine each time the vehicle
is stationary and starts it again when
the driver wants to move off.
In this way, the vehicle efficiency is
increased, by reducing consumption,
dangerous gas emissions and noise
pollution.
122)
57)
OPERATING MODE
Engine stopping mode
Versions with manual gearbox
With the vehicle stopped, the engine
stops with gearbox in neutral and clutch
pedal released.
Versions with automatic
transmission
With vehicle at a standstill and brake
pedal pressed, the engine switches off
if the gear lever is in a position other
than R.
In the event of stops uphill, engine
switching off is disabled to make the
"Hill Hold Control" function available
(works only with running engine).
125