500e ELECTRIC VEHICLE FEATURES
Understanding the unique characteristics of your 500e will
help ensure maximum performance and the best driving
range from your vehicle.
Your 500e is equipped with two electrical systems; a 12 Volt
system that is used to power the conventional electrical
system and a high voltage system, which is used to drive
the wheels through a single-speed transmission as well as
other high voltage system components.
Your 500e operates differently then a traditional vehicle or
Hybrid vehicle. Here are some of the main differences:
Audible Pedestrian Warning System
Your vehicle is equipped with an Audible Pedestrian
Warning System. The Audible Pedestrian Warning System
uses distinct sounds to alert pedestrians that your vehicle is
approaching.
The audible warning system uses an in-car sound synthe-
sizer with a speaker located in the underhood compart-
ment. The warning system is automatically activated when
selecting DRIVE or REVERSE.
In DRIVE range, the system will remain active until the
vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 22 mph(35.5 km/h). At approximately 22 mph (35.5 km/h), the
warning system is deactivated and will automatically be
active when the vehicle returns to approximately 20 mph
(32 km/h).
Single-Speed Transmission
Instead of a traditional transmission, your vehicle is
equipped with a single-speed transmission to transfer the
torque from the E-Drive motor to the drive wheels. This
transmission requires no maintenance and is designed to
operate for the life of the vehicle.
Auto Park
Auto Park will automatically place the transmission into
PARK if there is an indication that the driver may leave the
vehicle while still in the DRIVE, NEUTRAL or REVERSE
gear. Refer to “Single-Speed Transmission” in “Starting
And Operating” in your Owner ’s Manual for further
information.
E-Park
The parking pawl is traditionally located inside an auto-
matic transmission and activated when the vehicle is
placed in the PARK position.
18 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
E-Park is activated when the driver pushes the PARK
button. An electric motor activates the parking pawl and
locks the single-speed transmission when the vehicle is
placed into PARK. This will prevent any unwanted move-
ment of the vehicle.
NOTE:The engagement of the E-Park can be heard when
there is no noise in the interior of the vehicle, this is a
normal condition.
Climate Control (HVAC System)
Your 500e is equipped with an Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) HVAC system. This HVAC system utilizes a
humidity sensor, cabin sensor, and ambient temperature
sensor to choose operation mode and control cabin com-
fort. These components allow the controller to operate the
HVAC system in a very efficient manner to maximize
driving range.
Your 500e also uses an electric air heater to provide heat to
the cabin.
Electric Air Conditioning Compressor
Your 500e uses an electric air conditioning compressor. The
air conditioning compressor is powered by the high volt-
age battery system and is used to cool the vehicle occu-
pants and the high voltage battery while the vehicle is
being driven or when it is being charged.
The high voltage battery may require cooling to keep the
vehicle running. The air conditioning compressor activates
without any input from the occupant.
NOTE: The AC system helps cool the high voltage battery.
If the air conditioning system should require service, see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Electric Power Steering
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steering
(EPS) system. The power steering system requires no
maintenance and operates without the use of power steer-
ing fluid.
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 19
frequency. When the transmission is placed into REVERSE,
the rear wiper will automatically operate at Low Speed and
return to normal operation when the transmission is placed
out of REVERSE.
NOTE:The windshield wipers/washers will only operate
with the ignition in the ON/RUN position. Rear Windshield Washer Operation
Push the windshield wiper/washer lever toward the in-
strument panel to activate the rear washer. Push and hold
the lever for more than a half second and the wipers will
activate automatically for three cycles after the lever is
released.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Climate Control System allows you to regulate the
temperature, air flow, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the
touchscreen (if equipped) and on the instrument panel
below the radio.
Rear Wiper Operation
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 65
NOTE:
•Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during air bag deployment.
• After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication network
remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending
on the nature of the event, the ORC will determine whether
to have the Enhanced Accident Response System perform
the following functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine (If Equipped)
• Cut off battery power to the electric motor (If Equipped)
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or for 15 minutes from the
intervention of the Enhanced Accident Response Sys-
tem.
• Unlock the power door locks. Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any of these
other functions in response to the Enhanced Accident
Response System:
•
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC
Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door
• Cut off battery power to the:
• Engine
• Electric Motor (if equipped)
• Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump5
SAFETY 133
WARNING!(Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission range buttons.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
The vehicle may be started in this gear. Apply the parking
brake and place the transmission into PARK if you must
exit the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
Use this gear for all city and highway driving.
Auto Park
The Auto Park feature automatically places the transmis-
sion into PARK if there is any indication that the driver
may exit the vehicle while the transmission is in D
(DRIVE), N (NEUTRAL) or R (REVERSE).
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+) button
and release. Resume can be used at any speed above
20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button,
or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will
deactivate the Speed Control without erasing the set speed
from memory.
Pushing the ON/OFF button or turning the ignition switch
OFF erases the set speed from memory.
REAR PARK ASSIST
The Rear Park Assist system provides audible and visual
indications of the distance between the rear fascia/bumper
and a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a
parking maneuver. Refer to the “Park Assist System Usage
Precautions” for the limitations of this system and recom-
mendations.
The Rear Park Assist is automatically activated when the
transmission is placed into REVERSE.
Rear Park Assist Sensors
The four Rear Park Assist sensors, located in the rear
fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the vehicle that is
within the sensors’ field of view. The sensors can detect
obstacles, in the horizontal direction, from approximately
12 inches (30 cm) up to 55 inches (140 cm) from the center
of the rear fascia/bumper and up to 24 inches (60 cm) from
the corners of the rear fascia/bumper, depending on the
location, type and orientation of the obstacle.
If several obstacles are detected, the Rear Park Assist
system indicates the nearest obstacle.
The minimum height of a detectable obstacle corresponds
to the maximum height of an obstacle that would clear the
underside of the vehicle during the parking maneuver.
Rear Park Assist Display
When the vehicle is in REVERSE, the warning display will
turn ON indicating the system status.
The system will indicate a detected obstacle by showing
arcs in one or more regions based on the obstacle’s distance
and location relative to the vehicle.
If an obstacle is detected in the center rear region, the
display will show solid arcs in the center rear region and
168 STARTING AND OPERATING
6. Release the parking brake only when a driver is in thevehicle, or the vehicle is secured by other means. The
Manual Park Release will be reset automatically once
the vehicle is restarted.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Then, shift back and forth between DRIVE and
REVERSE while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the
least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will main-
tain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels.
NOTE: Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode, before
rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control” in
“Safety” for further information. Once the vehicle has been
freed, push the ESC Offswitch again to restore ESC On
mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
• Revving the vehicle or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
206 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Adding Washing Fluid...................... .215
AirBag ................................ .124
Advance Front Air Bag ....................124
Air Bag Operation ....................... .126
Air Bag Warning Light .....................123
Driver Knee Air Bag ..................... .127
Enhanced Accident Response .............133, 208
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................208
FrontAirBag .......................... .124
If Deployment Occurs .....................132
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .127
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............134
Maintenance ........................... .134
Side Air Bags .......................... .127
Transporting Pets ....................... .151
Air Bag Light ...................... .92, 123, 152
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................222
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ...................222
Air Conditioner System ..................... .222
Air Conditioning Filter .......................73
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................72
Air Pressure Tires................................. .235
Alarm Security Alarm ...........................42 Alarm System
Security Alarm ...........................42
Alterations/Modifications Vehicle .................................5
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................102
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................95, 98, 99
Arming System Security Alarm ...........................42
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .260
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................56
Automatic Transmission ..................... .160
Gear Ranges ........................... .161
Auxiliary Driving Systems ....................107
Battery .............................. .93, 215
Charging ...............................16
Charging System Light .....................93
Belts, Seat ............................... .152
Body
Mechanism Lubrication ..................223
B-Pillar Location .......................... .230
Brake Assist System ........................ .103
Brake Fluid .............................. .257
Brake, Parking ............................ .158
Brake System ............................ .225
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................ .102
288 INDEX