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NOTE:The vehicle should start charging automatically. If
not, please check the following:
•Charging Cordset - The charging cordset status indi-
cators illuminate green or red to identify the charging
cordset status. Refer to “Troubleshooting Using The
Status Indicator Display” in this section for further
information on the charging cordset status.
• Wall Receptacle – Check whether the wall receptacle is
functional (no power outage) and/or plug the charg-
ing cordset into a different wall receptacle.
• Charging Schedule – Check whether or not the charg-
ing schedules have been enabled. If enabled, check
that you are within the scheduled time and date. If a
charging schedule has been enabled and you are
outside the time and date, you may override the
schedule for this charging event by plugging in the
charge connector, unplugging it, and then plugging it
back into the vehicle charge inlet. Complete the double
plug sequence within ten seconds for it to override the
set schedule. 5. To stop the charging process, disconnect the vehicle side
connector first and then the charging cordset from the
wall receptacle. To disengage the vehicle coupler, push
the button on the charge connector (1) before removing
the connector from the vehicle charge inlet (2).
6. Close the inlet door.
NOTE: It is good practice to keep the ignition in the OFF
position while conducting Level 1 Charging. This mini-
mizes any additional vehicle loads the EVSE has to support
which extend the charging time.
Removing The Charge Connector From The Vehicle
Charge Inlet
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 27
Page 162 of 300

SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION
Your 500e uses a Single-Speed Transmission to direct the
output from the electric motor. The single-speed transmis-
sion is operated using push-buttons instead of a traditional
gear selector.
The push-buttons are located on the lower instrument
panel.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Place the transmission into PARK only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Place the transmission into or out of REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Before placing the transmission into any range make
sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE:
• You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting
in or out of PARK.
• If all push-button LEDs are on when the key is ON, see
an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
• Only place the transmission into gear when your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
(Continued)
Single-Speed Transmission Push-Buttons
160 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 165 of 300

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