2019 FIAT 500L Owner handbook (in English)

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The car has the following active safety
systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
system;
HH (Hill Holder) system;
ASR (AntiSlip Regulation) system;
DST (Dynamic Steering Torque
or steering corrector) system;
ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation)
system.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41) 42)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The ABS also integrates the following
systems: EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment Regelung) and HBA
(Hydraulic Brake Assist).IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500 km is
needed: during this period it is better to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
braking.
43) 44) 45)
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51)
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the car.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.Switching the system on
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
GRAVITY CONTROL
(for versions/markets, where provided)
56)
It is an integral part of the ESC system
and is aimed at keeping the car at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time.
In this way, the “Gravity Control”
function assists the drive on steep
gradients in low-grip conditions and/or
on rough terrain.
For more information on system
operation, see the “Driving assistance
systems” paragraph in this chapter.
HH (Hill Holder) SYSTEM
52) 53)
This system is an integral part of the
ESC system and facilitates starting on
slopes.
71

The system is automatically activated in
the following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in
the event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on
one or more drive wheels.
Engagement/disengagement of the
system
The system switches on automatically
each time the engine is started. The
ASR can be turned off and then turned
back on again whilst driving by pressing
the button located in the dashboard
fig. 56.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.DST (Dynamic Steering
Torque or steering
corrector) system
54)
The DST (steering corrector) system
function uses the integration of the ESC
system with the electric power steering
to increase the safety level of the whole
car. In critical situations (e.g.
understeering, oversteering, braking
with different grip conditions), through
the DST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to be performed to
the driver.ERM (Electronic Rollover
Mitigation) SYSTEM
55)
The system monitors the tendency of
the wheels to rise from the ground if the
driver performs extreme manoeuvres
like quick steering to avoid an obstacle,
especially in poor road conditions.
If these conditions occur, the system
intervenes on the brakes and engine
power to reduce the possibility that the
wheels are raised from the ground. It
is not possible to avoid tendency to roll
over if the phenomenon is due to
reasons such as driving on high side
gradients, collision with objects or other
vehicles.
WARNING
36)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake
in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
37)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about
500 km is needed: during this period it is
better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
56F0Y0656C
72
SAFETY

38)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
39)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
40)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
41)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
42)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
43)The HBA system cannot increase tyre
grip on the road over the limits imposed by
laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road
surface.
44)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
45)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver. The features of the HBA system
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver, occupants
or other road users at risk.46)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
47)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
48)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
49)For the correct operation of the ESC
and ASR systems it is extremely important
that the tyres are the same brand and
the same type on all the wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, the
recommended type and size.
50)The performance of the ESC and ASR
systems must not encourage the driver
to take unnecessary risks. Your driving style
must always be suited to the road
conditions, visibility and traffic. The driver
is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
51)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
52)The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the car
without having engaged the handbrake,
turned the engine off and engaged the first
gear, so that the car is parked in safe
conditions (for further information read
paragraph "When parked" in the chapter
"Starting and driving").53)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 5%), with car laden, in
which the Hill Holder system may not
activate, causing a slight reversing motion
and increasing the risk of collision with
another car or object. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
54)DST is a driving assistance system and
does not relieve the driver of responsibility
for driving the car.
55)The performance of a vehicle with ERM
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.
56)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.
73

DRIVING
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
The car can feature the following driving
assistance systems:
City Brake Control - “Collision
Mitigation” system
iTPMS
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
CITY BRAKE CONTROL -
“Collision Mitigation”
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
57) 58) 59) 60) 61)
24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31)
This is a driving assistance system,
which includes a laser sensor, located
in the upper part of the windscreen
fig. 57, that can detect the presence of
nearby cars in front of the car.
In the event of an imminent collision the
system intervenes by automatically
braking to prevent the impact or
mitigate its effects.
The system is only active if:
the ignition key is turned to
MAR;
the car speed is between 5 and
30 km/h;
a forward gear is engaged;
the front seat belts are fastened;
the “Mode Selector” device is
in “Normal” mode.
Engagement/disengagement
The system can be deactivated (and
reactivated) using the display setup
menu (see the "Display" paragraph in
the "Knowing the instrument panel"
chapter).
Operation
The system intervenes if there is risk of
imminent collision and the driver does
not press the brake pedal promptly.
If the system detects that the vehicle
ahead could be hit, it may prepare the
vehicle to a possible emergency
braking.If the driver does not carry out any
action to prevent the collision, the
system may automatically slow down
the vehicle, in order to prepare it to
a possible impact.
When there is risk of impact, if the
action on the brake pedal by the driver
is not sufficient, the system may
intervene in order to improve
the reaction of the braking system,
therefore reducing vehicle speed
further.
When driving uphill on slopes with
major changes of gradient, the system
may intervene, activating the braking
system.
Versions equipped with Start&Stop
system: at the end of the automatic
braking, the Start&Stop system will
activate as described in the "Start&Stop
system" paragraph of the "Starting
and driving" chapter.
Versions equipped with manual
transmission: at the end of the
automatic braking, the engine may stall
and turn off, unless the clutch pedal
is pressed.
For versions with Dualogic
transmission: the last gear stored
remains engaged after braking.
57F0Y0200C
74
SAFETY

IMPORTANT After the car is stopped,
the brake callipers may be locked
for about 2 seconds for safety reasons.
Make sure you press the brake pedal
if the vehicle moves slightly forwards.
Driving in special conditions
In given driving conditions, such as for
example driving near a curve (see fig.
58) / small vehicles and/or not aligned
with the driving lane (see fig. 59) /
change of lane by other vehicles (see
fig. 60) operation of the system may be
unexpected or delayed. The driver
must also pay attention to maintain
control of the car and drive in complete
safety.
iTPMS System (indirect
Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
32) 33) 34) 35) 36)
Description
The car can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.Correct tyre pressure
If no under-inflated tyres are detected,
the outline of the car will be shown
on the display.
Low tyre pressure
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel and a warning message on
the display, along with an acoustic
signal.
In this case, the outline of the car is
shown on the instrument panel display
with the two symbols
.
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on until
the “Reset” procedure is carried out. If
the “under inflated” indication appears,
you are advised to check the pressure
of all four tyres in all cases and then
to perform the “Reset” procedure.
“Reset” procedure
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the RESET
procedure is carried out manually.
58F0Y0320C
59F0Y0321C
60F0Y0322C
75

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.61F0Y0659C
76
SAFETY

WARNING
57)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.
58)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).
59)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.
60)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.61)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
24)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.
25)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.
26)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.27)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.
28)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.
29)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.
30)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.
31)If a trailer or a vehicle is towed the
system must be deactivated with the
display Setup Menu.
32)If the system signals a loss of pressure
on a specific tyre, it is recommended to
check the pressure on all four tyres.
33)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.
77

34)The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (for example when a tyre
bursts). In this case, stop the vehicle,
braking with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
35)The iTPMS system only warns that the
tyre pressure is low: it cannot inflate
them.
36)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety
equipment of the car comprise the
following protection systems:
seat belts;
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
Front airbags and side bags.
Read the information given the
following pages with the utmost care. It
is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
For the description of the head restraint
adjustment see the "Head restraints"
paragraph in the "Knowing your car"
chapter.
SEAT BELTS
62) 63)
All vehicle seats are equipped with seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
The reel mechanism operates locking
the belt in the event of sharp braking or
strong deceleration due to an impact.
This allows the seat belt strap to slide
freely and to adapt to the body of
the occupant. In the event of an
accident, the seat belt will lock reducing
the risk of impact inside the passenger
compartment and of being projected
outside the car.
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other
occupants of the vehicle also respect,
the local laws in force in relation to
the use of the seat belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The seat belt should be worn keeping
the chest straight and rested against
the backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the
tongue A fig. 62 and insert it into the
buckle B, until it clicks into place.
If the belt jams while being removed, let
it rewind for a short stretch, then pull
it out again without jerking.
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SAFETY