2019 FIAT 500X Owner handbook (in English)

SIDE BAGS
To help increase occupants protection
in the event of side impact collisions,
the vehicle is equipped with front side
bags and window bags.
Side bag
These consist of two bags located in
the front seat backrests fig. 87 that
protect the occupants’ pelvis, chest
and shoulder area in the event of a side
impact of medium/high severity.
They are marked by the "AIRBAG" label
sewn on the outer side of the front
seats.
Window bag
These consist of two “drop-down”
cushions, housed behind the side lining
of the roof and covered with finishing
elements fig. 88.
They are designed to protect the head
of front and rear occupants in the eventof a side collision, thanks to the wide
cushion inflation surface.
The deployment of side bags in the
event of side impacts of low severity is
not required.
In the event of a side impact, the
system provides best protection if the
passenger sits on the seat in a correct
position, thus allowing correct window
bag deployment.
87) 88) 89) 90) 91) 92) 93) 94) 95) 96) 97) 98) 99) 100) 101)
102)
Important notes
Do not wash the seats with water or
pressurised steam (wash by hand or at
automatic seat washing stations).
The front airbags and/or side bags may
be deployed in the event of sharp
impacts to the underbody of the car
(e.g. impact with steps, pavements,
potholes or road bumps etc.).When the airbag deploys it emits a
small amount of dust: the dust is
harmless and does not indicate the
beginning of a fire. The dust may irritate
the skin and eyes however: in this case,
wash with neutral soap and water.
Airbag checking, repair and
replacement must be carried out at a
Fiat Dealership.
If the car is scrapped, have the airbag
system deactivated at a Fiat Dealership.
Pretensioners and airbags are deployed
in different ways on the basis of the
type of collision. Failure to activate one
or more of the devices does not
indicate a system malfunction.
WARNING
87)Do not apply stickers or other objects
on the steering wheel, on the dashboard in
the passenger side airbag area, on side
upholstery on the roof or on the seats.
Never put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on
the passenger side of the dashboard since
they could interfere with correct inflation of
the passenger airbag and also cause
serious injury to the passengers.
88)Always drive with your hands on the
rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive
with your body bent forward. Keep your
back straight against the backrest.
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89)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the child
regardless of the severity of the impact.
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger
side airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed.
90)To deactivate the airbags using the
instrument panel menu, see the description
in the "Knowing the instrument panel"
chapter, "Menu Options" paragraph.
91)Do not affix rigid objects to the
garment hooks or support handles.
92)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows
on the door, windows or the area in which
the Window bag is located to avoid
possible injury during airbag inflation.
93)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.
94)If, when the ignition device is turned to
MAR, the
warning light does not switch
on or stays on whilst driving, a fault may
have occurred in the restraint systems. In
this case the airbags or pretensioners may
not be deployed in an impact or, in a lower
number of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.95)In some versions, in the event of a LED
OFFfailure (located on the dashboard
trim), thewarning light on the
instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated. In
some versions, in the event of a LED
ONfailure (located on the dashboard
trim), thelight on the console turns on.
96)On cars with side bags, do not cover
the front seat backrests with extra covers.
97)Do not travel carrying objects in your
lap, in front of your chest or between your
lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could cause
severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
98)If the car has been stolen or in the case
of attempt to steal it, if it has been
subjected to vandalism or floods, have the
airbag system checked by a Fiat
Dealership.
99)If the ignition device is at MAR, even if
the engine is switched off, airbags may be
deployed when the vehicle is stationary
and hit by another vehicle. Therefore, even
if the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child. Therefore, always deactivate the
passenger side airbag when a rearward
facing child restraint system is installed on
the front passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be positioned
back as far as possible in order to prevent
the child restraint system from coming into
contact with the dashboard.Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed. Also remember that, if
the ignition device is set to STOP, none of
the safety devices (airbags or
pretensioners) will be deployed in the event
of collision. Non-deployment in such cases
does not indicate a system malfunction.
100)Malfunction of thewarning light is
indicated by the activation of an airbag
failure icon and dedicated message on the
instrument panel display. The pyrotechnic
charges are not disabled. Contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the system
checked
101)The airbag deployment threshold is
higher than that of the pretensioners. For
collisions in the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only the
pretensioners to be activated.
102)The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their efficiency.
Because front airbags are not deployed for
low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are
protected, in addition to any side bags,
only by their seat belts, which must
therefore always be fastened.
112
SAFETY

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" 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.......114
PARKING THE VEHICLE........115
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE (EPB) .115
MANUAL GEARBOX..........118
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. . . .119
DUAL-CLUTCH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION.............122
START&STOP SYSTEM........125
SPEED LIMITER.............127
ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL .128
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(ACC)....................129
DRIVE MODE SELECTOR.......133
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM........135
LANE ASSIST SYSTEM (lane crossing
warning)..................138
TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION . . .140
INTELLIGENT SPEED ASSIST. . . .141
REAR VIEW CAMERA.........143
TOWING TRAILERS..........144
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE.....147
AdBlue (UREA) ADDITIVE FOR DIESEL
EMISSIONS................150
113
®

STARTING THE
ENGINE
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the
starting procedure can be shown on
the display.
103) 104) 105) 106)
32) 33) 34) 35)
Versions with manual transmission
Proceed as follows:
engage the electric parking brake
and place the gear lever in neutral;
move the ignition device to MAR. On
Diesel versions, the
warning light on
the instrument panel turns on: wait for
the warning light to switch off;
fully depress the clutch pedal without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition device to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts;
if the engine does not start within
10 seconds, bring the ignition device
back to STOP and wait for
10-15 seconds before repeating the
starting procedure.
after the manoeuvre has been
repeated, if the problem persists,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
Versions with automatic
transmission
Proceed as follows:
engage the electric parking brake
and set the gear lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral);
fully depress the brake pedal without
touching the accelerator;
set the ignition device to AVV;
if the engine does not start, bring
the ignition device back to STOP and
wait for 10-15 seconds before
repeating the starting procedure;
after the manoeuvre has been
repeated, if the problem persists,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
ENGINE STARTING
FAILURE
Starting the engine with electronic
key battery (Keyless Go) run down
or flat
If the ignition device does not respond
when the relevant button is pressed the
electronic key battery might be run
down or flat. Therefore, the system
does not detect the presence of the
electronic key on board the vehicle and
displays a dedicated message. In this
case, rest the rounded edge of the
electronic key (the side opposite themetal insert) on the ignition device and
press the button using the electronic
key. The ignition device is thus activated
and the engine can be started.
WARNING
103)Do not try to start the engine pouring
fuel or other flammable fluid inside the
throttle body air intake: this might damage
the engine and injury people nearby.
104)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
105)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
106)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
32)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.).
33)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR
position to prevent useless current
absorption from draining the battery.
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STARTING AND DRIVING

34)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.
35)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. 89, a motor with caliper for each
rear wheel and an electronic control
module.
IMPORTANT Always engage the
electric parking brake before leaving the
vehicle.
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
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always be engaged (the 1stgear 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:
manuallypull the switch fig. 89 on
the central tunnel in the direction shown
by the arrow;
automaticallyin "Safe Hold" or "Auto
Apply" conditions.
Engaging the parking brake
manually
107) 108) 109)
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. 89 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. 89 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
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STARTING AND DRIVING

vehicle to prevent injury or damage
caused by the unexpected movement
of the vehicle.
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. 89 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 withautomatic 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.
WARNING
107)In the case of parking manoeuvres on
roads on a gradient, steer the wheels,
engage the parking brake, the first gear if
uphill and the reverse if downhill; on
versions with automatic transmission, set
the lever to "P". If the car is parked on a
steep slope block the wheels with a wedge
or stone.
117

108)Never leave children alone in an
unattended vehicle; make sure that when
you move away from the vehicle, you have
the key with you.
109)The electric parking brake must
always be engaged when leaving the
vehicle.MANUAL GEARBOX
110)
36)
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever into
the required position (the diagram for
gear engagement is shown on the
knob ).
To engage 6
thgear (if present), operate
the lever by pressing it towards the right
in order to avoid engaging 4
thgear by
mistake. The same applies to the shift
from 6
thto 5thgear.
1.0 - 1.3 - 1.4 Turbo Multi Air -
1.6 Multijet versions:To engage
reverse R from neutral, lift the ring A
fig. 90 under the knob and at the same
time move the lever to the left and then
forwards.
1.6 E.Torq versions:To engage
reverse gear R from neutral, move the
lever to the right and then backwards.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completely
stationary. For 1.6 E.Torq versions: with
the engine running, wait for at least
2 seconds with the clutch pedal fully
pressed before engaging reverse to
prevent damage to the gears and
“grating”.
IMPORTANT The clutch pedal should
be used only for gear changes. Do not
drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal, however lightly. In some
circumstances, the electronic clutch
control could cut in by interpreting the
incorrect driving style as a fault.
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STARTING AND DRIVING