2020 FIAT 500 Owner handbook (in English)

56)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ABS system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.
57)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
58)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be
of the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of
the prescribed type and size.
59)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.
60)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unfounded risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is always
responsible for road safety.
61)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
62)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
63)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.64)The HH system is not a parking brake,
therefore do not leave the vehicle without
activating the handbrake, switching off
the engine, and engaging first gear, with
the vehicle parked in safe conditions.
65)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with car laden or
a trailer attached to it (where provided),
in which the HH system may not activate,
causing a slight reversing motion and
increasing the risk of collision with another
vehicle or object. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
66)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, it is essential that the tyres are
of the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of
the specified type and dimensions.
67)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ASR system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.
68)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
69)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
70)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.71)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
72)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.
73)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
74)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver.
75)The capability of the HBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver,
occupants or other road users.
76)When the HBA system intervenes,
noises may be heard from the system. This
is normal. In any case, while braking keep
the brake pedal firmly depressed.
71

DRIVING
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
iTPMS System (indirect
Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
77) 78) 79) 80) 81) 82)
DESCRIPTION
The vehicle can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.
To access the iTPMS screens ( fig. 51 -
fig. 52), press the TRIP button.
The fig. 52 screen will be displayed only
if one or more tyres are flat.
Correct tyre pressure (versions with
colour display)
If pressure of all the tyres corresponds
to the correct value, the display shows
the following screen fig. 51.
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. Furthermore, the display will
show “KO” beside the tyres fig. 52
along with a warning message.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.
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 key
at MAR, use the setup menu (see the
description of the "Display" paragraph).
At the end of the Reset procedure,
the display will show the message
"Reset saved", indicating that
self-learning has started.
If the iTPMS self-learning is not
correctly executed, the message is not
displayed.
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. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the signalling may be delayed
or partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.
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Under special conditions (e.g. car
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
damaged or worn tyre, fitting the
space-saver spare wheel, fitting snow
chains, fitting different tyres on the
axles) the system may give false
warnings 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 warning message.
This warning is displayed also after the
engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
WARNING
77)If the system signals a pressure
decrease on one or more tyres, it
is recommended to always check the
pressure on all four tyres.
78)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not to
be considered a system to replace
maintenance or a safety system.
79)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary for
whatever reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even
though it is higher than the prescribed
value, but repeat the check when tyres are
cold.80)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.
81)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
82)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 vehicle 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
vehicle" chapter.
73

SEAT BELTS
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 belt strap to slide freely
and to adapt to the body of the
occupant. In the event of an accident,
the 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 belt should be worn keeping the
torso straight and rested against the
backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold tongue A
fig. 53 and insert it into buckle B, until
it clicks into place.
On removal, if the belt jams, let it rewind
for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
Press the button C fig. 53 to release the
belt.Guide the belt while it is rewinding to
prevent it from twisting. Through the
retractor, the belt automatically adapts
to the body of the passenger wearing it,
allowing freedom of movement.
The retractor may lock when the car is
parked on a steep slope: this is
perfectly normal. Furthermore, the reel
mechanism locks the belt if it is pulled
sharply or in the event of sudden
braking, collisions and high-speed
bends.
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat
belts with three anchoring points and a
retractor.
Wear the rear seat belts as shown in
fig. 54.
IMPORTANT When putting the back
seat to its normal position, make sure
the seat belts are positioned so they are
ready to use.
83) 84)
WARNING
83)Never press button C fig. 53 when
travelling.
84)Remember that in the event of an
accident, the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
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SBR SYSTEM (Seat
Belt Reminder)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The SBR system warns the passengers
of the front and rear (for versions/
markets, where provided) seats if their
seat belt is not fastened.
The system warnings unfastened seat
belts with visual warnings (warning
lights on in the instrument panel and
icons on the display) and an acoustic
warning (see the following paragraphs).
NOTE Contact a Fiat Dealership to
deactivate this acoustic warning
permanently. The acoustic warning can
be reactivated at any time through the
display Setup Menu.
Seat belts warning light operation
The system warns the driver and the
front passenger if their seat belt is
not fastened, as follows:
flashingwarning light and
intermittent acoustic warning for about
100 seconds.
once the cycle has finished, the
warning light remains on constantly until
the seat belts are fastened.
PRE-TENSIONERS
The car is equipped with front seat
belts pretensioners, that reduce slack in
the belts in the event of a severe frontal
collision. This guarantees the perfect
adherence of the seat belts to the
occupants' bodies before the
restraining action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
towards the retractor. This car is also
equipped with a second pretensioner
(fitted in the kick plate area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water or mud, have it
replaced.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.
85) 86) 87)
35)
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase occupant safety, the
retractors of the safety belts contain a
load limiter to dose the force acting
on the chest and shoulders during the
belt restraining action in the case of
frontal collisions.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
88)
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the case of impact is greatly reduced
for them and the unborn child if they
are wearing a seat belt.
Pregnant women must position the
lower part of the belt very low down so
that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen (see fig. 55).
While pregnancy increases, the driver
must adjust both seat and steering
wheel to have full control over the
vehicle (pedals and steering wheel
should be easily accessed).
The maximum clearance should be
kept between the abdomen and the
steering wheel.
75

The seat belt strap must not be twisted.
The upper part must pass over the
shoulder and cross the chest
diagonally. The lower part must adhere
to the pelvis rather than the
passenger’s abdomen (as shown in fig.
56) . Never use devices (clips, clamps,
etc.) that hold the seat belt away from
your body.Each seat belt must be used by only
one person. Never travel with a child
sitting on the passenger's lap and
a single belt to protect them both fig.
57. In general, do not place any objects
between the person and the belt.
SEAT BELTS
MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient
conditions, carefully observe the
following warnings:
always use the seat belt with the
strap well stretched and not twisted;
make sure that it is free to run without
obstructions;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
replace the seat belt after an
accident of a certain severity even if it
does not appear to be damaged.
Always replace the seat belt if
the pretensioners were deployed;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside
replace the seat belt when it shows
wear or cuts.
WARNING
85)The pretensioner may be used only
once. Contact a Fiat Dealership to have it
replaced after it has been deployed.
86)For maximum safety, keep the back of
your seat upright, lean back into it and
make sure the seat belt fits closely across
your chest and pelvis. Always fasten the
seat belts on both the front and the rear
seats! Travelling without wearing seat belts
will increase the risk of serious injury or
even death in the event of an accident.
87)Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by
qualified and authorised technicians.
Always go to a Fiat Dealership.
88)If the seat belt has been subjected to a
high level of stress, for example after an
accident, it must be completely replaced
together with the anchorages, anchorage
fixing screws and pretensioner. In fact,
even if the seat belt has no visible defects,
it could have lost its resilience.55F0S0415
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SAFETY

WARNING
35)Operations which lead to impacts,
vibrations or localised heating (over 100°C
for a maximum of six hours) in the area
around the pretensioner may damage or
deploy it. Contact a Fiat Dealership should
intervention be necessary on these
components.
CHILD PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
CARRYING CHILDREN
SAFELY
89) 90) 91) 92)
For optimal protection in the event of an
impact, all occupants must be seated
and wearing adequate restraint
systems, including newborn and other
children! This prescription is
compulsory in all EC countries
according to EC Directive 2003/20/EC.
Children below the height of 1.50
metres and up to 12 years must be
protected with suitable restraint
systems and be seated on the rear
seats.
Statistics on accidents indicate that the
rear seats offer greater safety for
children.
Compared with an adult, a child's head
is larger and heavier in proportion to
their body and the child's muscular and
bone structures are not fully developed.
Therefore, correct restraint systems
other than adult seat belts are
necessary to reduce as much as
possible the risk of injuries in the event
of an accident, braking or sudden
manoeuvre.Children must be seated safely and
comfortably. As far as the
characteristics of the child seats used
allow, you are advised to keep children
in rear facing child seats for as long
as possible (at least until 3–4 years old),
since this is the most protected
position in the event of an impact.
The choice of the most suitable child
restraint system depends on the weight
and size of the child. There are various
types of child restraint systems, which
can be secured to the car by means
of the seat belts or with the ISOFIX
anchorages.
It is recommended to always choose
the restraint system most suitable
for the child; for this reason always refer
to the Owner Handbook provided with
the child restraint system, to be sure
that it is of the right type for the children
it is intended for.
For correct installation on the car, some
universal child restraint systems require
an accessory (base) sold separately
by the restraint system's producer.
Therefore, FCA advises customers to
check that their chosen child restraint
system can be installed on their vehicle
by performing a trial installation, on
the vendor's premises, before
purchase.
77

In Europe the characteristics of child
restraint systems are ruled by the
regulation ECE-R44, dividing them into
five weight groups:
Group Weight range
Group 0up to 10 kg in
weight
Group 0+up to 13 kg in
weight
Group 1 9-18 kg
Group 2 15 - 25 kg
Group 3 22 - 36 kg
All restraint devices must bear the
type-approval data, together with the
control mark, on a label solidly fixed to
the child restraint system which must
never be removed.
Lineaccessori MOPAR
®includes child
restraint systems for each weight
group. These devices are
recommended having been specifically
designed for Fiat vehicles.
INSTALLING A CHILD
CARSEAT WITH
SEATBELTS
93) 94) 95) 96)
The Universal child restraint systems
installed with the seat belts only are
type-approved on the basis of the ECE
R44 standard and are divided into
various weight groups.IMPORTANT The figures are indicative
and provided for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child restraint system
according to the instructions, which
must be included.
IMPORTANT Following an accident of a
certain importance, it is recommended
to replace both the child restraint
system and the seat belt to which it
was bound.
Group 0 and 0+
Babies up to 13 kg must be carried
with a rear facing child restraint system
of a type as shown in fig. 58 which,
supporting the head, does not induce
stress on the neck in the event of
sudden decelerations.
The child restraint system is secured by
the vehicle seat belts, as shown in
and it must restrain the child in turn
with its own belts.Group 1
Children weighing from 9 to 18 kg may
be transported in forward facing child
restraint systems fig. 59.
Group 2
Children from 15 to 25 kg may use the
vehicle seat belts directly fig. 60.
In this case, the child restraint system is
used to position the child correctly
with respect to the seat belts so that
the diagonal belt section crosses the
child’s chest and not the neck, and the
lower part is snug on the pelvis not
the abdomen.
Group 3
For children between 22 and 36 kg,
there are dedicated restraint systems
that allow the seat belt to be worn
correctly.
The fig. 61 shows the correct child
positioning on the rear seat.
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