2020 FIAT 500 ABS

STARTING THE
ENGINE
121) 122)
36) 37) 39) 40)
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.
The Start&Stop, ECO and AUTO
functions are activated automatically
whenever the engine is started.
PETROL VERSIONS
Starting the engine
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and put the
gear lever in neutral;
fully depress the clutch pedal
without touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the
first attempt, return the ignition key to
STOP before repeating the starting
procedure.If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the
instrument panel warning light or the
symbol
remains lit together with
warning light
turn the key to STOP
and then back to MAR. If the warning
light remains on, try with the other keys
provided with the car.
Contact a Fiat Dealership if you still
cannot start the engine.
VERSIONS WITH
DUALOGIC
TRANSMISSION
123)
The system allows the engine to be
started both with a gear engaged and
with the transmission in neutral (N).
However, the brake pedal must always
be pressed first if neutral is not
engaged. It is therefore advisable to
position the gear lever at N before
starting the engine.
LPG VERSIONS
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the previously
selected mode.
38)
WARNING
121)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gasses.
122)Remember that the brake servo and
electrical power steering system are not
operational until the engine is started,
therefore a greater effort will be required to
press the brake pedal or turn the steering
wheel.
123)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the gearbox is
automatically placed in neutral will be
signalled by an acoustic signal.
WARNING
36)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at maximum
rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.)
when it is first used.
37)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
38)There must therefore always be
enough petrol in the tank to protect the
petrol pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from LPG to petrol operation.
97

WARNING
42)Avoid keeping your hand placed on this
lever in between gear changes or
Auto/Manual mode.
43)Using the paddles incorrectly (paddles
pushed towards the dashboard) could
break them.
44)If the transmission is faulty, contact a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have
the system checked.
45)Using the paddles incorrectly (paddles
pushed towards the dashboard) could
break them.
DUALDRIVE
ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Turning on/off (CITY function)
Press button A fig. 78 to turn the
function on/off.
When the function is active, the CITY
text on the display turns on.
When the CITY function is on, the
steering wheel effort is lighter, making
parking easier: therefore, this function is
particularly useful for driving in city
centres.
To deactivate the function press the
button again.
128) 129)
ECO FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
With the ignition key at MAR, press
button ECO B fig. 78 to activate the
function. The word ECO on the display
will light up or, according to the version,
a dedicated screen will be displayed.
When the function is activated,
the car is set for city driving,
characterised by less effort on the
steering wheel (Dualdrive system on)
and reduced fuel consumption.
Press the button again to deactivate
the function.
This function is not stored, so the
system will restart with the function on
when the engine is restarted.
WARNING
128)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in the car not
meeting type-approval requirements.
78F0S0650
101

FUEL TANK CAP
Plug B fig. 84 is fitted with loss
prevention device C which secures it to
flap A.
Refuelling procedure
open lid A;
turn the ignition key anticlockwise in
the lock and unscrew the cap B. The
sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the cap is
absolutely normal;
when refuelling, fasten the cap to
the device inside the flap as shown
in fig. 84.LPG VERSIONS
IMPORTANT Only use LPG for motor
vehicles.
The gas filler is located next to the
petrol filler cap. It has a check valve,
located in the filler body itself.
To access the filler, open the access
flap A fig. 85 and undo the cap B.
Observe the following precautions
during the refuelling operation:stop the engine;
apply the handbrake;
turn the ignition key to STOP;
do not smoke;
hand the special adapter over to the
qualified LPG refuelling personnel.IMPORTANT Before refuelling with LPG,
the qualified personnel must make
sure that the adapter is correctly
screwed onto the filler.
IMPORTANT Depending on the country,
there are various types of adapters for
the refuelling pump. The adapter C
fig. 86 that comes with the car in a
special case is specifically designed for
the country in which the car is sold. If
you are in a different country, find out
what type of adapter is used there.
IMPORTANT Look after the LPG
adapter carefully so that it does not get
damaged.
IMPORTANT Only use LPG for motor
vehicles.
84F0S0104
85F0S0538
86F0S0539
110
STARTING AND DRIVING

TOWING TRAILERS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
141) 142)
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with an approved tow
hook and an adequate electrical
system. Installation should be carried
out by specialised technicians who will
issue the required papers for travelling
on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that, when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer. Engage a low gear
when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces the car's loading
capacity by the same amount. To make
sure that the maximum towable weight
is not exceeded (given in the vehicle
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage.Respect the speed limits specific to
each country for cars towing trailers. In
any case, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.
IMPORTANT The engine must be
running when using auxiliary loads other
than external lights.
IMPORTANT To install a tow hook
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
141)The ABS with which the car is
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
142)Never modify the braking system of
the vehicle to control the trailer brake. The
trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the vehicle’s hydraulic
system.
112
STARTING AND DRIVING

fit the new bulb, making the outline
of the metallic part coincide with the
grooves on the reflector, then reattach
the bulb holding clips;
refit the rubber cap;
close the flap C.
NOTE If the guard flap is not present,
contact a Fiat Dealership to have the
bulb replaced.
Sidelights/daytime lights
Where the guard flap C fig. 97 is
provided (loaded in the wheel arch near
the lights), proceed as follows to
replace the bulb:
completely steer the wheels and
open guard flap then remove the rubber
cap D fig. 97;
turn the bulb holder B fig. 98
anticlockwise and extract it;
extract the bulb and replace it;
refit the bulb holder B by turning it
clockwise and making sure that it locks
correctly;
refit the rubber cap;
close the flap C.
NOTE If the guard flap is not present,
contact a Fiat Dealership to have the
bulb replaced.
Fog lights
To replace a fog light, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
REAR LIGHT CLUSTERS
These contain the bulbs for the side
lights, brake lights and direction
indicators. The reversing lights and rear
fog lights are located instead in the
rear bumper.
The bulbs are arranged as follows fig.
99:
C: tail / brake lights;
D: direction indicators.To replace the bulb proceed as follows:
open the tailgate;
unscrew the two fastening screws A
fig. 100 and extract the light cluster
axially without rotating it;
remove the bulb holder from its
housing releasing it from the locking
tabs B fig. 100;
extract the bulbs by pushing them
slightly and turning them anticlockwise.
REVERSING LIGHT/REAR FOG
LIGHT
Where the respective flap is provided,
proceed as follows to replace the bulb:
From inside the bumper, operate
the tabs A fig. 101 and remove the
press-fit flap;
disconnect the electrical connector
A fig. 102;
turn the bulb holder B fig. 102
anticlockwise and extract it;
98F0S0054
99F0S0580
100F0S0579
119

WARNING
143)Modifications or repairs to the electric
system that are not carried out properly
or do not take the system technical
specifications into account can cause
malfunctions leading to the risk of fire.
144)Halogen bulbs contain pressurised
gas, in the case of breakage they may
burst causing glass fragments to be
projected outwards.
145)Only replace the light bulbs when the
engine is off and in a position that does
not interfere with traffic and lets you safely
replace them (see the description in the
“Replacement” paragraph). Also ensure
that the engine is cold, to prevent the risk
of burns.
146)Before replacing the bulb, wait for the
exhaust ducts to cool down: DANGER
OF SCALDING!147)Due to the high power supply voltage,
gas discharge bulbs (Xenon) should only
be replaced by specialised personnel:
danger of death! Contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
49)Halogen bulbs must be handled
holding the metallic part only. Touching the
transparent part of the bulb with your
fingers may reduce the intensity of the
emitted light and even reduce the lifespan
of the bulb. In the event of accidental
contact, wipe the bulb with a cloth
moistened with alcohol and let the bulb
dry.
50)Where possible, it is advisable to have
bulbs changed at a Fiat Dealership. The
correct operation and direction of the
external lights are absolutely essential for
the safety of the car and of compliance
with the law.
51)The intervention must be carried out
taking all precautions necessary to avoid
damaging the bodywork (please use a
sufficiently rigid and appropriately thick
plastic card).
REPLACING FUSES
148) 149) 150) 151) 152) 153)
DASHBOARD FUSE BOX
To access the fuses you must remove
the press-fitted cover A fig. 107.
The 5 A fuse B for door mirror
demisting is located in the diagnosis
socket area, as shown in fig. 108.
106F0S0139
107F0S0066
108F0S0677
121

IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic
(i.e. it absorbs moisture). For this
reason, if the car is mainly used in areas
with a high degree of atmospheric
humidity, the fluid must be replaced at
more frequent intervals than specified in
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan".
178) 179)
63)
DUALOGIC GEARBOX
HYDRAULIC ACTIVATION
SYSTEM OIL
4)
The fluid level should only be checked
at a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
174)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
175)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine
is hot: you may get burned. Remember
that the fan may start up if the engine
is hot: this could injure you. Scarves, ties
and other loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.176)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
177)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Some commercial
windscreen washer additives are
flammable. The engine compartment
contains hot components which may set it
on fire.
178)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if
swallowed.
179)The
symbol on the reservoir
identifies synthetic brake fluids,
distinguishing them from the mineral type.
Use of mineral type fluids will damage
the special rubber seals of the braking
system beyond repair.
WARNING
59)When topping up, take care not to mix
up the various types of fluids: they are
not compatible with each other and could
seriously damage the car.
60)The use of products with specifications
other than those indicated above could
cause damage to the engine not covered
by the warranty.61)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already existing in
the engine.
62)PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze is used in the
engine cooling system. Use the same fluid
as in the cooling system when topping
up. PARAFLU
UPcannot be mixed with any
other type of fluid. If this occurs, do not
start the engine and contact your Fiat
Dealership immediately.
63)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
WARNING
3)Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. To change the oil and filters,
we advise you to contact a Fiat Dealership.
4)Used transmission fluid contains
substances that are harmful to the
environment. It is advisable to have the oil
changed by a Fiat Dealership where it
will be disposed of respecting the
environment and according to legal
requirements.
148
SERVICING AND CARE