2020 FIAT 500 check engine light

Symbol What it means
yellowDUSK SENSOR FAILURE
The symbol switches on along with a message on the display in the event of dusk sensor failure. Contact a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
yellowSPEED LIMITER FAILURE
The symbol switches on in the case of failure of the Speed Limiter device. Contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.
yellowFUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light or the symbol switches on in the display when about 5 litres of fuel are left in the tank.
The triangle on the right side of the symbol indicates the side of the car with the fuel filler.
IMPORTANT If the warning light flashes or the symbol is constantly on, depending on the versions, there is
a fault in the system. If this is the case, go to a Fiat Dealership to have the system checked.
WARNING
47)If the warning light switches on, the degraded engine oil must be changed as soon as possible, and never more than 500 km from the
first time that the warning light switches on. Failure to observe the above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the
warranty. The activation of this warning light is not related to the amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil when the warning
light starts flashing.
48)If the warning light
(or the amber warning light, for versions/markets, where provided) switches on, the degraded engine oil
must be changed as soon as possible, and never more than 500 km from the first time that the warning light switches on. Failure to observe
the above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the warranty. The activation of this warning light is not related to the
amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil when the warning light starts flashing.
63

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

106)In some versions, in the event of a
LEDfailure (located on the dashboard
panel), thewarning light on the
instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated.
107)The
warning light indicates the
passenger side airbag protection status. If
the warning light is off, passenger side
protection is active: to deactivate it, use the
Setup Menu (in this case the LED lights
up). When the car is started (ignition key
turned to MAR position), the warning light
turns on for about 8 seconds, provided
that at least 5 seconds have elapsed from
when it was switched off. If not, contact
a Fiat Dealership. If the engine is switched
off/on again in less than 5 seconds the
warning light may remain off. In this case,
to check correct warning light operation,
switch the engine off, wait for at least 5
seconds and switch the engine on again.
The warning light may light up with various
intensity levels depending on the vehicle
conditions. The intensity may also vary
during the same key cycle. When the
ignition key is turned to MAR, the
warning light switches for few seconds,
then if the passenger airbag protection is
active it should switch off.
108)If a child must be carried on the front
seat in a rearward facing child restraint
system, it is compulsory to deactivate the
passenger side front airbag, making sure
that it is deactivated by checking the
dedicated warning light on the instrument
panel. Move the passenger's seat as far
back as possible to avoid contact between
the child restraint system and the
dashboard.109)Malfunction of the
warning light is
indicated by the activation of an airbag
failure symbol and a dedicated message
on the instrument panel display (or, for
versions where provided, by the activation
of a blinking generic failure warning light). In
this case, the
warning light may not
indicate failures in the restraint systems.
Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately
to have the system checked.
110)Do not use seatcovers on front seats
featuring side airbags.
111)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.
112)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.113)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is in
the ignition and turned to MAR-ON or
when the engine is off, if the car is hit by
another moving 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 key is turned 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.
114)When the ignition key is turned to
MAR, the
warning light switches for few
seconds, then if the passenger airbag
protection is active it should switch off.
115)Do not wash the seats with water or
pressurised steam (wash by hand or at
automatic seat washing stations).
116)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.
94
SAFETY

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

SUGGESTIONS FOR
DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
Below are some suggestions which
may help you save fuel and thus lower
the amount of harmful emissions
released into the atmosphere.
Vehicle maintenance
Checks and operations should be
carried out in accordance with
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" (see the
"Maintenance and care" chapter).
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded
luggage compartment. The weight of
the vehicle and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof when they are not used.
These accessories lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a trailer
if possible.
Electric devices
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The heated
rear window, windscreen wipers and
heater fan require a considerable
amount of energy; increasing
the current uptake increases fuel
consumption (by up to +25% in an
urban cycle).
Climate control module
Using the climate control system will
increase consumption: use standard
ventilation when the temperature
outside permits.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Start
Do not warm up the engine at low or
high revs when the car is stationary;
this causes the engine to warm up
more slowly, thereby increasing fuel
consumption and emissions. It is
therefore advisable to move off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high
speeds: in this way the engine will
warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine.
The latter action, as well as double-
declutching, is unnecessary and causes
increased fuel consumption and
pollution.
Gear selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road
conditions allow it. Using a low gear for
faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption. In the same way,
improper use of a high gear increases
consumption, emissions and engine
wear.
108
STARTING AND DRIVING

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

WARNING
166)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
167)Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings,
watches, bracelets), that might cause an
accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
168)Do not attempt to charge a frozen
battery: it must be thawed first, otherwise it
may explode. If freezing has occurred, the
battery should be checked by skilled
personnel to make sure that the internal
elements are not damaged and that the
body is not cracked, with the risk of leaking
poisonous and corrosive acid.
WARNING
56)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.57)Do not connect the cable to the
negative terminal (–) of the flat battery. The
following spark could lead to battery
explosion and cause serious harm. Only
use the specific earth point; do not use any
other exposed metallic part.
58)Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
FUEL CUT-OFF
SYSTEM
169)
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
the fuel supply cut-off with the
engine consequently switching off
the automatic unlocking of the doors
turning on of the lights inside the
vehicle;
The intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the
display.
IMPORTANT Carefully check the car for
fuel leaks, for instance in the engine
compartment, under the car or near the
tank area. After a collision, turn the
ignition key to STOP position to prevent
the battery from running down.
To restore the correct operation of the
vehicle, proceed as follows:
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON
position
activate the right direction indicator
deactivate the right direction
indicator
activate the left direction indicator
deactivate the left direction indicator
135

SERVICE SCHEDULE
WARNING: Once you have carried out the last intervention in the table, continue with the scheduled servicing, maintaining the
frequency indicated in the plan by marking each operation with a dot or dedicated note.
Warning: simply restarting the maintenance from the start of the plan may cause the allowed interval to be exceeded for some
operations!
Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary; check the expiry date of the “Fix&Go” repair kit
(for versions/markets, where provided)●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, boot, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (1)●●●●●●●●●●
Check exhaust emissions●●●●●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check supply/engine
management system operation, emissions and, for
versions/markets, where provided, engine oil degradation●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect the condition of: bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes),
rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)●●●●●
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear
(for markets/versions, where provided)●●●●●
(1) Topping up must be carried out with the fluids indicated in this Owner Handbook and only after checking that the system is undamaged
140
SERVICING AND CARE