2020 FIAT 500 Owner handbook (in English)

Warning light What it means
red
amber
amber (versions with
multifunctional display)
amber (versions with colour
display)EBD FAILURE
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD
system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the car may
swerve when braking sharply. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to a Fiat Dealership to have the system inspected.
redLOW BATTERY CHARGE
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off as soon as
the engine has started (with the engine idling a brief delay before switching off is acceptable).
If the warning light or the symbol on the display (together with a dedicated message on the display on
some versions) remains on, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately.
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Warning light What it means
redAIR BAG FAILURE
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 stays on constantly if there is a fault in the airbag system. On some versions the display
shows the dedicated message.39) 40)
WARNING
39)If, when turning the key to MAR, thewarning light does not switch on or if it stays on when travelling, there could be a fault in the
restraint systems; in this event airbags or pretensioners may not be deployed in the event of impact or, in a lower number of cases, they may
deploy accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
40)The
warning light failure is indicated, depending on the version, by thesymbol on the display which switches on or by thewarning light flashing. In this case thewarning light may not indicate possible failures to the restraint systems. Before continuing,
contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
Warning light What it means
redLOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to a leak in the circuit. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
41)
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is engaged.
On certain versions, if the car is moving the acoustic warning will also sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when travelling, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
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WARNING
41)If thewarning light turns on while driving (on certain versions together with the message on the display) stop the car immediately and
contact a Fiat Dealership.
Warning light What it means
redLOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light (for versions/markets, where provided) switches
on, but it should switch off as soon as the engine is started.
NOTE For versions/markets, where provided, the indicator may be amber
The warning light or the symbol switches on constantly along with a message on the display (for versions/
markets, where provided) when the system detects that engine oil pressure is low.
42)
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WARNING
42)If thewarning light switches on when driving (on certain versions together with a dedicated message on the display) stop the engine
immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
Warning light What it means
redENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
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 symbol on the display lights up when the engine is overheated, on some versions,
together with a dedicated message on the display.
In normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and check that the fluid level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. In this case, wait for the engine to cool down, then slowly and
carefully open the cap, top up with coolant and check that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks. If, when restarting, the warning light switches on
again, contact a Fiat Dealership;
If the car is used under demanding conditions(e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow
down and, if the warning light stays on, stop the car. Stop for two or three minutes with the engine running
and slightly accelerated to facilitate better coolant circulation, then turn the engine off. Check that the
coolant level is correct as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine running and slightly accelerated for
a few minutes before turning it off.
On certain versions a dedicated message is displayed.
red"DUALOGIC" GEARBOX FAILURE
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light comes on flashing, along with a dedicated message on the display and an acoustic
warning, to indicate transmission failure.31)
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING
31)If the gearbox is faulty, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the system checked.
Warning light What it means
red“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably
increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
If the warning light switches on while driving (on some versions, together with a dedicated message on the
display) you may not have steering assistance. Although it will still be possible to steer the vehicle, the effort
needed to operate the steering wheel could be increased: contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the
warning light on the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in
motion), stop the engine for about 20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light stays on,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches
on to indicate this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to
the other or drive in a straight line for about a hundred metres.
redOPEN DOORS / BONNET / BOOT (versions with multifunctional display)
The warning light appears on the display, together with a dedicated message, on some versions, when one
or more doors, the tailgate or the bonnet (for versions/markets, where provided) are not properly closed.
An acoustic warning is also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
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Amber warning lights
Warning light What it means
yellowBRAKE PAD WEAR
The warning light switches on, together with a dedicated message on the display, if the front or rear brake
pads (on version/markets, where provided) are worn. In this case have them replaced as soon as possible.
amber (versions with
multifunctional display)
amber (versions with colour
display)ESC SYSTEMThe warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off
after a few seconds.
ESC system activation
Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the intervention of the ESC system.
ESC system failure
If the warning light does not go off or stays on together with the LED on the ASR OFF button while driving.
The display will show a dedicated message.
Contact a Fiat Dealership.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light switches on, on some versions together with a dedicated message on the display, in the
event of a Hill Holder system fault.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
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Warning light What it means
yellowINJECTION / EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should
go off as soon as the engine is started.
The warning light remains on or switches on while driving, on some versions together with a dedicated
message on the display, if the injection system is not working properly. In particular, if the warning light
switches on continuously, it indicates a malfunction in the supply/ignition system that could cause
excessive exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high fuel consumption.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at moderate speed without demanding
excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic converter may be damaged.
If the light flashes, come off the accelerator pedal to reduce engine revs until the warning light stops
flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to avoid driving conditions that may cause further
flashing, and get to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
43)
WARNING
43)If, when the ignition key is turned to MAR, thewarning light does not switch on, switches on constantly or flashes when driving (on
certain versions together with the message on the display), contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible. The operation of thewarning
light may be checked by the traffic police using specific devices. Comply with the laws and regulations of the country where you are driving.
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Warning light What it means
yellowFIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
With the key in the MAR position, on some versions the warning light, or the symbol on the display, turns
on continuously, along with a dedicated message on the display, to signal a possible Fiat CODE system
failure.
If the warning light or symbol blinks on the display with engine running, it means that the vehicle is not
protected by the engine immobiliser device.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
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.
yellowREAR FOG LIGHT
The warning light switches on when the rear fog light is activated.
yellowABS FAILURE
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 comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the system is
inefficient or not available. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but without the
advantage of the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
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