2020 FIAT 500 Starting and driving

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the European specification
EN228. Using these mixtures may cause misfiring and driving issues, as well as damage fundamental components of the supply system.
LPG engines: refuel only with LPG for motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN589. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
For further details on the use of the correct fuel see the "Refuelling the vehicle" paragraph in the "Starting and driving" chapter.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is engaged and place the gear lever in neutral. Fully press the clutch pedal, without pressing the accelerator,
then turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for thewarning light to turn off; turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the
engine starts.
Versions with Dualogic gearbox: make sure that the handbrake is engaged and that the gear lever is in P (Parking) or N (Neutral), fully
depress the brake pedal, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine is started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the vehicle, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact a Fiat Dealership.
They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the vehicle's electric system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.

KNOWING YOUR CAR
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
SAFETY
STARTING AND DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND CARE
TECHNICAL DATA
MULTIMEDIA
INDEX
5

If the luggage compartment is open,
the doors will, however, be locked.
When a speed of over 20 km/h is
reached, the doors will be automatically
locked if the specific function was set
(for versions/markets, where provided)
with the Setup menu.
Opening the tailgate by the remote
control
Press button
to release (open)
the tailgate remotely.
The tailgate opening is indicated by
double flashing of direction indicators.
1)
WARNING
1)The electronic components inside the
key may be damaged if the key is
subjected to strong shocks. In order to
ensure complete efficiency of the
electronic devices inside the keys, they
should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
WARNING
1)Press button B fig. 5only with the key
away from your body, especially your eyes
and from objects which could get
damaged (e.g. your clothes). Do not leave
the key unattended to avoid the button
being accidentally pressed while it is being
handled, e.g. by a child.
WARNING
1)Used batteries should be disposed of,
as specified by law, in the special
containers, otherwise take them to a Fiat
Dealership, which will deal with their
disposal.
IGNITION SWITCH
2) 3) 4)
The key can be turned to 3 different
positions fig. 6:
STOP: engine off, key can be
removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. sound
system, central door locking system,
etc.) can operate.
MAR: driving position. All electric
devices can operate.
AVV: engine starting.
The ignition device is fitted with a safety
system that requires the ignition key
to be turned back to STOP if the engine
does not start, before the starting
operation can be repeated.
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11

STEERING LOCK
5)
Engagement:when the key is in
position STOP, remove the key and turn
the steering wheel until it is locked.
Disengagement:move the steering
wheel slightly as you turn the ignition
key to MAR.
WARNING
2)If the ignition device has been tampered
with (e.g. an attempted theft), have it
checked by a Fiat Dealership before driving
again.
3)Always remove the key when you leave
your car to prevent someone from
accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake.
Engage first gear if the vehicle is parked
uphill or reverse if the vehicle is parked
downhill. Never leave children unattended
in the vehicle.
4)Never remove the key while the car is
moving. The steering wheel would
automatically lock as soon as you try to
turn it. This holds true for cars being towed
as well.
5)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.
THE FIAT CODE
SYSTEM
This is an electronic engine locking
system which increases protection
against attempted thefts of the car. It is
automatically activated when the
ignition key is removed.
Each time the vehicle is started by
turning the ignition key to MAR, the Fiat
CODE system control unit sends a
recognition code to the Powertrain
Control Module to deactivate the
immobiliser.
If, during starting, the code has not
been correctly recognised, the
warning light switches on in the
instrument panel; on some versions a
symbol is shown on the display instead.
In this case, turn the key to STOP and
then to MAR; if it is still locked, try again
with the other keys that come with the
car. Contact a Fiat Dealership if you
still cannot start the engine.
IMPORTANT Each key has its own
code which must be stored by the
system's control unit. Contact a Fiat
Dealership to have new keys (up to 8)
stored with a code.
DOORS
6)
2)
OPENING/CLOSING WITH
KEY
To open from outside (driver's side
door):rotate the key to 1 fig. 7 and
pull the handle.
On versions with central locking, when
the key is turned, the doors and the
tailgate are simultaneously unlocked.
To lock from outside:with driver's
side door completely closed, turn
the key to position 2 fig. 7.
It is possible to lock the passenger side
door only from inside bringing the
handle to position 2 fig. 8.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR

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)
50
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Manual engagement/release
The ASR comes on automatically
whenever the engine is started. While
driving, the ASR can be turned off
and then on again by pressing
the button A fig. 50 (ASR OFF). When
the system is not active, the LED on the
same button turns on and, on some
versions, a message appears on the
display.
If the ASR is disengaged during driving,
this is automatically reactivated at the
following car starting.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
66) 67) 68) 69) 70) 71)
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car’s braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects an emergency
braking by monitoring the speed and
strength with which the brake pedal
is pressed, thereby applying the optimal
brake pressure. This can reduce the
braking distance: the HBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance of the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly; in addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to obtain benefits
from the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
72) 73) 74) 75) 76)
WARNING
49)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake
in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
50)To obtain the maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
51)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is about to reach its limit. You
must slow down to a speed compatible
with the available traction.
52)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
53)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
54)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
55)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
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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 ................. 97
PARKING THE VEHICLE ................. 98
MANUAL TRANSMISSION .............. 99
DUALOGIC TRANSMISSION...........100
DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING ......................................101
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................102
SPEED LIMITER ..............................103
ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL ..105
PARKING SENSORS.......................106
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING........108
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........109
TOWING TRAILERS ........................112
96
STARTING AND DRIVING

39)Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter and
damage it beyond repair.
40)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.PARKING THE
VEHICLE
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 engage the
handbrake;
always remove the ignition key.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
Do not leave the ignition key on MAR to
avoid draining the battery. Always
remove the key when you leave the car.
Versions with Dualogic
transmission
To park safely it is essential to engage
1
stgear or reverse (R), with your foot on
the brake pedal and, if there is a
gradient, to operate the handbrake.
Before releasing the brake pedal, wait
until P appears on the display.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with automatic transmission,
before placing the gear lever at P).HANDBRAKE
124) 125) 126)
The handbrake lever fig. 74 is located
between the two front seats.
Handbrake engagement
To use the handbrake pull the lever
upwards until the car cannot be moved.
When the handbrake is on and the
ignition key is at MAR position, the
warning light
will appear on the
instrument panel.
Handbrake disengagement
Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
slightly lift the handbrake and press
release button A fig. 74;
press and hold button A and lower
the lever. The
warning light in the
instrument panel will go out.
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STARTING AND DRIVING