2020 FIAT 500 check engine

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.

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
7)All adjustments must be made with the
car stationary and engine stopped.
8)If a side bag is fitted, it is dangerous to
use seat covers not available from
Lineaccessori MOPAR
®.
9)Once you have released the adjustment
lever, always check that the seat is locked
on the guides by trying to move it back and
forth. If the seat is not locked into place, it
may unexpectedly slide and cause the
driver to lose control of the car.
10)Make sure the backrests are properly
secured at both sides to prevent them from
moving forward, in the event of sharp
braking, with possible impact with of the
passengers.
WARNING
3)The fabric upholstery of the seats has
been designed to withstand long-term
wear deriving from normal use of the car.
Some precautions are however required.
Avoid prolonged and/or excessive rubbing
against clothing accessories such as
metal buckles and Velcro strips which, by
applying a high pressure on the fabric in
a small area, could cause it to break,
thereby damaging the upholstery.
4)Before tilting the backrest, remove any
objects on the seat cushion.
HEADRESTS
11)
FRONT
Adjustment
Headrests can be adjusted in height.
Upward adjustment:raise the head
restraint until it clicks into place.
Downward adjustment:press button
A fig. 13 and lower the head restraint.
12)
REAR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Adjustment
Upward adjustment (usage
condition):raise the head restraint until
it clicks into place.
Downward adjustment:
simultaneously press the buttons A fig.
14 and B at the sides of the two
supports, and lower the head restraint.The particular shape of the head
restraint deliberately interferes with the
correct support of the rear passenger’s
back on the backrest in order to force
them to lift the head restraint for correct
use.
IMPORTANT If the rear seats are used,
always set the head restraints in the
"completely raised" position.
Removal
To remove the rear head restraints,
simultaneously press buttons A fig. 14
and B at the sides of the two supports
and pull them upwards. The rear head
restraints must be lifted out with the
backrest released and tilted toward the
passenger compartment or with the
tailgate open.
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15

Initial condition: from intermediate
position to top all closed
Press the button B fig. 32 in the
horizontal intermediate position to bring
the roof automatically to the safety
position (approximately 25 cm from
horizontal all closed position).
Keep the button B fig. 32 pressed to
close the roof completely.
The roof will stop instantly if the button
is released before the all closed position
is reached.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The horizontal and vertical parts of
the soft top can be operated at any
speed lower than 100 and 80 km/h
respectively.
The top can be operated at any
temperature in the range from -18 to
+80 °C.
It is recommended to have the
engine running always when opening or
closing the soft top.
If required, remove the battery with
open or closed soft top, but NOT when
the soft top is moving.
Do not fix luggage transport devices
to the soft top and do not travel with
objects resting on the open top.
The activation of the heated rear
windscreen, upon request by the user,
is carried out only if the soft top is
completely closed. If the soft top is
closed incorrectly, the heated rear
window will not function and the
corresponding warning light will not turn
on.
When the soft top is opened using
the relevant control, if the heated rear
windscreen had been engaged it is
automatically deactivated and the
warning light switches off
Do not remove ice from the soft top
with a sharp item.
To prevent damage, do not use
scrapers or sprays to remove ice from
the heated rear window.
Do not put objects on the soft top:
they could fall if the it is operated,
causing damage and injury.
It is advisable to cover the soft top
with a protective sheet if the car is
left parked in the open for a long time.
Do not keep the soft top folded for a
long time: this could cause folds and
creases in the fabric.
Before moving the soft top, check
that there is enough room to carry
out the operation and that there are no
obstacles or people close to its moving
parts.
The cooled air flow into the
passenger compartment may decrease
if the automatic climate control system
is on and the top is not completely
closed.
With the soft top open and the car
travelling, the voice recognition system
may not recognise voice commands
because of the background noise: with
the soft top closed and at a high speed,
the voice function for number dialling
may not be recognised.
INITIALISATION
PROCEDURE
The soft top must be re-initialised after
disconnecting the battery or if the
relevant protection fuse is blown.
Proceed as follows:
before carrying out any other
operation, make sure the engine is on
during the whole initialisation
procedure;
keep the opening button pressed
until the soft top is completely open;
when the soft top is completely
open, keep the button pressed for at
least 2 seconds;
keep the closing button pressed
until the soft top is completely closed;
when the soft top is completely
closed, keep the button pressed for at
least 2 seconds.
31

WARNING
26)Never exceed the maximum allowed
load in the luggage compartment, see
chapter “Technical specifications”. Also
make sure that the objects you place in the
luggage compartment have been properly
secured, to avoid them from being thrown
forward consequent to sudden braking
and injuring your passengers.
27)Be careful not to hit objects on the
storage shelf when you open the tailgate.
28)If you are travelling in areas with few
filling stations and you want to transport
fuel in a spare tank, comply with the law by
using only an approved, suitably secured
tank. In the event of a collision the fire
risk is increased all the same.
29)Do not drive with the tailgate open as
exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle.
BONNET
30) 31) 32) 33) 34)
OPENING
Proceed as follows:
pull lever A fig. 39 in the direction
indicated by the arrow;
move the release lever B in the
direction indicated by the arrow, and
raise the bonnet; locate the safety rod;
Insert the safety rod in the seat A fig.
40 integral to the bonnet.
CLOSING
To close the bonnet, remove the bonnet
stay and put it back in its own locking
device, slowly lower the bonnet to
about 20 cm from the engine
compartment, then let it drop into
position and check that it is completely
closed. If not, repeat the procedure.
WARNING
30)The bonnet may drop suddenly if the
supporting rod is not positioned correctly.
Only perform these operations when the
car is stationary.
31)Be careful working inside engine
compartment when the engine is hot to
avoid burning yourself. Do not place your
hands near the engine fan as it may be
activated even when the key is removed.
Wait until the engine has cooled.
32)Be very careful not to allow scarves,
neckties and other loose articles of clothing
from touching, even accidentally, any
moving parts. This may cause the clothing
to be pulled into the part, resulting in
serious injury to the wearer.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR

IMPORTANT If the ignition key is turned
to MAR, all the device LEDs will stay
on for approximately 4 seconds (check
function).
Engine starting always occurs on petrol;
then, depending on the position of the
switch A fig. 44 the following occurs:
the switch A pressed on the right
side (identified by the
symbol)
indicates petrol operation with
activation of the associated amber LED
C;
switch A pressed on the left side
(identified by the symbol G) indicates
LPG operation with activation of the
associated green LED D.
Five LEDs B (one amber and four
green) on the top part of the switch
display the amount of LPG in the
cylinders.If the LPG runs out, the system
automatically switches to petrol: the
orange LED C next to the switch
comes on and the green LED D
indicating LPG operation goes off.
When the car is refuelled with LPG after
a standard start-up on petrol, the fuel
system automatically returns to LPG:
the orange LED C next to the switch
goes off and the green LED D for LPG
operation turns on.
If you specifically wish to run on petrol,
press the switch A on the right-hand
side.
The amber LED C next to the switch
will turn on to indicate that switching
has taken place (the LPG fuel system
has been entirely disabled).
The fuel supply can only be returned to
LPG by operating switch A again,
green LED D next to the switch will turn
on to indicate that switching has taken
place.
In addition, when starting at outside
temperatures below approximately
–10°C, the switching times from petrol
to LPG increase to allow the pressure
regulator/reduction unit to heat up.
IMPORTANT If switching takes place
during acceleration or pick-up, there
may be a brief drop in power.
38)
30)
WARNING
35)Note that in some countries (including
Italy) there are legal restrictions in force
for parking/garaging motor vehicles fuelled
by gas that is denser than air; LPG comes
under this category.
36)If gas is smelt, switch from LPG
operation to petrol operation and
immediately go to a Fiat Dealership to have
the vehicle checked and possible system
faults excluded.
37)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.
38)The LPG supply system is equipped
with a "consumption" function linked to the
LED display of LPG level on the switch;
this function activates only after a
consistent variation in fuel level has been
detected. It is therefore advisable to fill
up with fuel at the first LPG refuelling
to obtain a more "precise" indication of the
level.
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37

WARNING
25)The system operates at temperatures
ranging between −20°C and 100°C.
26)The car is equipped with a gaseous
LPG injection system designed specifically
for it: it is therefore absolutely forbidden
to alter the configuration of the system or
its components. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and lead to a reduction in
safety; therefore, in the case of problems,
contact a Fiat Dealership. To prevent
damage to the gas system parts when
towing or raising the vehicle, follow the
instructions in the "Towing the vehicle"
paragraph of the Owner Handbook.
27)When painting in an oven, the LPG
tank must be removed from the car and
later refitted by a Fiat Dealership. Although
the LPG system has numerous safety
features, it is advisable to proceed
as follows every time the vehicle is not in
use for a long period or moved in an
emergency as a result of a breakdown or
accident: unscrew the fastening devices A
fig. 41, then remove the cover B. Close
the LPG cock rotating the ring nut C
clockwise fig. 42; refit the cover and tighten
the fixing devices.28)Periodically (at least once every six
months), it is advisable to let the LPG in the
tank run out and, at the next refuelling,
check that it does not exceed the
maximum capacity of 30.5 litres (reserve
included) (with a tolerance of 2 litres
excess) (see instructions in the "Capacities"
paragraph). If the level is above 30.5 litres
(reserve included) contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately.
29)In particular usage conditions, such as
starting and operation at low ambient
temperature or LPG supply with low
propane content, the system may switch
temporarily to petrol operation, without
a visual indication of switching on the
selector. If the level of LPG in the tank is
low or there is a request for high
performance (e.g. overtaking, car fully
laden, steep hills): the system can
automatically switch to petrol operation to
guarantee the required engine
performance; in this event, the performed
switching is shown by the orange (petrol)
LED lit and the green (LPG) LED off on the
switch. When the above conditions stop,
the system automatically restores the LPG
operation; the orange (petrol) LED turns
off and the green (LPG) LED is lit on the
switch. To achieve the automatic switching
described above, make sure that there is
always enough fuel in the petrol tank.
30)It is strictly forbidden to use any
additive in the LPG.
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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)
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL