2020 FIAT 500 towing

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.
38
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

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.
74F0S0048
98
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

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the national or
international universal freephone
number to search for the nearest
Dealership.HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS...........114
CHANGING A BULB .......................114
REPLACING FUSES........................121
REPLACING A WHEEL ...................127
FIX&GO KIT .....................................131
JUMP STARTING ............................134
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM ................135
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..................136
113

JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, a jump starting can
be performed using the battery and
the cables of another car, or using an
auxiliary battery. In all cases, the battery
used must have a capacity equal to or
a little higher than the flat one.
Jump starting may be dangerous if
carried out incorrectly: carefully follow
the procedures described below.
IMPORTANT NOTES
After turning the ignition key to STOP
and having closed the driver's side
door, wait at least one minute before
disconnecting the battery and then
reconnecting the electrical supply to the
battery.
Do not use an auxiliary battery or any
other source of external supply with
a voltage above 12 V: the battery, the
starter, the alternator and the electrical
system of the car could be damaged.
Do not attempt jump starting if the
battery is frozen. The battery could
break and explode!JUMP STARTING166) 167) 168)
56) 57) 58)
If the battery is flat, the engine may be
started using an auxiliary battery fig.
127, with the same capacity or a little
higher than the flat one.
Proceed as follows to start the car:
connect the positive terminals (+
mark near the terminal) of the two
batteries using a suitable lead;
with a second lead, connect the
negative terminal – of the auxiliary
battery to an earth point
on
the engine or the gearbox of the car to
be started;
start the engine;
when the engine has been started,
remove the leads reversing the order
above.For versions with Start&Stop
In the case of emergency starting,
NEVER connect the negative lead (–) of
the auxiliary battery to negative pole
(–) of the battery, but only to an earth
point on the engine/gearbox assembly.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, do not persist but contact
a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not directly connect
the negative terminals of the two
batteries: sparks could ignite explosive
gas released from the battery. If the
auxiliary battery is installed on another
car, prevent accidental contact
between metallic parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving downhill.
This could cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic converter and damage it
beyond repair.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake
servo and electrical power steering
system (for versions/markets, where
provided) are not active until the engine
is started. A much greater effort will
therefore be required to use the brake
pedal or turn the steering wheel.
127F0S0093
134
IN AN EMERGENCY

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