automatic transmission FIAT 500C 2019 User Guide
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Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector
out of PARK (Refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To drive, move the gear selector
from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick (+/–) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward
(+) while in the AutoStick position (beside the DRIVE
position) will manually select the transmission gear, and
Gear Selector
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The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
•When shifting into PARK, firmly move the gear selector
all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is
fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
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NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission. If
the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.
AUTOSTICK
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city driv-
ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, and many
other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position (beside
the Drive position), it can be moved forward and rearward.
This allows the driver to manually select the transmission
gear being used. Moving the gear selector forward (-)
triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an upshift. The
current gear is displayed in the instrument cluster. NOTE:
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift
up or down when the driver moves the gear selector
rearward (+) or forward (-), except as described below.
• The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-
essary to prevent engine over-speed.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out (from a stop) in first, second, or third
gear. Starting out in second or third gear can be helpful
in snow or icy conditions. To select second or third gear
after the vehicle is brought to a stop, tap the gear selector
rearward (+) once or twice.
• The system will ignore shift commands that would
cause engine lugging or overspeed. An audible beep will
sound if an inappropriate gear is requested.
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•Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is engaged
because the transmission will not shift automatically.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault
or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to
the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
position at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
SPORT MODE
The Sport mode increases steering feedback to the driver
with slight increases in effort and throttle pedal-to-engine
response. Changes to the transmission shift schedules for
more aggressive shifting will occur on automatic transmis-
sion versions.
Sport driving mode is useful while driving on winding
roads where more steering precision is desired.
SPORT Button
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Manual Transmission — If Equipped
1. Push the SPORT button, located above the climatecontrols to activate SPORT mode.
NOTE: Once activated, a SPORT message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
2. Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.
3. Press the accelerator pedal again to activate.
4. Push the SPORT button again to return to the standard driving mode.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
1. Push the SPORT button, located above the climate controls to activate SPORT mode.
NOTE: Once SPORT mode is activated, a “SPORT” mes-
sage will be displayed in the instrument cluster. The
“SPORT” message may change to italicfont and only
display for a few seconds on some models.
2. Push the SPORT button again to return to the standard driving mode.POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that prevents it
from providing assist, you will still have the ability to steer
the vehicle manually.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced or no power steer-
ing assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
If the Steering icon is flashing, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to an authorized dealer for service. It is
likely the vehicle has lost power steering assistance.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING” message is displayed on the instrument clus-
ter screen, they indicate that extreme steering maneuvers
may have occurred which caused an over temperature
condition in the power steering system. Once driving
conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a
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To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+) button
and release. Resume can be used at any speed above
25 mph (40 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button,
or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will
deactivate the Speed Control without erasing the set speed
from memory.
Pushing the ON/OFF button or turning the ignition switch
OFF erases the set speed from memory.
REAR PARK ASSIST
The Rear Park Assist system provides audible and visual
indications of the distance between the rear fascia/bumper
and a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a
parking maneuver. Refer to the “Park Assist System Usage
Precautions” for the limitations of this system and recom-
mendations.
The Rear Park Assist is automatically activated when the
transmission is placed into REVERSE.
Rear Park Assist Sensors
The four Rear Park Assist sensors, located in the rear
fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the vehicle that is
within the sensors’ field of view. The sensors can detect
obstacles, in the horizontal direction, from approximately
12 inches (30 cm) up to 55 inches (140 cm) from the center
of the rear fascia/bumper and up to 24 inches (60 cm) from
the corners of the rear fascia/bumper, depending on the
location, type and orientation of the obstacle.
If several obstacles are detected, the Rear Park Assist
system indicates the nearest obstacle.
The minimum height of a detectable obstacle corresponds
to the maximum height of an obstacle that would clear the
underside of the vehicle during the parking maneuver.
Rear Park Assist Warning Display
The Rear Park Assist Warning screen is located within the
instrument cluster display. It provides audible and visual
warnings to indicate the distance between the rear fascia/
bumper and the detected obstacle. The settings can be
adjusted through the Uconnect screen. Refer toUconnect
Settings in “Multimedia for further information.
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TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Manual Transmission Automatic TransmissionFlat Tow NONETransmission in NEUTRAL
65 mph (105 km/h) max speed NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOKOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOK
NOTE: When towing your vehicle, always follow appli-
cable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provin-
cial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer
provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
This vehicle may also be towed using a tow dolly (with the
front wheels OFF the ground).
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissionsmay be flat
towed (with all four wheels on the ground) speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h), for any distance, if the manual
transmission is in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result. If these vehicles require towing, make
sure all drive wheels are OFF the ground.
(Continued)
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............196
BULB REPLACEMENT ....................196
▫ Replacement Bulbs .....................196
▫ Replacing Exterior Bulbs ..................197
▫ Replacing Interior Bulbs ..................199
FUSES ............................... .199
▫ Interior Fuses ......................... .200
▫ Underhood Fuses ...................... .202
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ..........205
▫ Tire Service Kit Storage ...................205
▫ Tire Service Kit Components And Operation . . .206
▫ Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions ..........207
▫ Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .........209
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE .............213
▫ Preparations For Jump Start ...............213
▫ Jump Starting Procedure ..................214
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .............216
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE ..............216
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ..............217
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............219
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................220
▫ Manual Transmission ....................220
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ....................... .221
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............221
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3. Remove the gear selector override access cover (locatedon the right side of the gear selector housing) by prying
at the bottom edge of the cover.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the access hole, and push and hold the override release lever in. 6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the gear selector override access cover.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and
REVERSE (with automatic transmission) or SECOND
GEAR and REVERSE (with manual transmission), while
gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of
accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels, or racing the engine.
NOTE:
Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode, before
rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control” in
“Safety” for further information. Once the vehicle has been
freed, push the ESC Offswitch again to restore ESC On
mode.
Gear Selector Override Access Hole
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Automatic Transmission Manual TransmissionFlat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED If transmission is
operable:
• Transmission in
NEUTRAL
• 65 mph (104 km/h)
max speed
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow RearNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front OKOK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or
associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode.
CAUTION!
•
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
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