brakes FIAT 500E 2015 2.G Owners Manual

24. Power Steering System Warning
This light is used to manage the electrical
warning of the EPS (Power Steering System).
Refer to “Power Steering” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
25. Speedometer
The Speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour (mph) and/or kilometers per hour (km/h).
26. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
27. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Single-Speed Transmission
The transmission must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the vehicle. Apply the
brakes when selecting a transmission gear from Park.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before selecting
a transmission gear.
Normal Starting
Turn the key to the START position while your vehicle is
in PARK. When the ignition key is turned to the START
and then released to the RUN position, a chime will
sound and the “READY” indicator in the EVIC will
illuminate to indicate the 500e’s Electric Drive System has
started. When the “READY” indicator is illuminated
your 500e is ready to be driven.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stopping
distances. Therefore, after driving through stand-
ing water, drive slowly and lightly press on the
brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your pas-
sengers, and others around you.
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 EVIC
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 few moments until the icon and message turn off. Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 225

BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event regenerative braking or power assist is lost
for any reason the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be significantly more
than that required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning Light and the ABS Warning Light during brake
use.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with a advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Con-
trol System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
All systems work together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions and are com-
monly referred to as ESC.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning
the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Pumping the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press
firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow
down or stop.
•The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving the
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 229

Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must applycontinuousbrak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
•The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevail-
ing road conditions.
•The BAS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.
•The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user ’s safety or
the safety of others.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also
flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light begins to flash during accel-
eration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and
the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off.
Regenerative Braking System (RBS)
Your 500e has a Regenerative Braking System
(RBS). The RBS increases the fuel economy of the
vehicle, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic.
The electric motors which propel the vehicle
forward can operate as generators when braking. The RBS
recharges the high voltage battery under certain braking
conditions by recapturing energy that would otherwise be
lost while braking. The electric power that is generated goes
back into the high voltage battery for later use, for example
when acceleration is desired.
The RBS uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes, regen-
erative braking, or a combination to slow the vehicle. If the
system detects slippery conditions while braking, ONLY
friction is used to slow the vehicle. The RBS can result in
extended life of the hydraulic service brakes; however, all
inspection, scheduled maintenance, and service intervals for
the vehicle service brakes must be followed.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on and the parking brake is
not applied.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Washer Fluid......................311
Air bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Air Bag
Air bag Operation.......................62
Air Bag Warning Light....................72
Driver Knee Air Bag......................63
Enhanced Accident Response................69
Event Data Recorder (EDR).................75
Front Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
If A Deployment Occurs...................68
Knee Impact Bolsters.....................63
Maintaining Your Air Bag System............74
Air bag Deployment........................59
Air bag Light.............................72
Air bag Maintenance........................74
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................308
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................308
Air Conditioning System....................202
Air Pressure, Tires.........................249
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............8
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................228
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................158
Appearance Care.........................314
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................103
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........202
Automatic Transaxle........................32
Automatic Transmission....................215
Gear Ranges...........................218
Battery.................................306
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........37
Belts, Seat...............................96
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................309
B-Pillar Location..........................242
Brake Assist System.......................230
Brake Fluid.............................334
Brake, Parking...........................226
Brakes.................................312
354 INDEX

Maintenance, General......................299
Maintenance Procedures....................299
Maintenance Schedule......................338
Manual, Service..........................349
Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................312
Media Hub..............................111
Mirrors................................102
Automatic Dimming.....................103
Electric Powered........................104
Heated...............................105
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............8
Multi-Function Control Lever.................122
Occupant Restraints........................46
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............5
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............5
Paint Care..............................314
Parking Brake............................226
Passing Light............................123
Pets....................................95
Placard, Tire and Loading Information..........243
Power
Door Locks............................42
Mirrors..............................104
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)...........145
Steering..............................225
Sunroof..............................142
Windows..............................43
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts................55
Pretensioners
Seat Belts..............................55
Radial Ply Tires..........................250
Radio Operation..........................173
Radio Reception..........................173
Radio (Sound Systems).....................173
Rear Liftgate (Sedan).......................45
10
INDEX 359