towing FIAT 500L LIVING 2015 2.G Owners Manual

IMPORTANT In order to avoid
inconsistent information by the LPG
gauge on the instrument panel, it is
recommended to refill with at least 10
litres each time.
WARNING
35)Please note that in some countries
(including Italy) there are legal restrictions
in force for parking/garaging motor
vehicles with gas that has a higher density
than air; LPG comes under this category.
36)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.
37)If gas is smelled, switch from methane
operation to petrol operation and
immediately go to a Fiat Dealership to have
the vehicle checked and possible system
faults excluded.
WARNING
16)The vehicle 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. When
towing or lifting the car, follow the
instructions in the paragraph on "Towing
the car" to prevent damage to the gas
methane system parts.17)The system operates at temperatures
ranging between −20 °C and 100 °C.
18)When painting in an oven, the LPG
tank must be removed from the vehicle 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 car 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 of
the LPG tank, then remove it. Close the
LPG cock rotating the ring nut C clockwise
(see "Passive/active Safety"). Refit the
cover and retighten the fastening devices.
19)Only use LPG fuel for motor vehicles.
20)It is strictly forbidden to use any
additive in the LPG. Periodically (at least
once every six months) it is advisable to let
the LPG in the tank run out and, at the
first refuelling, to check that it does not
exceed the maximum capacity of 38.4 litres
(reserve included) (with a tolerance of 2
litres excess). If the level is above 38.4 litres
(reserve included) contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately.
21)When switching from petrol to methane
is requested, a metal noise is heard from
the valves which pressurise the circuit. As a
result of the switching logic described
above, the delay between the ticking of the
valve and the switching off of the warning
on the instrument panel is entirely normal.22)In particular usage conditions, such as
starting and operation at low ambient
temperature or supply of LPG with low
content of propane, the system may
temporarily switch to petrol operation,
without indicating the performed switching
on the instrument panel. In the event of
low LPG levels in the tank or request for
high performance (e.g. overtaking, car fully
laden, steep hills) the system may
automatically switch to petrol operation to
guarantee the engine power requested; the
green warning light on the instrument
panel switches on to indicate this. When
the above conditions are no longer
present, the system automatically restores
LPG operation; the green warning light
switches off. To achieve the above
automatic switching, make sure that there
is enough fuel in the petrol tank.
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SELECTION OF
PETROL/METHANE
SUPPLY TYPEThe engine normally runs on methane
except during starting, when it runs
on petrol. Switching to methane is
automatic.
If you want to run on petrol, press
button A fig. 53: this operation is
allowed both with car at a standstill and
engine running and also while driving.
The switching on of the LED located on
the button and of the green warning
light
on the instrument panel
indicates that the switching request has
taken place correctly.
To guarantee switching in full safety, the
actual change to the chosen fuel
system takes place depending on the
car usage conditions; it may not
therefore be immediate.In addition, when starting at outside
temperatures below approximately
−10°C, the switching times from petrol
to methane increase to allow the
pressure regulator/reduction unit to
heat up.
WARNING
38)The car is equipped with a high-
pressure methane system designed to
operate at 200 rated bar. It is dangerous to
force the system to run at higher
pressures. When towing or lifting the car,
follow the instructions in the main
handbook under the paragraph on "Towing
the car" to prevent damage to the
methane system parts. If there is a
problem with the methane system, only
contact a Fiat Dealership. Do not modify
configuration or components of the
methane system; they have been designed
exclusively for this car. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and reduce safety.
39)In the case of painting in an oven, the
cylinders should be removed from the
vehicle and refitted later by a Fiat
Dealership. Although the methane system
has numerous safety features, it is
advisable to close the manual cocks for the
cylinders every time the vehicle is not in
use for a long period, transported on other
transport means or moved in an
emergency as a result of a breakdown or
accident.
40)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.41)If gas is smelled, switch from methane
operation to petrol operation and
immediately go to a Fiat Dealership to have
the vehicle checked and possible system
faults excluded.
WARNING
23)If, during methane operation, the same
runs out, the vehicle switches to petrol
automatically and all the bars of the digital
gauge on the display switch off, next to
the CNG warning. This displaying remains
until the next methane refuelling.
24)Regardless of the last fuel system
used, at the following engine starting, after
the initial petrol stage, the system will
automatically switch to methane.
25)When switching from petrol to methane
is requested and when starting the engine,
a metal noise is heard from the valves
which pressurise the circuit. As a result of
the switching logic described above, the
delay between the ticking of the valve and
the switching off of the green warning
light
is entirely normal.
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❒briefly press the
button: the
display will show "Confirm";
❒press the
button or the
button to select ("Yes" to "Reset"
or "No" to exit the screen);
❒hold the
button down again to go
back to the standard screen or to the
main menu according to where you are
in the menu.
Once the "Reset" procedure has been
performed, the display shows a
message indicating that the "self-
learning" procedure has started.
Working conditionsThe system is active for speeds above
15 km/h. In a few situations such as
sporty driving, particular conditions of
the road surface (e.g. icy, snowy,
unsurfaced roads) the signalling may be
delayed, or be partial in the detection
if more tyres are flat simultaneously.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,
fitting the space-saver wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go Automatic" kit, fitting snow
chains, fitting different tyres on the
axles) the system may give false
indications or be temporarily
deactivated.If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a dedicated message. This indication
is displayed also after the engine has
been switched off and then on again if
the correct operating conditions are not
restored.
WARNING
64)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver, who must take into account
the traffic conditions in order to drive
in complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front.
65)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
66)The laser beam is not visible at the
naked eye. Do not look directly, or with
optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the
laser beam from a distance lower than 10
cm: this may cause damage to the sight.
The laser beam is also present when
the key is at MAR but its operation is off,
not available or manually deactivated
with the display Setup Menu.67)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. Small sized
vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)
or people, animals and things (e.g.
pushchairs) and more in general all those
obstacles with a low reflection of the light
emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled
with mud) are not taken into consideration.
68)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench (at a speed within 5 and 30 km/h)
for maintenance interventions or if it is
washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part
(e.g. another car, a wall or another
obstacle), the system may detect its
presence and activate. In this case the
system must be deactivated through the
display Setup Menu.
WARNING
36)The laser sensor may have limited or
absent operation due to weather
conditions such as: heavy rain, hail, thick
fog, heavy snow, formation of ice layers on
the windscreen.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the core 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 ................. 93
HANDBRAKE .................................. 94
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX .... 95
USING THE DUALOGIC
GEARBOX....................................... 96
STOP/START SYSTEM ................... 98
CRUISE CONTROL (CONSTANT
SPEED REGULATOR) ..................... 99
SPEED LIMITER ..............................100
PARKING SENSORS.......................101
REAR VIEW CAMERA .....................103
TOWING TRAILERS ........................104
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........105
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WARNING
99)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine burns oxygen
and releases carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
100)Remember that the brake servo and
power steering are not operational until the
engine has been started, therefore you
need to apply much more force than usual
to the brake pedal and steering wheel.
101)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the gearbox is
automatically placed in neutral will be
signalled by an acoustic signal.
WARNING
51)Warning light
flashing for 60
seconds after starting or during prolonged
cranking of the engine indicates a fault
with the glow plug heating system. You
can use the vehicle as usual if the engine
starts but you should contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
52)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively intense braking,
etc.) when it is first used.
53)When the engine is off, do not leave
the key turned to MAR to prevent
unnecessary electrical consumption from
draining the battery.54)Never jump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
These actions could cause the fuel to flow
into the catalytic converter and damage
it beyond repair.
55)Revving up before stopping the engine
is useless, it causes unnecessary fuel
consumption and can damage the engine,
in particular engines equipped with
turbocharger.
HANDBRAKE
102) 103)
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Handbrake engagement: pull lever A
fig. 89 upwards until the vehicle is
braked. Four or five clicks are generally
enough when the car is on level
ground, while ten or eleven may be
required if the car is on a steep slope
and laden. If this is not the case,
contact a Fiat Dealership for
adjustment.
Handbrake disengagement: slightly
raise lever A and hold button B pressed
checking that the
warning light
switches off in the instrument panel.
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WARNING
60)It is extremely important, for correct
operation, that the camera is always kept
clean and free from mud, dirt, snow or ice.
Be careful not to scratch or damage the
camera while cleaning it. Avoid using
dry, rough or hard cloths. The camera
must be washed using clean water, with
the addition of car shampoo if necessary.
In washing stations which use steam or
high-pressure jets, clean the camera
quickly, keeping the nozzle more than 10
cm away. Do not apply stickers to the
camera.
TOWING TRAILERS
112) 113) 114)
INSTALLING A TOW
HOOKThe towing device should be fastened
to the body by specialised personnel
according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the
Manufacturer of the device.
The towing device must meet current
regulations with reference to Directive
94/20/EC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must be right for the towable weight
of the vehicle on which it is to be
installed.
For the electrical connection a standard
connector should be used which is
generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened to the towing device,
and a special ECU for external trailer
light control must be installed on the
vehicle.
Seven or thirteen pin 12 V DC
connections should be used (CUNA/
UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow
any instructions provided by the vehicle
manufacturer and/or the towing device
manufacturer.
IMPORTANTFor towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a type-approved
tow hook and an adequate electrical
system. Installation must be carried out
by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional
rear view 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 trail.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the car's
tow hook will reduce the load capacity
of the car by the same amount. To
make sure that the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the car
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage.
Respect the speed limits specific to
each country for vehicles towing
trailers. In any case, the top speed
must not exceed 100 km/h.
Any electric brake or other device
(winch etc.) should be powered directly
by the battery through a cable with a
cross-section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
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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...........109
CHANGING A WHEEL ....................109
"FIX&GO AUTOMATIC" KIT .............113
REPLACING A BULB ......................115
REPLACING FUSES........................122
JUMP STARTING ............................128
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM ................129
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..................130
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❒activate the left direction indicator
and then stop it;
❒turn the ignition key to the STOP
position and then to MAR.
LPG versions: in the event of an
impact, petrol supply is immediately
cut-off, the LPG safety valves are
closed and the injection is interrupted,
switching off the engine.
Natural Power versions: in the event
of an impact, the power supply is
immediately cut off, causing engine
switching off.
WARNING
143)If, after an impact, you smell fuel or
notice leaks from the fuel system, do
not reactivate the system to avoid the risk
of fire.
TOWING THE
VEHICLEATTACHING THE TOW
RING
144) 145) 146) 147)
The tow hook, which is supplied with
the car, is housed in the tool box, under
the mat in the luggage compartment.FrontManually release cap A fig. 142
pressing at the bottom. Take tow ring B
from its housing in the tool support
and screw it completely onto the
threaded pin.RearManually release cap A fig. 143
pressing at the bottom. Take tow ring B
from its housing in the tool support
and screw it completely onto the
threaded pin.
Versions with Dualogic gearboxMake sure that the gearbox is in neutral
(N) (checking that the vehicle moves
when pushed) and proceed in the same
way as for towing a normal vehicle
with a manual gearbox. If the gearbox
cannot be put in neutral, do not tow the
vehicle and contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
144)Before starting towing operations,
turn the ignition key to MAR and then
to STOP, without extracting it. The steering
column will automatically lock when the
key is removed, making it impossible
to turn the wheels.
145)Before tightening the ring, clean the
threaded housing thoroughly. Make sure
that the tow ring is fully fastened in the
housing before towing the vehicle.
142
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146)Whilst towing, remember that the
assistance of the brake servo and the
electric power steering is not available,
therefore greater force needs to be exerted
on the brake pedal and more effort is
required on the steering wheel. Do not use
flexible cables when towing and avoid
jerky movements. Make sure not to
damage parts in contact with the car while
towing. When towing the car, you must
comply with all specific traffic regulations,
both in terms of the towing device and
behaviour on the road. Do not start the
engine while being towed.
147)The front and rear tow hooks should
be used only for emergencies on the road.
The car may be towed for short distances
when a dedicated device is used in
compliance with the Highway Code (rigid
bar), and in order to move the vehicle
on the road in preparation for towing or
transport via a tow truck (on the Trekking
versions do NOT use the rear tow hook for
transport on a tow truck: use the front
tow hook). Tow hooks MUST NOT be used
to tow vehicles off the road or where there
are obstacles and/or for towing operations
using ropes or other non-rigid devices.
Respecting the above conditions, towing
must take place with two vehicles (one
towing, the other towed) aligned as much
as possible along the same centre line.
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SCHEDULED
SERVICINGCorrect servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions. For this
reason, Fiat has planned a series of
checks and services at fixed distance
intervals and, where provided, at fixed
time intervals, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always
necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
fluids, tyre pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all
Fiat Dealerships according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in
addition to the ones scheduled, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out with
the owner's explicit agreement only.
If your vehicle is used frequently for
towing, the interval between one
service operation and the next should
be reduced.IMPORTANT Scheduled Servicing
interventions are set out by the
Manufacturer. Failure to have them
carried out may invalidate the warranty.
It is advisable to inform a Fiat
Dealership of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
PERIODIC CHECKSEvery1,000km or before long
journeys, check and if necessary, top
up: engine coolant level; brake fluid
level; screen washer fluid level; tyre
inflation pressure and condition; lighting
system operation (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, etc.);
screen washer/wiper system operation
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rear window wiper blades.
Every3,000km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE
VEHICLEIf the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;❒engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and
rubber elements (gaiters/sleeves/
bushes, etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
❒check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
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