FIAT 500 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

9
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VERSIONS WITH MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY
A speedometer
B rev counter (diesel version shave
a full-scale of 6
RPMX1000)
C display with digital fuel level and engine
coolant temperature indicators
Warning lights
mtEare only
provided on diesel versions.
Warning light supplied on Dualogic
versions only.
DVDF0S0222c2

KNOWING YOUR CAR
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DVDF0S171c3
VERSIONS WITH COLOUR DISPLAY
A speedometer
B “Eco Index” digital gauge
C digital fuel level gauge
D digital engine coolant
temperature gauge
E rev counter
mtEWarning light present on
diesel versions only
Warning light present on Dualogic
versions only.

11
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES 31)
IMPORTANT NOTES
IMPORTANT Warning lights are accompanied by a specific message and/or sound when
applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases.
Always refer to the information in this section in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures.
Serious faults are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning “cycle”.
Less serious faults are indicated by a warning “cycle” with a shorter duration. The display cycle of both categories can be
interrupted by pressing the MENU button. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause of the
malfunction is eliminated.
–
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE – ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level, possibly due to a
leak in the circuit. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is engaged.
On certain versions, if the car is moving the acoustic warning will also sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when travelling, make sure that the handbrake is not engaged.
AIRBAG FAULT
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 stays on constantly if there is a fault in the airbag system.
On some versions the display shows the associated message.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR
12
HOT ENGINE COOLANT
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. Should the warning light turn on again at the next start-up, contact a Fiat Dealership.
❒ if the vehicle is used under demanding conditions (e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow down and, if the
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 the dedicated message is displayed.uu
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“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAULT
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may not have steering
assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
If the warning light switches on while driving (on some versions, together with a dedicated message on the display) you may
not have steering assistance. Although it will still be possible to steer the vehicle, the effort needed to operate the steering
wheel could be increased: contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the warning light on
the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in motion), stop the engine for about
20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light stays on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches on to indicate
this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to the other or drive in a straight
line for about a hundred metres.

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INSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/DECAYED ENGINE OIL
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light (for versions/markets, where provided) switches on, but it should
switch off as soon as the engine is started.
NOTE For versions/markets, where provided, the indicator may be amber.
Low engine oil pressure
The warning light or the symbol switches on constantly along with a message on the display (for versions/markets, where
provided) when the system detects that engine oil pressure is low.
Engine oil degraded
The warning light switches on and a message is displayed (for versions/markets, where provided).
The warning light may flash in the following ways, depending on the version:
❑ cycles of 3 minutes with intervals with the warning light off for 5 seconds until the oil is changed.
After the initial warning, each time the engine is started up, the warning light will continue to flash in the same mode, until
the oil is changed. A specific message will appear on the display (for versions/
markets, where provided) in addition to the warning light. The lighting of this warning light should not be considered as a
fault, it simply informs the customer that the oil needs to be changed following normal car use.
Engine oil deterioration is accelerated by:
❑ mainly town use of the car which makes the DPF regeneration process more frequent;
❑ use of the vehicle for short drives, in which the engine does not have time to reach its regular operating temperature;
❑ repeated interruption of the regeneration process, signalled by the DPF warning light coming on.
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DOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN (versions with multifunction display)
The warning light appears on the display, together with a dedicated message, on some versions, when one or more doors,
the tailgate or the bonnet (for versions/markets, where provided) are not properly closed.
An acoustic signal is also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
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LOW BATTERY CHARGE
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off as soon as the engine has
started (with the engine idling a brief delay before switching off is acceptable).
If the warning light or the symbol on the display (together with a dedicated message on the display on some versions)
remains on, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately.

KNOWING YOUR CAR
14
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DOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN (colour display)
The symbols appear on the display, together with a dedicated message, on some versions, when one or more doors, the
tailgate or the bonnet
(for versions/markets, where provided) are not properly closed.
An acoustic signal is also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
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S
“DUALOGIC” GEARBOX FAULT (for versions/markets, where provided)
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 signal, to indicate a
gearbox fault.
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED
The warning light switches on constantly with the vehicle stationary and the driver’s side or passenger side seat belt
(when the passenger is present) not fastened.
The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if the car is in motion and the front seat belts are not correctly fastened.
For permanent deactivation of the acoustic signal (buzzer) of the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system contact
a Fiat Dealership. The system can be reactivated at any time using the Setup Menu.
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EBD FAULT (Multifunction display)
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD system or that
the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking
sharply.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to a Fiat Dealership to have the system inspected.
x
>x
>

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EBD FAULT (colour display)
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD system or that
the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking
sharply.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to a Fiat Dealership to have the system inspected.
x
>x
>
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED (Colour display – for versions/markets, where provided)
The symbol is shown on the display, together with a dedicated message and an acoustic signal, when the vehicle exceeds
the speed limit set in the Setup Menu (e.g. 120 km/h).
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PASSENGER AIRBAG/SIDE BAGS DEACTIVATED
The warning light indicates the passenger’s airbag protection status. If the warning light is off, passenger’s airbag protection
is active: to deactivate it, use the Setup Menu (in this case the LED lights up). When the engine is started (ignition key
turned to MAR position), the warning light turns on for about 8 seconds, provided that at least 5 seconds have elapsed
from when it was switched off. If not, contact a Fiat Dealership.
If the engine is switched off/on again in less than 5 seconds the warning light may remain off. In this case, to check correct
warning light operation, switch the engine off, wait for at least 5 seconds and switch the engine on again.
The warning light may light up with various intensity levels depending on the vehicle conditions. The intensity may also vary
during the same key cycle.
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ASR SYSTEM DISCONNECTED (Colour display)
The symbol lights up on the colour display together with a dedicated message when the ASR system is deactivated by
pressing the ASR-OFF button on the dashboard. The LED in the button will light up at the same time.
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ABS FAULT
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 comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the system is inefficient or not
available. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but without the advantage of the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
>>

KNOWING YOUR CAR
16
Start&Stop SYSTEM DEACTIVATION (for versions/markets, where provided)
The deactivation of the Start&Stop system, is indicated by the lighting of the warning light or the symbol on the display
along with a dedicated message on the display on some versions.
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START&STOP SYSTEM ACTIVE (for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light switches on with fixed light, along with a dedicated message on the display on some versions , in the
case of Start&Stop system failure.
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INJECTION / EOBD SYSTEM FAULT
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should go off as soon as
the engine is started.
The warning light remains on or switches on whilst driving, on some versions together with a dedicated message on the
display, if the injection system is not working properly. In particular, if the warning light switches on continuously, it indicates
a malfunction in the supply/ignition system that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance,
poor driveability and high fuel consumption.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at moderate speed without demanding excessive effort from the
engine.
Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
Petrol engines only
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic converter may be damaged.
If the warning light flashes, it is necessary to release the accelerator pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the warning
light stops flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to avoid driving conditions that may cause further
flashing and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible. START&STOP SYSTEM FAULT (versions with colour display) (for versions/markets, where provided)
The symbol appears, along with a dedicated message on the display on some versions, in the case of Start&Stop system
fault. Go to Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
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FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE
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 the symbol switches on in the display when about 5 litres of fuel are left in the tank. The triangle on the
right side of the symbol indicates the side of the car with the fuel filler.
IMPORTANT If the warning light flashes or the symbol is constantly on, depending on the versions, there is a fault in the
system. If this is the case, go to a Fiat Dealership to have the system checked.
GLOW PLUG/GLOW PLUG PREHEATING FAULT (diesel versions)
Glow plugs
This warning light switches on when the key is turned to MAR (for versions/markets, where provided). It will switch off as
soon as the glow plugs have reached a preset temperature. The engine can be started as soon as the warning light
switches off.
IMPORTANT At moderate or high ambient temperatures the warning light may stay on for an extremely short time.
Glow plug preheating failure
The warning light will flash, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, to indicate a fault in the plug
preheating system.
In these cases, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the fault fixed.
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DPF CLEANING (PARTICULATE TRAP) IN PROGRESS (diesel versions with DPF)
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 appears on the display fixed, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display,
to notify the driver that the DPF system needs to eliminate captured pollutants (particulate) through the regeneration
process.
The warning light remains off during the regeneration process; it switches on only if the driving conditions require the driver
to be alerted.
To switch the warning light off definitively, the vehicle must be kept moving until the regeneration process is completed.
On average, the process lasts 15 minutes.
Optimal conditions for completing the process are achieved by travelling at 60 km/h with engine speed above 2000 rpm.
When this warning light switches on, it does not indicate a vehicle failure and thus it should not be taken to a workshop. On
some versions, together with the warning light switching on, the display shows a dedicated message.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR
18
WATER IN THE DIESEL FILTER (Diesel Versions)
When the key is turned to MAR, the symbol appears but it should switch off after a few seconds.
The symbol on the display switches on constantly when driving
to indicate the presence of water in the diesel filter.
On some versions, in alternative, the warning light
èswitches on and the display shows a dedicated message.
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FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
With the key in the MAR position, on some versions the warning light, or the symbol on the display, turns on continuously,
along with a dedicated message on the display, to signal a possible Fiat CODE system failure.
If the warning light or symbol blinks on the display with engine running, it means that the vehicle is not protected by the
engine immobiliser device.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
REAR FOG LIGHTS
The warning light comes on when the fog lights are turned on.
GENERIC FAULT INDICATION
The warning light switches on in the following circumstances. In these cases contact a Fiat Dealership to have the fault fixed
as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure sensor failure
The warning light switches on when the engine oil pressure sensor is incorrect.
Fuel cut-off system intervention/failure
This warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, in the case of fuel cut-off
system activation/fault.
Exterior lights failure
The warning light switches on when an external light fault is detected.
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