ABS FIAT 500 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

USE OF THE OWNER HANDBOOK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Each time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the car are given, these must be intended as regarding an occupant
in the driver’s seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be specified as appropriate in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do not correspond
to the actual arrangement of your vehicle. In addition, the Handbook has been conceived considering vehicles with steering wheel on the left
side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with steering wheel on the right side, the position or construction of some controls is not exactly
mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner Handbook.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedicated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A few pages further there is a key for getting to
know the chapter order and the relevant symbols in the tabs. There is in any case a textual indication of the current chapter at the side of
each even page.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
While reading this Owner Handbook you will find a series of IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONSto prevent procedures that could damage your
vehicle.
There are also WARNINGSthat must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle, which could cause
accidents or injuries.
Therefore all IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONSand WARNINGSmust always be carefully followed.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONSand WARNINGSare recalled in the text with the following symbols:
personal safety;
vehicle safety;
environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are indicated besides the title or at the end of the line and are followed by a number.
This number identifies the relevant warning to which it refers, at the end of the Owner Handbook.

15
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).
120
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.
““
ESCESC
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.
VV
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
48
Emergency braking
In the event of emergency braking the
hazard warning lights switch on
automatically as well as warning lights
andin the instrument panel.
The lights switch off automatically
when emergency braking ceases.
FRONT/REAR FOG
LIGHTS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
With the dipped beam headlights on,
to turn on the front/rear fog lights, use
the button A fig. 49 as follows:
❒ press once: fog lights on, warning
light
5appears on the instrument
panel;
48DVDF0S0180c
❒ press twice: rear fog lights on,
warning light
4appears on the
instrument panel;
❒ press three times: front/rear fog
lights off.
REAR FOG LIGHTS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
With the dipped beam headlights on,
turn on the rear fog lights pressing the
button B fig. 49. The
4warning light
on the instrument panel will come on.
Press the button again to switch the
lights off.
49DVDF0S0181c
ABS SYSTEM 15)
This system, which is an integral part
of the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in any road surface condition,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking thus optimising
stopping distances.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can feel that the ABS
system has come into action because
the brake pedal pulsates slightly and
the system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.

139
Side
IMPORTANT The intervention must be
carried out taking all precautions
necessary to avoid damaging the
bodywork (use a sufficiently rigid and
appropriately thick plastic card).
To replace the bulb, proceed as
follows:
❒ lever the lens off, by initially applying
force from the front towards the
back (1-fig. 119);
❒ lever in the opposite direction, by
applying force from the back
part (2-fig. 119) and remove the
unit;
119DVDF0S0117c
❒ turn the bulb holder anticlockwise,
extract the press-fitted bulb and
replace it;
❒ reinstall the bulb holder into the
lens, then put back the assembly
making sure that the fixing clip has
clicked.
FRONT FOG LIGHTS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
For bulb replacement, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
REAR LIGHT CLUSTERS
To replace the bulb proceed as follows:
❒ open the tailgate;
❒ unscrew the two fastening screws
A fig. 120 and extract the light
cluster axially without rotating it;
❒ remove the bulb holder from its
housing releasing it from the locking
tabs B;
❒ extract the bulbs by pushing them
slightly and turning them counter-
clockwise.The bulbs are arranged as follows in
fig. 121:
C: tail / brake light;
D: direction indicators.
120DVDF0S0199c
121DVDF0S0200c

IN AN EMERGENCY
140
REVERSING LIGHT/REAR
FOG LIGHT
To replace the bulb, proceed as
follows:
❒ From inside the bumper, operate
the tabs A fig. 122 and remove the
press-fit flap;
❒ disconnect the electric connector
A-fig. 123;
❒ turn the bulb holder B fig. 123
anticlockwise and remove the unit;
❒ extract the bulb and replace it;
❒ refit the bulb/bulb holder unit B by
turning it clockwise
122DVDF0S0207c
❒ reconnect the electric connector A;
❒ refit the flap and check that it is
correctly locked.
THIRD BRAKE LIGHTS
To replace the bulb proceed as follows:
❒ remove the two guard caps and
unscrew the two fastening
screws A fig. 124;
❒ remove the assembly;
❒ disconnect the electric connector
B fig. 125;
❒ press the retaining device C and
open the bulb holder;
123DVDF0S0208c
❒ remove the press-fitted bulb to be
replaced and replace it;
❒ close the bulb holder making sure
the retaining device is correctly
locked;
❒ screw in the two fastening screws
and reinstall the guard caps.
124DVDF0S0124c
125DVDF0S0125c

SERVICING AND CARE
158
ENGINE COOLANT
39) 22) 23)
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the
MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU
UPand
distilled water gives freeze protection
up to –35°C.
When the vehicle is used in particularly
harsh weather conditions, we
recommend using a 60% mixture of
PARAFLU
UPand 40% of demineralised
water.
CHECKING LEVELS
ENGINE OIL
39) 22) 26) 4)
Check the engine oil level a few
minutes (about five) after the engine
has stopped, with the car parked on
level ground.
The oil level must be within the MIN
and MAX marks on the dipstick.
NOTE
The dipstick is integrated in the engine
oil cap for 0.9 TwinAir 60 HP*, 65 HP,
80 HP*, 85 HP and 105 HP versions.
❒ The range between the MIN and
MAX marks corresponds to about 1
litre of oil.
❒ If the level of the oil is close to or
below the MIN mark, add oil via the
filler fitting until the MAX mark is
reached.
❒ The oil level must never exceed the
MAX mark.
❒ The maximum engine oil
consumption is usually 400 grams
every 1000 km.
* For versions/markets, where provided
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WASHER
FLUID
39) 22)
Use a mixture of water and
PETRONAS DURANCE
SC35 fluid, in the following
concentrations:
❒ 30% PETRONAS DURANCE
SC35 and 70% water in summer.
❒ 50% PETRONAS DURANCE
SC35 and 50% water in winter.
BRAKE FLUID 39) 22)
The fluid level in the reservoir must not
exceed the MAX mark.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is
hygroscopic (i.e. it absorbs moisture).
For this reason, if the vehicle is mainly
used in areas with a high degree of
atmospheric humidity, the fluid should
be replaced at more frequent intervals
than specified in the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan”.

PERSONAL SAFETY
187
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
3) ADJUSTMENTS
Any and all adjustments to seats, head restraints, steering wheel or
rear view mirrors must be performed exclusively with the
vehicle stationary and the engine off.
4) SEATS
•If a side bag is fitted, it is dangerous to use
seat covers not available from Lineaccessori MOPAR
®.
•Once you have released the adjustment lever, always check that
the seat is locked on the guides by trying to move it back and
forth. If the seat is not locked into place, it may unexpectedly slide
and cause the driver to lose control of the car.
5) HEAD RESTRAINTS
• All adjustments must be carried out only with the car stationary
and engine off. The head restraints should be adjusted to support
the back of your head and not your neck. Only in this position do
they exert their protective action.
• To make the best use of the protective action of the head
restraints, adjust the backrest so that you are sitting upright and
keep your head as close as possible to the head restraint.
6) REAR VIEW MIRRORS
As door mirrors are curved, they may slightly alter the perception
of distance. When driving, these mirrors must always be in the
open position.
We recommend you carefully read the following environmental information.
In an emergency we recommend that you call the toll-free phone number found in the Warranty Booklet.
Go to the www.fiat500.com website to locate the Fiat Dealership closest to you.
(CONTINUES)
1) THE KEYS
Press button B fig. 9 only with the key away from your body,
especially your eyes and from objects which could get damaged
(e.g. your clothes).
Do not leave the key unattended to avoid the button being
accidentally pressed while it is being handled, e.g. by a child.
2) STARTING DEVICE
• Never remove the key while the car is moving.
The steering wheel will automatically lock as soon as it is turned.
This holds true for cars being towed as well.
• It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any after-market operation
involving steering system or steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the vehicle with type-approval requirements.
•If the ignition device has been tampered with
(e.g. an attempted theft), have it checked over by a Fiat
Dealership before driving again.
•Always remove the key when you leave your car to prevent
someone from accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake.
If the car is parked on a slope uphill, engage the first gear; if the
car is facing downhill, engage the reverse gear. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
188(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
7) DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL)
•The daytime running lights are an alternative to the dipped
beam headlights for driving during the daytime in countries
where it is compulsory to have lights on during the day, and
they are also permitted in those countries where this is not
obligatory.
•Daytime running lights cannot replace dipped beam
headlights when driving at night or through tunnels.
•The use of daytime running lights is governed by the highway
code of the country in which you are driving. Comply with legal
requirements.
8) FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
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.
9) INTERIOR FITTINGS
•The cigar lighter gets extremely hot. Handle it with caution and
do not allow it to be used by children to avoid the risk of fire or
burns. Always check that the cigar lighter has switched off.
•Only accessories with a maximum power of 180 W (maximum
absorption 15 A) can be connected to the socket.
•Never travel with the glove compartment open: it could injure
the passenger in the event of a crash.
•On both sides of the passenger side sun visor there is a label
remembering that it is compulsory to deactivate the airbags if a
rearward facing child restraint system is fitted.
Always comply with the instructions on the label.10) SUNROOF – ELECTRIC SOFT TOP
ELECTRIC WINDOWS
When leaving the car, always remove the key from the ignition
device to avoid the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants due to
accidental operation of these devices: improper use can be
dangerous. Before and during operation, always check that
nobody is exposed to the risk of being injured either directly by
the moving window or through objects getting
caught or hit by it.
11) SOFT TOP
•Keep hands away from the soft top mechanism while opening
and closing the soft top or if the soft top stops in a position before
the cycle is completed to prevent damage and injury.
•Keep children away from the area in which the top is folding
during opening or closing operations.
12) DOORS
Before opening a door, ensure that you can do it in conditions of
safety. Open the doors only when the vehicle is stationary.
13) LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
•Never exceed the maximum allowed load in the luggage
compartment, see chapter “Technical specifications”. Also make
sure that the objects you place in the luggage compartment have
been properly secured, to avoid them from being thrown forward
consequent to sudden braking and injuring your passengers.
•Do not drive with the tailgate open as exhaust fumes may enter
the vehicle.
•If you are travelling in areas with few filling stations and you
want to transport fuel in a spare tank, comply with the law by
using only an approved, suitably secured tank. In the event of a
collision the fire risk is increased all the same.

189(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
•When opening the tailgate, take care not to hit possible
objects on the roof rack.
•Make sure the backrests are properly secured at both sides
to prevent them from moving forward, in the event of sharp
braking, with possible impact with of the passengers.
14) ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
•Fully comply with the regulations in force concerning
maximum clearance.
•Never exceed the maximum permitted loads; see chapter
“Technical specifications”.
•Evenly distribute the load and take into account, when
driving, the increased responsiveness of the vehicle to side
wind. After travelling for a few kilometres, check to ensure that
the fixing screws for the attachments are well tightened.
•Before driving, make sure that the transversal bars have been
fitted properly.
15) ABS SYSTEM – ESC SYSTEM
•The ABS gets the most from the available grip, but it cannot
improve it; you should therefore take every care when driving on
slippery surfaces and not take unnecessary risks.
•When the ABS cuts in and you feel the brake pedal pulsating,
do not remove your foot, but keep the pedal pushed down; in
doing so you, will stop in the shortest distance possible under
the road conditions at the time.
•If the ABS system intervenes, this indicates that the traction of
the tyres on the road is nearing its limit. You must slow down to
a speed compatible with the available traction.
• To obtain the maximum efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged braking. • The ABS, ESC and ASR systems cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip available according
to the condition of the road.
• The ABS, ESC, ASR and HBA systems cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
• The capability of the ABS, ESC, ASR and HBA systems must
never be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in such a way as
to compromise personal safety and the safety of others.
•When the Mechanical Brake Assist intervenes, noises may be
heard from the system.
This is normal. In any case, while braking keep the brake pedal
firmly depressed.
•If only the
xwarning light on the instrument panel lights up
(together with a message in the multifunction display, for
versions/markets, where provided) stop the vehicle immediately
and contact the nearest Fiat Dealership. Fluid leaking from the
hydraulic system will compromise the operation of the braking
system, whether it is of the conventional type or with ABS.
•Do not take unnecessary risks, even if your vehicle is fitted with
the ESC and ASR systems.
Your driving style must always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
•If the space-saver wheel (where provided) is used, the ABS,
ASR and ESC systems keep operating.
Always remember that the space-saver wheel, being smaller than
the original wheel provides less grip.
•For correct operation of the ABS, ESC and ASR systems, the
tyres must absolutely be of the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions and, above all, of type, brand and
size specified.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
190(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
•The HH system is not a parking brake, therefore do not leave
the vehicle without activating the handbrake, switching off the
engine, and engaging first gear, with the vehicle parked in safe
conditions.
•There may be situations on small gradients
(less than 8%), with car laden or a trailer attached to it (where
provided), in which the HH system may not activate, causing a
slight reversing motion and increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object.
The driver is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
•The HBA system cannot increase tyre grip on the road over
the limits imposed by laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road surface.
•The HBA system is an aid for the driver, who must always pay
full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the driver.
16) ENGINE BONNET
•Before opening the bonnet, check that windscreen wiper
arm is not lifted from the windscreen.
•The bonnet may drop suddenly if the supporting rod is not
positioned correctly.
Only perform these operations when the car is stationary.
•Be careful working inside engine compartment when the
engine is hot to avoid burning yourself. Do not place your
hands near the engine fan as it may be activated even when
the key is removed. Wait until the engine has cooled.
•Be very careful not to allow scarves, neck ties and other
loose articles of clothing from touching, even accidentally, any
moving parts. This may cause the clothing to be pulled into the
part, resulting in serious injury to the wearer. •For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
while the car is travelling. Make sure that the bonnet is properly
closed and that the lock is engaged. If you notice when driving
that the bonnet has not been properly locked, stop immediately
and close the bonnet correctly.
•Use both hands to lift the bonnet. Before lifting, check that the
windscreen wiper arms are not raised from the windscreen, that
the vehicle is stationary and that the handbrake is engaged.
17) CONTROLS
•It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any after-market operation
involving steering system or steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the vehicle with type-approval requirements.
•Before performing any maintenance operations, always stop
the engine and remove the key from the ignition to lock the
steering column (especially when the car wheels are not touching
the ground). If this is not possible (for example if the key needs to
be turned to MAR or the engine must be running), remove the
main fuse that protects the electric power steering.
18) PARKING SENSORS
Parking manoeuvres, however, are always the driver’s
responsibility. While carrying out these manoeuvres, always make
sure that no people (especially children) or animals are in the area
concerned.
The parking sensors are used to assist the driver, who must
never allow his attention to lapse during potentially dangerous
manoeuvres, even those executed at low speeds.