ESP FIAT 500 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the European specification
EN228. Using these mixtures may cause misfiring and driving issues, as well as damage fundamental components of the supply system.
LPG engines: refuel only with LPG for motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN589. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
For further details on the use of the correct fuel see the "Refuelling the vehicle" paragraph in the "Starting and driving" chapter.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is engaged and place the gear lever in neutral. Fully press the clutch pedal, without pressing the accelerator,
then turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for thewarning light to turn off; turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the
engine starts.
Versions with Dualogic gearbox: make sure that the handbrake is engaged and that the gear lever is in P (Parking) or N (Neutral), fully
depress the brake pedal, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine is started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the vehicle, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact a Fiat Dealership.
They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the vehicle's electric system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.

USE OF THE OWNER HANDBOOK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Each time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the vehicle 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 car. 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.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
While reading this Owner Handbook you will find a series ofWARNINGSto prevent procedures that could damage your
vehicle.
There are alsoPRECAUTIONSthat must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle,
which could cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore allWARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSmust always be carefully followed.
WARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSare 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.
That number recalls the corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.
SYMBOLS
Some car components have coloured labels whose symbols indicate precautions to be observed when using this component.
A plate summarising these symbols can also be found under the bonnet.

If the luggage compartment is open,
the doors will, however, be locked.
When a speed of over 20 km/h is
reached, the doors will be automatically
locked if the specific function was set
(for versions/markets, where provided)
with the Setup menu.
Opening the tailgate by the remote
control
Press button
to release (open)
the tailgate remotely.
The tailgate opening is indicated by
double flashing of direction indicators.
1)
WARNING
1)The electronic components inside the
key may be damaged if the key is
subjected to strong shocks. In order to
ensure complete efficiency of the
electronic devices inside the keys, they
should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
WARNING
1)Press button B fig. 5only 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.
WARNING
1)Used batteries should be disposed of,
as specified by law, in the special
containers, otherwise take them to a Fiat
Dealership, which will deal with their
disposal.
IGNITION SWITCH
2) 3) 4)
The key can be turned to 3 different
positions fig. 6:
STOP: engine off, key can be
removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. sound
system, central door locking system,
etc.) can operate.
MAR: driving position. All electric
devices can operate.
AVV: engine starting.
The ignition device is fitted with a safety
system that requires the ignition key
to be turned back to STOP if the engine
does not start, before the starting
operation can be repeated.
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11

Initial condition: from intermediate
position to top all closed
Press the button B fig. 32 in the
horizontal intermediate position to bring
the roof automatically to the safety
position (approximately 25 cm from
horizontal all closed position).
Keep the button B fig. 32 pressed to
close the roof completely.
The roof will stop instantly if the button
is released before the all closed position
is reached.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The horizontal and vertical parts of
the soft top can be operated at any
speed lower than 100 and 80 km/h
respectively.
The top can be operated at any
temperature in the range from -18 to
+80 °C.
It is recommended to have the
engine running always when opening or
closing the soft top.
If required, remove the battery with
open or closed soft top, but NOT when
the soft top is moving.
Do not fix luggage transport devices
to the soft top and do not travel with
objects resting on the open top.
The activation of the heated rear
windscreen, upon request by the user,
is carried out only if the soft top is
completely closed. If the soft top is
closed incorrectly, the heated rear
window will not function and the
corresponding warning light will not turn
on.
When the soft top is opened using
the relevant control, if the heated rear
windscreen had been engaged it is
automatically deactivated and the
warning light switches off
Do not remove ice from the soft top
with a sharp item.
To prevent damage, do not use
scrapers or sprays to remove ice from
the heated rear window.
Do not put objects on the soft top:
they could fall if the it is operated,
causing damage and injury.
It is advisable to cover the soft top
with a protective sheet if the car is
left parked in the open for a long time.
Do not keep the soft top folded for a
long time: this could cause folds and
creases in the fabric.
Before moving the soft top, check
that there is enough room to carry
out the operation and that there are no
obstacles or people close to its moving
parts.
The cooled air flow into the
passenger compartment may decrease
if the automatic climate control system
is on and the top is not completely
closed.
With the soft top open and the car
travelling, the voice recognition system
may not recognise voice commands
because of the background noise: with
the soft top closed and at a high speed,
the voice function for number dialling
may not be recognised.
INITIALISATION
PROCEDURE
The soft top must be re-initialised after
disconnecting the battery or if the
relevant protection fuse is blown.
Proceed as follows:
before carrying out any other
operation, make sure the engine is on
during the whole initialisation
procedure;
keep the opening button pressed
until the soft top is completely open;
when the soft top is completely
open, keep the button pressed for at
least 2 seconds;
keep the closing button pressed
until the soft top is completely closed;
when the soft top is completely
closed, keep the button pressed for at
least 2 seconds.
31

MESSAGES ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Messages What it means
CITY“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The indication CITY switches on when the "Dualdrive" electric power steering system is activated by
pressing the "CITY" button on the dashboard. The CITY indication goes off when the button is pressed
again.
ECOTURNING ON THE ECO FUNCTION
ECO is shown on the display with the "ECO" function is turned on by pressing the corresponding button on
the dashboard. Pressing the button again, the message ECO will be switched off until the engine is started
again. The ECO function will be on when the engine is started again. A dedicated screen instead of the
"ECO" indication is displayed on some versions.
DUALOGIC GEARBOX
MESSAGESFor versions equipped with "Dualogic" gearbox, the following messages can be displayed:
Reduce gear changes
Manual mode unavailable
Automatic method unavailable
Clutch overheating
Depress brake pedal
Depress brake pedal - delayed ignition
Gear not available
Manoeuvre not allowed
Depress brake pedal and repeat operation
Positioning of the gear lever at N (neutral).
33) 34)
65

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution);
MSR (Motor Schleppmoment
Regelung);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
HH (Hill Holder);
ASR (Antislip Regulation);
HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist);
For the operation of the systems, see
the following description.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
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.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.The system also improves control and
stability of the car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56) 57)
EBD (Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution)
SYSTEM
This system (which cannot be
deactivated) recognises emergency
braking conditions according to the
speed of operation of the brake pedal
and provides an additional hydraulic
braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows
faster and more powerful operation of
the braking system.MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
The MSR system is an integral part of
the ABS, that intervenes, if there is a
sudden change to a lower gear,
restoring torque to the engine, thereby
preventing excessive drive at the drive
wheels which, especially in poor grip
conditions, could lead to a loss in
stability of the vehicle.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
This is an electronic system that
controls vehicle stability in the event of
tyre grip loss, helping maintain
directional control.
The system is capable of recognising
potentially dangerous situations in
terms of the stability and intervenes
automatically on the brakes in a
differentiated manner for the four
wheels in order to provide a stabilising
torque.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light
on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
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SAFETY

Manual engagement/release
The ASR comes on automatically
whenever the engine is started. While
driving, the ASR can be turned off
and then on again by pressing
the button A fig. 50 (ASR OFF). When
the system is not active, the LED on the
same button turns on and, on some
versions, a message appears on the
display.
If the ASR is disengaged during driving,
this is automatically reactivated at the
following car starting.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
66) 67) 68) 69) 70) 71)
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car’s braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects an emergency
braking by monitoring the speed and
strength with which the brake pedal
is pressed, thereby applying the optimal
brake pressure. This can reduce the
braking distance: the HBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance of the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly; in addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to obtain benefits
from the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
72) 73) 74) 75) 76)
WARNING
49)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake
in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
50)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.
51)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is about to reach its limit. You
must slow down to a speed compatible
with the available traction.
52)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
53)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
54)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
55)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
50F0S0518
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SAFETY

56)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ABS system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.
57)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.
58)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be
of the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of
the prescribed type and size.
59)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
60)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unfounded risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is always
responsible for road safety.
61)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
62)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
63)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.64)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.
65)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.
66)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, it is essential that the tyres are
of the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of
the specified type and dimensions.
67)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ASR system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.
68)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
69)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
70)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.71)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
72)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.
73)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
74)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver.
75)The capability of the HBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver,
occupants or other road users.
76)When the HBA system intervenes,
noises may be heard from the system. This
is normal. In any case, while braking keep
the brake pedal firmly depressed.
71

DRIVING
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
iTPMS System (indirect
Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
77) 78) 79) 80) 81) 82)
DESCRIPTION
The vehicle can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.
To access the iTPMS screens ( fig. 51 -
fig. 52), press the TRIP button.
The fig. 52 screen will be displayed only
if one or more tyres are flat.
Correct tyre pressure (versions with
colour display)
If pressure of all the tyres corresponds
to the correct value, the display shows
the following screen fig. 51.
Low tyre pressure
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel. Furthermore, the display will
show “KO” beside the tyres fig. 52
along with a warning message.RESET PROCEDURE
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the Reset
procedure is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
each time tyre pressure is modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
when the space-saver wheel is
fitted.
Before carrying out the RESET
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the RESET procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the
warning
light may give false indications on
one or more tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the car stopped and the ignition key
at MAR, use the setup menu (see the
description of the "Display" paragraph).
At the end of the Reset procedure,
the display will show the message
"Reset saved", indicating that
self-learning has started.
If the iTPMS self-learning is not
correctly executed, the message is not
displayed.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
The 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 partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.
51F0S0496
52F0S0506
72
SAFETY

SEAT BELTS
All vehicle seats are equipped with seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
The reel mechanism operates locking
the belt in the event of sharp braking or
strong deceleration due to an impact.
This allows the belt strap to slide freely
and to adapt to the body of the
occupant. In the event of an accident,
the belt will lock reducing the risk of
impact inside the passenger
compartment and of being projected
outside the car.
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other
occupants of the vehicle also respect,
the local laws in force in relation to
the use of the seat belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The belt should be worn keeping the
torso straight and rested against the
backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold tongue A
fig. 53 and insert it into buckle B, until
it clicks into place.
On removal, if the belt jams, let it rewind
for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
Press the button C fig. 53 to release the
belt.Guide the belt while it is rewinding to
prevent it from twisting. Through the
retractor, the belt automatically adapts
to the body of the passenger wearing it,
allowing freedom of movement.
The retractor may lock when the car is
parked on a steep slope: this is
perfectly normal. Furthermore, the reel
mechanism locks the belt if it is pulled
sharply or in the event of sudden
braking, collisions and high-speed
bends.
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat
belts with three anchoring points and a
retractor.
Wear the rear seat belts as shown in
fig. 54.
IMPORTANT When putting the back
seat to its normal position, make sure
the seat belts are positioned so they are
ready to use.
83) 84)
WARNING
83)Never press button C fig. 53 when
travelling.
84)Remember that in the event of an
accident, the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
53F0S0077
54F0S0565
74
SAFETY