power steering FIAT 500E 2014 2.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT VEHICLE INFORMATION .......12
▫ High Voltage Battery ....................12
 500e ELECTRIC VEHICLE FEATURES .........14
▫ Audible Pedestrian Warning System .........14
▫ Single-Speed Transmission ................15
▫ Auto Park ............................15
▫ E-Park ..............................15
▫ Climate Control (HVAC System) ............16
▫ Electric Air Conditioning Compressor ........16
▫ Electric Power Steering ..................16 ▫
Smartphone Features ....................16
 ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATION ............20
▫ Level 1 Charging (120V — Requires NEMA 5–15
Outlet) ..............................20
▫ Level 2 Charging (240V — Requires A 40 Amp
Circuit Breaker Or Greater) ...............20
▫ Charge Times .........................21
▫ Vehicle Charge Cord ....................21
▫ EVSE Operation And Status Information ......23
▫ Charging The High Voltage Battery ..........25
2

NOTE:The engagement of the E-Park can be heard when
there is no noise in the interior of the vehicle, this is a
normal condition.
Climate Control (HVAC System)
Your 500e is equipped with an Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) HVAC system. This HVAC system utilizes
a humidity sensor, cabin sensor, and ambient tempera-
ture sensor to choose operation mode and control cabin
comfort. These components allow the controller to oper-
ate the HVAC system in a very efficient manner to
maximize driving range.
Your 500e also uses an electric air heater to provide heat
to the cabin.
Electric Air Conditioning Compressor
Your 500e uses an electric air conditioning compressor.
The air conditioning compressor is powered by the high
voltage battery system and is used to cool the vehicle occupants and the high voltage battery while the vehicle
is being driven or when it is being charged.
The high voltage battery may require cooling to keep the
vehicle running. The air conditioning compressor will
activate without any input from the occupant.
NOTE:
The AC system helps cool the high voltage
battery. If the air conditioning system should require
service see your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Electric Power Steering
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steering
(EPS) system. The power steering system requires no
maintenance and operates without the use of power
steering fluid.
Smartphone Features
With the “FIAT Access” smartphone app, you can moni-
tor the state of charge of the high voltage battery or
initiate charging from your phone. You can also turn on
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

23. Exterior Bulb Failure Indicator
This light will illuminate when there is a malfunction in
one of the exterior bulbs.
24. Power Steering System WarningThis 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
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163

Trip Computer
The Trip Computer is located in the instrument cluster.
The Trip Computer displays trip information such as:
average speed, distance traveled, average energy, time
traveled, motor power, and tire pressure.
Trip Button
TheTRIP button, located on the right steering column
stalk.
•A short button press scrolls through the user-selectable
information.
• A long button press resets.
The User-Selectable options are:
• Motor Power (Kilowatts)
• Trip A
Trip Button
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................212
▫ Single-Speed Transmission ...............212
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .212
 SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION ...........213
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............215
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ .216
▫ Auto Park .......................... .219
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........220
▫ Acceleration ........................ .220
▫ Traction ........................... .220
DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............221
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................221
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................221
 POWER STEERING .....................223
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .224
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .226
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .227
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .228
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............228
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............228
5

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 pos-
sible.
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 “POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is displayed on the
EVIC screen, they indicate that extreme steering maneu-
vers may have occurred which caused an over tempera-
ture condition in the power steering system. Once driv-
ing conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle
for a few moments until the icon and message turn off.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 223

Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE
POWER STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is displayed
the EVIC screen, they indicate the vehicle needs to be
taken to an authorized dealer for service. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•Even if the power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle.
Under these conditions there will be a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially at low speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for
service.PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

“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.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and vehicle
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited-slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more torque
to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This
feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in the
Partial Off mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)” in this section for further information.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by
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STARTING AND OPERATING 229

applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteering or understeering condi-
tion. Vehicle power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path. ESC uses sensors in
the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the
driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the intended path,
ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist
in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
NOTE: The ESC Off switch is located on the instrument
panel.WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions
resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inappro-
priate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESC 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

FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an ap-
propriate replacement fuse with the same amp
rating as the original fuse. Never replace a fuse
with another fuse of higher amp rating. Never
replace a blown fuse with metal wires or any other
material. Failure to use proper fuses may result in
serious personal injury, fire and/or property dam-
age.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition
is off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Interior Fuses
The interior fuse panel is part of the Body Control
Module (BCM) and is located on the driver’s side under
the instrument panel.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319