wheel FIAT 500L 2014 2.G Owner's Manual

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........231
▫ Acceleration ........................ .231
▫ Traction ........................... .232
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............232
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................233
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................233
 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING .............235
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .235
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .237
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .237
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .239
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............239
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............239 ▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ............240
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................240
▫ Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) ...........242
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........242
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light ................243
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........246
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............247
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .247
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........250
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........252
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........253
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........258
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Pressure ....................... .258
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................259
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .260
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .261
▫ All Season Tires — If Equipped ............262
▫
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped . .262
▫ Snow Tires ......................... .262
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And
Wheel — If Equipped ..................263
▫ Compact Spare Tire ....................263
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .264
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................265
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .266▫
Replacement Tires .....................267
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......269
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....270
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS) ...................... .271
▫ Base System ........................ .274
▫ General Information ...................276
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS — 1.4L Turbo ........277
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................277
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............278
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................278
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................279
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................2795
STARTING AND OPERATING 209

NOTE:If the shift lever cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed for-
ward) it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position
(beside the DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the
transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the
instrument cluster. Move the shift lever to the right (into
the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK, REVERSE,
and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE: After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold. PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi-
cult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

icy conditions. To select second or third gear after the
vehicle is brought to a stop, tap the shift lever rear-
ward (+) once or twice.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is en-
gaged because the transmission will not shift auto-
matically.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick® is engaged.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick® mode, return the shift lever to
the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the
AutoStick® position at any time without taking your foot
off the accelerator pedal.WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the front (driving) wheels.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 231

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads areslushy. 2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
This only operates with the key turned to MAR/ON and
the engine started. The steering allows the force required
at the steering wheel to be adjusted to suit driving
conditions.
NOTE:When turning the ignition key quickly, full power
steering functionality can be achieved after a few sec-
onds.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave manual
transmission in REVERSE or first gear.
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 side button with your thumb, then
lower the lever completely. When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the Brake
Warning Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
1 — Parking Brake Release Button
2 — Parking Brake Lever
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 235

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle or
in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave a manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE or first (1st) gear. Failure to do so
may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses
normal capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion. However, there will be some loss of overall braking
effectiveness. You may notice increased pedal travel
during application, greater pedal force required to slow
or stop, and potential activation of the “Brake System
Warning Light.”
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) thebrakes will still function. However, the effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 237

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with a advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Con-
trol System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Dynamic
Steering Torque (DST), and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC). All systems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions and
are commonly referred to as ESC.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System” in “Start-
ing and Operating” for further information.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must applycontinuousbrak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 239

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)
The Traction Control System (TCS) 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 engine power is reduced to provide en-
hanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS
system, Brake Limited Differential (BLD), functions simi-
lar 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 engine
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 or Full Off mode. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this section for further
information.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain
the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short
period of time after the driver takes his foot off the brake
pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this
240 STARTING AND OPERATING