coolant temperature FIAT 500L 2016 2.G Owners Manual

1. Speedometer•Indicates vehicle speed
2. Fuel Gauge •The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position
3. Temperature Gauge •The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather or up moun-
tain grades. It should not be allowed to exceed the
upper limits of the normal operating range.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately
and call an authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
Red Warning Light What It Means
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. As engine coolant temperatures rise and
the gauge approaches
H,this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after
reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to pass H,a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed to cool or the 4 minutes duration is
expired, whichever come first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system
is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tem-
perature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for ser-
vice. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further infor-
mation.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

button off ). This logic guarantees optimum visibility at
the windows. The user can always set air recirculation
and climate control system compressor.
Additional Electric Heater (If Equipped)
The additional electric heater ensures more rapid passen-
ger compartment heating.
It activates in cold weather conditions, if the following
conditions are verified:
•outside temperature low;
• engine coolant temperature low;
• engine on;
• fan speed set to 1st speed;
• Temperature Control knob turned completely clock-
wise to red section. The heater is switched off when at least one of the
conditions above is no longer verified.
NOTE:
The power of the electric heater is modulated
according to the battery voltage.System Maintenance
In winter, the climate control system must be turned on at
least once a month for about 10 minutes.
Have the system inspected at an authorized dealership
before the summer.
NOTE: The system uses R-1234yf coolant which does not
pollute the environment in the event of accidental leak-
age. Under no circumstances is the use of R-134a allowed.
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The system remembers that the compressor has been
switched off, even after the engine has stopped.
When the compressor is switched off, the system deacti-
vates air recirculation to prevent the windows from
misting up.
Pushing the A/C button will stop the AUTO MODE (the
AUTO LED will switch off). To restore automatic control
of compressor engagement, push the AUTO button
again.
NOTE:With the compressor off, air cannot be introduced
to the passenger compartment with a temperature lower
than the outside temperature. Moreover, under certain
environmental conditions, windows could mist rapidly
since the air is not dehumidified.
Rapid Window Demisting (MAX-DEF function)
Push the MAX-DEF button to activate (LED on button
on) the windshield and side window demisting function. The climate control system carries out the following
operations:
•
switches on the air conditioning compressor when
environmental conditions are suitable;
• switches air recirculation off;
• sets fan speed according to the engine coolant tem-
perature;
• directs air flow to windshield and front side window
diffusers;
• activates the heated rear window;
• activates the heated windshield (if equipped);
• displays the fan speed (Blower Control Indicator LED
lit).
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245

NOTE:The Front Defrost Control (MAX-DEF) function
remains on for about three minutes from when the engine
coolant reaches the appropriate temperature.
When the function is activated, the LED on the AUTO
button switches off. With the function activated the only
possible manual adjustments are adjusting the fan speed
and turning the heated rear window off.
When the Recirculation Control, Rear Defrost Control , or
AUTO buttons are pushed, the climate control system
will deactivate the Front Defrost (MAX-DEF) function.
Selecting the footwell/windshield or only windshield
distribution activates the climate control system com-
pressor (LED on A/C button on) and the air recirculation
is set to outside air intake (LED on the recirculation
button off ). This logic guarantees optimum visibility at the windows.
It is, however, always possible to manage air recirculation
and the climate control system compressor manually.
Rear Window Defrosting
Push the Rear Defrost button to activate heated rear
window defrosting.
The effective activation of the function is indicated by the
rear defrost warning light on the instrument panel
switching ON.
This function switches OFF automatically after about 20
minutes or when the engine is turned OFF. It is not
switched on automatically the next time the engine is
started.
If equipped, push the rear defrost button to activate
defrosting of door mirrors and heated rear window.
246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Do not affix stickers to the inside of the heated
rear window over the heating filaments, to avoid damage
that might cause them to stop working properly.
Switching Off The Climate Control System
Push the On/Off button.
With climate control system off:
• air recirculation is on, thus isolating the passenger
compartment from the outside;
• the compressor is off;
• the fan is off;
• the heated rear window can be activated / deacti-
vated. NOTE:
The climate control system control unit stores the
temperatures set before the system was switched off and
restores them when any button of the system is pushed
(except for the A/C Control button).
To restart the climate control system in fully automatic
mode push the AUTO button.
Additional Heater (If Equipped)
This allows the passenger compartment to be heated
more quickly in cold weather conditions.
The heater switches off automatically when the required
comfort conditions are achieved.
The additional heater activates automatically depending
on the environmental conditions and with engine started.
NOTE: The heater only operates if the outside tempera-
ture and engine coolant temperature are low. The heater
will not activate if the battery voltage is too low.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247

DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head
winds), use the AutoStick shift control (refer to AutoStick
in this section for further information) to select a lower
gear. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the transmission controller will expand the
range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is
done to prevent transmission damage due to overheat-
ing.During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine coolant temperature.
Normal operation will resume once the engine tempera-
ture has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu-
minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. •
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had
time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399

•Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F
(37°C) are anticipated.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated. NOTE:
•
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system, please contact your
local authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403