transmission FIAT 500L 2017 2.G User Guide

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the
bulb does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in nor-
mal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if
(Continued)
WARNING!
(Continued)
you drive slowly or park over flammable sub-
stances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Safety & Driving Assistance
After pressing the “Safety & Driving Assistance” button
on the touchscreen the following settings will be avail-
able:
Setting NameSelectable Options
ParkView Backup Camera Delay On
Off
NOTE: When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera delay turned OFF), the rear camera mode is
exited and the navigation or audio screen appears again. When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with
camera delay turned ON), the rear view image with dynamic grid lines will be displayed for up to 10 seconds
after shifting out of “REVERSE” unless the forward vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (12 km/h), the transmission is
shifted into “PARK” or the ignition is switched to the OFF position.
Blind Spot Alert — If Equipped Off
LightsLights & Chime
NOTE: When this feature is selected, the Blind Spot Alert feature can be set to Off, Lights or Lights and Chime.
The Blind Spot Alert feature can be activated in Lights mode. When this mode is selected, the Blind Spot Moni-
tor (BSM) system is activated and will only show a visual alert in the outside mirrors. When Lights & Chime
mode is activated, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) will show a visual alert in the outside mirrors as well as an
audible alert when the turn signal is on. When Off is selected, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system is deacti-
vated.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181

Setting NameSelectable Options
Cornering Lights On Off
NOTE: When this feature is selected, if the steering wheel rotation angle is large or the turn signal indicators
are on, a light (incorporated in the fog light) will turn on, on the relevant side to improve visibility at night.
Headlights With Wip- ers — If Equipped Ye s
N o
Auto Dim High Beams — If Equipped Ye s
N o
Flash Headlights With Lock On
Off
Doors & Locks
After pressing the “Doors & Locks” button on the
touchscreen the following settings will be available:
Setting Name Selectable Options
Auto Door Locks YesNo
NOTE: When this feature is selected, all doors will lock automatically when the vehicle reaches a speed of
15 mph (24 km/h).
Auto Unlock On Exit YesNo
NOTE: When this feature is selected, all doors will unlock when the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is
in the PARK or NEUTRAL position and the driver’s door is opened.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ...............218
▫ Automatic Transmission ...............218
▫ Normal Starting ..................... .218
▫ Cold Weather Operation ...............218
▫ Extended Park Starting .................219
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................219
▫ After Starting .......................220
▫ Turbo Charger “Cool Down” ............220
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ...........220
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ..............221
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . .221
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ........221
 AUTOSTICK ........................ .226
▫ Operation ..........................227 
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ........228
▫ Acceleration ........................228
▫ Traction .......................... .228
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ............229
▫ Flowing/Rising Water .................229
▫ Shallow Standing Water ................229
 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ............230
 PARKING BRAKE .....................230
 BRAKE SYSTEM ..................... .232
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . .232
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . .232
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ..............233
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ...........234
▫ Hill Start

Assist (HSA) ................234
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust
both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat
belts.
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 transmission gear selec-
tor.
• 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.
Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Depress the
brake pedal before shifting to any driving gear. NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV/ACC (START)
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Cold Weather Operation
To prevent possible engine damage while starting at
low temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit engine crank-
ing when the ambient temperature is less than –22°F
(–30°C) and the oil temperature sensor reading indi-
cates an engine block heater has not been used. An
externally powered electric engine block heater is avail-
able as a factory installed option.
The message “plug in engine heater” will be displayed
in the instrument cluster when the ambient temperature
is below 5°F (–15°C) at the time the engine is shut off as
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
Turbo Charger “Cool Down”
This vehicle is equipped with an after-run pump to cool
the turbocharger after the engine is shut off. Depending
on the type of driving and the amount of cargo, the pump
will run for up to 10 minutes after the engine has been
shut off to circulate coolant through the turbocharger.
Although the pump is rubber-mounted for quiet opera-
tion, it is normal to hear it running during this time.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the fol-
lowing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine
is running. Before exiting a vehicle always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the
(Continued)
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
ignition key. Once the key is removed, the trans-
mission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• 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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to children). A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition can be turned to the LOCK/OFF
(key removal) position. The key can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF
position, and once removed, the transmission is locked
in PARK.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission
Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the transmis-
sion gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are ap-
plied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the igni-
tion must be turned to the ON/RUN mode (engine
running or not), and the brake pedal (and the lock
button on the gear selector) must be pressed.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear
range. You must press the brake pedal and push the
lock button on the gear selector to move the gear
selector out of PARK (Refer to “Brake/Transmission
Shift Interlock System” in this section). To drive, push
the lock button on the front of the gear selector and
move the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to the
DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 221

self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a
few hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.
The transmission gear selector has PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick (+/-) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section for furtherinformation). Moving the gear selector into the
AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the DRIVE position)
activates AutoStick mode, providing manual shift con-
trol and displaying the current gear in the instrument
cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc). Toggling the gear selector
forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the Autostick
position will manually select the transmission gear.
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed
forward) 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 gear selector 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.
Transmission Gear Selector
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 park-
ing 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
difficult to move the gear selector 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.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
•Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the ignition key.WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission
is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine
is running. Before exiting a vehicle always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 223

WARNING!(Continued)
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the
ignition key. Once the key is removed, the trans-
mission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• 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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to children). A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the transmission gear selector out
of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
ON/RUN mode, and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the gear selector could
result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
• When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on
the gear selector and firmly move the gear selector all
the way forward until it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selec-
tor will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift
into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING