towing FIAT 500L 2017 2.G Owners Manual

•If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Electronic Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain
the vehicle set speed.
NOTE: The Electronic Speed Control system maintains
speed up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without Electronic Speed
Control.
WARNING!
Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where
the system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and you
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
could lose control and have an accident. Do not use
Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or slip-
pery.
REAR PARK ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
The Rear Park Assist system provides an audible indi-
cation of the distance between the rear fascia/bumper
and a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a
parking maneuver. Refer to the “Park Assist System
Usage Precautions” for the limitations of this system
and recommendations.
Rear Park Assist is automatically activated when the
transmission is placed into REVERSE. As the distance
from an obstacle behind the vehicle decreases, the
audible alert becomes more frequent.
Interaction With Trailer Towing
The Rear Park Assist system is automatically deacti-
vated when a trailer is hitched to the vehicle. The
system will be automatically activated as soon as the
trailer is removed.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103

•Objects such as bicycle carriers, etc., must not be
placed within 12 inches (30 cm) from the rear fascia/
bumper while driving the vehicle. Failure to do so
can result in the system misinterpreting a close object
as a sensor problem, causing a failure indication to be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
•Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using ParkSense. Always check carefully
behind your vehicle, look behind you, and be
sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other ve-
hicles, obstructions, and blind spots before back-
ing up. You are responsible for safety and must
continue to pay attention to your surroundings.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
• Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recom-
mended that the ball mount and hitch ball assem-
bly is disconnected from the vehicle when the
vehicle is not used for towing. Failure to do so can
result in injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles
because the hitch ball will be much closer to the
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
obstacle than the rear fascia when the loud-
speaker sounds the continuous tone. Also, the
sensors could detect the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly, depending on its size and shape, giving
a false indication that an obstacle is behind the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Rear Park Assist is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle, including
small obstacles. Parking curbs might be tempo-
rarily detected or not detected at all. Obstacles
located above or below the sensors will not be
detected when they are in close proximity.
• The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
Rear Park Assist in order to be able to stop in time
when an obstacle is detected. It is recommended
that the driver looks over his/her shoulder when
using Rear Park Assist.
If it’s necessary to keep the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly mounted for a long period, it is possible to
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107

REAR CARGO STORAGE FEATURES
This vehicle features a load platform which can be
adjusted to three different heights, permitting modular
luggage compartment volume:
•Position 1 (platform completely lowered) permits
maximum luggage compartment capacity.
• Position 2 (platform at threshold level) permits a
level load threshold to facilitate loading/unloading
of objects in the luggage compartment. It also allows
the space underneath to be used as a additional
compartment for stowing objects which are more
fragile or small.
• Position 3 (platform completely raised) in conjunc-
tion with the lowering of the rear seat and front
passenger side seat backrests, permits long objects to
be loaded. It is advisable to use this position only for
the actual period in which the objects are trans-
ported, then return the platform to position 1 or 2.
Tilt of cargo floor
The cargo floor can also be arranged at an angle (tilted
toward the rear seat backs), in order to facilitate access
to the area below the luggage compartment. In this
position also the plan guarantees the correct locking of any objects present inside the cargo area, avoiding that
they move in the event of sudden braking.
CAUTION!
The dimension of the cargo floor permit a maxi-
mum capacity of a distributed weight of 154 lbs
(70kg) (if positioned at threshold level) or 88 lbs
(40 kg) (if positioned at raised level) do not add
objects with a higher weight.
Tilt Floor Feature
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash de-
pending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be driv-
able; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required and
you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/
RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 141

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

▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends .............267
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications . . . .267
▫ MMT In Gasoline ....................267
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ...............268
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................268
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............269
ADDING FUEL .......................269
 TRAILER TOWING ....................271
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ..................272
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle .......................... .272
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STARTING AND OPERATING 217

NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave
the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traf-
fic or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage. Refer to
“Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating”
and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do
In Emergencies” for further information.DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
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 con-
ditions, 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 trans-
mission 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 225

WARNING!(Continued)
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can
cause damage that results in tire failure. Unequal
tire pressures can cause steering problems. You
could lose control of your vehicle. Over-inflated or
under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle con-
trol. Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle.
You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if
you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold
tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Load-
ing Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the
“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.
NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and
rear axles must not be exceeded. For further informa-
tion on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing,
refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Oper-
ating” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
Tire And Loading Information Placard
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never ex-
ceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount
of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there
will be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is
295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
•
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The follow-
ing table shows examples on how to calculate total
load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations and num-
ber and size of occupants. This table is for illustration
purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating
and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 247

CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank
is being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and may cause the “Malfunction In-
dicator Light” to turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the
ground while filling.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
Emergency Fuel Filling Procedure
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STARTING AND OPERATING 271