handbrake FIAT 500L 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the European specification
EN228. Do not use petrol containing methanol or ethanol E85. Using these mixtures may cause misfiring and driving issues, as well as
damage fundamental components of the supply system.
Diesel engines: refuel only with diesel fuel motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
LPG engines: refuel only with LPG for motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN589. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
Refuelling with methane: refuel only with methane for motor vehicles. The use of other products or mixtures may damage the engine
beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
For further details on the use of the correct fuel see the "Refuelling the car" paragraph in the "Starting and driving" chapter.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Version with manual transmission (petrol engines): make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gear lever to neutral; fully depress
the clutch pedal without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has started.
Versions with manual transmission (Diesel engines): make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gear lever to neutral, fully
depress the clutch pedal without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the
warning light to switch off.
Turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has started.
Versions with Dualogic gearbox: make sure that the handbrake is engaged and that the gear lever is in P (Park) or N (Neutral). Then
depress the brake pedal, turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine starts.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the vehicle, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact a Fiat Dealership.
They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the vehicle's electric system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.

WARNING
1)Button B fig. 4should only be pressed
when the key is away from the body, in
particular from the eyes and from objects
that can be spoilt (e.g. clothes). Do not
leave the key unattended to avoid the
button being accidentally pressed while it
is being handled, e.g. by a child.
2)Once the safe lock system is engaged, it
is impossible to open the doors from
inside the car. Therefore, before getting out
of the car check that there is no-one left
on board.
WARNING
1)The electronic components inside the
key may be damaged if the key is
subjected to strong shocks. In order to
ensure complete efficiency of the
electronic devices inside the key, it should
never be exposed to direct sunlight.
WARNING
1)Used batteries should be disposed of,
as specified by law, in the special
containers, otherwise take them to a Fiat
Dealership, which will deal with their
disposal.
IGNITION DEVICE
3) 4) 5) 6)
The key can be turned to three different
positions fig. 6:
STOP: engine off, key can be
removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. central
door locking system, etc.) can operate;
MAR: driving position. All electrical
devices are enabled;
AVV: engine starting.
The ignition device is fitted with a safety
system that requires the ignition key
to be turned back to STOP if the engine
does not start, before the starting
operation can be repeated.STEERING LOCK
Engagement: when at STOP, remove
the key and turn the steering wheel until
it locks.
Disengagement:move the steering
wheel slightly as you turn the ignition
key to MAR.
WARNING
3)If the ignition device has been tampered
with (e.g. an attempted theft), have it
checked by a Fiat Dealership before driving
again.
4)Always remove the key when you leave
your car to prevent someone from
accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake.
Engage 1
stgear if the car is parked uphill or
reverse if the car is parked downhill. Never
leave children unattended in the vehicle.
5)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any
after-market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications
(e.g.: installation of anti-theft device) that
could badly affect performance and safety,
invalidate the warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the car with type-
approval requirements.
6)Never remove the key while the car is
moving. The steering wheel would
automatically lock as soon as you try to
turn it. This holds true for cars being towed
as well.
6F0Y0654C
14
KNOWING YOUR CAR

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal on the instrument panel,
when applicable. These indications are concise and precautionary and, as such, must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
an alternative to the information contained in this Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. In
the event of a failure indication, always refer to the contents of this chapter.
IMPORTANT The failure indicators which are shown on the display are divided into two categories: very serious and less
serious failures. Very serious failures are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning “cycle”. Less serious failures are
indicated by a limited "warning" cycle. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning
light will stay on until the cause of the failure is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Red warning lights
Warning light What it means
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to a leak in the circuit. On some versions a message and a symbol are shown on the display.
Restore the brake fluid level, then check that the warning light has switched off. If the warning light stays
on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
Handbrake applied
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on when the handbrake is engaged. On certain
versions, if the car is moving the buzzer will also sound. Release the handbrake, then check that the
warning light has switched off. If the warning light stays on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on when the vehicle is in motion, check that the handbrake is not
engaged.
50
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

45)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
46)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
47)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
48)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
49)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
50)The HBA system cannot increase tyre
grip on the road over the limits imposed by
laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road
surface.
51)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
52)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver. The features of the HBA system
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver, occupants
or other road users at risk.53)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
54)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
55)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
56)For the correct operation of the ESC
and ASR systems it is extremely important
that the tyres are the same brand and
the same type on all the wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, the
recommended type and size.
57)The performance of the ESC and ASR
systems must not encourage the driver
to take unnecessary risks. Your driving style
must always be suited to the road
conditions, visibility and traffic. The driver
is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
58)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
59)The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the car
without having engaged the handbrake,
turned the engine off and engaged the first
gear, so that the car is parked in safe
conditions (for further information read
paragraph "When parked" in the chapter
"Starting and driving").60)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 5%), with car laden, in
which the Hill Holder system may not
activate, causing a slight reversing motion
and increasing the risk of collision with
another car or object. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
61)DST is a driving assistance system and
does not relieve the driver of responsibility
for driving the car.
62)The performance of a vehicle with ERM
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.
63)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the
driver, who must take into account the
traffic conditions in order to drive in
complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front.
75

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE .................103
WHEN PARKED ..............................104
HANDBRAKE ..................................105
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX ....105
USING THE DUALOGIC
GEARBOX.......................................106
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................108
CRUISE CONTROL (CONSTANT
SPEED REGULATOR) .....................109
SPEED LIMITER ..............................111
MODE SELECTOR ..........................112
PARKING SENSORS.......................115
REAR BACKUP CAMERA
(PARKVIEW® REAR BACKUP
CAMERA) ........................................116
TOWING TRAILERS ........................117
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........118
102
STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING THE
ENGINE
102) 103)49) 50) 51) 52) 53)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear-view mirrors,
the door mirrors and fasten the seat
belt correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Petrol versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and put the
gear lever in neutral.On 0.9 TwinAir
Turbo 105 HP versionsengage
the handbrake and place the gear lever
in neutral or fully press the clutch pedal
if a gear other than neutral is engaged;
for all versions (except 0.9
TwinAir Turbo 105 HP)fully depress
the clutch pedal without touching
the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.Diesel versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake, put the gear
lever into neutral and turn the ignition
key to MAR: the
warning light in the
instrument panel will turn on.
wait for thewarning light to turn
off and then fully depress the clutch
pedal without pressing the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to the AVV
position as soon as the warning light
turns off. Release the ignition key as
soon as the engine starts.
IMPORTANT If the engine does not
start at the first attempt, return the
ignition key to STOP before repeating
the procedure. If, with the ignition
key on MAR, the
symbol on the
display stays on together with the
warning light on the instrument
panel (for petrol versions only), it is
advisable to turn the key to STOP and
then back to MAR. If the
symbol
continues to stay on, try with the other
keys provided with the car. Contact a
Fiat Dealership if you still cannot start
the engine.VERSIONS WITH
DUALOGIC GEARBOX
104)
Engine starting is allowed both with a
gear engaged and with the gearbox
in neutral (N).
However, the brake pedal must always
be pressed first if neutral is not
engaged. It is advisable to place the
gear lever in neutral (N) before starting
the engine.
LPG AND NATURAL
POWER VERSIONS
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the previously
selected mode.
There must therefore always be some
petrol in the tank to protect the petrol
pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from Methane or LPG to
petrol operation, if high performance is
required.
SWITCHING OFF THE
ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
before turning the engine off you should
allow it to idle to allow the temperature
in the engine compartment to
decrease.
103

WARNING
102)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gasses.
103)Remember that the brake servo and
electrical power steering system are not
operational until the engine is started,
therefore a greater effort will be required to
press the brake pedal or turn the steering
wheel.
104)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the
transmission is automatically placed in
neutral will be signalled by an acoustic
warning.
WARNING
49)The flashing of the warning lightfor
60 seconds after starting or during
prolonged cranking of the engine indicates
a fault with the glow plug heating system.
You can use the vehicle as usual if the
engine starts but you should contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
50)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at maximum
rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.)
when it is first used.51)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
52)Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter and
damage it beyond repair.
53)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely
no practical purpose, it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to turbocharged
engines.
WHEN PARKED
Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (1stgear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions with Dualogic gearbox, 1
st
gear or reverse must be engaged
with the foot on the brake pedal and, if
on a slope, the handbrake must be
operated in order to park safely.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (on versions
equipped with Dualogic transmission,
this is indicated by the letter N on
the display).
104
STARTING AND DRIVING

HANDBRAKE
105) 106)
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Handbrake engagement
Pull lever A fig. 94 upwards until the car
is secured. Four or five clicks are
generally enough when the car is on
level ground while ten or eleven may be
required if the car is on a steep slope
and laden: if it is not so, contact a
Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.
Handbrake disengagement
Slightly raise lever A and hold button B
pressed, checking that the
warning
light switches off in the instrument
panel.
WARNING
105)Never leave children unattended in
the car. Always remove the key from the
ignition when leaving the car and take
it with you.
106)For cars equipped with a front
armrest, lift it up to ensure that it does not
interfere with the action of the handbrake.
USING THE MANUAL
GEARBOX
107)54)
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever into
the required position (the diagram
for gear engagement is shown on the
knob ).
Reverse engagement
0.9 TwinAir Turbo 105 HP and 1.4 16V
versions: to engage reverse gear R
from the neutral position, lift up ring A
fig. 95 located under the knob and
simultaneously move the lever to the
right and then backwards.
1.3 16V Multijet version: to engage
reverse R from neutral position, move
the lever to the right and then back.
94F0Y0601C
95F0Y0602C
105

IMPORTANT The device cannot be
engaged in 1stor reverse gear: it is
advisable to engage it in 4rdgear or
higher.
IMPORTANT It is dangerous to leave
the device on when it is not used. There
is a risk of inadvertently activating it
and losing control of the vehicle due to
unexpected excessive speed.
SETTING THE DESIRED
SPEED
Proceed as follows:
activate the device by pressing
button A fig. 100.
when the car has reached the
desired speed, press button SET + (or
SET –) and release it to activate the
device. When the accelerator is
released, the car will keep the selected
speed automatically.If needed (e.g. when overtaking), you
can increase speed simply by pressing
the accelerator; when you release the
pedal, the car goes back to the speed
stored previously.
When travelling downhill with the device
active, the car speed may slightly
exceed the set one.
IMPORTANT Before pressing the SET +
(or SET –) buttons, the car must be
travelling at a constant speed on a flat
surface.
INCREASING /
DECREASING SPEED
Increasing the speed: once the
electronic Cruise Control has been
activated, the speed can be increased
by pressing button SET +.
Decreasing the speed: with the
device activated, the speed can be
decreased by pressing button SET –.
DEVICE DEACTIVATION
Lightly pressing the brake pedal,
depressing the clutch to shift gear or
pressing the CANC button deactivates
the Cruise Control without deleting
the stored speed.The device can also be deactivated if
the handbrake is engaged, if the
braking system is activated (e.g.
triggering of the ESC system) or in the
event of automatic braking activated by
the City Brake Control - “Collision
Mitigation” system.
If the device is deactivated, the
instrument panel display shows the
symbol (coloured white) with CANC
next to it.
DISENGAGEMENT OF
THE DEVICE
To disengage the device, press button
A fig. 100 or turn the ignition key to
STOP.
WARNING
111)When travelling with the device active,
never move the gear lever to neutral.
112)In case of a malfunction or failure of
the device, contact a Fiat Dealership.
113)The Cruise Control can be dangerous
if the system cannot keep a constant
speed. In specific conditions speed may be
excessive, resulting in the risk of losing
control of the vehicle and causing
accidents. Do not use the device in heavy
traffic or on winding, icy, snowy or slippery
roads.
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110
STARTING AND DRIVING

Turning off
To deactivate “Traction +” mode and go
back to “Normal” mode, turn the ring
leftwards and hold this position for half
a second. In this case, the LED related
to “Normal” mode will light up and
the indication that “Traction +” mode
has been deactivated will appear on the
display.
IMPORTANT If “Traction +” or “Normal”
modes are selected when the engine
is stopped, the mode will be maintained
when starting again.IMPORTANT In “Traction +” mode, the
Start&Stop system is temporarily
deactivated (LED on the Start&Stop
system button on). To reactivate the
Start&Stop system with “Traction +”
mode on, press the Start&Stop button
located on the dashboard. The
Start&Stop system will be activated
again when “Traction +” mode is
deactivated.
IMPORTANT The City Brake Control -
“Collision Mitigation” system is
temporarily deactivated when “Traction
+” mode is deactivated. Temporary
deactivation of the system is indicated
by the warning light
on the
instrument panel (together with a
message on the display). The City
Brake Control - “Collision Mitigation”
system will be activated again when
“Traction +” mode is deactivated.
“GRAVITY CONTROL” FUNCTION
This driving function aims at maintaining
a constant speed when driving
downhill on a steel gradient. Noise and
vibrations from the wheel sides (brakes)
are normal when the function is active.IMPORTANT The function can only be
selected with “Traction +” mode active,
engine running, handbrake released
and driver side door correctly closed.
Activation
To activate the function, go to a speed
slower than 25 km/h.
After reaching the desired speed,
release the accelerator and brake
pedals completely. If you want to
increase/decrease the speed, press the
accelerator and brake pedals again.
Activation
Turn the ring rightwards (position C fig.
102) and hold in this position for half
a second and in all cases until the
corresponding LED lights up and the
“Gravity Control” mode activation
indicator appears on the display fig.
105.
Once released, the ring-nut returns to
the central position. The “Gravity
Control” is ready to work when the
“Gravity Control” function is selected.
Turning off
To deactivate “Gravity Control” mode,
turn the ring leftwards and hold this
position for half a second.
104F0Y0667C
113