catalytic converter FIAT 500X 2014 2.G Owners Manual

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL).” It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emis-
sions tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing, while the engine is run-
ning, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emis-
sions controls. Authorized service technicians may need to access this information to assist with the diagnosis
and service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
•
ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port
in order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including per-
sonal information.
For further information, refer to “Privacy Practices” and
“Uconnect CyberSecurity” in “All About Uconnect Ac-
cess” in your Owner ’s Manual Radio Supplement and
“Cybersecurity” in “Multimedia”.
122 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
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
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.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle
control system. It also could affect fuel economy
and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe
catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.5
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 141

4. If the engine does not start, place the ignition in theOFF mode and wait 10-15 seconds before attempting
to restart the engine.
Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Cycle the ignition switch
briefly to the START mode and release it. The starter
motor will continue to run but will automatically dis-
engage when the engine is running.
If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
Normal Starting orExtreme Cold Weather proce-
dure, and has not experienced an extended park condi-
tion as identified in Extended Park Starting procedure
it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it there. Crank the engine for
no more than 15 seconds. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition RUN mode, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
•
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt
to start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Un-
burned fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and once the engine has started, ignite and dam-
age the converter and vehicle.
• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly. Refer to “Jump-Starting” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
7
STARTING AND OPERATING 215

Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion, and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines
that have these additives will help improve fuel
economy, reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle per-
formance.Designated TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline contains a higher level of
detergents to further aide in mini-
mizing engine and fuel system de-
posits. When available, the usage of
Top Tier Detergent gasoline is recom-
mended. Visit www.toptiergas.com
for a list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents
should be avoided. Many of these materials intended
for gum and varnish removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients. These can harm fuel sys-
tem gasket and diaphragm materials.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
• The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Fed-
eral law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine
performance and damage the emissions control
system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer and may void or not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breath-
ing CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in the
“Safety” section for further information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials
might be grass or leaves coming into contact with
your exhaust system. Do not park or operate your
vehicle in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
condition. In the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine misfire or other
apparent loss of performance, have your vehicle
serviced promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause the
converter to overheat, resulting in possible dam-
age to the converter and vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is
important to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
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 specifi-
cations, should be obtained immediately.
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 363

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!
• Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan motor
lead before working near the radiator cooling fan.
• 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 open a cooling system
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
• Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may start
at any time, whether the engine is running or not.
• When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect 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.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
364 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE