towing FIAT 500X 2017 Owner handbook (in English)

BOOT INITIALISATION
IMPORTANT If the battery is
disconnected or the protection fuse
blows, the boot opening/closing
mechanism must be reinitialised as
follows:
close all the doors and the boot;
press the"FIAT" button on the
remote control;
press thebutton on the remote
control.
LOAD COMPARTMENT
Reconfigurable load platform
12)
The vehicle is equipped with a
reconfigurable load platform A, which
makes the boot volume modular.
The load platform can be set to
2 different positions:
Floor level (low)fig. 49: allows you
to exploit the entire volume of the boot.
Threshold level (high)fig. 50: in
conjunction with the lowering of the rear
seat and front passenger side seat
backrests, permits long objects to be
loaded. It also facilitates loading/
unloading of objects in the boot. It also
allows the space underneath (false
bottom) to be used as a further
compartment for stowing objects which
are more fragile or small.
The load platform can also be tilted,and is equipped with a washable plastic
surface, useful for instance for
transporting wet or muddy items.
IMPORTANT Movements of the load
platform must take place in a central
position relative to the boot.
Securing your load
There are four hooks at the corners of
the boot (two at the front A fig. 51 and
two at the rear B), for attaching cableswhich can secure the load carried.
EMERGENCY KIT(where provided)
Inside the kit, located in the luggage
compartment, are a fire extinguisher
and a first-aid bag.
WARNING
27)Be careful not to hit objects on the
storage shelf when you open the tailgate.
IMPORTANT
12)The dimensions of the platform permit
a maximum distributed weight capacity of
70 kg: do not load objects with a greater
weight.
49F1B0327C
50F1B0328C
51F1B0079C
42
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

39)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
40)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.
41)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of
the same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
42)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted 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.
43)For the correct operation of the TC
system, 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.
44)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted 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.
45)The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
46)The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.47)The capability of the TC must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
48)The PBA system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
49)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
50)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other
road user.
51)The Hill Hold Control system is not a
parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the electric
parking brake, turned the engine off and
engaged first gear, so that it is parked in
safe conditions (for further information read
the "Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).
52)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with vehicle
laden, in which the Hill Hold Control system
may not activate, causing a slight reversing
motion and increasing the risk of collision
with another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.
53)DST is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of responsibility for driving
the vehicle.
54)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.55)When towing trailers, the utmost
caution at the wheel is recommended.
Never exceed the maximum permitted
loads (see the description in the "Weights"
paragraph in the "Technical Specifications"
chapter).
56)The TSC system cannot prevent
swerving for all trailers. If the system
activates during driving, reduce the speed,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and arrange
the load correctly to prevent the trailer from
swerving.
74
SAFETY

WARNING
57)The system is an aid for vehicle driving,
it DOES NOT warn the driver about
incoming vehicles outside of the detection
areas. The driver must always maintain a
sufficient level of attention to the traffic and
road conditions and for controlling the
trajectory of the vehicle.
58)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.
59)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
60)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
61)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench for maintenance interventions or if it
is washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part
(e.g. another car, a wall or another
obstacle), the system may detect its
presence and activate. In this case the
system must be deactivated through the
settings of theUconnect™system.
62)If the iTPMS system signals a pressure
decrease on the tyres, it is recommended
to check the pressure on all four tyres.63)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not even to be
considered a replacing system for
maintenance or a safety system.
64)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary for
whatever reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even
though it is higher than the prescribed
value, but repeat the check when tyres are
cold
65)The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g. if a tyre bursts). In this
case, stop the vehicle, braking with caution
and avoiding abrupt steering.
66)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
67)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
IMPORTANT
21)The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such
as: heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
22)The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with
adhesives, auxiliary headlights or any other
object.
23)System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed when other vehicles
transport loads projecting from the side,
above or from the rear, with respect to the
normal size of the vehicle.24)Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front
geometry, tyre change, or a heavier load
than the standard load of the vehicle.
25)Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may
alter the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to a Fiat
Dealership for any operation of this type.
26)Do not tamper with nor carry out any
intervention on the radar sensor or on the
camera on the windscreen. In the event of
a sensor failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.
27)When towing a trailer (with modules
installed after purchasing the vehicle), a
vehicle or during loading manoeuvres on a
vehicle transporter (or in vehicle for
transport), the system must be deactivated
via theUconnect™system.
28)Do not wash with high-pressure jets in
the bumper lower area: in particular do not
operate on the system's electrical
connector.
29)Be careful in the case of repairs and
new paintings in the area around the
sensor (panel covering the sensor on the
left side of the bumper). In the event of a
frontal impact the sensor may automatically
deactivate and display a warning to indicate
that the sensor needs to be repaired. Even
without a malfunction warning, deactivate
the system operation if you think that the
position of the radar sensor has changed
(e.g. due to low-speed frontal impact as
during parking manoeuvres). In these
cases, go to a Fiat Dealership to have the
radar sensor realigned or replaced.
83

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" 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.......111
PARKING THE VEHICLE........112
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE (EPB) .112
MANUAL GEARBOX..........115
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. . . .116
TWIN CLUTCH TRANSMISSION . .119
START&STOP SYSTEM........122
SPEED LIMITER.............123
ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL .124
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(ACC)....................125
MOOD SELECTOR/DRIVE MODE. .130
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM........132
LANE ASSIST SYSTEM
(lane crossing warning).........134
REAR VIEW CAMERA.........135
TOWING TRAILERS..........136
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE.....140
110
STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING THE
ENGINE
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.
If necessary, messages indicating the
starting procedure can be shown on
the display.
ENGINE STARTING
PROCEDURE
103) 104) 105) 106)
31) 32) 33) 34)
Versions with manual gearbox
Proceed as follows:
engage the electric parking brake
and place the gear lever in neutral;
bring the ignition device to MAR. On
Diesel versions, warning light
lights
up in the instrument panel: wait for the
warning light to switch off;
fully depress the clutch pedal
without touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition device to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts;
if the engine does not start within
10 seconds, bring the ignition deviceback to STOP and wait for
10-15 seconds before repeating the
starting procedure.
after the manoeuvre has been
repeated, if the problem persists,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
Versions with automatic
transmission
Proceed as follows:
engage the electric parking brake
and set the gear lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral);
fully depress the brake pedal without
touching the accelerator;
set the ignition device to AVV;
if the engine does not start, bring
the ignition device back to STOP and
wait for 10-15 seconds before
repeating the starting procedure;
after the manoeuvre has been
repeated, if the problem persists,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
ENGINE STARTING
FAILURE
Starting the engine with electronic
key battery (Keyless Go) run down
or flat
If the ignition device does not respond
when the relevant button is pressed the
electronic key battery might be run
down or flat. Therefore, the system
does not detect the presence of the
electronic key on board the vehicle anddisplays a dedicated message. In this
case, rest the rounded edge of the
electronic key (the side opposite the
metal insert) on the ignition device and
press the button using the electronic
key. The ignition device is thus activated
and the engine can be started.
WARNING
103)Do not try to start the engine pouring
fuel or other flammable fluid inside the
throttle body air intake: this might damage
the engine and injury people nearby.
104)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
105)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
106)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
31)We recommend that during the initial
period, or during the first 1600 km, you do
not drive to full car performance (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long journeys at top
speed, sharp braking, etc.).
111

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
GEAR LEVER
The fig. 93 lever has the following
positions:
P= Park
R= Reverse
N= Neutral
D= Drive, (automatic forward speed)
AutoStick: + shifting to higher gear
in sequential driving mode; – shifting to
lower gear in sequential driving mode.
111) 112) 113) 114)
41) 37) 42) 43)
The gear engaged is shown on the
display.
To select a gear, move the lever
forwards or backwards.To select the "sequential" mode, move
the lever from D (Drive) to the left: the
position + (upper gear) or – (lower gear)
can be reached; these are unstable
positions, which means that the lever
always returns to the central position.
The brake pedal and button A fig. 93 on
the knob must be pressed to exit
position P (Park).
To shift from position N (Neutral) to
position D (Drive) or R (Reverse), you
need to press the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT DO NOT accelerate while
shifting from position P (or N) to another
position.
IMPORTANT After selecting a gear, wait
a few seconds before accelerating. This
precaution is particularly important with
engine cold.
AUTOMATIC DRIVING
MODE
To select the automatic driving mode,
you need to shift the gear lever to D
(Drive): the best ratio is selected by the
electronic transmission control unit
depending on vehicle speed, engine
load (accelerator pedal position) and
gradient of the road.
D can be selected from sequential
operation in any driving conditions.“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
(kick-down function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads
with poor grip conditions (snow, ice,
etc.) avoid activating the kick-down
function.
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic
mode (selector lever in position D),
when gearshifting is required by the
paddles on the steering wheel (where
provided), the system shifts to
"Sequential mode" ("Autostick"),
displaying the engaged gear for about
5 seconds.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic
mode (D), with following displaying.
AUTOSTICK - Sequential
mode
In the case of frequent gearshifting (e.g.
when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load, on slopes, with strong headwind
or when towing heavy trailers), it is
recommended to use the Autostick
(sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, using a lower gear
93F1B0137C
116
STARTING AND DRIVING

“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
(kick-down function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads
with poor grip conditions (snow, ice,
etc.) avoid activating the kick-down
function.
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic
mode (selector lever in position D),
when gearshifting is required by the
paddles on the steering wheel (where
provided), the system shifts to
"Sequential mode" ("Autostick"),
displaying the engaged gear for about
5 seconds.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic
mode (D), with following displaying.
AUTOSTICK - Sequential
mode
In the case of frequent gearshifting (e.g.
when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load, on slopes, with strong headwind
or when towing heavy trailers), it is
recommended to use the Autostick
(sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.In these conditions, using a lower gear
improves vehicle performance and
prolongs the transmission's life, limiting
gearshifting and preventing overheating.
It is possible to shift from position D
(Drive) to the sequential mode
regardless of vehicle speed.
Activation
With gear lever in position D (Drive), to
activate the sequential drive mode,
move the lever to the left (– and +
indication of the trim). The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Gearshifting is made by moving the
gear lever forwards, towards symbol –
or backwards, towards symbol +.
Off
To deactivate the sequential driving
mode, bring the gear lever back to
position D (Drive), automatic mode.
CONTROLS ON
STEERING WHEEL
(where provided)
On some versions, the steering wheel
paddles can be used to change gear
fig. 96.To use the paddles on the steering
wheel, the gear lever must be in
"Sequential mode" or in D:
steering wheel paddle (+) (pulling
paddle towards driver): engage higher
gear;
steering wheel paddle (−) (pulling
paddle towards driver): engage lower
gear.
The engagement of a lower (or higher)
gear is only permitted if the engine revs
allow it.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting the engine is allowed only
when the gear lever is in position P or
N. Therefore, when the engine is
started, the system will be at position N
or P (the latter means neutral, but with
the vehicle's wheels are locked
mechanically).
96F1B0508C
120
STARTING AND DRIVING
44)

cause personal injuries or damage to
vehicles or obstacles since, when the
continuous acoustic signal is emitted,
the tow hook ball is already in a position
that is much closer to the obstacle than
the rear bumper.
GENERAL WARNINGS
Some conditions may influence the
performance of the parking system:
reduced sensor sensitivity and a
reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due to
the presence of: ice, snow, mud, paint,
etc. on the surface of the sensor;
the sensor may detect a
non-existent obstacle ("echo
interference") due to mechanical
interference, for example when washing
the vehicle, in rain (strong wind), hail;
the signals sent by the sensor can
also be altered by the presence of
ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic
brake systems of trucks or pneumatic
drills) near the vehicle;
Parking assistance system
performance can also be influenced by
the position of the sensors, for example
due to a change in the ride setting
(caused by wear to the shock
absorbers, suspension), or by changing
tyres, overloading the vehicle or fitting
specific trims that require the vehicle to
be lowered;
the presence of a tow hook without
trailer, which may interfere with the
correct operation of the parking
sensors. If you wish to leave the tow
hook fitted without towing a trailer, it is
advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership
for the relevant Park Assist system
update operations because the tow
hook could be detected as an obstacle
by the central sensors.
the presence of adhesives on the
sensors. Therefore, take care not to
place adhesives on the sensors.
WARNING
129)Parking and other potentially
dangerous manoeuvres are, however,
always the driver’s responsibility. When
performing these operations, always make
sure that there are no other people
(especially children) or animals on the route
you want to take. The parking sensors are
an aid for the driver, but the driver must
never allow their attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres, even
those executed at low speeds.
IMPORTANT
53)The sensors must be clean of mud,
dirt, snow or ice in order for the system to
operate correctly. Be careful not to scratch
or damage the sensors while cleaning
them. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The sensors should be washed
using clean water with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. When using special
washing equipment such as high pressure
jets or steam cleaning, clean the sensors
very quickly keeping the jet more than
10 cm away.
54)Have interventions on the bumper in
the area of the sensors carried out only by
a Fiat Dealership. Interventions on the
bumper that are not carried out properly
may compromise the operation of the
parking sensors.
55)Only have the bumpers repainted or
any retouches to the paintwork in the area
of the sensors carried out by a Fiat
Dealership. Incorrect paint application
could affect the operation of the parking
sensors.
56)The sensors may provide a false
indication, interpreting the tow hook ball
assembly and the relevant attachment as
an obstacle in the area behind the vehicle.
133

SYMBOLS AND
MESSAGES ON THE
DISPLAY
A superimposed central broken line
indicates the centre of the vehicle to
facilitate parking manoeuvres or tow
hook alignment. The various coloured
areas indicate the distance from the
rear of the vehicle.
The table below shows the approximate
distances for each area fig. 108:
AreaDistance from the
rear of the vehicle
Red (A) 0–30 cm
Yellow (B) 30–100 cm
Green (C) 1 m or more
IMPORTANT When parking, take the
utmost care over obstacles that may be
above or under the camera range.
WARNING
130)Parking and other potentially
dangerous manoeuvres are, however,
always the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The camera is an aid for the
driver, but the driver must never allow
his/her attention to lapse during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even those
executed at low speeds. Always keep a
slow speed, so as to promptly brake in the
case of obstacles.
IMPORTANT
63)It is vital, for correct operation, that the
camera is always kept clean and free from
any mud, dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not
to scratch or damage the camera while
cleaning it. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The camera must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. In washing stations
which use steam or high-pressure jets,
clean the camera quickly, keeping the
nozzle more than 10 cm away from the
sensors. Also, do not apply stickers to the
camera.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
131) 132)
For towing caravans or trailers the
vehicle must be fitted with an approved
tow hook and an adequate electrical
system. Should aftermarket installation
be requested, this must be carried out
by specialists.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight
of the trailer. Engage a low gear when
driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake. The weight the trailer
exerts on the vehicle tow hook reduces
the vehicle's loading capacity by the
same amount. To make sure that the
maximum towable weight is not
exceeded (given in the vehicle
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage.
108F1B0167C
136
STARTING AND DRIVING

Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in the
case of vehicles towing trailers. In any
case, the top speed must not exceed
100 km/h.
Any electric brake must be powered
directly by the battery through a cable
with a cross-section of no less than
2.5 mm
2. In addition to the electrical
branches, the vehicle electrical system
can only be connected to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the
cable for an internal light for the trailer,
not exceeding 15 W. For connections,
use the preset control unit with a
battery cable with section not less than
2.5 mm
2. The use of auxiliary loads
other than external lights (e.g. electric
brake) must take place with engine
running.
INSTALLING A TOW
HOOK
The towing device should be fastened
to the body by specialised personnel
according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the
Manufacturer of the device. It must also
meet current regulations with reference
to Directive 94/20/EC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must be right for the towable weight of
the vehicle on which it is to be installed.
For the electrical connection a standard
connector should be used which is
generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened to the towing device,
and a special ECU for external trailer
light control must be installed on the
vehicle. 7 or 13-pin 12 V DC
connections should be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards).
Follow any instructions provided by the
vehicle manufacturer and/or the towing
device manufacturer.
137