ignition FIAT 500X 2019 Owner handbook (in English)

Moving the ignition device to MAR
switches on the two LEDs for about
8 seconds. If not, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
During the first seconds, the activation
of the LEDs does not actually show the
passenger protection status, but only
checks its correct operation. After a
check lasting a few seconds, the LEDs
will indicate the status of the passenger
airbag protection.
Passenger protection activated: the
LED
ONturns on fixed.
Passenger protection deactivated:
the
OFFLED switches on with a
steady light.
The LEDs may light up with various
intensity levels depending on the vehicle
conditions. The intensity may vary
during the same key cycle.
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109

89)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the child
regardless of the severity of the impact.
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger
side airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed.
90)To deactivate the airbags using the
instrument panel menu, see the description
in the "Knowing the instrument panel"
chapter, "Menu Options" paragraph.
91)Do not affix rigid objects to the
garment hooks or support handles.
92)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows
on the door, windows or the area in which
the Window bag is located to avoid
possible injury during airbag inflation.
93)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.
94)If, when the ignition device is turned to
MAR, the
warning light does not switch
on or stays on whilst driving, a fault may
have occurred in the restraint systems. In
this case the airbags or pretensioners may
not be deployed in an impact or, in a lower
number of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.95)In some versions, in the event of a LED
OFFfailure (located on the dashboard
trim), thewarning light on the
instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated. In
some versions, in the event of a LED
ONfailure (located on the dashboard
trim), thelight on the console turns on.
96)On cars with side bags, do not cover
the front seat backrests with extra covers.
97)Do not travel carrying objects in your
lap, in front of your chest or between your
lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could cause
severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
98)If the car has been stolen or in the case
of attempt to steal it, if it has been
subjected to vandalism or floods, have the
airbag system checked by a Fiat
Dealership.
99)If the ignition device is at MAR, even if
the engine is switched off, airbags may be
deployed when the vehicle is stationary
and hit by another vehicle. Therefore, even
if the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child. Therefore, always deactivate the
passenger side airbag when a rearward
facing child restraint system is installed on
the front passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be positioned
back as far as possible in order to prevent
the child restraint system from coming into
contact with the dashboard.Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed. Also remember that, if
the ignition device is set to STOP, none of
the safety devices (airbags or
pretensioners) will be deployed in the event
of collision. Non-deployment in such cases
does not indicate a system malfunction.
100)Malfunction of thewarning light is
indicated by the activation of an airbag
failure icon and dedicated message on the
instrument panel display. The pyrotechnic
charges are not disabled. Contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the system
checked
101)The airbag deployment threshold is
higher than that of the pretensioners. For
collisions in the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only the
pretensioners to be activated.
102)The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their efficiency.
Because front airbags are not deployed for
low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are
protected, in addition to any side bags,
only by their seat belts, which must
therefore always be fastened.
112
SAFETY

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.
103) 104) 105) 106)
32) 33) 34) 35)
Versions with manual transmission
Proceed as follows:
engage the electric parking brake
and place the gear lever in neutral;
move the ignition device to MAR. On
Diesel versions, the
warning light on
the instrument panel turns on: 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 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.
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 and
displays a dedicated message. In this
case, rest the rounded edge of the
electronic key (the side opposite themetal 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
32)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.).
33)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR
position to prevent useless current
absorption from draining the battery.
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STARTING AND DRIVING

34)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.
35)Warning light
will flash after starting
or during prolonged cranking to indicate a
fault with the glow plug heating system. If
the engine starts, the vehicle can be used
as normal, but a Fiat Dealership must be
contacted as soon as possible.
PARKING THE
VEHICLE
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 apply the
electric parking brake;
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission or dual clutch automatic
transmission, wait for the letter P to be
displayed before releasing the brake
pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with automatic transmission
or dual clutch automatic transmission,
before putting the shift lever in the P
position).
ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE (EPB)
The vehicle is equipped with electric
parking brake (EPB) to guarantee better
use and optimal performance
compared to a manually operated
parking brake.
The electric parking brake features a
switch, located on the central tunnel
fig. 89, a motor with caliper for each
rear wheel and an electronic control
module.
IMPORTANT Always engage the
electric parking brake before leaving the
vehicle.
IMPORTANT In addition to parking the
vehicle with the parking brake always
engaged, the wheel steered, chocks or
stones positioned in front of the wheels
(when on a steep slope), a gear must
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115

always be engaged (the 1stgear with
the vehicle parked uphill or the reverse
gear with the vehicle parked downhill).
On versions with automatic
transmission, place the gear lever at P
(Park).
IMPORTANT Should the vehicle battery
be faulty, to unlock the electric parking
brake the battery must be replaced.
The electric parking brake can be
engaged in two ways:
manuallypull the switch fig. 89 on
the central tunnel in the direction shown
by the arrow;
automaticallyin "Safe Hold" or "Auto
Apply" conditions.
Engaging the parking brake
manually
107) 108) 109)
Briefly pull the switch located on the
central tunnel to manually engage the
electric parking brake when the car is
stationary.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle when engaging the electric
parking brake.
A slight movement of the brake pedal
may be detected when engaging the
electric parking brake with the brake
pedal pressed.With the electric parking brake
engaged, the warning light
on the
instrument panel and the LED on the
switch fig. 89 turn on.
IMPORTANT With the EPB failure
warning light on, some functions of the
electric parking brake are deactivated.
In this case the driver is responsible for
brake activation and vehicle parking in
complete safety conditions.
If, under exceptional circumstances, the
use of the parking brake is required with
the car in motion, keep the switch on
the central tunnel pulled as long as the
brake action is necessary.
The
warning light may switch on
with the hydraulic system temporarily
unavailable; in this case braking is
controlled by the motors.
The stop lights also automatically
switch on.
Release the switch on the central tunnel
to stop the braking action with the car
in motion.
If, through this procedure, the vehicle is
braked until a speed below 3 km/h is
reached and the switch is kept pulled,
the parking brake will definitively
engage.
IMPORTANT Driving the vehicle with
the electric parking brake engaged, or
using it several times to slow down the
vehicle, may cause severe damage to
the braking system.
Releasing the electric parking
brake manually
The ignition device must be in the MAR
position in order to manually release the
parking brake. Moreover, you need to
press the brake pedal, then press the
fig. 89 switch briefly.
Noise may be heard from the rear part
of the car and a slight movement of the
brake pedal may be detected during
release.
After disengaging the electric parking
brake, the
warning light on the
instrument panel and the LED on the
switch will turn off.
If the
warning light on the
instrument panel remains on with the
electric parking brake disengaged, this
indicates a failure: in this case contact a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT On versions with
automatic transmission never use the P
(Park) position instead of the electric
parking brake. Always engage the
electric parking brake when parking the
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STARTING AND DRIVING

vehicle to prevent injury or damage
caused by the unexpected movement
of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT For cars with manual
transmission, if the clutch pedal is
pressed all the way and then released
simultaneously with the press of the
accelerator, the electric parking brake
automatically releases.
OPERATING THE
ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE
The electric parking brake can operate
in the following ways:
"Dynamic operating mode": this
mode is activated by pulling the switch
fig. 89 repeatedly whilst driving;
"Static engagement and release
mode": with the car stationary, the
electric parking brake can be activated
by pulling the switch once. On the other
hand, press the switch and the brake
pedal at the same time to disengage
the brake;
“Drive Away Release”: the electric
parking brake will automatically
disengage with the detection of the
driver’s intention to move the car
forward or in reverse. On versions with
automatic transmission, the driver’s
safety belt has to be properly fastened.
"Safe Hold": if the car speed is lower
than 3 km/h and, for the versions withautomatic transmission, the gear lever
is not in P (Park) position and the driver
intention of leaving the car is detected,
the electric parking brake will
automatically engage to hold the car in
safety conditions;
"Auto Apply": if the car speed is
lower than 3 km/h, the electric parking
brake will automatically engage with the
gear lever moved to P (Park) position
(versions with automatic transmission),
or with the ignition device at STOP
(versions with manual transmission).
The LED on the switch will light up
together with the
warning light on
the instrument panel when the parking
brake is engaged and applied to the
wheels. Each automatic parking brake
engagement can be cancelled by
pressing the switch on the central
tunnel and at the same time moving the
gear lever for the automatic
transmission to position P (Park) or the
ignition device to STOP (versions with
manual transmission). This way can be
handled by using the system Menu
Uconnect™.
SAFE HOLD
It is a safety function that automatically
engages the electric parking brake in
the event of a dangerous condition for
the vehicle.If:
the vehicle speed is below 3 km/h;
the gear lever is not at P (Park)
(versions with automatic transmission);
the driver's seat belt is not fastened;
the driver side door is open;
no attempted operation of the brake
pedal or the accelerator pedal, or, in
versions with manual gearbox, the
clutch pedal is detected
the electric parking brake engages
automatically to prevent vehicle
movement.
The Safe Hold function can be
temporarily disabled by pressing the
switch located on the central tunnel and
the brake pedal at the same time, with
the vehicle stationary and the driver
side door open.
Once disabled, the function will activate
again when the vehicle speed reaches
20 km/h or the ignition device is moved
to STOP and then to MAR.
WARNING
107)In the case of parking manoeuvres on
roads on a gradient, steer the wheels,
engage the parking brake, the first gear if
uphill and the reverse if downhill; on
versions with automatic transmission, set
the lever to "P". If the car is parked on a
steep slope block the wheels with a wedge
or stone.
117

MOVING THE CAR
To move the car, from P press the brake
pedal and, using the button on the gear
lever, move the lever to the desired
position (D, R or "Sequential mode").
The display will show the gear engaged.
When the brake pedal is released, the
car starts moving forwards or
backwards, as soon as the manoeuvre
is activated ("creeping" effect). The
accelerator should not be pressed in
this case.
IMPORTANT The inconsistency
between the speed actually engaged
(shown on the display) and the position
of the gear lever is indicated by the
letter corresponding to the position of
the lever flashing on the trim (also
accompanied by an acoustic signal).
This condition should not be interpreted
as an operational fault, but simply as a
request by the system to repeat the
manoeuvre.
IMPORTANT With the electric parking
brake released and brake pedal
released, engine at idling speed and
gear lever in position D, R or sequential,
pay the utmost care because the car
can move even without the operation of
the accelerator pedal. This condition
can be used with the car on a level
surface during tight parking
manoeuvres using the brake pedal only.GEAR ENGAGEMENT
INHIBITION
This system prevents you from moving
the gear lever from position P (Park) or
N (Neutral) if the brake pedal has not
been previously depressed.
When the ignition device is in MAR
(engine on or off):
to shift the gear to a position
different from P (Park) or from N to R,
you need to press the brake pedal and
the button A fig. 91 on the knob of the
gear lever;
to shift the lever from position N to
position D, press the brake pedal.
In case of a failure or when the vehicle's
battery is flat, the lever remains locked
in position P. To manually unlock the
lever, see paragraph "Automatic
transmission - lever unlocking" in the "In
an emergency" chapter.
VEHICLE SHUTDOWN
Versions equipped with the Keyless
Go system: this function requires the
gear lever to be positioned at P (Park);
then bring the ignition device to STOP.
Versions equipped with key without
remote control: this function requires
the gear lever to be positioned at P
(Park) before extracting the key from the
ignition device.If the vehicle battery is flat and the
ignition key is engaged, the latter is
locked in position. To remove the key
manually see paragraph "Automatic
transmission - key removal" in the
chapter "In an emergency".
"RECOVERY" OPERATION(where provided)
Transmission operation is constantly
monitored to detect any fault. If a
condition that might damage the
transmission is detected, the "recovery"
function is activated.
In this condition, the transmission stays
in 4
thgear, regardless of the selected
gear.
Positions P (Parking), R (Reverse) and N
(Neutral) still work. Icon
might light
up in the display.
In the case of "recovery" operation
immediately contact the nearest Fiat
Dealership.
Temporary failure
In the event of a temporary failure,
correct transmission operation can be
restored for all the forwards gears by
proceeding as follows:
stop the vehicle;
bring the transmission lever to P
(Park).
bring the ignition device to STOP;
121

wait for about 10 seconds, then
restart the engine;
select the desired gear: correct
transmission operation should be
restored.
IMPORTANT In the event of a
temporary failure it is in any case
recommended to contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
WARNING
111)Never use position P (Park) instead of
the electric parking brake. Always engage
the electric parking brake when parking the
vehicle to avoid the accidental movement
of the vehicle.
112)If the P (Park) position is not engaged,
the vehicle could move and injure people.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that
the gear lever is in position P and that the
electric parking brake is engaged.
113)Do not shift the gear lever to N
(Neutral) and do not stop the engine when
driving on a downhill road. This type of
driving is dangerous and reduces the
possibility of intervening in the case of
variation of the road traffic or surface. You
risk losing control of your vehicle and
causing accidents.
114)Never leave children alone in an
unattended vehicle; make sure that when
you move away from the vehicle, you have
the key with you.
IMPORTANT
37)Before moving the gear lever from
position P (Park), bring the ignition device
to position MAR and press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, the gear lever may get
damaged.
38)Engage reverse only with the car
stationary, engine at idling speed and
accelerator fully released.
39)If the car is on a gradient, always
engage the electric parking brake BEFORE
placing the gear lever in P.
40)Engage reverse only with the car
stationary, engine at idling speed and
accelerator pedal fully released.
41)Using the paddles incorrectly (paddles
pushed towards the dashboard ) could
break them.
DUAL-CLUTCH
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(where provided)
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.
115) 116) 117) 118)
42) 43) 44)
The gear engaged is shown on the
display.
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122
STARTING AND DRIVING

To select the "sequential" mode, shift
the lever from D (Drive) towards the left.
The reachable positions are + (higher
gear) or - (lower gear). These positions
are unstable: the lever always returns to
central position.
The lever has a button A fig. 93, which
must be pressed to move the lever to P
or R.
Shifting from P to any other position of
the selector lever, with ignition key in
MAR-ON position, must be made
pressing the brake pedal and using the
button on A fig. 93.
To shift from R to P, it is necessary to
push button A fig. 93 when engine is at
idle speed.
To shift from position N to D or R, you
need to press the brake pedal. It is
advisable not to accelerate and to
make sure that the engine is stabilised
at idle speed.
Shifting from D to N is free, while
shifting from D to R or P can only be
made by the button A fig. 93.
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
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 THE
STEERING WHEEL
(where provided)
45)
On some versions, the steering wheel
paddles fig. 94 can be used to change
gear.
123

To use the paddles on the steering
wheel, the gear lever must be in
"Sequential mode" or in D:
operating the steering wheel paddle (
+) (pulling the paddle towards the
driver): engage higher gear;
operating the steering wheel paddle (
−) (pulling the paddle towards the
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).
MOVING THE CAR
To move the car, from P press the brake
pedal and, using the button on the gear
lever, move the lever to the desired
position (D, R or "Sequential mode").
The display will show the gear engaged.
When the brake pedal is released, the
car starts moving forwards or
backwards, as soon as the manoeuvre
is activated ("creeping" effect). The
accelerator should not be pressed in
this case.
IMPORTANT The inconsistency
between the speed actually engaged
(shown on the display) and the position
of the gear lever is indicated by the
letter corresponding to the position of
the lever flashing on the trim (also
accompanied by an acoustic signal).
This condition should not be interpreted
as an operational fault, but simply as a
request by the system to repeat the
manoeuvre.
GEAR ENGAGEMENT
INHIBITION
This system prevents you from moving
the gear lever from position P (Park) or
N (Neutral) if the brake pedal has not
been previously depressed.When the ignition device is in MAR
(engine on or off):
to shift the gear to a position
different from P (Park) or from N to R,
you need to press the brake pedal and
the button A fig. 93 on the knob of the
gear lever;
to shift the lever from position N to
position D, press the brake pedal.
In case of a failure or when the vehicle's
battery is flat, the lever remains locked
in position P. To manually unlock the
lever, see paragraph "Twin clutch
automatic transmission - lever
unlocking" in the "In an emergency"
chapter.
VEHICLE SHUTDOWN
Versions equipped with the Keyless
Go system: this function requires the
gear lever to be positioned at P (Park);
then bring the ignition device to STOP.
Versions equipped with key without
remote control: this function requires
the gear lever to be positioned at P
(Park) before extracting the key from the
ignition device.
If the vehicle battery is flat and the
ignition key is engaged, the latter is
locked in position. To remove the key
manually see paragraph "Twin clutch
automatic transmission - key removal"
in the chapter "In an emergency".
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