Fiat 500L (2019 year). Manual

WARNING! (Continued)

• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,

towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.

• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-

installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.

• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water

to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn signal
and high beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.

Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are
suspected. The cause should be located and corrected
immediately.

SAFETY

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STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

Turn the ignition switch to the AVV/ACC (START) posi-
tion and release it when the engine starts. If the engine fails
to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

Automatic Transmission

The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Depress the brake
pedal before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting out

of PARK.

Cold Weather Operation

To prevent possible engine damage while starting at low
temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit engine cranking
when the ambient temperature is less than –22°F (–30°C)
and the oil temperature sensor reading indicates an engine

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block heater has not been used. An externally powered
electric engine block heater is available as a factory in-
stalled option.

At the time the engine is shut off, the message “Engine
Heater Recommended” will be displayed in the instrument
cluster when the ambient temperature is below 5°F (–15°C).
This acts as a reminder to avoid possible crank delays at
the next cold start.

CAUTION!

Use of the recommended SAE 5W-40 Synthetic oil and
adhering to the prescribed oil change intervals is
important to prevent engine damage and ensure satis-
factory starting in cold conditions.

Extended Park Starting

NOTE:

Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle

has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery

to ensure a full battery charge during the crank cycle.

2. Cycle the ignition to the START mode and release it

when the engine starts.

3. If the engine fails to start within 10 to 15 seconds, cycle

the ignition to the OFF mode, wait five seconds to allow
the starter to cool, then repeat the Extended Park
Starting procedure.

4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the

starter to cool for at least 10 minutes, then repeat the
procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank continu-
ously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.

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.

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CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

Turbo Charger “Cool Down”

This vehicle is equipped with an after-run pump to cool the
turbocharger after the engine is shut off. Depending on the
type of driving and the amount of cargo, the pump will run
for up to 10 minutes after the engine has been shut off to
circulate coolant through the turbocharger.

Although the pump is rubber-mounted for quiet operation,
it is normal to hear it running during this time.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Dealer
Service” in “Servicing And Maintenance”.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem.

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PARKING BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied.

The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To
apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, push the front button with your thumb, then lower
the lever completely.

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the Brake Warning
Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle or in

a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury.

Parking Brake Lever

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CAUTION!

If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the park-
ing brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

WARNING!

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is re-
moved, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-

tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission gear selector.

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle

(or in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position. The key can only be removed from the ignition
when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and once
removed, the transmission is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be in the
ON/RUN mode (engine running or not), and the brake
pedal (and the lock button on the gear selector) must be
pressed.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both
beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, press the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. You
must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission
out of PARK. Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.

The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick (+/-) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Moving the gear selector into the AutoStick (+/-)
position (beside the DRIVE position) activates AutoStick
mode, providing manual shift control and displaying the
current gear in the instrument cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc).
Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while

in the Autostick position will manually select the transmis-
sion gear. Refer to

⬙AutoStick⬙ in this section for further

information.

NOTE:

If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,

REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward)
it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the
DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the transmission gear
(1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move
the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D] position)
for access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.

Transmission Gear Selector

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When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the ignition key.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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WARNING! (Continued)

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the ignition

key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle

(or in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of

PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK

or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.

NOTE:

If the transmission in not correctly shifted into

PARK (P) a message on the instrument cluster will be
displayed, repeat the procedure as necessary.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
• When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the

gear selector and firmly move the gear selector all the
way forward until it stops and is fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

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NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
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 exit 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 traffic 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 “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, 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 transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller will expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to pre-
vent transmission damage due to overheating.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine coolant temperature. Nor-
mal operation will resume once the engine temperature has
risen to a suitable level.

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Instrument Cluster Messages

Dedicated messages will be displayed in the instrument
cluster to alert the driver when certain unusual conditions
occur.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in a fixed gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition OFF.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no

longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission. If
the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.

AUTOSTICK

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city driv-
ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, and many
other situations.

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Operation

When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position (beside
the Drive position), it can be moved forward and rearward.
This allows the driver to manually select the transmission
gear being used. Moving the gear selector forward (-)
triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an upshift. The
current gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.

NOTE:

In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift

up or down when the driver moves the gear selector
rearward (+) or forward (-), except as described below.
• The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-

essary to prevent engine over-speed.

• The transmission will automatically downshift as the

vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.

• The transmission will automatically downshift to first

gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.

• You can start out (from a stop) in first, second, or third

gear. Starting out in second or third gear can be helpful
in snow or icy conditions. To select second or third gear
after the vehicle is brought to a stop, tap the gear selector
rearward (+) once or twice.

• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to

over-speed, that shift will not occur.

• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of

a vehicle speed.

• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is engaged

because the transmission will not shift automatically.

• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

AutoStick is enabled.

• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault

or overheat condition is detected.

To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to
the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
position at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.

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Fiat 500L (2019 year). Manual - part 11