2018 Fiat 500 Owner’s Manual

The 2018 Fiat 500 was a charming and iconic reimagining of Italian cars. It was a mix of classic style and city-friendly features. As a tribute to its historic predecessor, the 2018 Fiat 500 kept its unique, small shape while adding new technology and better fuel economy. With its quick-moving 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, nimble handling, and many ways to customize it, the 2018 Fiat 500 was a fun and cheap car to drive that was great for getting around on city streets. Inside, the cabin was a mix of style and technology that made both the driver and the guests feel welcome and at home. This stylish and easy-to-drive subcompact car continued to attract city drivers and people who wanted to drive in a way that was truly Italian.

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
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 transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children). A child could operate power windows, and other controls, or move the vehicle.

Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEUTRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.

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.

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 (START) position 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.

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 block heater has not been used. An externally powered electric engine block heater is available as optional equipment from your authorized dealer or may be standard equipment in some markets.
The message “plug-in engine heater” will be displayed in the instrument cluster when the ambient temperature is below 5° F (–15° C) at the time the engine is shut off as a reminder to avoid possible crank delays at the next cold start.
CAUTION: Use of the recommended oil and adhering to the prescribed oil change intervals is important to prevent engine damage and ensure satisfactory 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 continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

If the Engine Fails To Start
WARNING: Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal injury.

CAUTION

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
• 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.

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 detrimental 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 recommended 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.

PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the manual transmission in REVERSE or first gear. 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, press the center button, 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 gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle or in a location accessible to children. A child could operate power windows, and 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. Also, be certain to leave a manual transmission in FIRST gear or REVERSE gear. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.

CAUTION: If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED Five-Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING: You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended without having the parking brake fully applied. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an incline.

Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal.
NOTE: To shift into REVERSE from NEUTRAL, lift the ring under the knob and, at the same time move the gear selector to the right and then backward.

Use each gear in numerical order; do not skip a gear. Be sure the transmission is in first gear, not third, when starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in third gear. For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light acceleration, a fifth gear is recommended. Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, and never try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the clutch.REVERSE gear is not synchronized and the vehicle must be at a complete stop to shift into REVERSE gear. When selecting the REVERSE gear, the driver should pause (approximately 2 seconds) after pushing in the clutch pedal and prior to shifting into REVERSE which allows gears to stop spinning. Should an unwanted clash noise be produced, the pause length should be increased.
NOTE

• Clashing REVERSE gear, especially if the vehicle is moving, can result in transmission damage.
• During cold weather, until the transmission lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.

FAQ’s