2018 Fiat 500L Instrument Clusters System | How they work
The Instrument Clusters System for the 2018 Fiat 500L is an advanced and important part of the panel that shows important information to the driver in an easy-to-read way. The instrument cluster is made up of a digital display panel that combines data from multiple sources to show important parts of the vehicle’s performance in real time. These show the car’s speed, fuel level, motor RPM, and other important information, giving you a full picture of its condition. Advanced technology, like liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and backlighting, is used in the system to make sure that it is clear and easy to read in all kinds of driving situations. The instrument panel is also made to show important alerts and warnings, which makes the driver more aware and safer. Through a network of sensors and computer control units, the system constantly checks and updates the information shown, making driving more enjoyable. Overall, the 2018 Fiat 500L Instrument Clusters System is a great example of how technology and user-friendly design can work together to make it easier for the driver to access the car’s important information.
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Instrument Cluster Descriptions
- Speedometer
- Indicates vehicle speed.
- Instrument Cluster Display
- The instrument cluster display shows messages when the appropriate conditions exist. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
- Tachometer
- Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM x 1000).
- Temperature Gauge
- The temperature gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. Any reading within the normal range indicates that the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
- The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather or up-mountain grades. It should not be allowed to exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Servicing And Maintenance.” Follow the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer for service.
- Fuel Gauge
- The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
- The fuel pump symbol points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel door is located.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
Your vehicle may be equipped with an instrument cluster display, which offers useful information to the driver. With the ignition in the STOP/OFF position, opening/closing a door will activate the display for viewing, and display the total miles (kilometers) in the odometer. Your instrument cluster display is designed to display important information about your vehicle’s systems and features. Using a driver interactive display located on the instrument panel, your instrument cluster display can show you how systems are working and give you warnings when they aren’t. The steering wheel-mounted controls allow you to scroll through and enter the main menus and submenus. You can access the specific information you want and make selections and adjustments.
Instrument Cluster Display
Instrument Cluster Display Control Buttons
The system allows the driver to select information by pushing the following buttons mounted on the steering wheel:
- Arrow Up/Down Scroll Through Menus And Submenus
- Arrow Right/Left Access Information/Submenu Screens
- OK Button For Selecting And Resetting Information
- Up Arrow Button
Push and release the up arrow button to scroll upward through the main menu and submenus. - Down Arrow Button
Push and release the down arrow button to scroll downward through the main menu and submenus. - Right Arrow Button
Push and release the right arrow button to access the information screens or submenu screens of a main menu item. - Left Arrow Button
Push and release the left arrow button to access the information screens or submenu screens of a main menu item. - OK Button
The OK button may be used for the following: - Select
- Reset (hold)
Change Engine Oil Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message will flash in the instrument cluster display for approximately ten seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate, depending on your driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition to the ON or RUN position. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance), refer to the following procedure.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (do not start the engine).
- Fully push the accelerator pedal slowly, three times within ten seconds.
- Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system does not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
Instrument Cluster Display Menu Items
The menu comprises a series of functions arranged in a cycle. The menu includes the following functions:
- Speedometer
- Trip
- Instantaneous Info (If Equipped)
- Trip A
- Trip B
- Vehicle Info
- Tire Pressure
- Service
- Audio
- Phone — If Equipped
- Navigation — If Equipped
- Messages
- Setting
- Display
- Safety & Assistance
- Security
Speedometer
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Speedometer Menu item is displayed in the instrument cluster display. Push and release the OK button to change the speedometer scale from MPH to km/h. Push and hold the OK to return the speedometer from km/h to MPH.
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Trip
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Trip menu item is displayed in the instrument cluster display.
- Instantaneous Info (If Equipped)
- Trip A
- Trip B
Instantaneous Info (If Equipped)
The Instantaneous Info submenu contains the following information
- Distance To Empty (Range)
- Instantaneous Fuel Consumption
Trip A
Trip A submenu is divided into two pages that contain the following information.
| Page | Menu item | Description |
| Trip A First Page | Distance | Shows the distance traveled during Trip A. |
| Travel Time | Shows the total travel time for Trip A. | |
| Push the OK button on the Steering Wheel to reset the values on this page. | ||
| Trip A Second Page | Average Consumption | Shows the average fuel usage during Trip A. |
| Average Speed | Shows the average speed during Trip A. | |
| Push the OK button on the Steering Wheel to reset the values on this page. | ||
Trip B
Trip B submenu is divided into two pages that contain the following information.
| Page | Menu item | Description |
| Trip B First Page | Distance | Shows the distance traveled during Trip B. |
| Travel Time | Shows the total travel time for Trip B. | |
| Push the OK button on the Steering Wheel to reset the values on this page. | ||
| Trip B Second Page | Average Consumption | Shows the average fuel usage during Trip B. |
| Average Speed | Shows the average speed during Trip B. | |
| Push the OK button on the Steering Wheel to reset the values on this page. | ||
Vehicle Info
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Vehicle Info menu item is displayed in the instrument cluster display.
The Vehicle Info menu will display the following sub-menus:
- Tire Pressure
- Service
Tire Pressure
The Tire Pressure submenu will indicate an under-inflated tire. When a tire goes below the recommended inflation pressure, the TPMS telltale will illuminate in the cluster, and the Tire Pressure submenu will appear in the Instrument Cluster Display, indicating all underinflated tires. A “Tire Low” message will be present, and the under-inflated tire or tires will be highlighted.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” under “Safety” for further information.
Service
The Service submenu will display information about scheduled maintenance. A pop-up will appear in the display if service is required.
The following information will be displayed in the pop-up:
- Distance to next service visit
- Days until the next service visit
Audio
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Audio menu title is displayed in the instrument cluster display.
The Audio menu item will display information based on the audio source being listened to.
Phone
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Phone menu item is displayed in the instrument cluster display. The Phone menu will provide pop-ups during phone calls.
The Phone menu has the following submenus
- Phone: Displays information on phone connectivity. Pushing the OK button on the Steering Wheel will enter the phone submenus.
- Recent Calls: Displays information on the last ten calls made. The information provided includes the phone number/phone book name and type of call (incoming, outgoing, or lost).
- Message Reader: Displays text messages received. Push the OK button on the Steering Wheel to select a message to read. The system will also display if a message has been read or not.
- Favourite Numbers: Displays up to ten favourite numbers. Push the OK button on the Steering Wheel to call a favourite number.
Navigation — If Equipped
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Navigation menu item is displayed in the instrument cluster display. The Navigation menu provides “turn by turn” instructions when using the vehicle’s navigation function.
The following information is displayed.
- Distance to the next turn
- The name of the street
- An icon representing the next turn
Stored Messages
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Messages Menu item is highlighted. This feature shows the number of stored warning messages. Pushing the left or right arrow button will allow you to scroll through the stored messages.
Settings
Push and release the up or down arrow button until the Settings menu item is displayed in the instrument cluster display. The Settings menu provides a list of settings that affect the display and functionality of the instrument cluster display.
The settings are as follows:
| Setting Menu Item | Setting Name | Description |
| Display | Backlight | Increase or decrease the brightness of the display. |
| Screen Setup | Configure display with the following options: Zone 1:
|
|
| Phone Repetition | Turn on or off the display of phone-related pop-ups. | |
| Nav. repetition | Turn on or off the display of navigation-related pop-ups. | |
| Automatic Reset Trip B | Reset the Trip B menu item. | |
| Security | Park Assist Volume | Increase or decrease Park Assist volume. |
| Warning Buzzer Volume | Increase or decrease the volume of the warning buzzer. |
FAQs
The instrument cluster serves as the primary display of vital vehicle information, including speed, fuel level, engine temperature, and other essential metrics.
The information is typically displayed through a combination of analog gauges and a digital display, providing a clear view of various vehicle parameters.
The instrument cluster often utilizes LED or LCD lighting to illuminate the gauges and display, ensuring visibility in different lighting conditions.
Depending on the model and trim, drivers may have the option to customize the displayed information through settings in the vehicle’s infotainment system.
The central processing unit (CPU) is responsible for processing data from various vehicle sensors and systems, converting it into readable information for the driver.
The instrument cluster is powered by the vehicle’s electrical system and is designed to work seamlessly with the car’s battery.
Some instrument clusters include safety features like warning lights for low fuel, engine issues, or low tire pressure to alert the driver to potential problems.
The instrument cluster often has diagnostic capabilities, providing information about the vehicle’s health and alerting the driver to any potential issues.
By displaying real-time fuel consumption data, the instrument cluster helps drivers make informed decisions to improve fuel efficiency.
In some models, the instrument cluster may be integrated with the car’s infotainment system, allowing for connectivity features like Bluetooth, navigation, and smartphone integration.
Depending on the vehicle’s design, some instrument clusters may be upgradeable or modifiable through firmware updates or aftermarket solutions.
Generally, the instrument cluster requires minimal maintenance. Regular vehicle inspections and software updates, if available, are usually sufficient.
By providing easy access to essential information, the instrument cluster enhances driving comfort and convenience for the driver.
Some instrument clusters may include eco-driving indicators or information to promote environmentally friendly driving habits.
Common issues may include malfunctioning gauges, flickering lights, or display errors. These problems may be addressed through troubleshooting or, if necessary, professional assistance from a mechanic or dealership.
Useful Link:
View Full PDF: 2018 Fiat 500L Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
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