2023 Fiat 500 Warning and Lights

Inside the smooth lines of the dashboard of the 2023 Fiat 500 is a symphony of warning lights and signs that work together to form a language between the car and its driver. These light-up messages are the Fiat 500’s “eyes.” They keep a close eye on its health, safety, and performance. From the watchful check engine light that alerts you to possible engine problems to the tire pressure warning that keeps you safe on the road, each light tells you something about the health of your car. These warning lights are a great example of how technology and usefulness can work well together. They don’t just let drivers know about possible problems; they also give them the information they need to take action, which makes driving safer and more efficient. The lights on the Fiat 500 add to this symphony by lighting the road ahead and showing the way in different weather conditions. Whether it’s the strong beams of the LED headlights or the dance of the turn signals, these lights make the car stand out on the road. All together, the warning lights and lights on the 2023 Fiat 500 combine function, safety, and style, showing that the car is dedicated to a current and well-informed driving experience.

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

GENERAL WARNINGS

WARNING
Warning lights may be accompanied by a specific message and/or sound when implemented on the instrument panel. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in this section in the event of a failure indication.

WARNING
The failure indicators appearing on the display are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning “cycle”. Less serious faults are indicated by a warning “cycle” with a shorter duration. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause of the malfunction is eliminated.

WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL

Red warning lights

SEAT BELTS REMINDER

• The warning light switches on constantly with the car stationary and the driver’s side or passenger side seat belt (when the passenger is present) not fastened.
• The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if the car is in motion and the front seat belts are not correctly fastened.
• For permanent deactivation of the acoustic signal (buzzer) of the SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system contact a Fiat Dealership. The system can be reactivated at any time using the Setup Menu.

AIRBAG FAILURE

• The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to the ENGINE position, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
• The warning light stays on constantly if there is a fault in the airbag system.

ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE FAILURE / LOW BRAKE FLUID / ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE APPLIED
The warning lights switch on when the ignition device is brought to the ENGINE position, but it should switch off after a few seconds.

Electric parking brake failure

• The warning light flashes in conjunction with the yellow symbol when the electric parking brake fails.
• Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

Low brake fluid level
The warning light flashes together with the yellow symbol when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level, possibly due to leaks in the circuit.

Electric parking brake on

• The warning light switches on when the parking brake is engaged.
• On certain versions, if the car is moving the acoustic warning will also sound.
• WARNING If the warning light turns on while driving, check that the parking brake is not engaged.

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE

• The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to the ENGINE position, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
• If the warning light remains on, the power steering may have no effect and the effort required to operate the steering wheel may increase significantly even though it is possible to steer the car. In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
• If the warning light comes on while driving you may not have steering assistance. Although it will still be possible to steer the vehicle, the effort needed to operate the steering wheel could be increased: contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• WARNING In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the warning light on the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (if you are moving), stop the motor for about 20 seconds (taking the ignition device to the STOP position) and then restart the motor (“READY” status). If the warning light stays on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
• WARNING The steering must be initialised after disconnecting the 12V battery. The warning light turns on to indicate this. To carry out this procedure, slowly turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to the other or drive in a straight line for about a hundred metres.

Amber warning lights

ESC SYSTEM
The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to the ENGINE position, but it should switch off after a few seconds.

• ESC system activation
  Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the intervention of the ESC system.
• ESC system failure
  If the warning light does not go out or remains on whilst driving, go to a Fiat Dealership.
• Hill Holder failure
  The warning light turns on to indicate a Hill Holder system failure. In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• PARTIAL / TOTAL DEACTIVATION OF ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  The turning on of the warning light indicates that some safety systems have been partially deactivated by a driver’s request.
• REAR FOG LIGHT
  The warning light switches on when the rear fog light is turned on.
  ABS FAILURE
  • The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to the ENGINE position, but it should switch off after a few seconds. The warning light will light up when the system is either not working or not available. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but without the advantage of the ABS system.
  • Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

iTPMS (where provided)

Low tyre pressure

• The warning light switches on constantly to indicate that the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended value, in order to guarantee long tyre life and optical-electrical energy consumption, or to indicate a slow loss of pressure.
• In this way the iTPMS warns the driver that one or more tyres may be flat and probably punctured.
• In this case it is advisable to restore the correct pressure value. Once the normal operating conditions of the car are restored, carry out the Tyre reset procedure.
• WARNING Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling of the car may be compromised. Stop the car, avoiding sharp braking and steering.

iTPMS failure/iTPMS temporarily deactivated

• The warning light flashes for about 75 seconds and then stays on constantly to indicate that the system is temporarily deactivated or faulty. The system goes back to normal operation when the operating conditions allow it. If this is not the case, carry out the Tyre reset procedure after restoring the normal operating conditions.
• If the malfunction warning persists, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

Green Telltale Indicator Lights

SIDELIGHTS AND DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME

Side/tail lights and dipped beam headlights
The warning light switches on when the side/tail lights or dipped headlights are turned on.

Follow Me Home
The light comes on when the Follow Me Home device is in use.

LEFT DIRECTION INDICATOR
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator control stalk is moved downwards or, together with the right indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.

RIGHT DIRECTION INDICATOR
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator control stalk is moved upwards or, together with the left indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.

AUTOMATIC MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
This warning light comes on when the automatic main beam headlights are activated.

Blue warning lights

MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
The warning light switches on when the main beam headlights are turned on.

All warning lights flashing

DISPLAY FAILURE
In the event of an instrument panel display failure, all of the warning lights flash.

Message to have the warning light checked

CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT FAILURE
A control system warning light failure is indicated by a message on the instrument panel display.

WARNING

• 45) If the warning light does not switch on or stays on whilst driving when the ignition device is turned to ENGINE, a failure 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. Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
• 46) A failure of the warning light is indicated by the symbol appearing on the display or by the warning light blinking, depending on the version. In this case, the warning light may not indicate a possible problem with the airbag restraint system. Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
• 47) If the warning light comes on while driving, stop the car immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
• 48) If the system signals a pressure drop on a specific tyre, it is recommended to check the pressure on all four tyres. The iTPMS does not relieve the driver from the obligation to check the tyre pressure every month; it is not to be considered a system to replace servicing or a safety system. 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.
• 49) The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre pressure drops (for example when a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the car, braking with caution and avoiding abrupt steering. The system only warns that the tyre pressure is low: it is not able to inflate them. Insufficient tyre inflation increases electrical energy consumption, reduces the tread duration and may affect your ability to drive safely.

INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING SYMBOLS

Red Symbols

• DOORS/BONNET/BOOT OPEN
  On some versions, the symbols on the display appear when one or more doors, the tailgate or the bonnet are not closed properly. An acoustic warning is also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
• DOOR FAILURE
  The symbol switches on in the failure to the front door locking system. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• AIRBAG FAILURE
  • The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to the ENGINE position, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
  • The warning light stays on constantly if there is a fault in the airbag system.
• CAR CHARGING PROCEDURE FAILURE
  This symbol is shown on the instrument panel display, with the car stationary, in the case of a fault during the high-voltage battery charging procedure.
  • failures in the charging system, in this case disconnect and then reconnect the charging cable to the charging port or, in the case of charging at a public charging station, look for another power supply point. If the symbol remains on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
  • failures in the public charging station (because it may have been deactivated or there may be a failure). We recommend that you try charging your car at another public charging station. If the symbol remains on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
• HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY FAILURE
  The symbol appears on the instrument panel display in case of high-voltage battery failure. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• LOW HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY CHARGE
  The symbol appears on the instrument panel display in case of state of charge of the high-voltage battery. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• 12V BATTERY CHARGING CONDITIONS / DC-DC CONVERTER FAILURE / LOGISTICS MODE ACTIVATED / POWER SUPPLY MODE
  The symbol lights up if the 12V battery and/or DC-DC converter fails to charge. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• ELECTRIC SYSTEM FAILURE
  The symbol appears on display of the instrument panel in case of electrical system failure. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• PERFORMANCE LIMITATION
  • The symbol is shown on the instrument panel display if the acceleration of the car is limited due to a reduction in electric motor performance. If the symbol remains on while driving, contact a Fiat Dealership.
  • The heated seats will be switched off, if they are on. To switch them back on, press button again.
  • NOTE If the automatic dual-zone climate control system is turned on, it will be turned off automatically.
• ATTENTION ASSIST SYSTEM INTERVENTION
  • The symbol appears on display of the instrument panel if the Attention Assist system is activated.
  • The system, after estimating the driver’s drowsiness level, through specific events, suggests to the driver to stop for a break, because continuing driving is risky. Stop to pause while driving, pulling the car over in safe conditions.
• EU eCall SYSTEM FAILURE
  The symbol appears to indicate a failure in the EU eCall system. In this case, an emergency call cannot be made. Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the system repaired.
• EU eCall SYSTEM BATTERY FAILURE
  The symbol appears to indicate a failure of the EU eCall system battery or a low battery charge. In the first case, it will not be possible to make the emergency call, while in the second case the data transmission or connection may be subject to limitations. Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the system repaired.
• TRANSMISSION FAILURE
  • The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to the ENGINE position but it should switch off after a few seconds.
  • The warning light flashes, along with an acoustic warning, to indicate a transmission failure.

Amber symbols

• EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE
  • The symbol switches on to indicate a failure on the following lights: daytime running lights (DRLs); parking lights; side/tail lights; direction indicators; rear fog light; reversing light; number plate lights; stop lights.
  • The anomaly may be caused by a blown bulb, a blown protection fuse or an interruption of the electrical connection.
• BRAKE FAILURE
  • The symbol illuminates together with the red warning light flashing in the event of a brake system failure or low brake fluid level.
  • Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
  • The symbol comes on in case of an electric parking brake failure.
  • Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• PARKING SENSOR FAILURE (where provided)
  The symbol appears on the display if there is a fault in the parking sensors.
• RAIN SENSOR FAILURE
  The symbol switches on in the case of failure of the rain sensor. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• AUTOMATIC MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILURE
  The symbol switches on to report a failure of the automatic main beam headlights. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION SYSTEM FAILURE (where provided)
  • The symbol comes on in the event of a Traffic Sign Recognition system failure.
  • Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKE CONTROL (AEB) SYSTEM DEACTIVATION
  The symbol switches on if the Autonomous Emergency Brake Control (AEB) system has been deactivated or if the system is obstructed/dirty/unavailable.
• BLIND SPOT ASSIST FAILURE
  The symbol appears in the event of a Blind Spot Assist device failure. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.
• LANE CONTROL FAILURE
  The symbol switches on in the case of failure of the Lane Control device. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.
• POSSIBLE ICE ON THE ROAD
  • The symbol turns on when the external temperature falls to or below 3°C.
  • WARNING In the event of external temperature sensor failure, the digits that indicate the value are replaced by dashes.
• FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
  The symbol switches on to indicate a failure of the Fiat CODE system. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• BREAK-IN ATTEMPT
  The symbol switches on when the ignition device is moved to the ENGINE position to report about a possible break-in attempt detected by the alarm system.
• SERVICE (SCHEDULED SERVICING) EXPIRED
  • When the scheduled servicing is nearly due (“scheduled service deadline”), the display will show the symbol followed by the number of kilometres/miles until the car must be serviced. This is displayed automatically, with ignition device at ENGINE, when there are 2000 km (or equivalent value in miles) left before servicing or, for some markets, 30 days left before servicing. It is also displayed whenever the ignition device is turned to ENGINE or, for some markets, every 200 km (or equivalent value in miles).
  • Go to a Fiat Dealership, where the “Service Schedule” operations will be performed and the message will be reset.
• ATTENTION ASSIST SYSTEM FAILURE
  The symbol apears in the event of an Attention Assist device failure. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.
• SOUND SYSTEM FAILURE
  The symbol switches on to report a failure of the sound system.
• INTELLIGENT SPEED ASSIST / SPEED LIMITER FAILURE
  The symbol switches on in the case of failure of the Intelligent Speed Assist or of the Speed Limiter device. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.
• ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) FAILURE (where provided)
  The symbol lights up to indicate a failure of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) failure. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKE CONTROL (AEB) SYSTEM FAILURE
  The warning light switches on to alert the driver that the Autonomous Emergency Brake Control (AEB) system is not active due to sensor failure. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO SYSTEM FAILURE
  The symbol switches on in the event of Keyless Enter-N-Go system failure.
• HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY DISCONNECTED
  The symbol lights up to indicate that the high-voltage battery is disconnected from the system. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• DUSK SENSOR FAILURE
  The symbol switches on in the case of failure of the dusk sensor. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
• PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL
  This symbol turns on to indicate that the brake pedal must be pressed to enable starting.
• PEDESTRIAN ACOUSTIC SIGNALLING SYSTEM FAILURE
  This symbol is shown on the instrument panel display in case of failure of the pedestrian acoustic warning. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
• LOW WINDSCREEN WASHER LEVEL
  • The symbol appears for some seconds to indicate that the level of the windscreen washing fluid is low.
  • Refill the liquid: to do this, see the “Checking levels” chapter in the “Maintenance and care” section.
  • Always use liquid with the features indicated in the “Fluids and lubricants” chapter in the “Technical specifications” section.

Green Symbols

• SYSTEM READY
  The symbol switches on to signal that the car is ready to start.
• CHARGING CABLE CONNECTED
  • When this symbol is lit it indicates that the cable is connected to the charging port of the car, not that the charging procedure is in progress.
  • The lighting of the symbol can also be displayed together with dedicated messages. These messages will indicate the connection status to the charging port until fully charged.
  • IMPORTANT Starting the motor is not allowed until the charging procedure is complete.
• HOLD ‘N’ GO
  The symbol lights up when the “Hold ‘n’ go” function is active (automatic parking brake engaged).
• ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL ON
  The symbol comes on when the electric Cruise Control system is on.
• SPEED LIMITER ON
  The symbol comes on when the Speed Limiter is on.
• INTELLIGENT SPEED ASSIST SYSTEM ON
  The symbol comes on when the Intelligent Speed Assist system is on.
• ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATION
  The symbol comes on when the Adaptive Cruise Control is on.
• INTELLIGENT ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATION
  The symbol comes on when the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control system is on.

Blue symbols

• DRIVING MODES
  The instrument panel display shows the driving mode adopted (NORMAL, RANGE, SHERPA).
• SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED
  The symbol (in “km/h” or “mph”, depending on the display settings) lights up when the speed limit defined by the Speed Limiter is exceeded.

White symbols

• HEADLIGHT HEIGHT
  The symbol indicates the height of the dipped beam headlights, set to four levels (0-4) using buttons and.
• ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL READY
  The symbol appears to indicate that the electronic Cruise Control is ready.
• ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL READY
  The symbol appears when the Adaptive Cruise Control is ready.
• INTELLIGENT ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL READY
  The symbol appears when the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control is ready.
• SPEED LIMITER READY
  The symbol appears to indicate that the Speed Limiter is ready.
• INTELLIGENT SPEED ASSIST READY
  The symbol appears when the Intelligent Speed Assist is ready.
• SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED
  The (white) symbol switches on when the speed limit (e.g. 110 km/h) set through the menu of the display is exceeded (the inner value updates according to the set speed).

Grey symbols

• ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL ON
  The symbol appears when the electronic Cruise Control is turned on.
• ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON
  The symbol appears when the Adaptive Cruise Control is on.
• INTELLIGENT ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON
  The symbol comes on in the event of an Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control failure.
• SPEED LIMITER ON
  The symbol switches on if the Speed Limiter device is activated.
  INTELLIGENT SPEED ASSIST ON
  The symbol switches on if convenient the Intelligent Speed Assist is activated.

WARNING

• 50) If the warning light does not switch on or stays on whilst driving when the ignition device is turned to ENGINE, a failure 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. Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
• 51) A failure of the warning light is indicated by the symbol appearing on the display or by the warning light blinking, depending on the version. In this case, the warning light may not indicate a possible problem with the airbag restraint system. Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.

FAQ