Abarth 500C 2012, 500 2012 User Manual

FIAT 500

OWNER’S MANUAL

2012

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA

With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.

DRIVING AND ALCOHOL

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.

Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drink­ing, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking driver,
call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.

WARNING!

Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.

This manual illustrates and describes the operation of fea­tures and equipment that are either standard or optional on
this vehicle. This manual may also include a description of
features and equipment that are no longer available or were
not ordered on this vehicle. Please disregard any features
and equipment described in this manual that are not on this
vehicle.

Chrysler Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any obliga­tion upon itself to install them on products previously manu­factured.

FIAT is a registered trademark of FIAT Group Marketing &
Corporate Communication SpA, used under license by
Chrysler Group LLC.

Copyright © 2011 Chrysler Group LLC

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

! Introduction ........................... 4

! How To Use This Manual .................. 4

! Warnings And Cautions ...................6

! Vehicle Identification Number .............. 6

! Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 7

4INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting your new vehicle. Be as­sured that it represents precision workmanship, distinc­tive styling, and high quality - all essentials that are
traditional to our vehicles.

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis­tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc­tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

The enclosed Warranty Information lists the services that
FIAT Group Automobiles offers to its customers:

•

the Warranty Certificate with terms and conditions for
maintaining its validity

•

the range of additional services available to FIAT
Group Automobiles customers

NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc­ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.

When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained techni­cians and genuine parts, and cares about your satisfaction.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.

The detailed Index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.

Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:

INTRODUCTION 5

1

6INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce­dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears engraved on
the right front door sill under the sill scuff plate, on an
adhesive label applied to the right door opening on the
B-Pillar, on the vehicle registration and title.

Vehicle Identification Number

INTRODUCTION 7

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS

Stamped VIN Location

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.

1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

! A Word About Your Keys ................. 11

▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12

▫ Locking Doors With A Key .............. 13

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 14

! Sentry Key# .......................... 14

▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 15

▫ General Information ................... 15

! Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 16

▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 16

2

▫ Opening Power Top Remote Function ....... 16

▫ To Lock The Doors And Liftgate .......... 18

▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 18

▫ General Information ................... 19

▫ Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 20

! Door Locks ........................... 22

▫ Power Door Locks .................... 23

! Power Windows ....................... 24

▫ Power Window Switches ................ 24

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

! Liftgate ............................. 26

! Occupant Restraints ..................... 27

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 31

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 36

▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 36

▫ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —

If Equipped ......................... 37

▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —

Air Bags ............................ 40

▫ Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 43

▫ Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 46

▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 56

▫ Child Restraints ...................... 57

! Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 67

▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 38

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 38

▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert#).........................39

▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 40

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 40

! Safety Tips ........................... 68

▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 68

▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 68

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ............................. 69

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle ................... 71

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The key fob contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter with an integrated key. To use the mechanical
key simply press the mechanical key release button.

Mechanical Key Release Button

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

The vehicle is supplied with a code card containing key
code numbers to order duplicate keys, and the autho­rized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys.

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Ignition Key Removal

1. Place the shift lever in PARK (if equipped with an
automatic transmission).

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC/ON/RUN posi­tion.

3. Rotate the key to the OFF/LOCK position.

4. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylinder.

Ignition Switch Positions

1—STOP(OFF/LOCK) 3—AVV(START)
2—MAR(ACC/ON/RUN)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

WARNING!

•

Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re­move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always 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 shift lever.

•

Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Locking Doors With A Key

You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key to the right. To unlock the door, turn
the key to the left. Refer to “Body Lubrication” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for maintenance
information.

2

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
and the ignition switch position is OFF/LOCK, sounds a
signal to remove the key.

SENTRY KEY$

The Sentry Key# Immobilizer System prevents unauthor­ized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.

The system uses ignition keys which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro­grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle.

NOTE: A key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.

If the Vehicle Security Light is on after the key is turned
to the ON/RUN position, it indicates that there is a
problem with the electronics.

CAUTION!

•

Always remove the Sentry Key# from the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat­tended.

•

The Sentry Key# Immobilizer system is not com­patible with some after-market remote starting
systems. Use of these systems may result in ve­hicle starting problems and loss of security
protection.

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key# has been programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
This PIN is required for authorized dealer replacement of
keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an
authorized dealer. This procedure consists of program­ming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key
is one which has never been programmed.

NOTE: When having the Sentry Key# Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

General Information

The Sentry Key# system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause unde­sired operation.

NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly ap­proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

2

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF EQUIPPED

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate from distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m)
using a hand-held Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmit­ter. The RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.

Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter With Mechanical Key

Release Button

NOTE: The line of transmission must not be blocked

with metal objects.

To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the RKE
transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door or twice,
within five seconds, to unlock all doors and the liftgate.
The turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the
unlock signal. The illuminated entry system will also
turn on.

Opening Power Top Remote Function

The remote keyless power top function can only be used
with the engine off.

Key Fob

NOTE: The remote keyless power top function can be

used to open the power top to the spoiler position.

Opening Power Top Remote Function:

1. OPEN − Push and hold the unlock button down on
the key fob for a minimum of three seconds to initiate

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

Power Top Open. The roof will stop opening when­ever the unlock button on the key fob is released, or
when it reaches the spoiler position.

NOTE: If your power convertible top does not open with
the remote, please refer to the %Power Convertible Top
Relearn Procedure% in %Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle% for additional information.

WARNING!

Failure to follow these warnings can result in injuries
that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and
others around you:

•

Before operating the power top, make sure that no
moving parts of the convertible top can injure a
person or animal.

(Continued)

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Never place any extremities (hands, feet, etc.) near
the convertible top components, the upper wind­shield area, the shelf area behind the rear seats, or
the convertible top stowage area while raising or
lowering the convertible top.

•

When using the power top button on RKE trans­mitter, if potential danger exists while lowering
the top, release the button immediately to inter­rupt the operation.

•

Only drive the vehicle with the convertible top
completely closed and latched or fully lowered
into its stowage compartment.

•

Do not operate the power top when the vehicle is
in motion.

To Lock The Doors And Liftgate

Press and release the LOCK button on the RKE transmit­ter to lock all doors and the liftgate. The turn signal lights
will flash and the horn will chirp to acknowledge the
signal. If a door is ajar the turn signal lights will flash at
an increased rate and there will be no horn chirp, this is
to indicate that a door is still ajar.

Programming Additional Transmitters

Refer to Sentry Key# “Customer Key Programming.”

If you do not have a programmed RKE transmitter,
contact your authorized dealer for details.

General Information

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

2. This device must accept any interference that may be

received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly ap­proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

If your RKE transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions:

1. Weak battery in the RKE transmitter. The expected life
of a battery is five years.

2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, military base, and some mobile
or CB radios.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Transmitter Battery Replacement

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply.

See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

The recommended replacement battery is CR2032.

1. Press the mechanical key release button and release

the mechanical key to access the battery case screw
located on the side of the Key Fob.

Mechanical Key Release Button

2. Rotate the screw located on the side of the Key Fob

using a small screwdriver.

Key Fob Screw Location

3. Take out the battery case. Remove and replace the

battery observing its polarity.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

2

Battery Case Removed

4. Refit the battery case inside the Key Fob and turn the
screw to lock it into place.

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

DOOR LOCKS

The door locks can be manually locked or unlocked from
inside the vehicle by using the door handle. If the door
handle is pushed a red lock indicator will show on the
door handle (indicating locked) when the door is closed,
the door will lock.

Door Lock Handle

WARNING!

•

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

•

For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.

•

Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re­move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.

•

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.

(Continued)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

WARNING! (Continued)

•

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 shift lever.

•

Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Power Door Locks

A power door lock switch is incorporated into the door
handle. Push or pull the handle to lock or unlock the
doors and liftgate. If the door handle is pushed a red lock
indicator will show on the door handle (indicating
locked) when the door is closed, the door will lock.

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: To prevent the key from being locked in the
vehicle, the power door lock switch will not operate
when the key is in the ignition and either front door is
open. A chime will sound as a reminder to remove the
key.

Driver Power Door Lock Handle

Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped

When enabled, the door locks will lock automatically
when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h). The
auto door lock feature can be enabled or disabled by your
authorized dealer per written request of the customer.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.

POWER WINDOWS

Power Window Switches

There are single window controls located on the shifter
bezel, below the climate controls, which operate the
driver and passenger door windows. The window con­trols will operate when the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position.

WARNING!

Never leave children in a vehicle with the key in the
ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unattended
children, can become entrapped by the windows
while operating the power window switches. Such
entrapment may result in serious injury or death.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

2

Power Window Switches

Auto-Down — If Equipped

The driver’s door window switch may have an Auto­Down feature. Press the window switch for approxi­mately one second, release, and the window will go

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

down automatically. To cancel the Auto-Down move­ment, operate the switch in either the up or down
direction and release the switch.

Wind Buffeting

Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur­rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize
the buffeting or open any window.

LIFTGATE

To unlock the liftgate, use the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter or activate the power door lock
switches located on the front door handles.

To open the liftgate, squeeze the liftgate release handle
and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.

Liftgate Handle

WARNING!

•

Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison­ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the liftgate closed when you are operating the
vehicle.

•

If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
Do not use the recirculation mode.

Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera­ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:

•

Three-point lap and shoulder belts for all seating
positions

•

Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passen­ger

•

Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag

•

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABIC) for the driver and passengers seated next to a
window

•

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)

•

Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants

•

Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may
enhance occupant protection by managing occupant
energy during an impact event

2

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include
Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock the
seat belt webbing into position by extending the belt
all the way out and then adjusting the belt to the
desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a large
item in a seat — if equipped

Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly, to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.

If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized
seat belts, the seat belts or the Lower Anchors and Tether
for CHildren (LATCH) feature also can be used to hold
infant and child restraint systems. For more information
on LATCH, refer to “LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage
System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).”

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying air bag:

1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride

buckled up in a rear seat.

WARNING!

Infants in rear facing child restraints should never ride
in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger Ad­vanced Front Air Bag. An air bag deployment can cause
severe injury or death to infants in that position.

Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat
belt properly (see section on Child Restraints) should be
secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use
child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should

ride properly buckled up in the rear seat. Never allow
children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under
their arm.

You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.

2. All occupants should always wear their lap and

shoulder belts properly.

3. The driver and front passenger seats should be

moved back as far as practical to allow the Advanced
Front Air Bags room to inflate.

4. Do not lean against the door or window. Your vehicle

has Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABIC) or Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SAB), and when deployment occurs, the SABIC and
SAB air bags will inflate forcefully into the space
between you and the door.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

5. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact
the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided in
&If You Need Consumer Assistance.&

WARNING!

•

Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, the air bags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you have
air bags.

(Continued)

2

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument
panel during Advanced Front Air Bag deployment
could cause serious injury, including death. Air
Bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably
extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or
instrument panel.

•

Side air bags also need room to inflate. Do not lean
against the door or window. Sit upright in the
center of the seat.

WARNING!

In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled
up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other
passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle.
Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are
buckled up properly.

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen
far away from home or on your own street.

Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of

ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All the seating positions in your vehicle are equipped
with combination lap/shoulder belts.

The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or accidents. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under
normal conditions. However in a collision, the belt will
lock and reduce the risk of you striking the inside of the
vehicle or being thrown out.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

WARNING!

•

It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or
outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed.

•

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.

•

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.

•

Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat
belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your
body and can take the forces of a collision the best.

(Continued)

2

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make
your injuries in a collision much worse. You might
suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out
of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to
wear your seat belt safely and to keep your pas­sengers safe, too.

•

Two people should never be belted into a single
seat belt. People belted together can crash into one
another in a collision, hurting one another badly.
Never use a lap/shoulder belt or lap belt for more
than one person, no matter what their size.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

2. The seat belt latch plate is along side the pillar near the
back of your seat. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the
belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as
necessary to allow the belt to go around your lap.

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and

adjust the seat.

Pulling Out The Latch Plate

3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch

plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”

Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

WARNING!

•

A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will
not protect you properly. The lap portion could
ride too high on your body, possibly causing
internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the
buckle nearest you.

•

A belt that is too loose will not protect you
properly. In a sudden stop you could move too far
forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear
your seat belt snugly.

(Continued)

2

34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

•

A belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous.
Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the
vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck
injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause
internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder
bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that
your strongest bones will take the force in a
collision.

•

A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect
you from injury during a collision. You are more
likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not
wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt
are meant to be used together.

4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight,
tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt
reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.

Positioning Lap Belt

WARNING!

•

A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of
internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t
be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across
your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as
possible and keep it snug.

•

A twisted belt may not protect you properly. In a
collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the
belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in
your vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer
immediately and have it fixed.

5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is

comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor
will withdraw any slack in the belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.
The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position.
If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to
allow the belt to retract fully.

WARNING!

A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do
not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.).

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36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/
shoulder belt.

1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the

anchor point.

2. At about 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate,

grasp and twist the belt webbing 180 degrees to create a
fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.

3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.

The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the
latch plate.

4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the

folded webbing.

Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
which are used to secure a child restraint system. For

additional information, refer to “Installing Child Re­straints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child
Restraints” section. The chart below defines the type of
feature for each seating position.

Driver Passenger

First Row N/A ALR

Second Row ALR ALR

•

N/A — Not Applicable

•

ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor

If the passenger seating position is equipped with an
ALR and is being used for normal usage:

Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfortably
wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not
activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a
ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the webbing
to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull

out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfort­ably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the
latch plate into the buckle until you hear a %click.%

Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) — If Equipped

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre­locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is avail­able on all passenger-seating positions with a combina­tion lap/shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode
anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating
position that has a belt with this feature. Children
12 years old and under should always be properly
restrained in the rear seat.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until
the entire belt is extracted.

3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will
hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is
now in the Automatic Locking Mode.

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode

Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it
to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking
Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency)
locking mode.

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38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced
if the seat belt assembly Automatic Locking Re­tractor (ALR) feature or any other seat belt func­tion is not working properly when checked ac­cording to the procedures in the Service Manual.

•

Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Energy Management Feature

This vehicle has a safety belt system with an Energy
Management feature in the front seating positions to help
further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on
collision. This safety belt system has a retractor assembly
that is designed to release webbing in a controlled
manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt
force acting on the occupant’s chest.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision.
These devices may improve the performance of the seat
belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the occupant
early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occu­pants, including those in child restraints.

NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat
belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be
worn snugly and positioned properly.

The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re­straint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten­sioners are single use items. A deployed pretensioner or
a deployed air bag must be replaced immediately.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert$)

BeltAlert# is a feature intended to remind the driver and
front passenger (if equipped with front passenger
BeltAlert#) to fasten their seat belts. The feature is active
whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front seat
passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will
turn on and remain on until both front seat belts are
fastened.

The BeltAlert# warning sequence begins after the vehicle
speed is over 5 mph (8 km/h), by blinking the Seat Belt
Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime.
Once the sequence starts, it will continue for the entire
duration or until the respective seatbelts are fastened.
After the sequence completes, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light remains illuminated until the respective seat belts
are fastened. The driver should instruct all other occu­pants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat belt is

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than 5 mph
(8 km/h), BeltAlert# will provide both audio and visual
notification.

The front passenger seat BeltAlert# is not active when the
front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert# may be
triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the front
passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if
equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained in
the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.

BeltAlert# can be enabled or disabled by your authorized
dealer. FIAT Group Automobiles does not recommend
deactivating BeltAlert#.

NOTE: Although BeltAlert# has been deactivated, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver’s or front passenger (if equipped with
BeltAlert#) seat belt remains unfastened.

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40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seat Belt Extender

If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended, and
when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if
equipped) is in its lowest position, your authorized
dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This
extender should be used only if the existing belt is not
long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex­tender and store it.

WARNING!

Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use
when the seat belt is not long enough when it is worn
low and snug, and in the recommended seating
positions. Remove and store the extender when not
needed.

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.

Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air Bags

This vehicle has Advanced Front Air Bags for both the
driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat
belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air
Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The
passenger’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The
words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the air bag covers.

In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental
Driver Side Knee Air Bag mounted in the instrument
panel below the steering column.

Advanced Front Air Bag And Knee Bolster Locations

1—DriverAndPassengerAd­vanced Front Air Bags
2 — Knee Bolster

3 — Supplemental Driver Side
Knee Air Bag

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

NOTE: These air bags are certified to the Federal
regulations for Advanced Air Bags.

The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to allow the
air bags to have different inflation levels based on the
severity and type of collision.

This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front
passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the
inflation level of the Advanced Front Air Bags based
upon seat position.

This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front
passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether
the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The
seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation level of
the Advanced Front Air Bags.

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag
Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to protect the driver, front,

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42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

and rear passengers sitting next to a window. The SABIC
are located above the side windows. The trim covering
the SABIC is labeled SRS AIRBAG.

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat­Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB). The SAB are marked with
an air bag label sewn into the outboard side of the front
seats.

NOTE:

•

Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during air bag deployment.

•

After any accident, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer immediately.

Air Bag System Components

Your vehicle may be equipped with the following air bag
system components:

•

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

•

Air Bag Warning Light

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag

•

Knee Impact Bolster

•

Driver Advanced Front Air Bag

•

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag

•

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)

•

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABIC)

•

Front and Side Impact Sensors

•

Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, Seat Belt Buckle Switch,
and Seat Track Position Sensors

Advanced Front Air Bag Features

The Advanced Front Air Bag system provides output
appropriate to the severity and type of collision as
determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC),
which may receive information from the front impact
sensors.

WARNING!

•

No objects should be placed over or near the air
bag on the instrument panel, because any such
objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a
collision severe enough to cause the air bag to
inflate.

(Continued)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Do not put anything on or around the air bag
covers or attempt to open them manually. You may
damage the air bags and you could be injured
because the air bags may no longer be functional.
The protective covers for the air bag cushions are
designed to open only when the air bags are
inflating.

•

Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in
any way.

•

Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios,
etc.

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44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) provide
enhanced protection to help protect an occupant during a
side impact. The SAB are marked with an air bag label
sewn into the outboard side of the front seats.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB) Label

When the air bag deploys, it opens the seam between the
front and side of the seat’s trim cover. Each air bag
deploys independently; a left side impact deploys the left
air bag only and a right-side impact deploys the right air
bag only.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC)

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)
may offer side-impact protection to front and rear seat
outboard occupants in addition to that provided by the
body structure. Each air bag features inflated chambers,
placed adjacent to the head of each outboard occupant,
that reduce the potential for side-impact head injuries.
The SABIC deploy downward, covering both windows
on the impact side.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)

Label Location

NOTE: Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the

interior trim, but they will open during air bag deploy­ment.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

The system includes side impact sensors that are cali­brated to deploy the Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
and SABIC during impacts that require air bag occupant
protection.

WARNING!

•

Your vehicle is equipped with left and right
SABIC, do not stack luggage or other cargo up
high enough to block the location of the SABIC.
The area where the side curtain air bag is located
should remain free from any obstructions.

•

Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects
between you and the SAB; the performance could
be adversely affected and/or objects could be
pushed into you, causing serious injury.

(Continued)

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46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Your vehicle is equipped with SABIC air bags, do
not have any accessory items installed which will
alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to your
vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require perma­nent attachments (bolts or screws) for installation
on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the
vehicle for any reason.

Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag

The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag provides
enhanced protection and works together with the Driver
Advanced Front Air Bag during a frontal impact.

Knee Impact Bolster

The Knee Impact Bolster helps protect the knees of the
passenger side front passenger by positioning the pas­senger for the best interaction with the Advanced Front
Air Bags.

Along with seat belts and pretensioners, Advanced Front
Air Bags work with the Supplemental Driver Side Knee
Air Bag and the passenger side knee bolster to provide
improved protection for the driver and front passenger.
Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) and Supplemental
Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) also work with
seat belts to improve occupant protection.

Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls

Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

The ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system
required for this vehicle.

The ORC determines if deployment of the front and/or
side air bags in a frontal or side collision is required.
Based on the impact sensor’s signals, a central electronic
ORC deploys the Advanced Front Air Bags, Supplemen­tal Driver Side Knee Air Bag, Supplemental Side Air Bag
Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), Supplemental Seat-Mounted

Side Air Bags (SAB), and front seat belt pretensioners, as
required, depending on the severity and type of impact.

Advanced Front Air Bags and Supplemental Driver Side
Knee Air Bag are designed to provide additional protec­tion by supplementing the seat belts in certain frontal
collisions depending on the severity and type of collision.
Advanced Front Air Bags are not expected to reduce the
risk of injury in rear or side collisions.

The Advanced Front Air Bags and Supplemental Driver
Side Knee Air Bag will not deploy in all frontal collisions,
including some that may produce substantial vehicle
damage — for example, some pole collisions, truck
underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other
hand, depending on the type and location of impact,
Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes with
little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe
initial deceleration.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47

The side air bags will not deploy in all side collisions.
Side air bag deployment will depend on the severity and
type of collision.

Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration
over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are
not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should
have deployed.

Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all acci­dents, and also are needed to help keep you in position,
away from an inflating air bag.

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the air bag system whenever the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN or START position. If the key is in the OFF/
LOCK position, or not in the ignition, the air bag system
is not on and the air bags will not inflate.

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48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.

Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi­mately four to eight seconds for a self-check

when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.

It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru­ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos­tics also record the nature of the malfunction.

WARNING!

Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru­ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.

Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units

The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad­vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates

are possible, based on the collision type and severity. The
steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of
the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as
the air bags inflate to their full size. The air bags fully
inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.

The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the
vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air
bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.

Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag Inflator
Unit

The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag unit is
located in the instrument panel trim beneath the steering
column. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the
air bag, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Supplemental

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49

Driver Side Knee Air Bag. The trim cover separates and
folds out of the way allowing the air bag to inflate to the
full size. The air bag fully inflates in about 15 to 20
milliseconds. The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air
Bag gas is vented through small vent holes in the side of
the air bag.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB)
Inflator Units

The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) are
designed to activate only in certain side collisions.

The ORC determines if a side collision requires the side
air bags to inflate, based on the severity and type of
collision.

Based on the severity and type of collision, the side air
bag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle may be
triggered, releasing a quantity of non-toxic gas. The
inflating SAB exits through the seat seam into the space
between the occupant and the door. The SAB fully inflate

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50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

in about 10 milliseconds. The side air bag moves at a very
high speed and with such a high force that it could injure
you if you are not seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side air bag inflates. This
especially applies to children.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) Inflator Units

During collisions where the impact is confined to a
particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may
deploy the Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC), depending on the severity and type of collision.
In these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on
the impact side of the vehicle.

A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side
curtain air bag. The inflating side curtain air bag pushes
the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The air bag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that it takes

to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you
are not belted and seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side curtain air bag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The side
curtain air bag is about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is
inflated.

Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over time,
vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of
whether or not an air bag should have deployed.

Front And Side Impact Sensors

In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the
ORC in determining appropriate response to impact
events.

Enhanced Accident Response System

In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

event, the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow­ing functions:

•

Cut off fuel to the engine.

•

Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.

•

Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.

•

Unlock the doors automatically.

Customer Action Customer Will See

1. Turn ignition OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must be
placed in Neutral State).

2. Turn ignition ON. Left Turn Light is OFF. Right Turn Light BLINKS.

3. Turn Right Turn Signal Switch ON. Right Turn Light is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light

After the event occurs, when the system is active, the
message %Fuel Cutoff See Handbook% is displayed.

Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine com­partment and fuel tank before resetting the system and
starting the engine.

System Reset Procedure

After an impact causing air bag deployment, the left and
right turn signal lights, located in the instrument panel
cluster, will both be blinking, until the ignition is turned
off. In order to move your vehicle to the side of the road
you must follow the system reset procedure.

BLINKS.

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52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Action Customer Will See

4. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON. Left Turn Light is ON SOLID. Right Turn Light
BLINKS.

5. Turn Right Turn Signal Switch ON. Right Turn Light is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light
BLINKS.

6. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON. Left Turn Light is ON SOLID. Right Turn Light is ON
SOLID.

7. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch OFF. (Turn Signal

Left Turn Light is OFF. Right Turn Light is OFF.

Switch Must be placed in Neutral State).

8. Turn ignition OFF. System is now reset and the engine may be started.

9. Turn Hazard Flashers OFF (Manually).

If a reset procedure step is not completed within 45 sec­onds, then the turn signal lights will turn off and the reset
procedure must be performed again in order to be
successful.

If A Deployment Occurs

The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.

NOTE: Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with
the air bag system.

If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any
or all of the following may occur:

•

The nylon air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and
front passenger as the air bags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

•

As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air
bag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the
skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye
irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s in­structions for cleaning.

Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have de­ployed. If you are involved in another collision, the air
bags will not be in place to protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the air bags,
seat belt pretensioners, and the front seat belt retrac­tor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer im­mediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Con­troller (ORC) system serviced as well.

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54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Air Bag System

WARNING!

•

Modifications to any part of the air bag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the air bag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.

•

It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air
bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an air bag system.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are
made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
for any air bag system service. If your seat, includ­ing your trim cover and cushion, needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your autho­rized dealer.

Air Bag Warning Light

You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal

circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.

•

The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned to the ON/RUN position.

•

The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

•

The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.

NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The air bags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the Body Control Module (BCM) fuse block inside
the vehicle for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on
the inside of the fuse block cover for the proper air bag
fuses. See your authorized dealer if the fuse is good.

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56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per­formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:

•

How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

•

Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts
were buckled/fastened;

•

How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

•

How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of
the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by
the EDR under normal driving conditions and no per­sonal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location)
are recorded. However, other parties, such as law en­forcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a
crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is
required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed.
In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties,
such as law enforcement, that have the special equip­ment, can read the information if they have access to the
vehicle or the EDR.

Child Restraints

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times, including babies and children. Every state in the
United States, and all Canadian provinces, require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

Children 12 years or younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s
size.

2

There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the correct seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child.

Infants And Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward­facing in the vehicle until they are two years old or until
they reach either the height or weight limit of their rear
facing child safety seat. Two types of child restraints can
be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and convertible
child seats.

58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children from birth until
they reach the weight or height limit of the infant carrier.
Convertible child seats can be used either rearward­facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child
seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward­facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be
used rearward-facing by children who have outgrown
their infant carrier but are still less than at least two years
old. Children should remain rearward-facing until they
reach the highest weight or height allowed by their
convertible child seat. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the
LATCH child restraint anchor system. Refer to “Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)”.

WARNING!

Rearward-facing child seats must never be used in
the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger air
bag. An air bag deployment could cause severe
injury or death to infants in this position.

Older Children And Child Restraints

Children who are two years old or who have outgrown
their rear-facing convertible child seat can ride forward­facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and
convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direc­tion are for children who are over two years old or who
have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of
their rear-facing convertible child seat. Children should
remain in a forward-facing child seat with a harness for
as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height
allowed by the child seat. These child seats are also held

in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH
child restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower An­chors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)”.

All children whose weight or height is above the
forward-facing limit for the child seat should use a
belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belts
fit properly. If the child cannot sit with knees bent over
the vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against
the seatback, they should use a belt-positioning booster
seat. The child and belt-positioning booster seat are held
in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

WARNING!

•

Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex­actly when installing an infant or child restraint.

•

A rearward-facing child restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward-facing child re­straint in the front seat may be struck by a deploy­ing passenger air bag which may cause severe or
fatal injury to the infant.

2

60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Children Too Large For Booster Seats

Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seatback, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

•

The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.

•

Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.

•

If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:

•

Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. FIAT Group Automobiles also recommends
that you make sure that you can install the child
restraint in the vehicle where you will use it, before
you buy it.

•

The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.

•

Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.

NOTE:

For additional information, refer to
www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana­dian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s web­site for additional information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/
roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety/index.htm

LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren)

Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor­age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system
provides for the installation of the child restraint without
using the vehicle’s seat belts, instead securing the child
restraint using lower anchorages and upper tether straps
from the child restraint to the vehicle structure.

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail­able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems
having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail­able for some time. For some older child restraints, many
child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retrofit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re­straint in any vehicle.

Child seats with fixed lower attachments must be in­stalled in the outboard positions only. If you are installing
LATCH-compatible child restraints in adjacent rear seat­ing positions, you can use the LATCH anchors or the
vehicle’s seat belt for the outboard position. If your child
restraints are not LATCH-compatible, you can only in­stall the child restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts.
Please refer to “Installing Child Restraints Using The
Vehicle Seat Belt” for typical installation instructions.

2

62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

You should never install LATCH-compatible child
seats so that two seats share a common anchorage. If
installing seats in adjacent seating positions, or if
your child restraints are not LATCH-compatible, in­stall the restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts.

Rear Seat LATCH Anchorages

Installing The LATCH – Compatible Child
Restraint System

We urge you to carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that
are provided with the child restraint system.

The lower anchorages are round bars which are
part of the seat and body structure. They are
located at the rear of the seat cushion where it

meets the seatback and just visible when you
lean into the rear seat to install the child restraint. You
will easily feel them if you run your finger along the
intersection of the surfaces. The lower strap hooks are
passed over the top of each bar, pushing aside the seat
cover material.

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages behind each
rear seating position, located in the rear surface of the
seatback.

The lower strap hooks are passed over the top of each
bar, pushing aside the seat cover material.

Many, but not all, restraint systems will be

equipped with separate straps on each side,

with each having a hook or connector for

attachment to the lower anchorage and a

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward­facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.

You will first loosen the child seat adjusters on the lower
straps and on the tether strap so that you can more easily
attach the hook or connectors to the vehicle anchorages.
Next, attach the lower hooks or connectors over the top
of the seat cover material. Then attach the tether strap to
the anchorage directly behind the seat where you are
placing the child restraint, being careful to route the
tether strap to provide the most direct path between the
anchor and the child restraint, preferably between the
head restraint posts underneath the head restraint. Fi­nally, tighten all three straps as you push the child
restraint rearward and downward into the seat, remov­ing slack in the straps according to the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions.

2

64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

•

Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove the
slack in the strap.

•

When using the LATCH attaching system to install a
child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not
being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint. This
should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an
inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle
that the seat belts are not toys and that they should not
play with them. In addition, never leave unattended
children in the vehicle.

WARNING!

Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) to
secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). These types of
seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of the seat
belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR will make a
ratcheting noise if you extract the entire belt from the
retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the

retractor. For additional information on ALR, refer to
“Automatic Locking Mode” description under “Occu­pant Restraints.”

The chart below defines the seating positions with an
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate.

Driver Passenger

CRS Lock CRS Lock

First Row N/A ALR

Second Row ALR ALR

Installing a Child Restraint with an ALR:

1. To install a child restraint with ALR, first, pull enough
of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to route it
through the belt path of the child restraint. Slide the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.” Next,
extract all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor and
then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. As the belt
retracts, you will hear a ratcheting sound. This indicates
the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

2. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten the lap
portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt system
will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and
pull it tight if necessary.

•

In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path
opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt
several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into
the buckle with the release button facing out.

•

If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle
around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle
again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure,
try a different seating position.

2

66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To attach a child restraint tether strap:

•

Route the tether strap under the head restraint to
provide the most direct path for the strap between the
anchor and the child seat.

Tether Straps Routed To Tether Anchors

•

If necessary, move the seat forward to provide better
access to the tether anchor.

•

Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the
tether anchor. Remove slack in the tether strap accord­ing to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE: Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in
the strap.

WARNING!

An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor position directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.

Transporting Pets

Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or could injure a passenger during panic braking
or in a collision.

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

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
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve­hicle”.

2

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.

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 an indication of difficulty.

68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS

Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.

WARNING!

•

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

•

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri­ously injured or killed.

•

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO),
follow these safety tips:

•

Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move
your vehicle in or out of the area.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

•

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed and
the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.

•

If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com­plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle

Seat Belts

Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.

2

70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Air Bag Warning Light

The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho­rized dealer.

Defroster

Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.

Floor Mat Safety Information

Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they

cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.

WARNING!

Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious per­sonal injury.

•

Always make sure that floor mats are properly
attached to the floor mat fasteners.

•

Never place or install floor mats or other floor
coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and inter­fering with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.

(Continued)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on
top of already installed floor mats. Additional
floor mats and other coverings will reduce the size
of the pedal area and interfere with the pedals.

•

Check mounting of mats on a regular basis. Al­ways properly reinstall and secure floor mats that
have been removed for cleaning.

•

Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob­jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.

•

If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of
control of the vehicle.

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 bolts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.

2

72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lights

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

Door Latches

Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

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

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

! Power Convertible Top — If Equipped ....... 76

▫ Folding Mirrors ...................... 83

3

▫ Lowering The Power Top ............... 76

▫ Raising The Power Top ................. 77

▫ Power Convertible Top Relearn Proceure ..... 78

▫ Wind Stop .......................... 79

! Mirrors .............................. 80

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror ................ 80

▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . . 81

▫ Power Mirrors ....................... 82

▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ............ 83

▫ Sun Visors .......................... 83

! BLUE&ME™ Hands-Free Communication — If

Equipped ............................. 84

▫ Overview ........................... 84

▫ The Hands-Free Kit .................... 85

! Seats ............................... 91

▫ Front Seats Forward/Rearward Adjustment . . . 92

74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Recline Adjustment .................... 93

▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 101

▫ Seat Height Adjustment ................. 94

▫ Ez Entry Feature ...................... 94

▫ Memory Feature ...................... 95

▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............. 95

▫ Head Restraints ...................... 96

! To Open And Close The Hood ............. 98

! Lights ............................. 100

▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 100

▫ Headlights ......................... 100

▫ High Beams ........................ 101

▫ Flash-To-Pass ....................... 101

▫ Parking Lights ...................... 101

▫ Turn Signals ........................ 102

▫ Lane Change Assist ................... 102

▫ Follow Me Home/Headlight Delay ....... 102

▫ Interior Lights ...................... 103

▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .......... 104

! Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 105

▫ Front Windshield Wiper Operation ........ 105

▫ Rear Windshield Wiper ................ 107

! Tilt Steering Column — If Equipped ........ 108

! Electronic Speed Control ................ 109

▫ To Activate ......................... 110

▫ To Set A Desired Speed ................ 110

▫ To Deactivate ....................... 110

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75

▫ Pinch Protect Override ................ 119

▫ To Resume Speed .....................111

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............111

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............111

! Rear Park Assist — If Equipped ........... 112

▫ Rear Park Assist Sensors ............... 113

▫ Rear Park Assist Alerts ................ 113

▫ Failure Indications ................... 115

▫ Cleaning The Rear Park Assist System ..... 115

▫ Park Assist System Usage Precautions ..... 115

! Power Sunroof — If Equipped ............ 118

▫ To Open ........................... 119

▫ To Close ........................... 119

▫ Wind Buffeting ...................... 119

▫ Emergency Operation ................. 120

▫ Sun Shade — If Equipped .............. 120

3

! Electrical Power Outlets ................. 121

! Cigar Lighter — If Equipped ............. 123

! Cupholders .......................... 124

! Storage ............................. 125

▫ Glove Box Compartment ............... 125

▫ Passenger Seat Storage — If Equipped ..... 125

! Cargo Area Features ................... 126

! Rear Window Features .................. 127

▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 127

76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

POWER CONVERTIBLE TOP — IF EQUIPPED

On vehicles equipped with a power convertible top, the
power convertible top switch is located on the overhead
console. The switch contains two buttons. The passenger
side button, which is used to open the power top, and the
driver side button, which is used to close the power top.

NOTE:

•

The power top buttons will operate when the ignition
switch is turned to the ACC/ON/RUN position.

•

The power top can be remotely operated with the key
fob. Refer to %Opening Power Top Remote Function% in
%Things To Know Before Starting% for more information.

Lowering The Power Top

Auto Open

Push the top open button approximately one second for
the three-quarter open/spoiler position. Push the top
open button for approximately one second a second time
to fully open the convertible top.

Manual Open

For manual open, push and hold the open button until
desired roof position or until spoiler position.

Power Convertible Top Switch

NOTE: Vertical movement only operates in auto open/

close mode.

Raising The Power Top

Auto close

From the convertible top fully open position, push the
top close button for approximately one second for the
three-quarter open/spoiler position. Push the top close
button for approximately one second a second time for
the one-quarter open position. Push and hold close
button to fully close convertible top.

Manual Close

For manual close, push and hold the close button until
desired position until one-quarter open position. Push
and hold again for full close position.

NOTE: Rail lubrication is recommended every 2000
cycles, or if scratching noises due to dust are present.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubes, and Genuine Part” in “Maintain­ing Your Vehicle” for information.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior
water damage, stains or mildew on the top material:

•

Avoid high-pressure car washes, as they can dam­age the top material. Also, increased water pres­sure may force water past the weather strips.

•

Remove any standing water from the top and dry
the surface before opening it. Operating the top,
opening a door or lowering a window while the
top is wet may allow water to drip into the
vehicles interior.

•

Use care when washing the vehicle, water pressure
directed at the weather strip seals may cause water
to leak into the vehicles interior.

3

78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

The convertible top does not provide the structural
protection that a reinforced metal roof does and the
fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection
of the occupants in a collision. Therefore, it is impor­tant that all occupants wear their seat belts at all
times. Death or serious injuries could occur if you are
ejected from the vehicle during a collision.

Power Convertible Top Relearn Procedure

If your power convertible top does not operate in the
Auto Opening/Closing mode (automatically opening/
closing to the one-quarter open and three-quarter open
comfort stops), or if the remote keyless power top
function is inoperable, or if the trunk lid does not open ­the following relearn procedure may be necessary.

1. Confirm that the door/trunk lid are closed.

2. Begin with the top in the fully closed position (using
manual mode).

3. Hold the OPEN button to move the top to the fully
open position.

4. CONTINUE to hold the OPEN button for an addi­tional three seconds.

5. Release the OPEN button.

6. Hold the CLOSED button to move the top to the fully
closed position.

7. CONTINUE to hold the CLOSED button until the top
begins to cycle fully open, then release the CLOSED
button.

At the end of step 7 the top will automatically cycle to the
fully open position, and then close to the 1/4 open
position.

This will confirm that the relearn procedure was success­ful.

Auto Open/Close will now be functional. Trunk lid
operation will be functional. Remote Keyless Power Top
Function will be functional.

NOTE: DO NOT interrupt this activity.

If the power convertible top does not relearn repeat the
procedure a second time.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

Wind Stop

The Wind Stop installs in the backseat area of the vehicle.
The Wind Stop will not interfere with power top opera­tion. Therefore, it can remain installed when the top is up.

3

80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

MIRRORS

Inside Day/Night Mirror

The mirror can be adjusted up, down, left, and right for
various drivers. The mirror should be adjusted to center
on the view through the rear window.

Headlight glare from vehicles behind you can be reduced
by moving the small control under the mirror to the night
position (toward the rear of the vehicle). The mirror
should be adjusted while set in the day position (toward
the windshield).

Adjusting Rearview Mirror

Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped

This mirror automatically adjusts for headlight glare
from vehicles behind you. You can turn the feature on or
off by pressing the button at the base of the mirror. A light
to the left of the button will illuminate to indicate when
the dimming feature is activated. The sensor to the right
of the button does not illuminate.

NOTE: This feature is disabled when the vehicle is
moving in reverse.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

3

Automatic Dimming Mirror

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning, never
spray any cleaning solution directly onto the mirror.
Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe the
mirror clean.

82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Power Mirrors

The power mirror controls are located on the driver’s
door trim panel.

Power Mirror Switches

The power mirror controls consist of a mirror select
switch and a four-way mirror control switch. To adjust a

mirror, press the mirror select switch to either the L (left)
or R (right) to select the mirror you need to adjust.

Using the mirror control switch, press on any of the four
arrows for the direction that you want the mirror to
move.

WARNING!

Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger side mirror could cause you to collide with
another vehicle or other object. Use your inside
mirror when judging the size or distance of a vehicle
seen in the passenger side convex mirror.

Spotter Mirror — If Equipped

Some models are equipped with a driver’s side spotter
mirror. The spotter mirror allows for a greater range of
visibility on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Spotter Mirror

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83

Folding Mirrors

The exterior mirrors are hinged to allow the mirror to
pivot forward or rearward to help avoid damage. The
mirror has three detent positions: full forward, normal
and full rearward.

3

Heated Mirrors — If Equipped

These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice. This

feature is activated whenever you turn on the rear
window defroster. Refer to “Rear Window Features” in
“Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle” for fur­ther information.

Sun Visors

The driver and passenger sun visors are located on the
headliner, near the front windshield. The sun visor can be
rotated downward or up against the door glass. Both sun
visors are equipped with courtesy mirrors.

84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Sun Visor (Passenger Side Shown)

BLUE&ME™ HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION — IF EQUIPPED

Overview

Windows Mobile™-based FIAT BLUE&ME™ is a per­sonal telematic system enabling you to use communica­tion and entertainment applications expressly designed
for use in the car.

The BLUE&ME™ system installed on your car is
equipped with a hands-free kit, message reader and
media player, and it is preset for future installation of
additional services.

The BLUE&ME™ system, fully integrated with voice
commands, buttons on the steering wheel and multifunc­tion display messages, gives you the possibility of inter­acting with your Bluetooth# wireless technology mobile
phone (even if you keep it in your pocket or bag) without
having to take your eyes off the road or remove your
hands from the steering wheel. To use voice commands

you are not required to train the voice recognition system
to recognize your voice. This implies that the system is
nearly equally performing with different persons, i.e.: the
voice recognition system is of the “speaker independent”
type.

With this system you can also play your favorite music
stored on USB device and select tracks and playback
modes with both voice commands or buttons on the
steering wheel.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules
subject to the following two conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept all interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

The Hands-Free Kit

The basic characteristic of this hands-free kit is voice
recognition with Bluetooth# wireless technology. With
this system you can make and receive calls safely and
securely by using either voice commands or buttons on
the steering wheel. This can be done under any driving
condition without ever having to take your eyes off the
road or remove your hands from the steering wheel, as
required by current laws.

Bluetooth# wireless technology enables wireless connec­tion between your mobile phone and the hands-free kit
installed on your car.

To use the hands-free kit, you need a Bluetooth# wireless
technology enabled mobile phone. This hands-free kit
gives you the possibility of interacting vocally with your
mobile phone while driving, even if your mobile device
does not feature this capability. You can also interact with

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86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

your mobile phone manually and visually using the
steering wheel controls and the instrument panel multi­function display.

1—Mute/ESC 2—Phone/Main
4—VoiceRecognition(VR) 3—PhoneHangUp

For further details on the mobile phones supported by
BLUE&ME™, refer to section BLUE&ME™ SUPPORTED
MOBILE PHONES.

To get started with BLUE&ME™ hands-free kit with
voice recognition, you have to simply pair your
Bluetooth# wireless technology enabled mobile phone
with the system.

Pairing is an operation that has to be made only once.

NOTE:

•

During the mobile phone pairing procedure,
BLUE&ME™ attempts to detect a phone equipped
with Bluetooth# wireless technology within range and
then establishes the connection using a Personal Iden­tification Number (PIN).

•

Once your phone is paired, you have the option to
transfer your mobile phone contacts to the hands-free
kit, to make a phone call either by using the contacts

list or directly pronouncing the phone number, to
answer a call and also to answer another incoming
phone call.

•

To interact with BLUE&ME™ you can use either the
buttons on the steering wheel or voice commands.
With voice recognition, you can perform system func­tions by speaking voice commands, also identified as
“keywords”. When the system recognizes a keyword,
it will respond with the appropriate action. Voice
recognition is an easy and convenient way to use
BLUE&ME™.

All the system functions are available within the
BLUE&ME™ Main Menu. When the car is not moving,
you can scroll through the complete menu by using either
the buttons on the steering wheel or the voice commands.
When you are travelling, you can interact with
BLUE&ME™ by using the buttons on the steering wheel
or voice commands relevant only to phone functions

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 87

(LAST CALLS and PHONEBOOK ) and the media
player. To activate settings when travelling you can only
use voice commands.

The hands-free kit enables the following operations:

•

Contact Calling By Voice — you can call a contact in
your mobile phone phonebook using your voice. You
can also call a contact in your phonebook by scanning
through the entries on the multifunction display. (To
use this option you have to transfer your mobile phone
contacts to the hands-free kit phonebook).

•

Digit Dialing By Voice — you can dial a phone
number by pressing the VR button on the steering
wheel and speaking the digits to be dialed.

•

To Call The SMS Text Sender — call directly the last
SMS text sender or the sender of a message received
and stored in the BLUE&ME™ inbox.

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88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•

To Answer A Call — you can answer an incoming call
by pressing the MAIN/Phone button on the steering
wheel.

•

Conference Call — you can call another contact while
you are engaged in a phone conversation (with
Bluetooth# phones supporting this option).

•

Call Waiting — while engaged in a phone conversa­tion, you can receive notification of another incoming
phone call, answer the other incoming phone call, and
switch between two ongoing phone conversations.
(Call waiting is only supported by a subset of compat­ible mobile phones).

•

Refusing Incoming Call Or Ending A Call — you can
refuse an incoming call or end a current call by
pressing the Phone Hang-up button on the steering
wheel.

After you place your mobile phone in the car environ­ment and create a pairing relationship with
BLUE&ME™, you can make phone calls by speaking
keywords or pressing buttons on the steering wheel.
When using the hands-free phone, the audio output of a
phone conversation is heard through your car sound
speakers.

Message Reader

The BLUE&ME™ message reader enables automatic
reading, through the car sound system, of the SMS texts
you receive on your Bluetooth# wireless technology
mobile phone that are received when the phone is paired
and connected to BLUE&ME™ system. It does not pro­vide access to messages that were received before you
entered the car and connected with the BLUE&ME™
system. The message reader will also interpret any ab­breviation and emoticon contained in the SMS text.

NOTE: Not all mobile phones support the SMS text
message reader function or automatic phonebook trans­fer via Bluetooth#. Consult www.fiatusa.com for further
information on the list of compatible mobile phones.

Message reader functions are managed by the control
buttons on the steering wheel or by the BLUE&ME™
voice commands.

The BLUE&ME™ message reader enables the following
operations:

•

To display on the instrument panel multifunction
display a visual notification signal indicating that you
have received a new SMS text on your Bluetooth#
wireless technology mobile phone, with sender’s
number/name; BLUE&ME™ will also ask whether to
read you the message that has been received.

•

To manage the list of SMS texts received on your
BLUE&ME™ paired mobile phone.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

•

To read the messages received and stored. Messages
can be read multiple times.

•

To call the SMS text sender using the buttons on the
steering wheel or voice commands.

•

To delete individual messages or the entire inbox
using the buttons on the steering wheel or voice
commands.

The BLUE&ME™ system can also recognize and read
abbreviations, if any (e.g. “ILUVU” will be read like “I
love you”) and interpret the most usual emoticons (e.g. :-)
will be read like “Smile”), that are currently used to write
SMS texts.

Media Player

With the BLUE&ME™ media player you can play, via the
car sound system, the digital audio files stored on a USB
device by simply connecting it to the USB port located in
the glove box of the car.

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90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

In this way, while you are driving you can play your
favorite personal music collections.

•

iPod# Player — see dedicated paragraph under Media
Player Functions.

The media player enables the following operations:

•

Digital Audio Playback — you can play all your
digital audio files (.mp3,.wma,.wav,.aac) or play a
customized playlist (.m3u or. wpl format).

•

Audio File Selection By Category — you can play all
audio files of a certain category, e.g.: album, artist or
genre.

•

Playback Options — while playing tracks you can
select the following options: Play, Stop, Next track,
Previous track, Shuffle and Loop track.

NOTE:

•

The media player does not support audio files com­pressed with other formats and DRM (Digital Right
Management) protected audio files. Non-supported
audio files that may be present on the USB device will
be ignored.

•

To use the media player, you have to simply connect
(directly or by an extension lead) your USB device to
the car USB port. Turning the ignition key to ON,
BLUE&ME™ will start building your media library. At
the end of this operation you can surf the whole
library and scroll its categories as required using the
buttons on the steering wheel or voice commands.
BLUE&ME™ will then play your selection via the car
sound system.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

WARNING!

•

Operating certain parts of this system while driv­ing can distract your attention away from the road,
and possibly cause an accident or other serious
consequences; for this reason certain functions
shall be disabled by the BLUE&ME™ system until
driving conditions are secure and, if required, only
when the car is stopped.

•

Read and Follow Instructions: before using your
system, read and follow all instructions and safety
information provided in this “User’s Guide”. Not
following precautions found in this User’s Guide
can lead to an accident or other serious conse­quences.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

•

Keep the User’s Guide in the car: when kept in the
car, the User’s Guide will be a ready reference for
you and other users unfamiliar with the system.
Please make certain that before using the system
for the first time, all persons have access to the
User’s Guide and read its instructions and safety
information carefully.

SEATS

Seats are a part of the Occupant Restraint System of the
vehicle.

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92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or
outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed.

•

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts. In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.

•

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.

Front Seats Forward/Rearward Adjustment

The adjusting bar is located at the front of the seats, near
the floor.

Adjusting Bar

While sitting in the seat, lift up on the bar and move the
seat forward or rearward. Release the bar once the
desired position is reached. Then, using body pressure,
move forward and rearward on the seat to be sure that
the seat adjusters have latched.

WARNING!

•

Adjusting a seat while driving may be dangerous.
Moving a seat while driving could result in loss of
control which could cause a collision and serious
injury or death.

•

Seats should be adjusted before fastening the seat
belts and while the vehicle is parked. Serious
injury or death could result from a poorly adjusted
seat belt.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 93

3

Recline Adjustment

The recline adjustment lever is located on the inboard
side of the seat. To recline the seatback, lift up the recline
lever, lean back until the desired position has been
reached, and release the lever.

Recline Lever

WARNING!

Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the
shoulder belt is no longer resting against your chest.
In a collision you could slide under the seat belt,
which could result in serious injury or death.

94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Seat Height Adjustment

The driver’s seat height can be raised or lowered by
using a lever, located on the outboard side of the seat.
Pump the lever upward to raise the seat height, or pump
the lever downward to lower the seat height.

Height Adjuster

EZ Entry Feature

The driver and front passenger seats have an EZ entry
feature for rear seat passengers. Pull forward on the
release lever, located on the outboard side of the seatback,
dump the seatback forward, then slide the seat forward
to allow access in and out of the rear seat.

EZ Entry Lever

Lift the seatback upright and push the seat rearward to
its locked position once the rear passengers are seated.

Memory Feature

The driver seat also has a memory feature, which can
operate in two ways:

Memory Function Option 1) — Full Seat Back And
Track Fore/Aft Position Memory:

After using the EZ entry function, the seatback angle and
the Track fore/aft adjuster can both re-lock into the
position they were most recently adjusted to. This is
accomplished if the seat is moved fully rearward to its
last fore/aft position on the tracks before the seat back is
returned upright.

Memory Function Option 2) — Seat Back Only
Memory:

After using the EZ entry function, the seat back may first
be returned upright prior to going back to the last
fore/aft (memory) position on the tracks. This results in

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95

the seat back memory being set only – The track will then
be locked forward of its last set fore/aft memory posi­tion. To then reset the fore/aft track memory feature (to
reestablish memory function option 1), the seat has to be
returned fully rearward to its last fore/aft memory track
position as described in Memory function option 1).

Heated Seats — If Equipped

On some models, the front driver and passenger seats
may be equipped with heaters in both the seat cushions
and seatbacks. The controls for the front heated seats are
located on the center instrument panel area.

Press the switch once to turn on the heated
seats. Press the switch a second time to shut the
heating elements off.

NOTE: Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within two to five minutes.

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96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, ex­haustion or other physical condition must exercise
care when using the seat heater. It may cause burns
even at low temperatures, especially if used for
long periods of time.

•

Do not place anything on the seat that insulates
against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This
may cause the seat heater to overheat. Sitting in a
seat that has been overheated could cause serious
burns due to the increased surface temperature of
the seat.

Head Restraints

Head restraints are designed to reduce the risk of injury
by restricting head movement in the event of a rear

impact. Head restraints should be adjusted so that the top
of the head restraint is located above the top of your ear.

WARNING!

The head restraints for all occupants must be prop­erly adjusted before operating the vehicle or occupy­ing a seat. Head restraints should never be adjusted
while the vehicle is in motion. Driving a vehicle with
the head restraints improperly adjusted or removed
could cause serious injury or death in the event of an
accident.

Reactive Head Restraints — Front Seats

The front driver and passenger seats are equipped with
Reactive Head Restraints. In the event of a rear impact
the Reactive Head Restraints will automatically extend
forward minimizing the gap between the back of the
occupant’s head and the Reactive Head Restraint.

To raise the head restraint, pull upward on the head
restraint. To lower the head restraint, press the push
button, located at the base of the head restraint, and push
downward on the head restraint.

Push Button

The Reactive Head Restraints will automatically return to
their normal position following a rear impact. If the

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

Reactive Head Restraints do not return to their normal
position, see your authorized dealer immediately.

NOTE: The head restraints should only be removed by
qualified technicians, for service purposes only. If either
of the head restraints require removal, see your autho­rized dealer.

WARNING!

Do not place items over the top of the Reactive Head
Restraint, such as coats, seat covers or portable DVD
players. These items may interfere with the operation
of the Reactive Head Restraint in the event of a
collision and could result in serious injury or death.

Rear Head Restraints

To raise the head restraint, pull upward on the head
restraint. To lower the head restraint, press the push
button, located at the base of the head restraint, and push

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98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

downward on the head restraint. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for information on tether routing.

Rear Head Restraint

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD

To open the hood, two latches must be released.

1. Pull the bottom of the RED hood release lever, located
on the left kick panel, rearward.

Hood Release Lever