Fiat 500 (2019 year). Manual

two posts. If not possible, lower the head restraint and
pass the tether strap around the outboard side of the
head restraint.

3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the

top tether anchorage as shown in the diagram.

4. Remove slack in the tether strap according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING!

• An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to

increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchorage position directly be-
hind the child seat to secure a child restraint top
tether strap.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear seat,

make sure the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack
in the 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 injure a passenger during panic braking or in a
collision.

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

Rear Seat Tether Strap Mounting

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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.

• 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 even-
tually 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.

• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/

rear doors 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 con-
trols 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.

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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, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-
haust 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 seat 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 web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or
retractor condition, replace the seat belt.

Air Bag Warning Light

The Air Bag warning light

will turn on for four to

eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch

is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. After the bulb check, this light will
illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air
Bag System has been detected. It will stay on until the
fault is removed. If the light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately.

Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information.

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 an autho-
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.

Floor Mat Safety Information

Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle. Only
use a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
that is securely attached using the floor mat fasteners so it

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155

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cannot slip out of position and interfere with the accelera-
tor, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe operation of your
vehicle in other ways.

WARNING!

An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or stacked
floor mat, or damaged floor mat fasteners may cause
your floor mat to interfere with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
• ALWAYS securely attach

your floor mat using the

floor mat fasteners. DO NOT install your floor mat
upside down or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull
to confirm mat is secured using the floor mat fasten-
ers on a regular basis.

• ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR MAT

FROM THE VEHICLE

before installing any other

floor mat. NEVER install or stack an additional floor
mat on top of an existing floor mat.

• ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.

NEVER install a floor mat that cannot be properly
attached and secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat
needs to be replaced, only use a FCA approved floor

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

mat for the specific make, model, and year of your
vehicle.

• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the driver’s

side floor area. To check for interference, with the
vehicle properly parked with the engine off, fully
depress the accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of any pedal,
or is not secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.

• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on the

passenger’s side floor area.

• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into

the driver’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.

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

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

(Continued)

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SAFETY

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WARNING! (Continued)

• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-

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

• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water

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

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

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

Lights

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

Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

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

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STARTING PROCEDURES

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

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

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

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

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

Manual Transmission — If Equipped

Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking
ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.

Automatic Transmission

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

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting out

of PARK.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

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

Cold Weather Operation

To prevent possible engine damage while starting at low
temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit engine cranking
when the ambient temperature is less than –22° F (–30° C)
and the oil temperature sensor reading indicates an engine
block heater has not been used. An externally-powered

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electric engine block heater is available as optional equip-
ment from your authorized dealer or may be standard
equipment in some markets.

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

CAUTION!

Use of the recommended oil and adhering to the
prescribed oil change intervals is important to prevent
engine damage and ensure satisfactory starting in cold
conditions.

Extended Park Starting

NOTE:

Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle

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

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

to ensure a full battery charge during the crank cycle.

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

when the engine starts.

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

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

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

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

CAUTION!

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

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

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

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CAUTION!

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.

• To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously

crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

After Starting

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

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

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

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

CAUTION!

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

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

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

PARKING BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the manual
transmission in REVERSE or first gear.

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

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

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

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

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

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

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

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

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

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or

(Continued)

Parking Brake

164

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WARNING! (Continued)

injury. Also be certain to leave a manual transmis-
sion in FIRST gear or REVERSE gear. Failure to do so
may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.

CAUTION!

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

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle
unattended without having the parking brake fully
applied. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.

Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal.

NOTE:

To shift into REVERSE from NEUTRAL, lift the

ring under the knob and, at the same time move the gear
selector to the right and then backward.

Use each gear in numerical order; do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, not third, when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can
result from starting in third gear.

Gear Selector

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For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only the
lower gears. For steady highway driving with light accel-
erations, fifth gear is recommended.

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, and
never try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.

REVERSE gear is not synchronized and the vehicle must be
at a complete stop to shift into REVERSE gear. When
selecting REVERSE gear, the driver should pause (approxi-
mately 2 seconds) after pushing in the clutch pedal and
prior to shifting into REVERSE which allows gears to stop
spinning. Should an unwanted clash noise be produced,
the pause length should be increased.

NOTE:
• Clashing REVERSE gear, especially if vehicle is moving,

can result in transmission damage.

• During cold weather, until the transmission lubricant is

warm, you may experience slightly higher shift efforts.
This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.

Recommended Shift Speeds

To use your manual transmission for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in the following table.

Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds

Units In mph (km/h)

Engine Size

Acceleration Rate

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

1.4L Turbo

Accel

(23)

(37)

(47)

(61)

Cruise

(19)

(29)

(40)

(52)

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NOTE:

A certain amount of noise from the transmission is

normal. This noise can be most noticeable when the vehicle
is idling in NEUTRAL with the clutch engaged (clutch
pedal released), but it may also be heard when driving. The
noise may also be more noticeable when the transmission is
warm. This noise is normal and is not an indication of a
problem with your clutch or transmission.

Downshifting

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and pro-
long engine life.

CAUTION!

If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift at
too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may cause
the engine to over speed if too low of a gear is selected
and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to the clutch
and the transmission can result from skipping a gear
while downshifting or down shifting at too high of a
vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal is held pressed
(i.e., not released).

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down
to second or first when descending a steep grade.

When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

WARNING!

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

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

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

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

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-

tion key from the vehicle and lock the 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 trans-
mission gear selector.

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

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

CAUTION!

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

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

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

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

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

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

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

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

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Fiat 500 (2019 year). Manual - part 10