Fiat 500 Gucci (2012 year). Manual

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert

姞

)

BeltAlert

威 is a feature intended to remind the driver and

front passenger (if equipped with front passenger
BeltAlert

威) 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

威 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 occu-
pants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat belt is

unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than 5 mph
(8 km/h), BeltAlert

威 will provide both audio and visual

notification.

The front passenger seat BeltAlert

威 is not active when the

front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert

威 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

威 can be enabled or disabled by your authorized

dealer. FIAT Group Automobiles does not recommend
deactivating BeltAlert

威.

NOTE:

Although BeltAlert

威 has been deactivated, the

Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver’s or front passenger (if equipped with
BeltAlert

威) seat belt remains unfastened.

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 ex-
tender 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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,

Advanced Front Air Bag And Knee Bolster Locations

1 — Driver And Passenger Ad-

vanced Front Air Bags

3 — Supplemental Driver Side

Knee Air Bag

2 — Knee Bolster

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 Seat-
Mounted 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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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)

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.

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.

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 Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag (SAB) Label

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the

interior trim, but they will open during air bag deploy-
ment.

The system includes side impact sensors that are cali-
brated 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)

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)

Label Location

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 perma-
nent 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 pas-
senger 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, Supplemen-
tal Driver Side Knee Air Bag, Supplemental Side Air Bag
Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), Supplemental Seat-Mounted

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 protec-
tion 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.

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 acci-
dents, 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.

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 approxi-
mately 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 instru-
ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos-
tics also record the nature of the malfunction.

WARNING!

Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment 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 Ad-
vanced 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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

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

event, the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing 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.

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 com-
partment 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.

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
BLINKS.

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
Switch Must be placed in Neutral State).

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

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 sec-
onds, 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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 in-
structions for cleaning.

Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have de-
ployed. 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 retrac-
tor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer im-
mediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC) system serviced as well.

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, includ-
ing 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 autho-
rized dealer.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Fiat 500 Gucci (2012 year). Manual - part 3