Fiat 500 Gucci (2012 year). Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . . . 203
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . 203
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
▫ Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

䡵 Manual Transmission — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 205

▫ Five-Speed Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 205

▫ Recommended Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

䡵 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped . . . . . . 207

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 208
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . 208
▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

䡵 AutoStick威 — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

▫ Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

䡵 Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
䡵 Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . . . 222
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . 223

䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 224

䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 225

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 226
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 227
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . 228
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

And ESC Off Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 236
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . 237

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STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 238

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 244
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
▫ Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 251

䡵 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . . . 252

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 258
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

STARTING AND OPERATING

201

STARTING PROCEDURES

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

WARNING!

Never leave children in the vehicle alone. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. The child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. The child could operate
power windows, other controls or move the vehicle.

Manual Transmission – If Equipped

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

Automatic Transmission – If Equipped

The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
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.

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203

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 electric engine block heater is available as
optional equipment or from your authorized dealer.

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 SAE 5W-30 oil and adher-
ing to the prescribed oil change intervals is important
to prevent engine damage and ensure satisfactory
starting in cold conditions.

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.

CAUTION!

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

it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission 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.

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)

• To prevent damage to the starter, do not continu-

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

After Starting

The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.

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 al-
ways 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
gearshift lever to the right and then backward.

Shift Lever

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205

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.

For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 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 (ap-
proximately 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 pro-
duced, the pause length should be increased.

NOTE:

• Clashing REVERSE gear, especially if vehicle is mov-

ing, 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

Accel-

eration

Rate

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

1.4L

Accel

14 (23) 23 (37)

29 (47)

38 (61)

Cruise

12 (19) 18 (29)

25 (40)

32 (52)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Downshifting

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.

CAUTION!

If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.

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

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

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Move the shift lever into PARK only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.

• Do not move the shift lever between PARK, RE-

VERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.

• Before moving the shift lever 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.

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207

WARNING!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or
in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to rotating the key fob to the LOCK/OFF position.
The key fob can only be removed from the ignition when
the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and once
removed, the shift lever is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK/
OFF position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to the
ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

The shift lever position display (located in the instrument
panel cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. You
must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of
the PARK position (Refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new

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STARTING AND OPERATING

vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the

vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.

The transmission shift lever has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual shifts can
be made using the AutoStick

威 shift control (refer to

“AutoStick

威” in “Starting and Operating” for further

information). Moving the shift lever forward or rearward
(–/ +) while in the AutoStick

威 position (beside the

DRIVE position) will manually select the transmission
gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument
cluster as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.

Shift Lever

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209

Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving vehicle in
this range.

When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever rearward (with the brake
pedal released) after you have placed it in PARK.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.

(Continued)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK

or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in reverse. 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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 apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is
removed, the shift lever is locked in the PARK
position, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement. Furthermore, you should never leave
unattended children inside a vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving

unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the
ignition key in the vehicle. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

211

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever in the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever all the

way forward and to the left until it stops and is fully
seated.

• Look at the shift lever position display and verify that

it indicates the PARK position.

• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

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Fiat 500 Gucci (2012 year). Manual - part 13