Fiat 500L (2019 year). Manual — part 15

CAUTION!

• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead

to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL
for at least one minute after every five rocking-
motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure during pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle.

• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between

DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast

may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

NOTE:

This section describes procedures for towing a

disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.

Towing Condition

Wheels

OFF The Ground

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

Dolly Tow

Front

OK

Rear

NOT ALLOWED

Flatbed

ALL

BEST METHOD

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equip-
ment designed for this purpose, following equipment manu-
facturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.

Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural
members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brackets.
State and local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be
observed.

7

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

233

CAUTION!

• Do not use sling type equipment when towing.

Vehicle damage may occur.

• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not

attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defroster, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON/RUN
position.
• Vehicle can be towed with the front wheels elevated.
• Vehicle can be towed on a flatbed truck (all wheels off

the ground).

If the ignition key is unavailable, or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Gear Selector Override” in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK in
order to move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an

automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result. If these vehicles require towing, make
sure all drive wheels are OFF the ground.

• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-

ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)

This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.

Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety”
for further information on the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System (EARS) function.

234

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record data that
will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed under certain crash or near crash-like situations,
such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle.

Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety”
for further information on the Event Data Recorder (EDR).

7

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

235

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

CONTENTS

䡵 SCHEDULED SERVICING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239

▫ Maintenance Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .242

䡵 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO . . . . .243

▫ Checking Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
▫ Adding Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245

䡵 DEALER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
▫ Engine Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250

▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260

䡵 RAISING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262
䡵 TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262

▫ Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262
▫ Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
▫ Tire Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277
▫ Wheel And Wheel Trim Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
▫ Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . .282

8

䡵 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM

TIRE QUALITY GRADES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283

▫ Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
▫ Traction Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
▫ Temperature Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284

䡵 VEHICLE STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
䡵 BODYWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285

▫ Protection From Atmospheric Agents . . . . . . . .285

▫ Body And Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .286
▫ Preserving The Bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286

䡵 INTERIORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287

▫ Seats And Fabric Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287
▫ Plastic And Coated Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288
▫ Leather Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289
▫ Glass Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289

238

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING

Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.

Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
This means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer
tow and extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will
influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Re-
quired” message is displayed. Severe operating conditions
can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).

An authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
an authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring
to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change inter-

vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months, or 350
hours of engine run time: whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.

Severe Duty All Models

Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and
off-road environment, or is operated predominately at idle
or only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual

wear or damage.

• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and brake

master cylinder reservoir, and fill as needed.

• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

239

Maintenance Plan

Required Maintenance Intervals

Refer to the maintenance plan on the following pages for
the required maintenance intervals.

At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil

Change Indicator System:

• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular

wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.

At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil

Change Indicator System:

• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as

required.

• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Check and adjust hand brake.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or

off-road conditions.

Mileage or time passed (which-

ever comes first)

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

1

10,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Or Years:

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers:

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

1

12,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Additional Inspections

Inspect the CV joints.

X

X

X

X

X

Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends and boot seals, and replace
if necessary.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

240

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed (which-

ever comes first)

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

1

10,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Or Years:

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers:

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

1

12,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Inspect the brake linings, parking
brake function.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Additional Maintenance

Replace engine air filter.

X

X

X

X

X

Replace cabin air filter.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Replace brake fluid every two
years. *

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Clean and lube sun roof tracks.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Replace spark plugs. **

X

X

X

X

X

Flush and replace the engine cool-
ant at 10 years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever comes
first.

X

X

Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary.

X

Replace the timing belt.

X

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

241

* The brake fluid change interval is time based only,
mileage intervals do not apply.

** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.

WARNING!

• You can be badly injured working on or around a

motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle

could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.

Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle

Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominately at idle or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.

242

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO

1 — Air Cleaner Filter

4 — Battery

7 — Coolant Pressure Cap

2 — Engine Oil Dipstick

5 — Front Distribution Unit (Fuses)

8 — Coolant Pressure Bottle

3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

9 — Oil Fill Cap

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

243

Checking Oil Level

To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.

There are three possible dipstick types,
• Crosshatched zone.
• Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
• Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of

the range and MAX at the high end of the range.

• Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN and

the MAX ends of the range.

NOTE:

Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch

markings on the dipstick.

Adding 1 quart (1.0 liters) of oil when the reading is at the
low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the
high end of the range marking.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.

Adding Washer Fluid

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment, and the fluid level should be checked
at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not engine coolant/ antifreeze). Refer to
“Engine Compartment” in this section for further informa-
tion.

WARNING!

Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.

244

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance-Free Battery

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.

WARNING!

• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can

burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over
a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump Starting
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.

• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame

or sparks away from the battery. Do not use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.

• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-

tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that

should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).

CAUTION!

• It is essential when replacing the cables on the

battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal
posts and free of corrosion.

• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the

vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before
connecting the charger to the battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

245

DEALER SERVICE

An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,
special tools, and equipment to perform all service opera-
tions in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available
which include detailed service information for your ve-
hicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any
procedure yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-

tems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

Engine Oil

Change Engine Oil

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for further information.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change inter-

vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.

Engine Oil Selection

For best performance and maximum protection for turbo-
charged engines under all types of operating conditions,
the manufacturer recommends synthetic engine oils that
are API Certified and meet the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-12991.

246

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API). The manu-
facturer only recommends API Cer-
tified engine oils.

This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and
10W-30 engine oils.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Viscosity — 1.4L Turbo Engine
(SAE Grade)

Mopar SAE 5W-40 full synthetic engine oil is recom-
mended for all operating temperatures. This engine oil
improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel
economy.

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certifi-
cation mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number
should not be used.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further infor-
mation.

Synthetic Engine Oils

You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are
followed.

Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

247

Materials Added To Engine Oil

The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.

Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters

Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact an authorized dealer, service station
or governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.

Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at
every engine oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection

This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality oil filters
and are recommended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.

NOTE:

Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”

maintenance interval if applicable.

WARNING!

The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the ve-
hicle with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection

The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. Mopar engine air cleaner
filters are a high quality filter and are recommended.

248

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE