Get GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL -> WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES Guide for Fiat 500 C 2 Door Second Generation (2016-2020)

86 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Instantaneous Fuel Economy

Red Warning Lights

This indicates the fuel consumption. The value is con-

stantly updated. The message “----” will appear on the

display if the vehicle is parked with the engine running.

— Air Bag Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault with

the air bag, and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a

bulb check when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or

ACC/ON/RUN position. This light will illuminate with a

single chime when a fault with the air bag has been

detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light

is either not on during startup, stays on, or turns on while

driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer

as soon as possible.

Average Speed

This value shows the vehicle’s average speed as a function

of the overall time elapsed since the last reset.

Travel Time

This value shows the time elapsed since the last reset.

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

— Brake Warning Light

The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the instru-

ment panel together with a dedicated message and/or

acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are

indicative and precautionary and as such must not be

considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the infor-

mation contained in the Owner’s Manual, which you are

advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the

information in this chapter in the event of a failure indica-

tion. All active telltales will display first if applicable. The

system check menu may appear different based upon

equipment options and current vehicle status. Some tell-

tales are optional and may not appear.

This warning light monitors various brake functions, includ-

ing brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the

brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is

applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a

problem with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been

disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the

master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake

hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the

Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake

System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 87

In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has

been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake

booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake,

and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution

(EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning

Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate

repair to the ABS system is required.

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity

in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic

system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is

indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on

when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has

dropped below a specified level.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by

turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the

ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for ap-

proximately two seconds. The light should then turn off

unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is

detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light

inspected by an authorized dealer.

4

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

NOTE: The light may flash momentarily during sharp

cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions.

The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake

fluid level checked.

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is

applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.

NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is

applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.

— Battery Charge Warning Light

WARNING!

This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not

charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is run-

ning, there may be a malfunction with the charging system.

Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is

dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.

It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have

a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system

or a related component.

88 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

— Door Open Warning Light

PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light

remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will

usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for

service as soon as possible.

This indicator will illuminate when one or more door(s) are

not fully closed.

NOTE: If the vehicle is moving and a door is opened, there

will also be a single chime.

NOTE: This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake

pedals are pressed at the same time.

— Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light

If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,

immediate service is required and you may experience

reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine

stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will

come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or

ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb

check. If the light does not come on during starting, have

the system checked by an authorized dealer.

This warning light will turn on when there’s a fault with the

EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Refer to “Power Steer-

ing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a

safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be

obtained as soon as possible.

— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the

engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator will

illuminate and a single chime will sound.

— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem

with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a

problem is detected while the vehicle is running, the light

will either stay on or flash depending on the nature of the

problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and

completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop

the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift

the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the

temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 89

engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to “If

Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for

further information.

the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and if the

driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound and the

light will turn on. When driving, if the driver or front

passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Re-

minder Light will flash or remain on continuously and a

chime will sound.

— Hood Open Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate when the hood is left

open and not fully closed.

4

Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for

further information.

— Liftgate Open Warning Light

This indicator will illuminate when the liftgate is open/

ajar/not fully closed.

— Transmission Fault Warning Light

This light will illuminate (together with a message in the

instrument cluster display and a buzzer) to indicate a

transmission fault. Contact an authorized dealer if the

message remains after restarting the engine.

— Oil Pressure Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate low engine

oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the

vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as possible, and contact

an authorized dealer. A chime will sound when this light

turns on.

Yellow Warning Lights

— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light

This warning light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System

(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition is placed in

the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on

for as long as four seconds.

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This

light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The

engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then

the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not function-

ing and service is required as soon as possible. However,

This warning light indicates when the driver or passenger

seat belt is unbuckled. When the ignition is first placed in

90 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the conventional brake system will continue to operate

normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.

• Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or MAR

(ACC/ON/RUN), the ESC system will be on, even if it

was turned off previously.

If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is

placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have

the brake system inspected by an authorized dealer.

• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds

when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop

when ESC becomes inactive.

— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning

Light — If Equipped

• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC

event.

The “ESC Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will

come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or

MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, and when ESC is acti-

vated. It should turn off with the engine running. If the

“ESC Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the

engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the

ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition

cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles

(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see

your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the

problem diagnosed and corrected.

— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Warning

Light — If Equipped

This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is

off.

Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or ACC/ON/

RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was turned off

previously.

— External Light Failure Indicator Light — If

Equipped

The External Light Failure Indicator will come on when a

failure to one of the following lights is detected:

• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Indicator

Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition is

placed in the ON/RUN or MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)

position.

• Direction Indicators

• Backup Lights

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91

• Parking Lights

— Hill Holder Failure Warning Light

• Daytime Running Lights

This warning light will illuminate when the Hill Holder

System is not functioning properly and service is required.

Contact an authorized dealer.

• License Plate Lights

The failure relating to these lights could be:

• One or more blown bulbs

— Low Fuel Warning Light

4

When the fuel level reaches approximately 1–1.3 gal (3–5 L)

this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.

• A blown protection fuse

• A break in the electrical connection

— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning

Light (MIL)

— Fuel Cutoff Warning Light — If Equipped

The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a

part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that

monitors engine and automatic transmission control sys-

tems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition

is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb

does not come on when turning the ignition switch from

OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

This warning light will illuminate after an accident has

occurred, and the system has shut the fuel off.

— Fuel Cutoff Failure Light — If Equipped

This light will illuminate if there is a fuel cutoff failure. If

this light illuminates, take it to an authorized dealer and

have them inspect it.

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor

quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.

The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through

several typical driving styles. In most situations, the ve-

hicle will drive normally and will not require towing.

— Generic Warning Light

The Generic Warning Light will illuminate if any of the

following conditions occur: Oil Change Request, Engine

Oil Pressure Sensor Failure, External Light Failure, Fuel

Cut-Off Not Available, Parking Sensor Failure, DST System

Failure.

92 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert

serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of

power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle

should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as

possible if this occurs.

— ParkSense Failure Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the ParkSense

System is not functioning properly and service is required.

Contact an authorized dealer.

— Service Warning Light — If Equipped

WARNING!

The “Maintenance Plan” includes vehicle maintenance at

fixed intervals. For further information, refer to ꢀScheduled

Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance”. This message is

displayed automatically along with the warning light when

the key is turned to MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) - 1,242 miles

(2,000 km) before these deadlines and reappears every

124 miles (200 km). Below 124 miles (200 km) servicing

indications are more frequent. The indication will appear in

miles or kilometers according to the ꢀUnit Of Measurementꢀ

settings. When the next scheduled service is approaching

and the key is turned to MAR (ACC/ON/RUN), the word

“Service” will appear on the display, followed by the number

of miles or kilometers left. Contact a dedicated authorized

dealership. The operations in the “Maintenance Plan” will be

performed and the message will be reset.

A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced

above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal

operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive

slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry

plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death

or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator

Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle

control system. It also could affect fuel economy and

driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic

converter damage and power loss will soon occur.

Immediate service is required.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 93

— Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Warning Light

on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you

should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for

those tires.)

The warning light switches on and a message is displayed

to indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recom-

mended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring.

In these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption

may not be guaranteed.

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been

equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or

more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-

ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you

should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and

inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-

cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and

can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel

efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s

handling and stopping ability.

4

Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned

above, the display will show the indications corresponding

to each tire.

CAUTION!

Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as

handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle,

avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture

occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated tire

repair kit and contact your authorized dealer as soon as

possible.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire

maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to main-

tain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not

reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low

tire pressure telltale.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be

checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation

pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the

vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your

vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunc-

tion indicator to indicate when the system is not operating

properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined

with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects

a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one

94 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This

sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups

as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction

indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to

detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS

malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including

the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels

on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning

properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after

replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to

ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels

allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

CAUTION! (Continued)

Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become inoper-

able. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is

recommended that you take your vehicle to your au-

thorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.

— Immobilizer Vehicle Theft Alarm Warning

Light

This warning light will illuminate when the vehicle secu-

rity alarm system has detected an attempt to break into the

vehicle.

— Fuel Level Sensor Failure

CAUTION!

This light illuminates when there is a fuel level sensor

failure. If this light illuminates, take it to an authorized

dealer and have them inspect it.

The TPMS has been optimized for the original equip-

ment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning

have been established for the tire size equipped on

your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor

damage may result when using replacement equip-

ment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.

Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using

aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure

Yellow Indicator Lights

— Icy Road Condition Indicator Light — If

Equipped

This light will illuminate during an icy road condition.

(Continued)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL -> WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES for Your Fiat 500 C 2 Door Second Generation (2016-2020)

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