Get Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel -> Warning Lights And Messages Guide for Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

98 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Setting Menu Item

Security

Setting Name

Description

Hill Start Assist

Assists when starting a vehicle from

a stop on a hill. Refer to “Electronic

Brake Control System” in “Safety”

for further information.

Park Assist Volume

Warning Buzzer Volume

Speed Warning

Increase or decrease Park Assist

volume.

Increase or decrease the volume of

the warning buzzer.

Gives notification of when a set

speed is exceeded.

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

Red Warning Lights

The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the instrument

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 exhaus-

tive and/or alternative to the information 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 indication. All active telltales will display

first if applicable. The system check menu may appear differ-

ent based upon equipment options and current vehicle status.

Some telltales are optional and may not appear.

— Air Bag Warning Light

This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb

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

MAR/ON/RUN position. 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. This light will illuminate with a single chime

when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has been

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

comes on intermittently or remains on while driving, have

an authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 99

— Brake Warning Light

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.

This warning light monitors various brake functions, in-

cluding 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 reser-

voir.

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.

4

WARNING!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

100 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is

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

— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This warning light warns of an overheated engine condi-

tion. If the engine coolant temperature is too high, this

indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound. If

the temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous

chime will sound for four minutes or until the engine is

able to cool: whichever comes first.

NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is

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

— Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning

Light

This warning light will illuminate to inform of 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

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.

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

engine off immediately and call for service.

Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of

Emergency” for further information.

— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light

When the ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or

MAR/ON/RUN position, if the driver’s seat belt is un-

buckled, 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 Reminder Light will flash

or remain on continuously and a chime will sound. Refer to

“Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for further infor-

mation.

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

MAR/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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 101

— Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light

— Transmission Fault Warning Light

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

the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system. Refer to “Power

Steering” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-

tion.

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.

4

— Oil Pressure Warning Light

WARNING!

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.

Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a

safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be

obtained as soon as possible.

— Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped

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.

This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately 15

seconds when the vehicle security alarm is arming, and

then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.

— Oil Pressure Sensor Failure Warning Light

— Battery Charge Warning Light

This light will illuminate if there is a failure of the oil

pressure sensor. If this light illuminates, take it to an

authorized dealer and have them inspect it.

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.

— Door Open Warning Light

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

not fully closed.

This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system

or a related component.

102 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

will also be a single chime.

— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning

Light — If Equipped

The “ESC Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come

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

RUN position, and when ESC is activated. It should go out

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.

— Liftgate Open Warning Light

This indicator will illuminate when the liftgate is open/

ajar/not fully closed.

Yellow Warning Lights

— Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The

light will turn on when the ignition is placed in the

ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position and may stay on

for as long as four seconds.

• 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/ON/RUN position.

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. However, the conventional

brake system will continue to operate normally if the brake

warning light is not on.

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

ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was

turned off previously.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced

as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock

Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition

is placed in the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position,

have the light 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.

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

event.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 103

— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Warning

Light — If Equipped

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

hicle will drive normally and will not require towing.

This warning light indicates the Electronic Stability Control

(ESC) is off.

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.

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.

4

— Low Fuel Indicator Light

WARNING!

When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal (11.0 L)

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

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.

— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning

Light (MIL)

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.

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.

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

104 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

— Passenger Air Bag Indicator Light

CAUTION!

This light should come and remain on for four to eight seconds

as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned to the

AVV/START or MAR/ON/RUN position. If the light stays

on, or comes on while driving it may indicate a problem with

a passenger air bag system, if the light flickers it may indicate

an air bag warning light failure. Have an authorized dealer

service the air bag system immediately.

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 an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

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

on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you

should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for

those tires.)

— Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Warning Light

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.

Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned

above, the display will show the indications corresponding

to each tire.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 105

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.

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.

4

CAUTION!

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.

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

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.

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

minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This

sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups

as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction

106 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Yellow Indicator Lights

— 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.

— 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:

— Fuel Level Sensor Failure

• Direction Indicators

• Backup Lights

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.

• Parking Lights

— Icy Road Condition Indicator Light — If

Equipped

• Daytime Running Lights

• License Plate Lights

This light will illuminate during an icy road condition.

The failure relating to these lights could be:

• One or more blown bulbs

— Rear Defrost Light

This indicator will illuminate when the rear window

defroster is on. The rear window defroster automatically

turns off after 20 minutes.

• A blown protection fuse

• A break in the electrical connection

— Fuel Cutoff Indicator Light — If Equipped

This telltale will illuminate after an accident has occurred,

and the system has shut the fuel off.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107

CAUTION!

WARNING!

Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to

the heating elements:

If you continue operating the vehicle when the Trans-

mission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated you

could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with

hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.

• Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-

dow. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on the

interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth and a

mild washing solution, wiping parallel to the heat-

ing elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking

with warm water.

• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive

window cleaners on the interior surface of the win-

dow.

4

CAUTION!

Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-

ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause

severe transmission damage or transmission failure.

— Immobilizer Fail / VPS Electrical Alarm

Indicator Light

• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.

— Transmission Temperature Warning Light

This telltale will illuminate when the vehicle security alarm

system has detected an attempt to break into the vehicle.

This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature

is running hot. This may occur with severe usage, such as

trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and

stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into PARK

and run the engine at idle or slightly higher until the light

turns off.

108 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Green Indicator Lights

NOTE:

• A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven

— Cruise Control Set Indicator Light — If

Equipped

more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.

• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either

This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control

is set to the desired speed. Refer to “Speed Control” in

“Starting And Operating” for further information.

indicator flashes at a rapid rate.

White Indicator Lights

— Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped

— Cruise Control On Light — If Equipped

This indicator light will illuminate when the front fog

lights are on.

This light will turn on when the cruise control has been

turned on, but a speed is not selected. Refer to “Speed

Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-

tion.

— Park/Headlight On Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the park lights or

headlights are turned on.

— Cruise Control Cancelled Light — If Equipped

This indicator will illuminate when a set cruise control

value has been cancelled by the driver, but cruise control is

still enabled. Refer to “Speed Control” in “Starting And

Operating” for further information.

— Turn Signal Indicator Lights

When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn

signal indicator will flash independently and the corre-

sponding exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals

can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved

down (left) or up (right).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109

— Speed Warning Indicator Light — If Equipped

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II

When Set Speed Warning is turned on, the speed warning

telltale will illuminate in the instrument cluster with a

number matching the set speed. When the set speed is

exceeded, the indication will light up yellow and flash

along with a continuous chime (up to ten seconds or until

the speed is no longer exceeded). Speed Warning can be

turned on and off in the instrument cluster display, for

further information refer to “Instrument Cluster Display

Menu Items” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel.”

Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard Diag-

nostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the perfor-

mance of the emissions, engine, and transmission control sys-

tems. When these systems are operating properly, your vehicle

will provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as

engine emissions well within current government regulations.

4

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system

will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will

also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist

your service technician in making repairs. Although your

vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see

an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.

The number “55” is only an example of a speed that can be

set.

Blue Indicator Lights

CAUTION!

— High Beam Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high

beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated,

push the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of

the vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunc-

tion lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn

off the high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever

toward you for a temporary high beam on, Љflash to passЉ

scenario.

• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause

further damage to the emission control system. It

could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The

vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests

can be performed.

• If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running,

severe catalytic converter damage and power loss

will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel -> Warning Lights And Messages for Your Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

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