Get Getting To Know Your Vehicle -> Climate Controls Guide for Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

50 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Pushing the windshield wiper lever forward activates the

rear window washer. Keep the windshield wiper lever

pushed for more than half a second to activate the rear

window wiper as well. Releasing the windshield wiper

lever will activate the smart washing function.

CLIMATE CONTROLS

The Climate Control System allows you to regulate the

temperature, air flow, and direction of air circulating

throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the

touchscreen (if equipped) and on the instrument panel

below the radio.

Manual Climate Control Overview

Rear Window Washer Operation

Deactivation

The function stops when the windshield wiper lever is

released.

Manual Climate Controls

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 51

Manual Climate Control Descriptions

Icon

Description

A/C Button

3

Push the A/C button to engage the Air Conditioning (A/C). A LED will illuminate when the

A/C system is engaged.

Recirculation Button

Psuh and release this button to change the system between recirculation mode and outside air

mode. Recirculation can be used when outside air conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or

high humidity are present. Recirculation can be used in all modes except for Defrost. Recircula-

tion may be unavailable if conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the wind-

shield. The A/C can be deselected manually without disturbing the mode control selection.

Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make the inside air stuffy and window fogging

may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.

Rear Defrost Button

Push and release the Rear Defrost Control button to turn on the rear window defroster and the

heated outside mirrors (if equipped). An indicator will illuminate when the rear window de-

froster is on. The rear window defroster automatically turns off after twenty minutes.

Temperature Control

Use this control to regulate the temperature of the air inside the passenger compartment. Rotat-

ing the knob counterclockwise, from top center into the blue area of the scale, indicates cooler

temperatures. Rotating the knob clockwise, into the red area, indicates warmer temperatures.

52 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Icon

Description

Blower Control

There are seven blower speeds. Use this control to regulate the amount of air forced through the

system in any mode you select. The blower speed increases as you move the control clockwise

from the off position.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration, your vehicle may be equipped with four blower

speeds.

Panel Mode

Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel. Each of these outlets can be individually

adjusted to direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets and outboard outlets can be

moved up and down or side to side to regulate airflow direction. There is a shut off wheel lo-

cated below the air vanes to shut off or adjust the amount of airflow from these outlets.

Bi-Level Mode

Air comes from the instrument panel outlets and floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed

through the defrost and side window demister outlets.

NOTE: Bi-Level mode is designed under comfort conditions to provide cooler air out of the

panel outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.

Floor Mode

Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed through the defrost and side

window demister outlets.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 53

Icon

Description

Mix Mode

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demister outlets. This setting works

best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good

for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

3

Front Defrost

Mode

Front Defrost Mode

Turn the knob clockwise to change the current airflow setting to Defrost mode. Air comes from

the windshield and side window demist outlets. Use Defrost mode with maximum temperature

settings for best windshield and side window defrosting and defogging.

Additional Electric Heater — If Equipped

• Fan speed set to 1st speed;

• Temperature Control knob turned completely clockwise

The additional electric heater ensures more rapid passen-

ger compartment heating.

to red section.

The heater is switched off when at least one of the

conditions above is no longer verified.

It activates in cold weather conditions, if the following

conditions are verified:

• Outside temperature low;

• Engine coolant temperature low;

• Engine on;

NOTE: The power of the electric heater is modulated

according to the battery voltage.

54 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Climate Control Overview

Automatic Climate Controls

Automatic Climate Control Descriptions

Icon

Description

A/C Button

Push and release to change the current setting, the indicator illuminates when A/C is on. Per-

forming this function again will cause the A/C operation to switch into manual mode and the

A/C indicator will turn off.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 55

Icon

Description

Recirculation Button

Push and release this button to change the system between Recirculation mode and outside air

mode. Recirculation can be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or high

humidity are present. Recirculation can be used in all modes. Recirculation may be unavailable

if conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the windshield. The A/C can be

deselected manually without disturbing the mode control selection. Continuous use of the Recir-

culation mode may make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended use of

this mode is not recommended.

3

AUTO Button

Automatically controls the interior cabin temperature by adjusting airflow distribution and

amount. Performing this function will cause the system to switch between manual mode and

automatic modes.

Refer to “Automatic Operation” within this section for more information.

Front Defrost Button

Push and release to change the current airflow setting to Defrost mode. The indicator illumi-

nates when this feature is on. Air comes from the windshield and side window demist outlets.

When the defrost button is selected, the blower level will increase. Use Defrost mode with maxi-

mum temperature settings for best windshield and side window defrosting and defogging. Per-

forming this function will cause the ATC to switch into manual mode. If the front defrost mode

is turned off the climate system will return the previous setting.

56 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Icon

Description

Rear Defrost Button

Push and release the Rear Defrost Control button to turn ON the rear window defroster and the

heated outside mirrors (if equipped). An indicator will illuminate when the rear window de-

froster is on. The rear window defroster automatically turns off after twenty minutes.

Passenger Temperature Knob

Provides the passenger with independent temperature control. Rotate the knob clockwise for

warmer temperature settings. Rotate the knob counterclockwise for cooler temperature settings.

When the SYNC feature is active, the passenger’s temperature will move with the driver’s tem-

perature. Acting on the passenger’s temperature will cause the Sync feature turn off.

Blower Control Knob

Blower Control is used to regulate the amount of air forced through the climate system. There

are eight blower speeds available. The speeds can be selected using the blower control knob on

the faceplate. The blower speed increases as you turn the blower control knob clockwise from

the lowest blower setting. The blower speed decreases as you turn the blower control knob

counterclockwise.

Mode Control: Below are the modes of air distribution that can be selected individually, or in combination with each

other to reach a desired distribution mode.

Windshield Mode Windshield Mode

Air comes from the outlets directed at the windshield meant for defrosting, and side window

demisting. This setting works best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the

windshield.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 57

Icon

Description

Panel Mode

Air comes from the outlets in the instrument panel. Each of these outlets can be individually

adjusted to direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets and outboard outlets can be

moved up and down or side to side to regulate airflow direction. There is a shut off wheel lo-

cated below the air vanes to shut off or adjust the amount of airflow from these outlets.

3

Floor Mode

Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed through the defrost and side

window demister outlets.

Climate Control Power Button

Push and release this button to turn the Climate Control on/off.

Driver Temperature Knob

Provides the driver with independent temperature control. Rotate the knob clockwise for warmer

temperature settings. Rotate the knob counterclockwise for cooler temperature settings. When the

SYNC feature is active, the driver’s temperature will also manage the passenger’s temperature.

System Maintenance

NOTE: The system uses R-1234yf coolant which does not

pollute the environment in the event of accidental leakage.

Under no circumstances is the use of R-134a allowed.

In winter, the climate control system must be turned on at

least once a month for about ten minutes.

Have the system inspected at an authorized dealership

before the summer.

58 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Climate Control Functions

Recirculation

In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may lead to

excessive window fogging. The Recirculation feature may

be unavailable if conditions exist that could create fogging

on the inside of the windshield.

A/C (Air Conditioning)

The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator to

manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning sys-

tem. When the air conditioning system is turned on, cool

dehumidified air will flow through the outlets into the

cabin. For improved fuel economy, push the A/C button to

turn off the air conditioning and manually adjust the

blower and airflow mode settings. Also, make sure to select

only Panel, Bi-Level or Floor modes.

On systems with Manual Climate Controls, if equipped,

the Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost mode to

improve window clearing operation. Recirculation is dis-

abled automatically if this mode is selected. Attempting to

use Recirculation while in this mode causes the LED in the

control button to blink and then turns off.

NOTE:

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)

Automatic Operation

• For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is in Mix,

Floor or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be turned off, but

the A/C system shall remain active to prevent fogging of

the windows.

1. Push the AUTO button on the faceplate.

2. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the system to

maintain by adjusting the temperature control buttons.

Once the desired temperature is displayed, the system

achieves and automatically maintains that comfort level.

• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,

select Defrost mode, and increase blower speed if

needed.

• If your air conditioning performance seems lower than

expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (located

in front of the radiator), for an accumulation of dirt or

insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from the front of

the radiator and through the condenser.

3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it is

not necessary to change the settings. You experience the

greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to

function automatically.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 59

NOTE:

Operating Tips

• It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for

cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts

the temperature, mode, and blower speed to provide

comfort as quickly as possible.

NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for

suggested control settings for various weather conditions.

Winter Operation

3

To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-

mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning

properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration

of coolant is used. Use of the Air Recirculation mode

during Winter months is not recommended, because it may

cause window fogging.

• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric units

by selecting the US/Metric customer-programmable fea-

ture.

To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic

mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan remains on low

until the engine warms up. The blower increases in speed

and transition into Auto mode.

Vacation/Storage

Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e.,

vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning

system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the

blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system

lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-

age when the system is started again. If you are leaving

your vehicle dormant for more than four weeks, disconnect

the negative cable from the battery. Refer to “Jump Starting

Procedures” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further infor-

mation.

Manual Operation Override

This system offers a full complement of manual override

features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC display will

be turned off when the system is being used in the manual

mode.

NOTE: The system will not automatically sense the pres-

ence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. Defrost mode

must be manually selected to clear the windshield and side

glass.

60 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Window Fogging

Outside Air Intake

Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy,

and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select De-

frost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed. Do

not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long

periods, as fogging may occur.

Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the

windshield, is free of obstructions, such as leaves. Leaves

collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they

enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In

Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,

slush, and snow.

CAUTION!

Cabin Air Filter

Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to

the heating elements:

The climate control system filters out dust and pollen from

the air. Contact an authorized dealer to service your cabin

air filter, and to have it replaced when needed.

• 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.

• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 61

Operating Tips Chart

WINDOWS

Power Windows

Power Window Controls

3

The power window controls are located on the driver’s

door trim panel. There is a single switch on the front

passenger door, which operate the front passenger window

and a single switch on each rear door that operates the rear

passenger door window. The window controls will operate

only when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.

Getting To Know Your Vehicle -> Climate Controls for Your Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

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