Get Starting And Operating -> Starting The Engine Guide for Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

STARTING AND OPERATING 173

STARTING THE ENGINE

Normal Starting

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both

inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator

pedal.

WARNING!

Turn the ignition switch to the AVV/ACC (START) posi-

tion 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.

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others

could be seriously or fatally injured. Children

should be warned not to touch the parking brake,

brake pedal or the gear selector.

Automatic Transmission

The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL

position before you can start the engine. Depress the brake

pedal before shifting to any driving gear.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children. A child could oper-

ate power windows, other controls, or move the

vehicle.

NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting out

of PARK.

Cold Weather Operation

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may

cause serious injury or death.

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

174 STARTING AND OPERATING

block heater has not been used. An externally powered

electric engine block heater is available as a factory in-

stalled option.

3. If the engine fails to start within 10 to 15 seconds, cycle

the ignition to the OFF mode, wait five seconds to allow

the starter to cool, then repeat the Extended Park

Starting procedure.

At the time the engine is shut off, the message “Engine

Heater Recommended” will be displayed in the instrument

cluster when the ambient temperature is below 5°F (–15°C).

This acts as a reminder to avoid possible crank delays at

the next cold start.

4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the

starter to cool for at least 10 minutes, then repeat the

procedure.

CAUTION!

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

ously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15

seconds before trying again.

Use of the recommended SAE 5W-40 Synthetic oil and

adhering to the prescribed oil change intervals is

important to prevent engine damage and ensure satis-

factory starting in cold conditions.

If Engine Fails To Start

Extended Park Starting

WARNING!

NOTE: Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle

has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the

throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the

vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious

personal injury.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery

to ensure a full battery charge during the crank cycle.

2. Cycle the ignition to the START mode and release it

when the engine starts.

STARTING AND OPERATING 175

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After

the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80

or 90 km/h) are desirable.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously

crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time.

Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the

limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.

Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-

mental and should be avoided.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will

decrease as the engine warms up.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a

high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes

should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions

under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-

mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Dealer

Service” in “Servicing And Maintenance”.

Turbo Charger “Cool Down”

This vehicle is equipped with an after-run pump to cool the

turbocharger after the engine is shut off. Depending on the

type of driving and the amount of cargo, the pump will run

for up to 10 minutes after the engine has been shut off to

circulate coolant through the turbocharger.

CAUTION!

Although the pump is rubber-mounted for quiet operation,

it is normal to hear it running during this time.

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil

in the engine or damage may result.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This

should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not

interpreted as a problem.

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and

drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Starting And Operating -> Starting The Engine for Your Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

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