Get Understanding Your Instrument Panel -> Climate Controls Guide for Fiat 500 SUV First Generation (2007-2019)

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169

AUX/Media Player, etc.) and can also be used to

select/enter an item while scrolling through menu.

This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio

performance does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repo-

sitioning of the antenna, it is recommended that the

radio volume be turned down or off during mobile

phone operation.

The left-hand control is a rocker-type switch with a

push-button in the center. The function of the left-hand

control is different depending on which mode you are

in.

CLIMATE CONTROLS

4

The following describes the left-hand control operation

in each mode.

Manual Climate Control Overview

Radio Operation

Pushing the top of the switch will “Seek” up for the next

listenable station and pushing the bottom of the switch

will “Seek” down for the next listenable station.

The button located in the center of the left-hand control

will tune to the next preset station that you have

programmed in the radio preset button.

RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES

Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in

your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance

from your radio. This condition may be lessened or

eliminated by relocating the mobile phone antenna.

Manual Climate Control

170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Manual Climate Control Descriptions

Icon

Description

A/C Button

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

the A/C system is engaged.

Recirculation Setting

When this setting is on, 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.

NOTE:

•

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.

The use of the Recirculation mode in cold or damp weather could cause windows to fog

on the inside because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Select the outside air posi-

tion for maximum defogging.

•

Recirculation can be used in all modes except for Defrost.

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

Temperature Control

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

Rotating the knob counterclockwise, from top center into the blue area of the scale, indi-

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

temperatures.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171

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.

4

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

speeds.

Modes Control: Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to change the airflow distribution mode. The air-

flow distribution mode can be adjusted so air comes from the instrument panel outlets, floor outlets, defrost

outlets and demist outlets. The Mode settings are as follows:

Panel Mode

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

ally adjusted to direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets and outboard out-

lets can be moved up and down or side to side to regulate airflow direction. There is a

shut off wheel located 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.

172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Icon

Description

Floor Mode

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

side window demister outlets.

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 set-

ting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

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. When the defrost button is selected,

the blower level will increase. Use Defrost mode with maximum temperature settings for

best windshield and side window defrosting and defogging.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173

Automatic Temperature Control Overview

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage

to the heating elements:

• Use care when washing the inside of the rear

window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on

the interior surface of the window. Use a soft

cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping paral-

lel to the heating elements. Labels can be peeled

off after soaking with warm water.

4

• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-

sive window cleaners on the interior surface of

the window.

• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.

Automatic Temperature Controls

Control Descriptions

Icon

Description

A/C Button

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

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

and the A/C indicator will turn off.

174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.

NOTE:

•

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.

The use of the Recirculation mode in cold or damp weather could cause windows to fog

on the inside, because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Select the outside air posi-

tion for maximum defogging.

•

Recirculation can be used in all modes except for Defrost.

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

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” for more information.

Front Defrost Button

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

minates 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 maximum temperature settings for best windshield and side window defrosting

and defogging. Performing 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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175

Icon

Description

Blower Control Up And Down Buttons

Provides the passengers with blower control. Push the UP button to increase blower speed.

Push the DOWN button to decrease blower speed.

4

Modes Control: Push the button in the center of the knob to change the airflow distribution mode. The airflow

distribution mode can be adjusted so air comes from the instrument panel outlets, floor outlets, defrost outlets

and demist outlets. The Mode settings are as follows:

Panel Mode

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

ally adjusted to direct the flow of air. The air vanes of the center outlets and outboard out-

lets can be moved up and down or side to side to regulate airflow direction. There is a

shut off wheel located below the air vanes to shut off or adjust the amount of airflow from

these outlets.

Floor Mode

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

side window demister outlets.

176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Icon

Description

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. To access this mode, press

both the Panel and Floor Mode buttons

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.

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 set-

ting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

Climate Control Off Button

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

Temperature Up And Down Button

Provides the passengers with temperature control. Push the Up button on the faceplate for

warmer temperature settings. Push the Down button on the faceplate for cooler tempera-

ture settings.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177

Climate Control Functions

CAUTION!

A/C (Air Conditioning)

Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage

to the heating elements:

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

to manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning

system. 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.

• Use care when washing the inside of the rear

window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on

the interior surface of the window. Use a soft

cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping paral-

lel to the heating elements. Labels can be peeled

off after soaking with warm water.

• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-

sive window cleaners on the interior surface of

the window.

4

NOTE:

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

select Defrost mode and increase blower speed if

needed.

• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.

• 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.

178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Recirculation

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If

Equipped

When outside air contains smoke, odors, or high hu-

midity, or if rapid cooling is desired, you may wish to

recirculate interior air by pushing the Recirculation

control button. The recirculation indicator will illumi-

nate when this button is selected. Push the button a

second time to turn off the Recirculation mode and

allow outside air into the vehicle.

Automatic Operation

1. Push the AUTO button on the faceplate.

2. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the

system to maintain by adjusting the driver and

passenger temperature control buttons. Once the

desired temperature is displayed, the system will

achieve and automatically maintain that comfort

level.

NOTE: In cold weather, use of recirculation mode may

lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation

feature may be unavailable (button on the touchscreen

greyed out) if conditions exist that could create fogging

on the inside of the windshield. On systems with

Manual Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not

allowed in Defrost mode to improve window clearing

operation. Recirculation will be disabled automatically

if this mode is selected. Attempting to use Recirculation

while in this mode will cause the LED in the control

button to blink and then turn off.

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

is not necessary to change the settings. You will

experience the greatest efficiency by simply allowing

the system to function automatically.

NOTE:

• 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.

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

units by selecting the US/Metric customer-

programmable feature.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179

To provide you with maximum comfort in the Auto-

matic mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan will

remain on low until the engine warms up. The blower

will increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.

Summer Operation

The engine cooling system must be protected with a

high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-

sion protection and to protect against engine overheat-

ing. OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recom-

mended. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in

“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper coolant selec-

tion.

Manual Operation Override

4

This system offers a full complement of manual over-

ride features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC

display will be turned off when the system is being

used in the manual mode.

Winter Operation

To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-

mance, make sure the engine cooling system is func-

tioning properly and the proper amount, type, and

concentration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance

Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper

coolant selection. Use of the air Recirculation mode

during Winter months is not recommended because it

may cause window fogging.

NOTE: The system will not automatically sense the

presence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield.

DEFROST mode must be manually selected to clear the

windshield and side glass.

Operating Tips

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

suggested control settings for various weather condi-

tions.

180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vacation/Storage

Outside Air Intake

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 damage when the system is

started again.

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.

A/C Air Filter

Window Fogging

The climate control system filters out dust and pollen

from the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service

your A/C air filter, and to have it replaced when

needed.

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

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

Defrost 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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181

Operating Tips Chart

4

Understanding Your Instrument Panel -> Climate Controls for Your Fiat 500 SUV First Generation (2007-2019)

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