Fiat 500L 2020 Owner's Manual page 128

126 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
If the transmission in not correctly shifted into
PARK (P) a message on the instrument cluster
will be displayed, repeat the procedure as neces-
sary.
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock button

on the gear selector and firmly move the gear
selector all the way forward until it stops and is
fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position display

and verify that it indicates the PARK position
(P).
With brake pedal released, verify that the gear

selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You
might lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for
any other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage. Refer to "Recreational Towing" in
"Starting And Operating" and "Towing A
Disabled Vehicle" in "In Case Of Emergency"
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, or trav-
eling into strong head winds), use the AutoStick
shift control refer to AutoStick in this chapter for
further information to select a lower gear. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds
normal operating limits, the transmission
controller will expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to over-
heating.