Starting and operating

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

~1min read

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed:

• Move the shift lever into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed.
• Do not move the shift lever between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before moving the shift lever into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK.

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

Test yourself

A quick Fiat 500 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.