warning light Abarth 124 Spider 2016 Owner handbook (in English)

engine naturally reaching idling speed,
the learning procedure is invalidated
and the
warning light on the
instrument panel will turn on.
If the engine is not brought to over
6000 rpm, or it is not warmed up, the
control unit will leave open the
possibility to repeat the toothed wheel
learning.
Inspecting electrolyte level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause
the battery to discharge quickly.
Inspect the electrolyte level at least
once a week. If it is low, remove the
caps and add enough distilled water to
bring the level between the upper and
lower level (1 fig. 153 = upper level/2=
lower level).Do not overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the
electrolyte with a hydrometer, especiallyduring cold weather. If it is low,
recharge the battery.
Battery replacement
Contact an Abarth Dealership for a
battery replacement purchase.
For versions with automatic
transmission: after replacing the battery,
perform the toothed wheel learning
procedure described in this section.
WARNING
190)Never smoke when performing
operations in the engine compartment.
Flammable gases and fumes may be
present and risk igniting.
191)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned. Do not get too
close to the radiator cooling fan: the
electric fan may start; danger of injury.
Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
192)If the engine oil is being topped up,
wait for the engine to cool down before
loosening the filler cap, particularly for
vehicles with aluminium cap (where
provided). IMPORTANT: risk of burns!
193)Do not use a match or live flame in
the engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT: a
hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has
been running, parts of the engine
compartment can become very hot. You
could be burned. Carefully inspect the
engine coolant in the coolant reservoir, but
do not open it.194)Do not remove either cooling system
cap when the engine and radiator are hot.
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot out
under pressure and cause serious injury.
195)The cooling system is pressurized. If
necessary, only replace the cap with
another original one or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir cap when the engine
is hot: risk of burns.
196)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the washer
operation is essential for improving visibility.
Repeated operation of the system without
fluid could damage or cause rapid
deterioration of some system components.
197)Certain commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluids are inflammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may set it on fire.
198)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if
swallowed.
199)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin and
eyes. Keep open flames away from the
battery and do not use objects that might
create sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
200)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
201)If the vehicle must remain unused for
a long time at a very low temperature,
remove the battery and take it to a warm
place, to avoid freezing.
15307031202-ALL-001AB
169

repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Versions with opaque paint
(where provided)
Your vehicle could be equipped with an
exclusive opaque paint needing special
care for its preservation.
To correctly wash the vehicle, proceed
as follows:
wash the body using a low pressure
jet of water. Remember that the build
up of water can damage the car over a
period of time;
wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge;
rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or chamois leather, without
wiping localised areas repeatedly.
MAINTAINING THE
FINISH
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your vehicle
thoroughly and frequently, at least once
a month, with lukewarm or cold water.
IMPORTANT FCA is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.IMPORTANT Keep hands and scrapers
clear of the windscreen when the wiper
lever is in the AUTO position and the
ignition is switched ON as fingers could
be pinched or the wipers and wiper
blades damaged when the wipers
activate automatically. If you are going
to clean the windscreen, be sure the
wipers are turned off completely (when
it is most likely that the engine is left
running) this is particularly important
when clearing ice and snow.
IMPORTANT Do not spray water in the
engine compartment. Otherwise, it
could result in engine-starting problems
or damage to electrical parts.
IMPORTANT When washing and
waxing the vehicle, be careful not to
apply excessive force to any single area
of the vehicle bonnet. Otherwise, you
could dent the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Do not use automatic car
washing machines and car washing
devices using high water pressure.
IMPORTANT Make sure that the fuel
flap is closed and lock the doors.
Otherwise, the fuel flap may be
forcefully opened by water pressure
causing damage to the vehicle or fuel
flap.IMPORTANT Do not use steel wool,
abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chromeplated or anodised
aluminium parts. This may damage the
protective coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolour or deteriorate
the paint.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
212)
WARNING
212)Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator
pedal and lightly applying the brakes
several times until the brake performance
returns to normal. Driving with wet brakes
is dangerous. Increased stopping distance
or the vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious accident.
Light braking will indicate whether the
brakes have been affected.
IMPORTANT
51)In order to preserve the appearance of
the paint abrasive products and/or polishes
should not be used for cleaning the vehicle.
174
MAINTENANCE AND CARE

rinse and wring out the microfibre
cloth, and pass over the covered area
treated in the previous point again;
leave it to dry and brush it gently with
a soft brush.
WARNING
213)Do not spray water into the vehicle
cabin. Spraying water into the vehicle cabin
is dangerous as electrical devices such as
the audio and switches could get wet
resulting in a malfunction or vehicle fire.
214)If a seat belt appears frayed or has
abrasions, have it replaced by a
Dealership. If a seat belts is used under
such a condition, it cannot function at its
full capacity which could result in serious
injury or death.
215)Use a mild detergent to remove
soiling from a seat belt. If organic solvents
are used for cleaning the seat belts or they
become stained or bleached, there is the
possibility of them becoming weakened
and as a result, they may not function at
their full capacity which could cause
serious injury or death.
216)Never use flammable products, such
as petrol ether or rectified petrol to clean
the inside of the car. The electrostatic
charges which are generated by rubbing
during the cleaning operation may cause a
fire.217)Do not keep aerosol cans in the car:
they might explode. Aerosol cans must not
be exposed to a temperature exceeding
50°C. When the vehicle is exposed to
sunlight, the internal temperature can
greatly exceed this value.
218)There must be no obstacles on the
floor underneath the pedals; make sure
that mats are always flat and do not
interfere with the pedals.IMPORTANT
53)Never use alcohol, petrols and
derivatives to clean the dashboard and
instrument panel lens.
54)Do not use “hard” synthetic brushes as
they could damage the fabric beyond
repair. Do not perform partial, localised
restorations that could cause “aesthetic”
differences between treated and untreated
areas. Do not use alcohol or ketone-based
solvents.
176
MAINTENANCE AND CARE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNING
BRAKE SYSTEMDo not coast with the engine stalled or turned off, find a safe place to stop. Coasting with the engine stalled or turned off is
dangerous. Braking will require more effort, and the brake's power-assist could be depleted if you pump the brake. This will
cause longer stopping distances or even an accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going down steep hills. Driving with your foot continuously on the brake pedal or steadily applying
the brakes for long distances is dangerous. This causes overheated brakes, resulting in longer stopping distances or even total
brake failure. This could cause loss of vehicle control and a serious accident. Avoid continuous application of the brakes.
Dry off brakes that have become wet by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes
several times until the brake performance returns to normal. Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance
or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking could result in a serious accident. Light braking will indicate whether the brakes
have been affected.
INTERNAL EQUIPMENT
Never use a cup holder to hold hot liquids while the vehicle is moving. Using a cup holder to hold hot liquids while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous. If the contents spill, you could be scalded.
Do not put anything other than plastic bottles, cups or drink cans in cup holders. Putting objects other than plastic bottles,
cups or drink cans in a cup holder is dangerous. During sudden braking or manoeuvring, occupants could be hit and injured,
or objects could be thrown around the vehicle, causing interference with the driver and the possibility of an accident. Only use
a cup holder for plastic bottles, cups or drink cans.
Keep storage boxes closed when driving. Driving with the storage boxes open is dangerous. To reduce the possibility of
injury in an accident or a sudden stop, keep the storage boxes closed when driving.
Do not put articles in storage spaces with no lid. Putting articles in storage spaces with no lid is dangerous as they could be
thrown around the cabin if the vehicle is suddenly accelerated and cause injury depending on how the article is stored.
DRIVING TIPS
Never stop the engine when going down a hill: stopping the engine when going down a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power brake control, and may cause damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering or braking
control could cause an accident.

INDEX
ABS system................68
Accessory socket.............37
Active bonnet................69
Active safety systems...........68
Advanced Keyless Entry System....14
AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting
System)..................27
Attaching the tow hooks........156
Auto-wiper control............28
Automatic climate control system.......................34
Automatic lighting.............25
Automatic transmission.........113
Auxiliary driving systems.........72
Battery (maintenance).........168
Battery charging procedure......171
Battery recharging............170
Bodywork (care and
maintenance).............173
Bonnet....................40
Boot lid...................38
Boot lid (opening).............38
Brake Assist................111
Brake/clutch fluid (level check). . . .168
Checking levels.............166
Child restraint system suitability
for various seat position.......86
Child seat installation position.....85
Child-restraint precautions.......81Child-restraint system types......84
Climate control system..........30
CO2 emissions..............190
Coming Home light system.......25
Constant monitoring..........108
Control panel and instruments.....47
Convertible Top (lowering)........42
Convertible Top (Soft Top)........42
Cruise Control..............117
Dashboard..................8
Dimensions................183
Doors.....................16
Double locking system..........16
Drive selection..............116
Driver Air Bag................96
DRL (Daytime Running Lights).....24
DSC system................68
Emergency flap opening.......125
Emergency stop signal system. . . .132
Emergency towing............157
Engine...................179
Engine compartment..........166
Engine coolant (level check)......167
Engine oil (level check).........167
Essential information............3
Exterior lights................24
Flash to pass...............24
Fluid capacities..............184
Fluids and lubricants..........185Front fog lights...............25
Fuel consumption............189
Fuel filler cap...............125
Fuse block (engine compartment)......................143
Fuse block (left side of the vehicle)......................146
Fuses (under the bonnet)........142
Fuses (vehicle's left side)........141
Gear lever positions..........113
Gear Shift Indicator............51
Hazard warning lights.........132
Hazard warning lights (control). . . .132
Head restraints...............21
Headlight washer.............29
Headlights..................24
Heated seats................19
Heavy-dute use of the vehicle
(scheduled servicing)........161
High beams.................24
HLA function................75
How the SRS Air bags work......96
How to use this manual..........3
Identification data............178
Ignition switch...............11
Immobilizer system............14
INFO switch.................50
Installing child restraint systems....90
Interior care................175
Interiors..................175
Internal equipment............37

Vehicle security alarm..........14
Warning lights and messages.....52
Weights..................182Wheel and tire specifications.....180
Wheels and tires.............171
Window and headlight washer
fluid (level check)...........168Windscreen washer............29
Windscreen wipers............28
Windscreen wipers/washer.......28