check engine Abarth 124 Spider 2016 Owner handbook (in English)

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLING
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the European specification EN228. Do not use
petrol containing methanol or ethanol E85. Using these mixtures may cause misfiring and handling issues, as well as damage fundamental
components of the supply system.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Versions with manual transmission: make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gear lever to neutral, fully depress the clutch pedal
without pressing the accelerator, then press the ignition device button.
Versions with automatic transmission: make sure that the handbrake is engaged and that the gear lever is in P (Park) or N (Neutral),
depress the brake pedal, then press the ignition device button.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the vehicle on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
Contact an Abarth Dealership if you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery) after buying the vehicle.
They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the vehicle's electric system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the vehicle is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental
friendliness and low running costs unchanged over time.

If the engine does not start with the
correct key, and the
warning light
remains illuminated or flashing, try the
following:
make sure the key is within the
operational range for signal
transmission;
switch the ignition off, and then
restart the engine. If the engine does
not start after 3 or more tries, contact
an Abarth Dealership.
If the
warning light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do
not shut off the engine. Contact an
Abarth Dealership and have it checked.
If the engine is shut off while the
warning light is flashing, you will not be
able to restart it.
THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
(where provided)
Intrusion sensor
(where provided)
The intrusion sensor fig. 6 uses
ultrasonic waves to detect movement
inside the vehicle and to raise an alert of
an intrusion into the vehicle.
The intrusion sensor detects certain
kinds of movement inside the vehicle,
however, it may also respond to
phenomenon outside the vehicle such
as vibrations, loud noise, wind, and air
currents.In order for the intrusion sensor to
operate appropriately, be aware of the
following:
do not hang clothing or objects from
a head restraint;
return the sunvisors to their original
positions;
do not blind the intrusion sensor by
covering it or placing objects over it;
do not allow the intrusion sensor to
get soiled or wipe it with a liquid;
do not shock or cause an impact to
the intrusion sensor or the intrusion
sensor bezel;
do not install seats or seat covers
that are not FCA genuine products;
to prevent obstruction of intrusion
sensor, do not place objects or cargo
near the intrusion sensor that are higher
than the head restraints.How to arm the system
Proceed as follows:
close the windows and the
convertible top securely, switch the
ignition OFF and make sure the bonnet,
convertible top, the doors, and the boot
lid are closed;
press the lock button on the
transmitter or lock the driver's door
from the outside with the auxiliary key.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once.With the advanced keyless
function: press a request switch. The
warning light in the instrument
panel flashes twice per second for
20 seconds. After 20 seconds, the
system is fully armed.
With the intrusion sensor: the
intrusion sensor function can be armed
only when the convertible top is closed.
Even with a window open, the system
can be armed, however, leaving the
windows even partially open can invite
theft, and wind blowing into the vehicle
could trigger the alarm. The intrusion
sensor function can also be cancelled.
604080300-12A-001
15

IMPORTANT
8)Do not use the screen wiper to remove
layers of snow or ice from the windscreen.
In such conditions, the windscreen wiper
may be subjected to excessive stress and
the motor cut-out switch, which prevents
operation for a few seconds, may
intervene. If operation is not subsequently
restored, even after the vehicle is restarted,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
9)Do not operate the windscreen wiper
with blades lifted from the windscreen.
10)Do not activate the rain sensor while
washing the vehicle in an automatic
washing system.
11)If ice is found on the windscreen, make
sure that the device was disconnected
properly.
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
OPERATING TIPS
2)
Operate the air-conditioning system
with the engine running.
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time with the
ignition switched ON when the engine
is not running.
Clear all obstructions such as leaves,
snow and ice from the bonnet and the
air inlet in the cowl grille to improve the
system efficiency.
Use the air-conditioning system to
defog the windows and dehumidify the
air.
The recirculate mode should be used
when driving through tunnels or while in
a traffic jam, or when you would like to
shut off outside air for quick cooling of
the interior.
Use the outside air position for
ventilation or windscreen defrosting.
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then
run the air-conditioning system.
Run the air conditioner about10 minutes at least once a month to
keep internal parts lubricated.
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. The refrigerant specifications
are indicated on a label (A or B
fig. 23 depending on the market)
attached to the inside of the engine
compartment. Check the label before
refilling the refrigerant. If the wrong type
of refrigerant is used, it could result in a
serious malfunction of the air
conditioner. For details contact an
Abarth Dealership.
2306010100-121-001AB
30
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

For the following warning/indicator
lights:
Master warning light;
Brake system warning light;
ABS warning light;
Charging system warning light;
Engine oil warning light;
Check engine light;
High engine coolant temperature
warning light;
Automatic transmission warning light;
Power steering malfunction indicator
light;
Air Bag/Seat Belt pretensioner
system warning light;
Active bonnet warning light;
Low fuel warning light;
Seat belt warning light;
Seat belt warning light;
Door-ajar warning light;
Low washer fluid level warning light;
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
warning light;
KEY warning light;
LED headlight KEY warning light;
Wrench indicator light;
TCS/DSC indicator light;
DSC OFF indicator light;
Security indicator light;
Passenger Air Bag deactivation
indicator light (where provided).
The light turns on when the ignition is
switched on for an operation check,
and turns off a few seconds later orwhen the engine is started. If the light
does not turn on or remains turned on,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
Only for “Brake system warning
light”: the light turns on continuously
when the parking brake is applied.
53

Warning light What it means
CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the alternator or of the
charging system. Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Stop the vehicle in a
safe place immediately and contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated
because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT
This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
IMPORTANT Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in
extensive engine damage.
If the light illuminates or the warning indication is displayed while driving:
drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way on level ground;
turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump;
inspect the engine oil level. If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine oil while being
careful not to overfill;
start the engine and check the warning light.IMPORTANT Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive
engine damage.
If the light remains illuminated even though the oil level is normal or after adding oil, stop the
engine immediately and contact an Abarth Dealership.
DOOR-AJAR WARNING LIGHT
The light turns on if any door is not closed securely.
Close the door securely.
55

Warning light What it means
ACTIVE BONNET
The light turns on when the ignition is switched on for an operation check, and turns off a few
seconds later.
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions:
the light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON;
remains turned on/flashing;
Contact an Abarth Dealership.
62)
HIGH ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT
The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extremely high, and illuminates when
the engine coolant temperature increases further. Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact an Abarth Dealership.
Handling procedure
Illuminated light: this indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe place
immediately and stop the engine. Refer to “Overheating” paragraph in “In an mergency” chapter.
IMPORTANT Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light
illuminated. Otherwise, it could result in damage to the engine.
AIR BAG / SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER SYSTEM WARNING
A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illuminates or
does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these occur, contact an
Abarth Dealership as soon as possible. The system may not operate in an accident.
61)
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Amber warning lights
Warning light What it means
ABS WARNING LIGHT
If the ABS warning light stays on while you're driving, the ABS control unit has detected a
system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally as if the vehicle had no
ABS. Should this happen contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
NOTE When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does not
indicate an ABS malfunction. Recharge the battery.
NOTE The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem. It is important to note the
driving conditions when the light illuminated and contact an Abarth Dealership.
The check engine light may illuminate in the following cases:
the engine's electrical system has a problem;
the emission control system has a problem;
the fuel tank level being very low or approaching empty;
the toothed wheel learning, following disconnection of the battery, did not complete
successfully (only for versions with automatic transmission).
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light (red color) on dashboard trim
Warning light What it means
SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver or passenger's seat is occupied and the seat
belt is not fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is unfastened (only when the passenger seat is occupied)
and the vehicle is driven at a speed faster than about 20 km/h, the warning light flashes. After a
short time, the LED stops flashing, but remains illuminated.
If a seat belt remains unfastened, the LED flashes again for a given period of time.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is unfastened after the LED turns on, and the vehicle speed
exceeds 20 km/h, the LED flashes again.
Passenger occupant classification system: to allow the passenger occupant classification
sensor to function properly, do not place and sit on an additional seat cushion on the
passenger's seat. The sensor may not function properly because the additional seat cushion
could cause sensor interference.
Warning light (amber color) on dashboard trim
Warning light What it means
PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION INDICATOR LIGHT
The light turns on when the ignition is switched on for an operation check, and turns off a few
seconds later or when the engine is started. If the light does not turn on or remains turned on,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
65

MESSAGE INDICATED ON
DISPLAY
If a message is displayed in the center
display, take appropriate action (in a
calm manner) according to the
displayed message.
If the following messages are displayed
in the centre display, a vehicle system
may be malfunctioning:
Engine Coolant Temperature
High: displays if the engine coolant
temperature has increased excessively.
Changing System Malfunction:
displays if the charging system has a
malfunction.
Temperature Warning: the
following message is displayed when
the temperature around the centre
display is high. Lowering the
temperature in the cabin or the
temperature around the centre display
by avoiding direct sunlight is
recommended.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact an Abarth Dealership.
WARNING SOUND IS
ACTIVATED
A warning sound is activated in
following cases:
Lights-on reminder;
Air Bag/seat belt pretensioner
system;
Active bonnet (where provided);
Ignition not switched off (STOP);
Key removed from vehicle;
Request switch inoperable (versions
with advanced keyless function);
Key left-in-boot compartment
(versions with advanced keyless
function);
Key left-in-vehicle (versions with
advanced keyless function);
Vehicle speed alarm (where
provided);
Tire inflation pressure warning beep
(where provided);
Outside temperature (where
provided);
Electronic steering lock;
Speed limiter (where provided);
120 km/h warning (where provided).
WARNING
61)Never tamper with the air
bag/pretensioner systems and always
contact an Abarth Dealership perform all
servicing and repairs. Self-servicing or
tampering with the systems is dangerous.
An air bag/pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.62)Do not drive the vehicle with the active
bonnet warning light turned on or flashing.
Driving the vehicle with the active hood
warning light turned on or flashing is
dangerous as the active hood mechanism
may not activate normally and function as
intended in the event the vehicle were to
contact a pedestrian.
63)If the TPMS warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed
immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. If the warning
light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is
dangerous to drive the vehicle at high
speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering
or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen
and result in an accident. To determine if
you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a
safe position where you can check the
visual condition of the tire and determine if
you have enough air to proceed to a place
where air may be added and the system
monitored again by Abarth Dealership or a
tire repair station.
64)Do not ignore the TPMS warning light.
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken care of
as soon as possible before it develops into
a more serious situation that could lead to
tire failure and a dangerous accident.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

INTRODUCTION
Be extremely careful and prevent injury
to yourself and others or damage to
your vehicle when using this manual for
inspection and maintenance.
If you are unsure about any procedure it
describes, we strongly urge you to have
a reliable and qualified service shop
perform the work, preferably at Abarth
Dealership.
Factory-trained FCA technicians and
genuine FCA parts are best for your
vehicle. Without this expertise and the
parts that have been designed and
made especially for your vehicle,
inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient
servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an
accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
The owner should retain evidence that
proper maintenance has been
performed as prescribed.
A claim against a warranty will not
qualify if it results from lack of
maintenance and not from defective
material or authorised workmanship.
Claims against the warranty resulting
from lack of maintenance, as opposed
to defective materials or authorized FCA
workmanship, will not be honored.Scheduled maintenance
NOTE After the prescribed period,
continue to follow the described
maintenance at the recommended
intervals.
Emission control and related
systems
The ignition and fuel systems are highly
important to the emission control
system and to efficient engine
operation. Do not tamper with them.
All inspections and adjustments must
be made by Abarth Dealership.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
187) 188) 189)
38)
Routine service
We highly recommend that these items
be inspected daily, or at least every
week:
Engine oil level
Engine coolant level
Brake and clutch fluid Level
Washer fluid level
Battery maintenance
Tire inflation pressure
Improper or incomplete service may
result in problems. This section gives
instructions only for items that are easy
to perform.As explained in the “Introduction”
paragraph, several procedures can be
done only by a qualified service
technician with special tools.
Improper do-it yourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect
warranty coverage. For details, read the
separate Warranty statement provided
with the vehicle. If you are unsure about
any servicing or maintenance
procedure, have it done by Abarth
Dealership.
There are strict environmental laws
regarding the disposal of waste oil and
fluids. Please dispose of your waste
properly and with due regard to the
environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil
and fluid changes of your vehicle to an
Abarth Dealership.
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every1,000 kmor before long trips
check and, if necessary, top up:
engine coolant level;
brake fluid level;
windscreen washer fluid level;
tire inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of windscreen
washer/wiper system and
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MAINTENANCE AND CARE