maintenance Abarth 124 Spider 2017 Owner handbook (in English)

We really know your car because we invented, designed and built it: we r\
eally know every single detail. At Abarth Service authorised workshops you can find technicians directly trained by us,
offering quality and professionalism for all service operations.
Abarth workshops are always close to you for the regular servicing opera\
tions, season checks and practical recommendations by our experts.
With Original Parts distributed by MOPAR
®, you maintain the reliability, comfort
and performance features that you bought your new car for over time.
Always ask for Genuine Parts for the components used on our cars; we rec\
ommend them because
they come from our steady commitment in research and development of high\
ly innovative technologies. For all these reasons: rely on Genuine Parts, because they are the only ones designed by Abarth for your car.
SAFETY:
BRAKING SYSTEMENVIRONMENT: PARTICULATE FILTERS, CLIMATE CONTROL MAINTENANCECOMFORT: SUSPENSION
AND WINDSCREEN WIPERS PERFORMANCE: SPARK PLUGS, INJECTORS AND BATTERIESLINEACCESSORI
ROOF RACK BARS, WHEEL RIMS
WHY CHOOSING GENUINE PARTS
This Owner Handbook is intended to show the vehicle's operating conditio\
ns.
For the enthusiast user who wants to have insights, curiosities and deta\
iled information about the characteristics and functions
of the vehicle, Abarth gives the opportunity to consult a dedicated sect\
ion which is available in electronic format.
ONLINE VEHICLE OWNER HANDBOOK
The following symbol  is reported within the text of the Owner Handbook, next to the subjects \
for which details are provided.
Go to the www.mopar.eu/owner
website and access your personal area.
The “Maintenance and care” page includes all the information about\
your vehicle and the link to access eLUM, where you will find
all the details of the Owner Handbook.
Alternatively, to access this information, go to the Internet website at\
http://aftersales.fiat.com/elum/
.
The eLUM website is free and will allow you, among many other things, to easily c\
onsult the on-board documents
of all the other vehicles of the Group.
Have a nice reading and happy motoring!
Cop ABARTH 124 SPIDER GB.qxp 17/06/16 14:41 Pagina 2

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing an Abarth 124 Spider.
We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the features of your vehicle and use it in the best possible way.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your vehicle and how to achieve the best
performance from the technical features of your vehicle.
You are advised to read it right through before taking to the road for the first time, to become familiar with the controls and
above all with those concerning brakes, steering and gearbox; at the same time, you can understand the vehicle behaviour on
different road surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care
and maintenance of your vehicle over time.
After reading it, you are advised to keep the handbook inside the vehicle, for an easy reference and for making sure it remains
on board the vehicle should it be sold.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find a description of the Services that FCA offers to its customers, the Warranty
Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new vehicle and the service provided by the
people at FCA.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!
IMPORTANT This Owner Handbook describes all versions of the vehicle; please consider only the information
relevant to your vehicle’s trim level, engine and version. All data contained in this publication are purely indicative.
FCA Italy S.p.A. can modify the vehicle model described in this publication at any time, for technical or commercial
purposes. For further information, contact an Abarth Dealership.

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLINGOnly 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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
SAFETY
STARTING AND OPERATING
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MULTIMEDIA
INDEX

POWER WINDOWS
CONTROLS
45) 46)
The ignition must be switched ON for
the power windows to operate.
If the power window does not
open/close, wait a moment and then
operate the switch again.
Passenger control switches
The passenger window can also be
operated using the master control
switches on the driver's door fig. 26:1
(driver's window) /2(passenger's
window).
Opening / closing power windows
1- Closing fig. 27: lightly pull up the
switch.2- Opening: lightly hold down
the switch.Auto-opening power windows
To fully open the window automatically
press the switch completely down. To
stop the window partway pull or press
the switch in the opposite direction and
then release it. The power window
cannot be fully closed while the door is
open.
Power window system initialization
procedure
If the battery was disconnected during
vehicle maintenance, or for other
reasons (such as a switch continues to
be operated after the window is
open/closed), the window will not fully
open automatically.
Resetting of the automatic function can
be performed using the master control
switches or each passenger door
switch.The power window auto function reset
procedure can be done on both door
switches. The power window auto
function will only resume on the power
window that has been reset:close the doors and the convertible
top;
switch the ignition ON;
make sure that the power window
lock switch located on the driver's door
is not depressed;
press the switch and fully open the
window;
pull up the switch to fully close the
window and continue holding the
switch for about 2 seconds after the
window fully closed;
repeat steps 4-5 for the passenger
power window while seated in the
passenger seat;
make sure that the power windows
operate correctly using the door
switches.
After the system has been re-initialized,
passenger window can be fully opened
automatically using the master control
switches. If the automatic power
window operation does not operate
normally while the doors or convertible
top are opened/closed, reset it using
the above procedures.
2604070103-LN6-006AB
2704070103-L12-001AB
36
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Make sure the striker 4 engages with
the anchor 5, move the top latch slowly,
and then push the top latch upward
until a latch sound is heard.
IMPORTANT Driving with the
convertible top not fully locked could
damage the convertible top. If the red
indicator is visible on the lock release
button , the convertible top is not
locked. After locking the convertibletop, verify that the red indicator 6
fig. 48 is not visible (7 = locked position
/ 8 = unlocked position).
IMPORTANT Do not spray water
directly near the seam of the window
and convertible top when flushing away
dirt on the soft top with water.
Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle
(see paragraph “Convertible top
maintenance” in “Maintenance and
care” chapter).
CONVERTIBLE TOP
PRECAUTIONS56) 57) 58) 59) 60)
12) 13) 15) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21)
Remove leaves or other matter that
may accumulate on and around the
convertible top. If leaves or other matter
block the drain filter, water may enterthe vehicle. Clean the drain filter at least
once a year.
Before opening the convertible top,
make sure the rear window defogger
switch is turned off. Otherwise the heat
generated from the defogger could
damage the convertible top and the
internal material.
Before lowering or raising the
convertible top, stop in a safe place off
the right-of-way and park on a level
surface.
Make sure nothing is on the
convertible top or near the back
window when raising or lowering the
convertible top.
Even small objects may interfere and
cause damage.
When lowering the convertible top,
make sure objects inside the vehicle are
not blown away by the wind.
Secure all loose objects inside before
driving with the convertible top down.
To help prevent burglary or vandalism
and to ensure that the passenger
compartment stays dry, close the
convertible top securely and lock both
doors when leaving the vehicle.
Do not drive through an automatic
car wash; it may damage the
convertible top.
Do not raise or lower the convertible
top when the temperature is below 5 °C
4704110103-L24-003AB
4804110103-124-001AB
44
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

(41 °F); this will damage the convertible
top material.
The convertible soft top is made of
high quality material and if it is not
maintained correctly, the material could
harden, becomes stained, or have an
uneven gloss.
Do not lower the convertible top
when it's wet. If the convertible top
dries while folded, it will deteriorate and
mold.
Lowering the convertible top while
it's wet can also cause water to drip
into the cabin.
Do not raise or lower the convertible
top in a strong wind as it could damage
the convertible top or cause an
unexpected accident.
The power windows go down
automatically in conjunction with the
convertible top opening/closing.
However, this is a function for improving
the operability, and it does not mean
there is a problem. If the vehicle battery
is disconnected for vehicle maintenance
or other reasons, the power windows
will not go down automatically. If the
power windows do not go down, the
automatic open/close mechanism for
the windows must be reset.
The windblocker reduces the amount
of wind coming into the cabin from
behind when driving with the
convertible top opened.
WARNING
56)Before starting the vehicle make sure
the convertible top is correctly locked.
57)Sit in the seat with the seat belt
correctly fastened when the vehicle is
moving: standing in the vehicle, or sitting
on the convertible top storage area or
center console when the vehicle is moving
is a dangerous way to ride. During a
sudden manoeuvre or collision you could
be seriously injured or even killed.
58)Always keep your hands and fingers
away from the fastening mechanisms when
moving the convertible top: it is dangerous
to place your hands or fingers near the
fastening mechanisms. Your hands or
fingers could be caught and injured by the
mechanism.
59)Be careful while installing/removing the
soft top to prevent any damage or injury.
60)Keep children away from the area in
which the soft-top is folding while
installing/removing it.
IMPORTANT
12)Never open the soft top in presence of
snow or ice to prevent damage.
13)Loads may not be secured on the roof.
14)Bird droppings and plant resins must
be washed off the soft top immediately as
they can damage its fabric.
15)Never use high-pressure washing
systems.16)When using steam washers or
high-pressure water washers, maintain a
suitable distance and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 60°C. Damage,
alterations and water infiltration may occur
if the distance is too small or if pressure is
too high.
17)If a water jet is used, direct away from
the edges of the fabric and the windscreen
surround to prevent water infiltration.
18)Never use alcohol, petrol, chemical
products, detergents, stain removers, wax,
solvents and “wash and polish” products.
19)Rinse immediately to remove soap to
prevent stains and blots. Repeat the
operation if needed.
20)Follow the instructions on the
waterproofing product container for perfect
results.
21)The rubber seals of the soft top must
be washed with water only. If you notice
that seals are dry or sticking, apply talcum
powder or products specifically for rubber
(silicone spray).
45

Warning light What it means
TCS / DSC SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT
The warning light turns on when the in case of intervention of TCS/DSC systems. This means
that the vehicle is in critical stability and grip conditions.
DSC OFF INDICATOR LIGHT
The warning light turns on when the ESC system is deactivated.
REAR FOG LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT
The warning light switches on when the rear fog light is turned on.
ADJUSTABLE SPEED LIMITER MAIN INDICATOR LIGHT
The warning light switches on when the MODE switch on steering wheel is pressed and the
adjustable speed limiter is activated (see “Speed limiter” paragraph in “Starting and driving”
chapter).
WRENCH INDICATOR LIGHT (where provided)
When the ignition is switched ON, the wrench indicator light is illuminated and then turns off
after a few seconds.
The wrench indicator light is illuminated when the preset maintenance period arrives. Verify the
content and perform maintenance. Refer to “Maintenance monitor” paragraph in this chapter.
62
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

IMPORTANT Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not
operating properly.
IMPORTANT The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement oralternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
IMPORTANT To avoid false readings,
the system samples for a little while
before indicating a problem. As a result
it will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
System error activation
When the TPMS warning light flashes,
there may be a system malfunction.
Contact an Abarth Dealership.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
when there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors;
when a metallic device such as a
non-genuine navigation system is
equipped near the center of the
dashboard, which may block radio
signals from the tire pressure sensor to
the receiver unit;
when using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit;
a digital device such as a personal
computer;
a current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter;
when excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels;
when the tire pressure sensor
batteries are exhausted;
when using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed;
when using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls;
when using tire chains.
Tires and wheels
IMPORTANT When inspecting or
adjusting the tire air pressures, do not
apply excessive force to the stem part
of the wheel unit. The stem part could
be damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure
sensor's unique ID signal code
whenever tires or wheels are changed,
such as changing to and from winter
tires.
IMPORTANT Each tire pressure sensor
has a unique ID signal code. The signal
code must be registered with the TPMS
before it can work. The easiest way to
do it is to have an Abarth Dealership
change your tire and complete ID signal
code registration.
When having tires changed at an
Abarth Dealership: when an Abarth
Dealership changes your vehicle's tires,
they will complete the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code registration.
73

operates for about two seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system,
when accelerating from a stop is
dangerous because the vehicle may
move (roll) unexpectedly and cause an
accident. The vehicle could roll
depending on the vehicle's load or if it
is towing something. In addition, for
vehicles with a manual transmission,
the vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated. Always confirm the
safety around the vehicle before starting
to drive the vehicle.
WARNING
76)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tire pressure, including for the spare
wheel, and correct maintenance: the
system is not used to signal a possible fault
to a tire. Tire pressure must be checked
with tires rested and cold. Should it
become necessary for whatever reason to
check pressure with warm tires, do not
reduce pressure even though it is higher
than the prescribed value. Repeat the
check when the tires are cold.
77)Replacing the normal tires with winter
tires and vice versa requires an inspection
of the TPMS, which should be carried out
only by an Abarth Dealership.
78)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tire pressures to vary. The system
may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case check the tire
inflation pressure with the tires cold and, if
necessary top up the inflation pressure.
OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
The most important safety equipment
of the vehicle comprise the following
protection systems:
seat belts;
SBA (Seat Belt Alert) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
front air bags and side air bags.
Read the information given the following
pages with the utmost care.
It is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
76
SAFETY