ABS Abarth 124 Spider 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Each time directions are given in the instructions (left/right or forward/backwards), these must be intended as referred to the
point of view of an occupant in the driver's seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be properly specified in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do
not correspond to the actual arrangement of your vehicle. In addition, the Handbook has been conceived considering vehicles
with steering wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with steering wheel on the right side, the position of
some controls or elements is not exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner Handbook.
Chapters can be rapidly identified by graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A key showing the order of the chapter and
the corresponding tab symbols appears on another page.
SYMBOLS
While reading this Owner Handbook you will find a series ofWARNINGSto prevent procedures that could damage your
vehicle.
There are alsoPRECAUTIONSthat must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle,
which could cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore, allWARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSmust always be carefully followed.
WARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSare recalled in the text with the following symbols:
personal
safety
vehicle
safety
environmentalprotection

WARNING
34)Any adjustment of the steering wheel
position must be carried out only with the
vehicle stationary and the engine turned
off. Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous. Moving it
can very easily cause the driver to abruptly
turn to the left or right. This can lead to loss
of control or an accident.
35)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any aftermarket operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of antitheft device) that
could adversely affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also
result in the vehicle not meeting
type-approval requirements.
36)Before exiting the vehicle, ALWAYS
engage the parking brake, steer the
wheels, engage the first gear if uphill and
the reverse if downhill. If the vehicle is
parked on a steep slope, chock the wheels
with wedges or stones. When leaving the
vehicle, always lock all the doors by
pressing the button on the key.
MIRRORS
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
37)
Driver's side wide angle mirror
The wide angle mirror has two
curvatures on its surface separated by
a region line 1 fig. 13 into outer and
inner regions.
The inner region is a standard convex
mirror whereas the outer region allows
for a wider range of visibility within the
same sweep. This combination allows
for better assurance when making lane
changes.
Objects appearing in the outer region
are actually further away than they are
in the inner region.
INSIDE DAY / NIGHT
MIRROR
39)
Rearview mirror adjustment
Before driving, adjust the rearview
mirror fig. 14 to center on the view
through the rear window.
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22
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 or
when 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
MAINTENANCE
MONITOR
(where provided)
Reset method
Proceed as follows:
select the iconon the home
screen to display the “Applications”
screen;
select “Maintenance” to display the
maintenance list screen;
switch the tab and select the setting
item you want to change: “Scheduled”,
“Tire rotation”, “Oil Change”.

WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Red warning lights
Warning light What it means
PARKING BRAKE WARNING - WARNING LIGHT INSPECTION / LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
WARNING
Parking brake warning / Warning light inspection
The light illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched to START or
ON. It turns off when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the brake warning light remains illuminated even though the parking brake is released, the
brake fluid may be low or there could be a problem with the brake system. Park the vehicle in a
safe place immediately and contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an Abarth
Dealership to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is dangerous. It indicates that your brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any time. If this light remains illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have the brakes inspected immediately.
IMPORTANT In addition, the effectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to
depress the brake pedal more strongly than normal to stop the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Abarth Dealership.
EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) SYSTEM WARNING
If the EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) control unit determines that some components
are operating incorrectly, the control unit may illuminate the brake system warning light and the
ABS warning light simultaneously. The problem is likely to be the electronic brake force
distribution system. Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Abarth
Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated.
Contact an Abarth Dealership to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Driving when
the brake system warning light and ABS warning light are illuminated simultaneously is
dangerous. When both lights are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal circumstances.
54
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 phonic wheel learning, following disconnection of the battery, did not complete
successfully.
58
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
TCS (Traction Contol System);
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control);
Active bonnet (active pedestrian
protection).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
ABS SYSTEM (Antilock
Brake System)
65) 66) 67) 68)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing
and reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a
chattering noise from the brake system.
This is normal ABS system operation.
Continue to depress the brake pedal
without pumping the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
NOTE Braking distances may be longer
on loose surfaces (snow or gravel, forexample) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
NOTE The sound of the ABS operating
may be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
TCS SYSTEM (Traction
Control System)
69) 70) 71)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.TCS / DSC indicator light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the
light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT In addition to the warning
light flashing, a slight labouring sound
will come from the engine. This
indicates that the TCS/DSC is
operating properly.
IMPORTANT On slippery surfaces, such
as fresh snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is on.
DSC SYSTEM (Dynamic
Stability Control)
72) 73) 74)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and
engine torque in conjunction with
systems such as ABS and TCS to help
control side slip when driving on
slippery surfaces, or during sudden or
evasive manoeuvring, enhancing vehicle
safety. Refer to “ABS system (Antilock
Brake System)” and “TCS system
(Traction Control System)”.
68
SAFETY

front bumper. In addition, it may
activate depending on the level of
impact from even a light object, small
animal, or other small object;
the system may also activate if the
lower part of the vehicle or the front
bumper receives an impact from one of
the following situations:
– the vehicle hits a curb;
– the vehicle falls into a deep ditch or
hole;
– the vehicle bounces and hits the
ground;
– the front, bottom part of the vehicle
contacts the slope of a parking
garage, the surface of an even,
undulating road, or a protruding or
fallen object on the road.
Situations in which the active
bonnet may not activate
The active bonnet may not active in the
following situations as an impact would
be difficult to detect:
the pedestrian gets hit at an angle or
by the side areas on the left and right of
the front bumper;
the vehicle hits a pedestrian who is
carrying something such as a bag
which can absorb the impact.Situations in which the system does
not activate
The active bonnet does not activate
under the following conditions:
the front bumper gets hit while the
vehicle is being driven at a speed
insufficient to activate the system;
the vehicle gets hit from the side or
the rear;
the vehicle rolls or turns over (the
active bonnet may operate depending
on the accident conditions).
WARNING
65)Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving. The ABS cannot compensate
for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow, and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
66)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on
the current road conditions.
67)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.68)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
69)Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving. The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating
(following another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
70)Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow. Driving
without proper traction devices on snow
and/or ice-covered roads is dangerous.
The Traction Control System (TCS) alone
cannot provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
71)The capability of the TCS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
72)Do not rely on the DSC as a substitute
for safe driving: the Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of water
on the road surface). You can still have an
accident.
73)For the correct operation of the DSC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of
the same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
71

Super-LSD operation
Straight ahead driving
When driving straight, the right and left
side gears rotate at the same speed,
and the pinion and side gears rotate
together with the differential gear case.
Input force from the ring gear is
transmitted to the pinion gears via the
gear case and to the drive shaft via the
side gears. Due to this, a speed
difference between right and left in the
differential does not occur.
Differential operation
If the rotation speed between the right
and left wheels becomes different
(during normal driving), the pinion gears
rotate together while revolving around
the center axle of the drive shaft,
thereby absorbing the difference in
rotation speed. This mechanism serves
as a differential.
Limited-slip operation
If the differential encounters a condition
requiring limited-slip control such as
wheel spin, thrust force acts on the side
gears due to the reaction force from the
meshing of the pinion and side gears.
This thrust force presses the side gears
against the taper ring, generating
friction between the side gear cone and
the taper ring and reducing the torque
of the slipping wheel.The reduced torque is transmitted
without change to the wheel with higher
traction, and the limited slip differential
function is provided. The torque
transmitted to the wheel with higher
traction is proportionate to the input
torque of the ring gear.
HLA (Hill Launch Assist)
FUNCTION
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is a function
which assists the driver in accelerating
from a stop while on a slope. When the
driver releases the brake pedal and
depresses the accelerator pedal while
on a slope, the function prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the shift lever is in a position other than
the reverse (R) position.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the selector lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the selector lever is in a forward gear.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate on a gentle slope. Inaddition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate if the parking brake is
applied, the vehicle has not stopped
completely, or the clutch pedal is
released.
IMPORTANT While Hill Launch Assist is
operating, the brake pedal may feel stiff
and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate while the TCS/DSC
indicator light is illuminated. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
does not turn off even if the DSC OFF
switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
IMPORTANT For vehicles with an
automatic transmission although the Hill
Launch Assist does not operate during
idling stop, the vehicle roll prevention
function operates to prevent vehicle roll.
IMPORTANT Do not rely completely on
Hill Launch Assist. Hill Launch Assist is
an auxiliary device for accelerating from
a stop on a slope. The system only
75

Unfastening the seat belt
Depress the button 1 fig. 63 on the seat
belt buckle. If the belt does not fully
retract, pull it out and check for kinks or
twists. Then make sure it remains
untwisted as it retracts.
IMPORTANT If a belt does not fully
retract, inspect it for kinks and twists. Ifit is still not retracting properly, have it
inspected: contact an Abarth
Dealership.
IMPORTANT Always wear the seat belt
with it correctly routed in its guide 1
fig. 64. Wearing a seat belt without the
seat belt routed in its guide is
dangerous because the seat belt would
not be able to provide adequate
protection in an accident, which could
result in serious injury.
SEAT BELT WARNING
SYSTEMS
If it detects that the occupant seat belt
is unfastened, the warning light or beep
alerts the occupant.
Refer to “Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.Refer to “Seat belt warning beep” in
“Knowing the instrument panel”
chapter.
WARNING
79)Always wear your seat belt and make
sure all occupants are properly restrained.
Not wearing a seat belt is extremely
dangerous. During a collision, occupants
not wearing seat belts could hit someone
or things inside the vehicle or even be
thrown out of the vehicle. They could be
seriously injured or even killed. In the same
collision, occupants wearing seat belts
would be much safer.
80)Do not wear twisted seat belts. Twisted
seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the
full width of the belt is not available to
absorb the impact. This puts more force on
the bones beneath the belt, which could
cause serious injury or death. So, if your
seat belt is twisted, you must straighten
the seat belt to remove any twists and to
allow the full width of the belt to be used.
81)Never use one seat belt on more than
one person at a time. Using one seat belt
for more than one person at a time is
dangerous. A seat belt used in this way
cannot spread the impact forces properly
and the two passengers could be crushed
together and seriously injured or even
killed. Never use one belt for more than
one person at a time and always operate
the vehicle with each occupant properly
restrained.
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SAFETY

STARTING THE
ENGINE
130) 131) 132)
24)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
For starting procedure see “Starting the
engine” in “Getting to know your
vehicle” chapter.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic; engage
a gear (versions with manual
transmission) or position the gear lever
to P (Parking) (versions with automatic
transmission);
turn the ignition device to STOP with
the engine idling.
WARNING
130)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
131)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
132)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
24)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
PARKING
Keep away the key when leaving the
vehicle and take it with you.
When parking and leaving the vehicle,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (first gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before releasing the brake
pedal, wait for letter P to be displayed.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the vehicle
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before placing the gear
lever at P).
110
STARTING AND OPERATING