engine Abarth 124 Spider 2021 Owner handbook (in English)

Warning light What it means what to do
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.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.
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.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.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means what to do
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.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.
DOOR-AJAR WARNING LIGHT
The light turns on if any door is not closed
securely.
Close the door securely.Close the door securely.
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Warning light What it means What to do
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.
63)
Contact an Abarth Dealership.
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.Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact an Abarth Dealership.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means What to do
KEY WARNING LIGHT (illuminate)
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry
system, it illuminates continuously.
IMPORTANT If the key warning indicator light
illuminates or the push button start indicator
light (amber) flashes, the engine may not start.
If the engine cannot be started, try starting it
using the emergency operation for starting the
engine, and contact an Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible.
Refer to “Emergency operation for starting
operation” in “Starting the engine” paragraph.If the engine cannot be started, try starting it
using the emergency operation for starting the
engine, and contact an Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible.
Refer to “Emergency operation for starting
operation” in “Starting the engine” paragraph.
KEY WARNING LIGHT (flashing)
Advanced key malfunction
Take the appropriate action and verify that
the warning light turns off.
The advanced key battery is dead:
replace the key battery.
The advanced key is not within the
operation range/is placed in areas inside
the cabin where it is difficult for the key
to be detected
: bring the advanced key into
the operation range.
A key from another manufacturer
similar to the advanced key is in the
operation range
: take the key from another
manufacturer similar to the advanced key out
of the operation range.
Without the ignition switched off, the
advanced key is taken out of the cabin,
and then all the doors are closed
: bring
the advanced key back into the cabin.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
The warning light switches on to report a
failure of the vehicle security alarm system.
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
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Amber warning lights
Warning light What it means What to do
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.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
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.
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
61

Warning light What it means What to do
KEY INDICATOR LIGHT
Warning light flashing
When the push button start is pressed from
ON to ACC or OFF, the warning light may flash
for approximately 30 seconds indicating that
the remaining battery power of the key is low.Replace with a new battery before the key
becomes unusable.
Blue warning light
Warning light What it means What to do
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
The warning light switches on when the main
beam headlights are turned on.
LOW ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR LIGHT
(for versions/markets where provided)
The light illuminates continuously when the
engine coolant temperature is low and turns
off after the engine is warm.
If the low engine coolant temperature indicator
light remains illuminated after the engine has
been sufficiently warmed up, the temperature
sensor could have a malfunction.Contact a Dealership as soon as possible.
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Warning light (red color) on dashboard trim
Warning light What it means What to do
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 What to do
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.If the light does not turn on or remains turned
on, contact an Abarth Dealership.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
62)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.63)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.
64)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.
65)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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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)
66) 67) 68) 69)
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)
70) 71) 72)
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.
NOTE To turn off the TSC, press the
DSC OFF switch.
TCS / DSC indicator light
Theindicator 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)
73) 74) 75)
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)”.
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DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h.
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 The DSC may not operate
correctly unless the following are
observed:
use tires of the correct size specified
for your vehicle on all four wheels;
use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels;
do not mix worn tires.
IMPORTANT The DSC may not operate
correctly when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
TCS / DSC indicator light
Theindicator 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. Take your vehicle to an Abarth
Dealership.
DSC OFF indicator light
Theindicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. It also illuminates when the DSC
OFF switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, contact
an Abarth Dealership. The DSC may
have a malfunction.
DSC OFF switch
Press the switch fig. 59 to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The
warning light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off.
IMPORTANT When DSC is on and you
attempt to free the vehicle when it is
stuck, or drive it out of freshly fallen
snow, the TCS (part of the DSCsystem) will activate. Depressing the
accelerator will not increase engine
power and freeing the vehicle may be
difficult. When this happens, turn off the
TCS/DSC.
IMPORTANT If the TCS/DSC is off
when the engine is turned off, it
automatically activates when the
ignition is switched ON.
IMPORTANT Leaving the TCS/DSC on
will provide the best traction.
IMPORTANT If the switch is pressed
and held for 10 seconds or more, the
DSC OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The DSC OFF
indicator light turns off while the DSC
system is operative.
ACTIVE BONNET
PRECAUTIONS
76)
In the unlikely event that the vehicle
were to hit a pedestrian and a certain
amount of impact is applied to the front
of the vehicle, impact to the head of the
pedestrian if it were to hit the bonnet is
lessened by the rear area of the bonnet
raising instantly to maintain a wide
space between it and the parts in the
engine compartment.
If the sensor 1 fig. 60 installed to the
5905060301-12A-987AB
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SAFETY