stop start Abarth 124 Spider 2021 Owner handbook (in English)

To switch the ignition position without
starting the engine, perform the
following operations after the push
button start indicator light (green) turns
on:
release the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or brake pedal (automatic
transmission);
press the push button start to switch
the ignition position. The ignition
switches in the order of ACC, ON, and
OFF each time the push button start is
pressed. To switch the ignition position
again, perform the operation from the
beginning.
TURNING THE ENGINE
OFF
5) 6)
Proceed as follows:
stop the vehicle completely;
manual transmission: shift into
neutral and set the parking brake.
Automatic transmission: shift the
selector lever to the P position and set
the parking brake.
press the push button start to turn
off the engine. The ignition position is
OFF.
IMPORTANT When leaving the vehicle,
make sure the push button start is off.
Emergency engine stop
Continuously pressing the push button
start or quickly pressing it any number
of times while the engine is running or
the vehicle is being driven will turn the
engine off immediately. The ignition
switches to ACC.
WARNING
3)Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the selector lever is
in P (automatic transmission) or in 1
stgear
or R (manual transmission). Leaving the
driver's seat without switching the ignition
off, setting the parking brake, and shifting
the selector lever to P (automatic
transmission) or to 1
stgear or R (manual
transmission) is dangerous. Unexpected
vehicle movement could occur which could
result in an accident. In addition, if your
intention is to leave the vehicle for even a
short period, it is important to switch the
ignition off, as leaving it in another position
will disable some of the vehicle's security
systems and run the battery down.
4)Radio waves from the key may affect
medical devices such as pacemakers.
Before using the key near people who use
medical devices, ask the medical device
manufacturer or your physician if radio
waves from the key will affect the device.5)Do not stop the engine while the vehicle
is moving. Stopping the engine while the
vehicle is moving for any reason other than
in an emergency is dangerous. Stopping
the engine while the vehicle is moving will
result in reduced braking ability due to the
loss of power braking, which could cause
an accident and serious injury.
6)Always take the key with you when you
leave your vehicle to prevent someone
from accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the parking brake.
Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
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WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Red warning lights
Warning light What it means what to do
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.Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact an Abarth Dealership.
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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 (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

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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WARNING
77)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.
78)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.
79)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.80)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 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.
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.
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STARTING THE
ENGINE
134) 135) 136)
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
134)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.
135)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.
136)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).
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STARTING AND OPERATING

MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
140) 141) 142)
25)
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever into
the required position. The diagram for
gear engagement is shown on the knob
fig. 88.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
down while shifting; then release it
slowly.
Your vehicle is equipped with a device
to prevent shifting to R (reverse) by
mistake. Push the shift lever downward
and shift to R.
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.
With Parking Sensor system
When the shift lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON,
the parking sensor system is activated
and a beep sound is heard.
IMPORTANT Keep your foot off the
clutch pedal except when shifting
gears. Also, do not use the clutch to
hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Riding
the clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
IMPORTANT Do not apply any
excessive lateral force to the shift lever
when changing from 5
thto 4thgear.
This could lead to the accidental
selection of 2
ndgear, which could
result in damage to the transmission.
IMPORTANT Make sure the vehicle
comes to a complete stop before
shifting to R. Shifting to R while the
vehicle is still moving may damage the
transmission.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completely
stationary. With the engine running, wait
at least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal
fully pressed before engaging reverse to
prevent damage to the gears and
grating.
WARNING
140)Depress the clutch pedal fully to
change gear correctly. Therefore, the floor
area underneath the pedal unit must not be
obstructed in any way. Ensure that the floor
mat is always laid flat and does not
interfere with use of the pedals.
141)Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high speeds.
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while driving at high
speeds causes sudden engine braking,
which is dangerous. The sudden change in
tyre speed could cause the tyres to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
142)Always leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle unattended. Otherwise
the vehicle could move and cause an
accident.
IMPORTANT
25)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even if
slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.8805987654-12A-001AB
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STARTING AND OPERATING

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(where provided)
VARIOUS LOCKOUTS
To shift from P to R you must depress
the brake pedal and hold in the
lock-release button to shift (the ignition
must be switched ON).
To shift from R to N, from N to D (or D
to N), from D to M (or M to D) and from
M to + and - the selector lever can be
shifted freely into any position.
To shift from N to R and from R to P
you must hold in the lock-release
button fig. 89 to shift.
Sport mode
The Sport automatic transmission has
an option that is not included in the
traditional automatic transmission that
gives the driver the option of selecting
each gear instead of leaving it to the
transmission to shift gears. Even if you
intend to use the automatic
transmission functions as a traditional
automatic, you should also be aware
that you can inadvertently shift into
manual shift mode and an inappropriate
gear may be retained as the vehiclespeed increases. If you notice the
engine speed going higher or hear the
engine racing, confirm you have not
accidentally slipped into manual shift
mode.
GEAR LEVER POSITIONS
P (Park)
143) 144)
P locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from rotating. The
selector lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
IMPORTANT Shifting into P, N or R
while the vehicle is moving can damage
your transmission.
IMPORTANT Shifting into a driving gear
or reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transmission.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete
stop before shifting to or from R, except
under rare circumstances.
With Parking Sensor system: when
the selector lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON,
the parking sensor system is activated
and a beep sound is heard.
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119

N (Neutral)
145)
In N, the wheels and transmission are
not locked. The vehicle will roll freely
even on the slightest incline unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
IMPORTANT Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause
transaxle damage. Apply the parking
brake or depress the brake pedal
before moving the selector lever from N
to prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 6-gear sequence.
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the selector lever. Refer to
“Manual shift mode”.
SHIFT-LOCK SYSTEM
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
depress and hold the brake pedal;
start the engine;
press and hold the lock-release
button;
move the selector lever.When the ignition is switched to ACC or
the ignition is switched off, the selector
lever cannot be shifted from P.
The ignition cannot be switched to OFF
if the selector lever is not in P.
SHIFT-LOCK OVERRIDE
If the selector lever will not move from P
using the proper shift procedure,
continue to hold down the brake pedal.
Proceed as follows:
remove the shift-lock override cover
using a cloth-wrapped flat head
screwdriver fig. 90;
insert a screwdriver and push it
down;
press and hold the lock-release
button and move the selector lever;
take the vehicle to an Abarth
Dealership.
For some versions
Proceed as follows:
press the lock-release button with
the button pressed fig. 91;
move the selector lever;
take the vehicle to an Abarth
Dealership.
MANUAL SHIFT MODE
To change to manual shift mode, shift
the lever from D to M. To return to
automatic shift mode, shift the lever
fromMtoD.
IMPORTANT Changing to manual shift
mode while driving will not damage the
transmission.
IMPORTANT If you change to manual
shift mode when the vehicle is stopped,
the gear may shift to M1.
IMPORTANT If you change to manual
shift mode without depressing the
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STARTING AND OPERATING