ABS Abarth 500 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

75
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
DRIVER’S KNEES AIR BAG fig. 14
It consists of an instant-inflating cushion
housed into a special compartment pro-
vided for the purpose under the lower
post guard at driver’s knees level, designed
to give further protection in the event of
frontal crash.MANUAL DEACTIVATION OF
PASSENGER’S FRONT AIR BAG
AND SIDE BAG
Should it be absolutely necessary to car-
ry a child on the front seat, the passenger’s
front air bag and the Side Bag can be de-
activated.
The instrument panel warning light
“will
stay on glowing steadily until reactivating
the passenger’s front air bag and the Side
Bag.
WARNING To deactivate the passenger’s
front air bag and the Side Bag, refer to
paragraphs “Digital display” and “Multi-
functional display” in section “Your car”.
SIDE BAGS -
WINDOW BAGS
SIDE BAG fig. 15
It consists of an instant-inflating cushion
housed in the front seat backrest. It pro-
tects the chest and the hips of the pas-
sengers in the event of side crash of medi-
um-high severity.
fig. 14F0S073Ab

81
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to operate the
handbrake.
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒engage a gear (on a slope, engage first
gear if the car is faced uphill or rever-
se if it is faced downhill) and leave the
wheels steered.
If the car is parked on a steep slope, it is
further advisable to block the wheels with
a wedge or stone.
Do not leave the ignition key on MARto
prevent draining the battery. Always re-
move the key when you leave the car.
Never leave children unattended in the
car. Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car and take it out with you. HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium speed. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performan-
ce for the first few kilometres. Wait un-
til the engine coolant temperature gau-
ge starts moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the engi-
ne compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the accele-
rator before turning off the
engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.The car must be braked after
a few snaps of the lever,
otherwise, contact the Abarth Dea-
lership for regulation.
WARNING
When the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is on MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
xwill turn
on.
Proceed as follows to release the hand-
brake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A-fig. 1;
❒hold button Apressed and lower the
lever. Warning light xon the instru-
ment panel will go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
fig. 1
A
F0S076Ab

87
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
GENERAL WARNINGS ..................................................... 88
LOW BRAKE FLUID............................................................ 88
HANDBRAKE ON................................................................ 88
AIR BAG FAILURE................................................................ 88
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATED........... 89
HOT ENGINE COOLANT................................................ 89
LOW BATTERY CHARGE................................................. 90
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE......................................................... 90
EBD SYSTEM FAILURE........................................................ 90
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE.......................................... 90
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE ............................................................ 91
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING.................................... 91
ENGINE EOBD / INJECTION
CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE ......................................... 91
FUEL RESERVE....................................................................... 92
FIAT CODE PROTECTION
SYSTEM FAILURE.................................................................. 92
REAR FOG LIGHTS.............................................................. 92
GENERIC FAILURE INDICATION ................................. 93
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR FAILURE.................. 93
FUEL CUT-OFF INERTIAL SWITCH
INTERVENTION................................................................... 93
EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE .......................................... 93ESP SYSTEM FAILURE ........................................................ 93
HILL HOLDER FAILURE .................................................... 93
SIDELIGHTS AND LOW BEAMS..................................... 93
FOLLOW ME HOME........................................................... 93
FRONT FOG LIGHTS ........................................................ 94
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR........................ 94
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR.................... 94
SPORT FUNCTION ACTIVATION................................. 94
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS............................................... 94
POSSIBLE ICE ON THE ROAD.........................................94
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED .................................................. 94
LIMITED RANGE ................................................................. 94
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................................ 94
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED.......................................... 94
WW W
A A
R R
N N
I I
N N
G G
L L
I I
G G
H H
T T
S S
A A
N N
D D
M M
E E
S S
S S
A A
G G
E E
S S

90
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
❒If the vehicle is used under severe
conditions(e.g. towing of trailers up-
hill or fully loaded vehicle): slow down
and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stand for 2 or 3 minutes with
the engine running and slightly accel-
erated to ease a better circulation of
coolant. Then stop the engine. Check
correct liquid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly accel-
erated for a few minutes before switching
it off.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go out as soon as the engine is
started (with the engine running at idle
speed a brief delay in going out is allowed).
If the warning light stays on glowing steadi-
ly or flashing: contact immediately Abarth
Dealership.
w
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light will light up when the
system is either not working or not avail-
able. In the case, the braking system will
work as normal without the extra poten-
tials offered by the ABS system. Drive
carefully and go to a Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
>
EBD FAILURE
(red) (amber)
Warning lights
xand >lit at the same
time with the engine running indicates an
EBD system failure or that the system is
not available. Early locking of the rear
wheels may occur in the event of violent
braking causing the car to swerve. Drive
very carefully to a Abarth Dealership to
have the system inspected.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
x>
LOW ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE (red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on,
but it should go out as soon as the engine
is started.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
v
If the warning light vturns on when the car is trav-
elling (on certain versions together
with the message on the display) stop
the engine immediately and contact
a Abarth Dealership.
WARNING

118
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
Engine compartment control unit
fig. 40 e 41
A second control unit is located on the
right side of the engine compartment, next
to the battery; to access it press device I,
release tabs Mand remove cover L.
The ID number of the electrical compo-
nent corresponding to each fuse can be
found on the back of the cover.
If you need to wash the en-
gine compartment, take care
not to directly hit the engine
compartment control unit
with the water jet.
fig. 40
fig. 41F0S113Ab
F0S114Ab

131
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
BRAKE FLUID fig. 1
Release cap E:check that the liquid con-
tained in the tank is at the maximum level.
Fluid level in the reservoir must not ex-
ceed the MAXmark.
Use the brake fluid shown in the “Fluids
and lubricants” table (see “Technical Spec-
ifications”).
NOTE Carefully clean the cap of reservoir
Eand the surrounding surface.
When opening the cap, make sure that no
dirt gets into the reservoir.
For topping up always use a funnel with
built-in filter (mesh smaller than or equal
to 0.12 mm).
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic
(i.e. it absorbs moisture). For this reason,
if the car is mainly used in areas with a high
degree of atmospheric humidity, the fluid
should be replaced at more frequent in-
tervals than specified in the “Service
schedule”.Prevent brake fluid which is
highly corrosive from coming
into contact with painted
parts. Should that occur, im-
mediately wash with water.
The brake fluid is poisonous
and highly corrosive. In the
case of accidental contact, wash the
parts with water and mild soap and
rinse with plenty of water. In case of
swallowing immediately call a doctor.
WARNING
The symbol π, on the con-
tainer indicates a synthetic
brake fluid, which is different from a
mineral fluid. Use of a mineral type
fluid will damage the special rubber
seals of the braking system beyond re-
pair.
WARNING

133
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
for a long time under 50%, the battery is
damaged by sulphation, reducing its ca-
pacity and starting attitude.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (e.g. already at -10°C). Refer to
the paragraph “Car inactivity” in “Starting
and driving” if the car is left parked for a
long time.
If after buying the car, you want to install
electric accessories which require per-
manent electric supply (alarm, etc.) con-
tact Abarth Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, checking
whether the car’s electric system is capa-
ble of withstanding the load required, or
whether it should be integrated with a
more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing en-
ergy even when the ignition key is off, they
gradually run down the battery. USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and length-
en its life, observe the following indica-
tions:
❒when you park the car, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly;
❒switch off all lights inside the car: the
car is however equipped with a system
which switches all internal lights off au-
tomatically;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound sys-
tem, hazard lights, etc.) switched on for
a long time when the engine is not run-
ning;
❒before performing any operation on the
electrical system, disconnect the bat-
tery negative cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be per-
fectly tightened. Incorrect assembly of electric
and electronic devices may
cause severe damage to your
car. Go to a Abarth Dealer-
ship if you want to install accessories
(alarms, mobile phone, etc.): they will
suggest the most suitable devices and
advise you if a higher capacity battery
needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances
that can be very dangerous
for the environment. t is ad-
visable to have the battery
changed by a Abarth Dealership where
it will be disposed of according to the
law.
If the vehicle must remain
unused for a long time at
very low temperature, remove the
battery and carry it to a warm place,
to avoid freezing.
WARNING
When you must perform any
operation on the battery or
near it, always protect your eyes with
the special goggles.
WARNING

147
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
INDEX
YOU CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
SUSPENSIONS
1.4 TB BZ ABARTH
Front
Rear
BRAKES
1.4 TB BZ ABARTH
Service brakes:
– front
– rear
Parking brake
IMPORTANT Water, ice and salt sprinkled on the roads may deposit on the brake disks reducing braking efficiency
the first time the brakes are applied.
STEERING
1.4 TB BZ ABARTH
Type
Diameter of steering between
platforms mwith Mc Pherson type independent wheels; consisting of a mechanical crosspiece,
shock absorbers, helical springs and stabilizer bar.
with torquing axle and interconnected wheels; consisting of torquing axle and
two tubular arms with shock absorbers and helical springs.
rack and pinion with dual strategy electric power steering (normal/sport)
10.8 disk type (self-ventilated disc)
solid disc
controlled by hand lever, acting on rear brakes

160
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
INDEX
Boot light .............................................. 46
– bulb replacement .......................... 115
Boot ........................................................ 46
– opening ........................................... 46
– closing ............................................. 47
– extension ........................................ 48
Brake fluid level ................................... 131
Brakes..................................................... 147
– specifications ................................. 147
– brake fluid level ............................. 131
Capacities ............................................ 154
Car maintenance and care ................ 123
– scheduled servicing ...................... 127
– service schedule ........................... 124
– scheduled maintenance plan ...... 125
– heavy-duty use of the car ........... 127
Carrying children in safety ................ 67
Ceiling light .......................................... 36
– activation ........................................ 36
– bulb replacement .......................... 114
Ceiling light .......................................... 36
– front ................................................ 36
– boot compartment ....................... 46
Central storage compartment .........40
Chassis marking ................................ 143
Checking fluid levels ........................... 128Child seats
(compliance for use) .................. 70-72
Cigar lighter ......................................... 39
Climatic comfort ................................ 27
– ventilation ...................................... 27
Clutch ................................................... 146
CO
2emissions .................................... 158
Code card ............................................ 5
Consumptions ..................................... 157
– fuel ................................................... 157
– motor oil ........................................ 139
Controls ............................................... 37
Cup holders ......................................... 40
Current outlet ..................................... 41
Dashboard .......................................... 3
Daytime lights ....................................... 34
– activation......................................... 34
– bulb replacement ........................... 113
Dimensions .......................................... 151
Dipped beam headlights .................... 34
– activation ........................................ 34
– bulb replacement .......................... 112
Direction indicators ........................... 34
– activation ........................................ 34
– front bulb replacement ............... 111
– side bulb replacement ................. 112
ABS System ........................................ 53
Accessories purchased by
the owner .......................................... 60
Air filter ................................................ 132
Air recycle ..................................28-29-31
Air vents ............................................... 27
Airbag .................................................... 73
– driver's front airbag....................... 74
– front airbag passenger side .......... 74
– driver's knee-level airbag ............. 75
– Side bag-Window bag ............ 75-76
ASR ......................................................... 56
Automatic climate control system 31
Battery.................................................. 132
– jump starting with battery .......... 96
– useful advice .................................. 133
– inspecting the charge ................ 132
– battery charger ............................. 121
– replacement ................................... 132
Bodywork .............................................. 137
– version codes ................................ 144
– warranty ......................................... 138
– maintenance .................................. 138
– protection ...................................... 137
Bonnet .................................................. 49
Boot extension .................................... 48
I I
N N
D D
E E
X X