display Abarth 500 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

52
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
BEAM ADJUSTMENT fig. 57
The car is provided with electric adjust-
ment of the beams, operating with ignition
key on MARand low beams on.
The car will slant backwards when it is
loaded, raising the light beam.
In that case, it is necessary to perform
beams adjustment with buttons +and –.
The display provides a visual indication of
the positions during adjustment.
Gas discharge headlights (Xenon head-
lights) are automatically adjusted. The
headlight position is electronic and there-
fore cannot be manually adjusted using the
+and –buttons.AIMING THE FRONT FOG
LIGHTS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Contact Abarth Dealership to have the
headlights properly adjusted.
BEAMS ADJUSTMENT ABROAD
Low beams factory adjustment depends
on the country where the car is pur-
chased. When you travel in countries with
different driving direction, to avoid blind-
ing the drivers who travel in the opposite
direction, it is necessary to cover the ar-
eas of the beam according to the provi-
sions of the Highway Code of the country
where you travel.
fig. 57
M E N UE S C
F0S057Ab
Correct positions depending
on load
Position 0- one or two passengers on
front seats.
Position 1- 4 passengers.
Position 2- 4 passengers + load in the
boot.
Position 3- driver + maximum admitted
load in the boot.

53
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
ABS SYSTEM INTERVENTION
Intervention of the ABS is detected by a
slight pulsing of the brake pedal accompa-
nied by noise: such an event indicates that
you need to adjust your speed to the type
of road on which you are travelling.ABS SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes the most of road
grip and gives the best control when emer-
gency braking under difficulty road condi-
tions.
The system is completed by EBD (Elec-
tronic Braking Force Distribution), which
distributes the braking action between
front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To achieve maximum effi-
ciency of the braking system, a settlement
period of about 500 km is required: dur-
ing this time, avoid sudden, repeated and
prolonged braking.
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep it pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of space
possible under the current road con-
ditions.
WARNING
When the ABS intervenes, it
means that you are ap-
proaching the grip limit between tyres
and road: it is necessary to slow down
to adjust the speed according to
available grip.
WARNING
The ABS exploits the tyre-
road grip at the best, but it
cannot improve it; you should there-
fore take every care when driving on
slippery surfaces without taking un-
necessary risks.
WARNING
FAILURE INDICATIONS
ABS failure
It is indicated by the turning on of warn-
ing light
>on the instrument panel to-
gether with the dedicated message on the
reconfigurable multifunctional display (for
versions/markets, where provided), see
section “Warning lights and messages”.
In the case, the braking system will work
as normal without the extra potentials of-
fered by the ABS system. Drive carefully
to the nearest Abarth Dealership to have
the system checked.

54
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
If warning light xonly lights
up on the instrument panel,
(with a message on the multifunc-
tional reconfigurable display, for ver-
sions/markets, where provided), im-
mediately stop the car and contact
the nearest Abarth Dealership. Leak-
age of hydraulic fluid from the brak-
ing system will compromise function-
ality of the braking system, either of
the conventional type or with ABS.
WARNINGESP SYSTEM (Electronic
Stability Program)
The ESP system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event of
tyre grip loss.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when grip conditions of the road sur-
faces change.
With the ESP in addition to the ASR (trac-
tion control with intervention on the
brakes and the engine) and the HILL
HOLDER function (device for setting off
on an incline without using the brakes),
there is also MSR (regulation of the engine
brake torque during downward gear
shifts), HBA (automatic increase in brak-
ing pressure during emergency braking)
and TTC (transfer of engine torque to the
wheels).
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warn-
ing light
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions. EBD failure
It is indicated by the turning on of warn-
ing lights
>and xon the instrument
panel together with the dedicated message
on the reconfigurable multifunctional dis-
play (for versions/markets, where provid-
ed); see section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”.
In this case, the rear wheels may sudden-
ly lock and the car may swerve. Drive
carefully to the nearest Abarth Dealership
to have the system checked.

55
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
Do not take unnecessary
risks, even if your cars fits an
ESP system. Your driving style must
always be suited to the conditions of
the road, visibility and traffic. The dri-
ver is always responsible for road
safety.
WARNING
System intervention
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
Failure indications
In the event of a failure, the ESP system
will be automatically switched off and
warning light
áwill appear on the instru-
ment panel along with a message on the
reconfigurable multifunctional display (for
versions/markets, where provided). Con-
tact Abarth Dealership.HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESP system and
is automatically activated in the following
conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with
a gradient of more than 2%, engine run-
ning, brake pressed and gearbox in neu-
tral or gear other than reverse engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 2%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
At pickup the ESP system control unit will
keep brake force on wheels until reaching
the torque suitable for starting, or in any
case for max. 2 seconds in order to pass
easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
After two seconds without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by re-
leasing gradually the brake force. At re-
leasing, the typical brake disengagement
noise indicating that the car is going to
move will be heard.Failure indications
A failure of the system is indicated by the
turning on warning light áon the instru-
ment panel together with the dedicated
message on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tional display (for versions/markets, where
provided); see section “Warning lights and
messages”.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never leave
the car without having engaged the hand-
brake, turned the engine off and engaged
the first speed.
If the spare wheel is used,
the ESP system keeps oper-
ating. The spare wheel, being smaller
than the original wheel provides less
grip.
For correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must ab-
solutely be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tions and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING

57
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
IMPORTANT After eliminating the in-
convenience, to check the system com-
pletely, Abarth Dealerships are obliged to
run a bench test and, if necessary, road
tests which may also call for a long jour-
ney.EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuous diagnosis of
the components of the car correlated with
emissions. It also alerts the driver, by turn-
ing on the warning light
Uon the instru-
ment panel (together with relevant mes-
sage on the multifunction display, for ver-
sions/markets, where provided), when
these components are no longer in peak
conditions (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
The objective is:
❒to keep the system efficiency under
control;
❒to warn when a fault causes emissions
levels to increase;
❒to warn of the need to replace deteri-
orated components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropri-
ate tools, which makes it possible to read
the error codes stored in the control unit,
together with a series of specific parame-
ters for engine operation and diagnosis.
This check can also be carried out by the
traffic police.Go to a Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible if warning
light
Ueither does not light
up when the key is turned to
MAR or if while travelling the warning
light comes on either steady or blinking
(along with a message on the reconfig-
urable multifunctional display, for ver-
sions/markets, where provided). The op-
eration of warning light
Umay be
checked by the traffic police using spe-
cific devices. Follow the laws in force in
the country where you are driving.

58
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure is indicated by instrument pan-
el warning light
gcoming on together
with the message on the reconfigurable
multifunction display (for versions/mar-
kets, where provided) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
In the event of electric power steering sys-
tem failure, the car can be driven with me-
chanical steering.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, fac-
tors independent from the electric pow-
er steering could cause the illumination of
the warning light
gon the instrument
panel.
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
The car has an electrically operated pow-
er assisted system, that only works with
the ignition key in the MARposition and
the engine started, known as Dualdrive.
The electric power steering reduces the
effort on the steering wheel making town
driving and parking manoeuvres particu-
larly easy.
IMPORTANT In case of quick rotation of
the ignition switch, full power steering
functionality can be achieved after 1-2 sec-
onds.
When the SPORT function is turned on
(see “Controls” paragraph in this chapter)
the electric power steering assistance is
altered, increasing the sensitivity of the
steering wheel.
It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out whatever after-
market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifica-
tions (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect per-
formance and safety, cause the lapse
of warranty and also result in non-
compliance of the car with homolo-
gation requirements.
WARNING
Before servicing the car,
switch off the engine and re-
move the key from the ignition de-
vice, activating the steering lock, es-
pecially when car wheels do not
touch the ground. If this is not possi-
ble (if the key must be on MAR or the
engine must be running), remove the
main fuse which protects the electric
power steering.
WARNING
In this case, immediately stop the car, turn
off the engine for about 20 seconds and
then turn on again the engine. If the warn-
ing light
gis still on, along with the mes-
sage on the reconfigurable multifunction-
al display (for versions/markets, where
provided), contact Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT The steering may become
slightly stiff following parking manoeuvres
including a great deal of steering. This is
normal and caused by a system to prevent
motor overheating. No servicing is re-
quired. The power steering system will re-
turn to normal operation the next time
the car is used.

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

77
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
GENERAL WARNINGS
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or if it stays on when
travelling (together with the message
on the multifunctional display, where
provided) there could be a failure in
safety systems; in this event air bags
or pretensioners may not be deployed
in case of impact or, in a minor num-
ber of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact Abarth Dealer-
ship immediately to have the system
checked before driving off.
WARNING
Do not cover the front seat
backrest with covers if a
Side-bag is fitted.
WARNING
Do not travel with objects in
your lap, in front of your
chest, or keeping between your lips
pipes, pencils, etc.. In the event of
crash with airbag activation, you may
be seriously injured.
WARNING
Always drive keeping your
hands on the steering wheel
crown so that, in the event of airbag
activation, it can inflate without find-
ing obstacles. Do not drive with your
body bent forward. Keep the backrest
in straight position, resting correctly
your back on it.
WARNINGWith ignition key inserted,
on MAR, even if the engine
is off, the air bags can activate also
with the car stopped, if it is hit by an-
other vehicle. For this reason, children
must never sit on the front seat, even
if the car is not moving. We remind
you that if the key is inserted on
STOP, no safety device (air bag or
pretensioner) activates following a
collision; no deployment in such cas-
es is consequently not the sign of a
fault.
WARNING
It someone tried to steal or
damage your car, and in the
event of floods, have the air bag sys-
tem checked by the Abarth Dealer-
ship.
WARNING

88
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
GENERAL WARNINGS
Lighting of a warning light is associated to
a specific message and/or buzzer when ap-
plicable. These indications are brief and
precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or alterna-
tive to the information contained in the
Owner’s Handbook, which you are rec-
ommended to read carefully in all cases.
Refer to the information in this chap-
ter in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications on the
display fall into either of two categories:
seriousfaults and less seriousfaults.
Seriousfailures are indicated by a re-
peated and prolonged warning “cycle”.
Less seriousfailures are indicated by a
limited warning “cycle”.
Press MENU ESCto stop the warning
cycle in both cases. The warning light on
the instrument panel will stay on until the
cause of the fault is eliminated.LOW BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL (red)
HANDBRAKE ON (red)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe
warning light turns on, but it should go off
after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the lev-
el of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls
below the minimum level, due to possi-
ble leak in the circuit.
On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
x
If the warning light xturns
on when travelling (on cer-
tain versions together with the mes-
sage on the display) stop the car im-
mediately and contact Abarth Deal-
ership.
WARNING
Handbrake on
The warning light turns on when the hand-
brake is on.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on
when travelling, check that the handbrake
is not engaged.
AIR BAG FAILURE
(red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on glowing steadi-
ly if there is a failure in the air bag system.
On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
¬

89
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or if it stays on when
travelling (together with the message
on the multifunctional display, where
provided) there could be a failure in
safety systems; in this event air bags
or pretensioners may not be deployed
in case of impact or, in a minor num-
ber of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact Abarth Dealer-
ship immediately to have the system
checked before driving off.
WARNING
The failure of the warning
light
¬(warning light off) is
indicated by intermittent blinking of
the warning light
“that signals front
passenger airbag deactivated.
WARNING
FRONT PASSENGER
AIRBAG
DEACTIVATED
(amber)
Warning light
“comes on when front
passenger’s airbag is deactivated.
With front passenger’s airbag on, turning
the ignition key to MAR, warning light
“comes on steadily for about 4 seconds, it
flashes for other 4 seconds and then it
shall go off.
“
Warning light “indicates
failure of warning light ¬.
This condition is indicated by inter-
mittent blinking of warning light
“for longer than 4 seconds. In this case,
warning light ¬may not indicate
fault to the system. Contact Abarth
Dealership immediately to have the
system checked before driving off.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE
COOLANT (red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the en-
gine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as
follows:
❒during normal travel: stop the car,
stop the engine and check that the wa-
ter level in the vessel is not under the
MIN line. In this case, wait for a few
minutes for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap,
top-up with coolant and check that the
level is between the MIN and MAX
references on the vessel itself. Also
check for leakages. Should the warn-
ing light turn on again at the next start-
up, contact Abarth Dealership.
u