ABS Abarth 500 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Abarth and congratulations on your choice of a Abarth.
We prepared this booklet to enable you to know each detail of your Abarth and use it correctly. Please, read it carefully
before driving your car. You will find information, tips and important warnings regarding the driving of your car to help you derive
the maximum from the technological features of your Abarth.
You are recommended to read carefully the warnings and indications, marked with the respective symbols:
personal safety;
the car’s wellbeing;
environmental protection.
The enclosed Warranty Booklet lists the services that Abarth offers to its Customers:
❒the Warranty Certificate with terms and conditions for maintaining its validity
❒the range of additional services available to Abarth Customers.
Best regards and happy motoring!
The special features of the new 500 Abarth make the car captivating through its unmistakeable appearance,
stylish yet traditional and, at the same time, practical in terms of performance and safety thanks to the new
elements that have been introduced. The miniskirts, the rear spoiler and the inclined connector to the underbody
improve the drag coefficient, the geometry and road holding at speed. The twin exhaust pipes are fitted at the
sides of the incline at the specular outlets of a single transversely mounted silencer. The front and rear
symmetrical air intakes are practical and the first ones allow the flow of air for cooling the two specular
intercoolers, while the second ones permit the outlet of the flow at the rear. The introduction of the TTC
system (Torque Transfer Control), which improves the transfer of engine torque to the wheels, makes the
vehicle safer and more pleasant to drive, especially when cornering. Comfort is improved thanks to the introduction
of the anti-roll bar which involves a reduction in shock absorber pressure thereby making the vehicle less rigid.
Every feature of the 500 Abarth passenger compartment, from the turbo analogue pressure gauge, the
steering wheel with three spokes and shaped grips, the aluminium pedal assembly, the gear lever with an
ergonimically designed grip and the seats with head restraints built-into the backrest,
is designed to give the car a sporty appearance.
This Owner Handbook contains descriptions of the various new 500 Abarth trim levels therefore you should find
the information that relates to the version you have purchased.
001-022 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:001-022 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 14:53 Pagina 1

2
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CARDASHBOARD ...................................................................... 3
SYMBOLS ............................................................................... 4
THE FIAT CODE SYSTEM.................................................. 4
THE KEYS .............................................................................. 5
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ONBOARD
INSTRUMENTS..................................................................... 8
MULTIFUNCTIONAL DISPLAY AND
RECONFIGURABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL DISPLAY 11
MENU FUNCTIONS............................................................ 13
TRIP COMPUTER ................................................................ 20
SEATS ...................................................................................... 22
HEAD RESTRAINTS............................................................. 24
STEERING WHEEL .............................................................. 25
REARVIEW MIRRORS......................................................... 26
CLIMATE COMFORT.......................................................... 27
HEATING AND VENTILATION ......................................28
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM .................... 29
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM............. 31
EXTERNAL LIGHTS............................................................. 34WINDOW WASHING ....................................................... 35
CEILING LIGHTS .................................................................36
CONTROLS........................................................................... 37
INTERIOR FITTINGS ........................................................... 39
SUNROOF.............................................................................. 41
DOORS .................................................................................. 43
POWER WINDOWS...........................................................44
BOOT ......................................................................................45
BONNET................................................................................. 48
ROOF RACK/SKI RACK .................................................... 50
HEADLIGHTS........................................................................ 50
ABS SYSTEM .........................................................................51
ESP SYSTEM ...........................................................................53
EOBD SYSTEM ..................................................................... 55
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING SYSTEM ............................................................. 56
PARKING SENSORS ............................................................ 57
SOUND SYSTEM .................................................................. 60
ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY THE OWNER.......... 61
AT THE FILLING STATION ............................................. 62
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT............................. 62
Y Y
O O
U U
R R

C C
A A
R R
001-022 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:001-022 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 14:53 Pagina 2

7
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
REPLACEMENT OF REMOTE
CONTROL COVER fig. 6
To replace the remote control cover, fol-
low the procedure shown in figure.
fig. 6
IGNITION SWITCH fig. 7
The key can be turned to 3 different po-
sitions:
❒STOP: engine off, key extractable,
steering locked. Some electrical devices
(e.g. car radio, central door locking sys-
tem, etc.) are enabled
❒MAR: driving position. All electrical de-
vices are enabled
❒AVV: engine start.
The ignition switch is fitted with a safety sys-
tem that, if the engine does not start, forces
to return the ignition key to STOPbefore
repeating the starting operation.
Never extract the key while
the vehicle is moving. The
steering wheel would be locked as
soon as the steering wheel is turned.
This also applies to when the car is
towed.
It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
whatever after-market operation in-
volving steering system or steering col-
umn modifications (e.g.: installation
of anti-theft device) that could badly
affect performance and safety, cause
the lapse of warranty and also result
in non-compliance of the car with ho-
mologation requirements.
WARNING
fig. 7F0S0007Ab
STEERING COLUMN LOCK
Engaging
When the key is at STOP, remove the key
and turn the steering wheel until it locks.
Disengaging
Rock the steering wheel slightly as you
turn the ignition key to MAR.
F0S0006Ab
001-022 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:001-022 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 14:53 Pagina 7

45
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
fig. 45
TTC
AB
F0S045Ab
Incorrect use of the power
windows may be dangerous.
Before operation, always check that
no-one is exposed to the risk of being
injured directly by the moving window
or by objects getting caught and
dragged.
WARNING
When leaving the car, al-
ways remove the ignition key
to avoid the risk of injury due to ac-
cidental operation of the power win-
dows.
WARNING
Soft touch handle fig. 46
The luggage compartment tailgate (when
unlocked) can only be opened from the
outside of the car using the electric open-
ing handle Blocated under the large han-
dle.
The tailgate can be opened at any time if
car doors are unlocked.
To open it, enable the handle, opening one
of the front doors or unlock the doors
with the remote control or using the me-
chanic key.
If the tailgate is not fully closed, the warn-
ing light ´on the instrument panel turns
on (where provided).
BOOT
TAILGATE OPENING
By means of key with remote
control
Press the button
R.
Tailgate opening is indicated by double
flashing of direction indicators.
Tailgate opening is eased by the action of
the side gas shock absorbers.
Opening the tailgate, for some versions,
the boot light turns on: the light auto-
matically turns off after you close the tail-
gate.
The light remains on for about 15 minutes
after rotating the key to STOP: if, dur-
ing this period, a door or the tailgate is
opened, the 15 minutes timing is reset.
fig. 46

F0S046Ab
023-045 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:023-045 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 14:54 Pagina 45

51
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.
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.
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.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.
046-062 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:046-064 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 9:50 Pagina 51

52
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.
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.
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.
WARNING
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.
046-062 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:046-064 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 9:50 Pagina 52

56
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.
046-062 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:046-064 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 9:51 Pagina 56

59
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
GENERALWARNINGS
❒When parking, take the utmost care
over obstacles that may be above or
under the sensors.
❒Objects close to the car, are not de-
tected under certain circumstances and
could therefore cause damage to the
car or be damaged.The following conditions may influence the
performance of the parking sensor system:
❒Reduced sensor sensitivity and a re-
duction in the parking assistance system
performance could be due to the pres-
ence on the surface of the sensor of:
ice, snow, mud, thick paint
❒The sensor may detect a non-existent
obstacle (echo interference) due to me-
chanical interference, for example when
washing the vehicle, in rain, (strong
wind), hail.
❒The signals sent by the sensors can al-
so be altered by the presence of ultra-
sonic systems (e.g. pneumatic brake sys-
tems or pneumatic drills) near the ve-
hicle.
❒Parking assistance system performance
can also be influenced by the position
of the sensors, for example due to a
change in the ride setting (caused by
wear to the shock absorbers, suspen-
sion), or by overloading the vehicle and
carrying out specific tuning operations
that require the vehicle to be lowered.
Parking manoeuvres howev-
er are always the driver’s re-
sponsibility. While manoeuvring, al-
ways make sure that no people (es-
pecially children) or animals are in
the area concerned. The parking sen-
sors are designed to assist drivers: in
any case, you must always pay the ut-
most attention during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even when
carried out at low speed.
WARNING
046-062 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:046-064 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 9:51 Pagina 59

60
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
HI-FI system prearrangement (where
provided):
❒two 165 mm, 60 W mid-woofers;
❒two 40 W tweeters on the front posts;
❒two full range, 40 W speakers on the
rear side panels;
❒a 60 W subwoofer under the right
front seat;
❒a 4x30 W amplifier on right rear side
panel;
❒antenna on car roof;
❒car radio with CD/MP3 player (for spec-
ifications and operation, refer to the sup-
plement “Car radio”).If a car radio is installed after
car purchase, refer to the
Abarth Dealership for tips to
safeguard battery durability.
Excessive loadless absorption damages
the battery and may void the battery
warranty.
SOUND SYSTEM
For the operation of the radio with
CD/MP3 player (where provided), read
the instructions for use given in the sup-
plement.
The system consists of:
❒two 165 mm, 40 W mid-woofers on
the front doors;
❒two 38 mm, 30 W tweeters on the
front posts;
❒two full range 165 mm, 40 W speak-
ers on the rear side panels;
❒antenna on car roof;
❒car radio with CD/MP3 player (for spec-
ifications and operation, refer to the sup-
plement “Car radio”).
046-062 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:046-064 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 9:51 Pagina 60

61
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
DEVICE INSTALLATION
Electrical and electronic devices installed
after buying the car by after-market ser-
vice must carry the following label:
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. authorises
the installation of transceiving devices pro-
vided that they are installed according to
rules of good engineering practice re-
specting the manufacturer’s indications by
a specialised centre.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not allow
the car on the road in the event of as-
sembly of devices which imply modifica-
tions to the features of the car. This may
also cause lapse of warranty in relation to
faults caused by the change or either di-
rectly or indirectly related to it.
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. shall not
be liable for damage caused by the instal-
lation of accessories either not supplied
or recommended by Fiat Group Auto-
mobiles S.p.A. and/or not installed in com-
pliance with the provided instructions.RADIO TRANSMITTERS
AND CELLULAR PHONES
Radio transceiver equipment (vehicle mo-
bile phones, CB radios, amateur radio and
similar equipment) shall not be used inside
the car unless a separate aerial is mount-
ed on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices in-
side the passenger compartment (without
a separate aerial) may cause the vehicle
electrical systems to malfunction. This
could compromise safety in addition to
constituting a potential hazard for pas-
sengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of
these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the car body. With re-
gards to the use of EC-approved mobile
phones (GSM, GPRS, UMTS), adhere
strictly to the instructions for use provid-
ed by the mobile phone manufacturer.ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to install
electrical accessories that require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, satellite an-
titheft system, etc.) or accessories that in
any case burden the electric supply, con-
tact Abarth Dealership, whose qualified
personnel, besides suggesting the most
suitable devices belonging to Lineaccessori
Abarth, will also evaluate the overall elec-
tric absorption, checking whether the car’s
electric system is able to withstand the
load required, or whether it needs to be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
046-062 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:046-064 ABARTH 500 GB 24-05-2012 9:51 Pagina 61