Abarth 500 2015 Owner handbook (in English)

Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Replace the toothed timing drive belt(2)
Replace accessory drive belt(s)(2)
Replace air cleaner cartridge (3)●●●●●
Change the brake fluid●●●●●
Replace passenger compartment cleaner (3) (O) (●)O●O●O●O●O●
(2) Areas that are not dusty: advised maximum mileage 120,000 km. Regardless of the mileage, the belt must be replaced every 6 years.
Dusty areas and/or demanding use (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling): advised maximum mileage 60,000 km. Regardless of the mileage,
the belt
must be replaced every 4 years.
(3) If the car is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 15,000 km
(O) Recommended operations
(●) Mandatory operations
157

PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long
journeys, check and, if necessary, top
up the following:
❒engine coolant level;
❒brake fluid level;
❒windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of screen washer/wiper
system and positioning/wear of
windscreen/rear window wiper
blades.
Every 3,000 km check and, if
necessary, top up: engine oil level.
You are advised to use PETRONAS
LUBRICANTS products, which have
been designed and produced
specifically for Abarth cars (see table
"Capacities" in the "Technical
specifications" chapter).
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF
THE CAR
If the car is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long
periods of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect condition of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes) and rubber elements (boots -
sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belts;❒check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

CHECKING LEVELS
29)
130) 131).
A. Engine oil filler – B. Engine oil dipstick – C. Engine coolant – D. Windscreen washer fluid – E. Brake fluid – F. Battery
128AB0A0110
159

ENGINE OIL
30)
3)
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
five) after the engine has stopped,
with the car parked on level ground.
Take out the engine oil dipstick B, clean
it with a lint-free cloth and reinsert it.
Extract the engine oil dipstick again and
check that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
The range between the MIN and MAX
marks corresponds to about 1 litre
of oil.
If the oil level is near or under the MIN
mark, add oil through the filler A until
it reaches the MAX mark.
The oil level must never exceed the
MAX mark.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 400 grams every 1,000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to be run in; therefore the engine oil
consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5,000 -
6,000 km.IMPORTANT The oil consumption
depends on driving style and the
conditions under which the car is used.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine run for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
switching it off before checking the
level.
ENGINE COOLANT
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is too low, unscrew reservoir
cap C fig. 128 and add the fluid
described in the "Technical
specifications" chapter.
31)
132)
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Check fluid level through the reservoir.
If the level is too low, lift reservoir cap D
fig. 128 and add the fluid described in
the "Technical specifications" chapter.
After topping up, close cap D, making
sure it is correctly locked.BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum
level (the fluid level in the reservoir
must not exceed the MAX mark).
If the fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, undo reservoir cap E fig. 128 and
add the fluid described in the "Technical
specifications" chapter.
134) 135)
32)
IMPORTANT Carefully clean the cap of
the reservoir E and the surrounding
surface.
Take great care to ensure that
impurities do not enter the reservoir
when the cap is opened.
For topping-up, always use a funnel
with integrated filter with mesh equal to
or lower than 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 must be replaced at
more frequent intervals than specified in
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan".
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

IMPORTANT
29) When topping up, take care not
to mix up the various types of
fluids: they are not compatible
with each other and could
seriously damage the car.
30) Do not add oil with specifications
other than those of the oil already
in the engine.
31) PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze is used
in the engine cooling system. Use
the same fluid as in the cooling
system when topping up.
PARAFLU
UPcannot be mixed with
any other type of fluid. If this
happens, do not start the engine
under any circumstances and
contact an Abarth Dealership.
32) Avoid allowing brake fluid, which
is extremely corrosive, to come
into contact with painted areas.
Should it happen, wash
immediately with water.
IMPORTANT
3) Used engine oil and oil filters
contain substances which are
harmful to the environment. You
are advised to go to an Abarth
Dealership to have the oil and
filters changed.
WARNING
130) Never smoke while working in
the engine compartment: gas
and flammable vapours may be
present, with the risk of fire.
131) Be very careful when working in
the engine compartment when
the engine is hot: you may get
burned. Remember that the fan
may start up if the engine is hot:
this could injure you. Scarves, ties
and other loose clothing may be
pulled by moving parts.132) The cooling system is
pressurised. If necessary, only
replace the cap with another
original one or the operation of
the system may be adversely
affected. Do not remove the
reservoir cap when the engine is
hot: risk of burns.
133) Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reservoir
empty: the windscreen washer is
essential for improving visibility.
Some commercial windscreen
washer additives are flammable.
The engine compartment contains
hot components which may set it
on fire.
134) Brake fluid is poisonous and
highly corrosive. In the event of
accidental contact, immediately
wash the affected parts with
water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor
immediately if swallowed.
135) The
symbol on the reservoir
identifies synthetic brake fluids,
distinguishing them from the
mineral type. Use of a mineral
type fluid will damage the special
rubber seals of the braking
system beyond repair.
161

AIR CLEANER/
POLLEN FILTER
For filter replacement, contact an
Abarth Dealership.
BATTERY
The car is fitted with a low-maintenance
battery: no electrolyte top-ups with
distilled water are needed in standard
conditions of use.
INSPECTING THE
CHARGE AND THE
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The operations must be carried out as
described in this Owner Handbook only
by specialised personnel. Any top-up
operations must be carried out by
skilled personnel and by an Abarth
Dealership.
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
136) 137) 138) 139)
33)
4)
If required, replace the battery with an
original spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" will no
longer be valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
❒when you park the car, ensure that
the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly, to prevent any lights
from remaining on inside the
passenger compartment;
❒switch off all roof lights inside the car:
the car is however equipped with a
system which switches all interior
lights off automatically;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. radio,
hazard warning lights, etc.) switched
on for a long time when the engine
is not running;
❒before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect
the negative battery pole;
❒completely tighten the battery
terminals.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery
is damaged by sulphation, reducing
its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
-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 electrical accessories that require
permanent electrical supply (alarm,
etc.) or accessories that in any case
burden the electrical supply, contact an
Abarth Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices available in
Lineaccessori Abarth, will evaluate the
overall electric consumption, checking
whether the car’s electrical system is
capable of withstanding the load
required, or whether it should
be integrated with a more powerful
battery.
Since some of these devices continue
to consume electricity even when
the engine is off, they gradually run
down the battery.
WARNING
136) Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with
skin and eyes. Keep naked flames
and sources of sparks away from
the battery: risk of explosion and
fire.
137) Running the battery with an
excessively low fluid level will
damage the battery beyond repair
and could even cause its
explosion.
138) If the vehicle must remain
unused for a long time at a very
low temperature, remove the
battery and take it to a warm
place, to avoid freezing.
139) When performing any operation
on the battery or near it, always
protect your eyes with special
goggles.
IMPORTANT
33) Incorrect assembly of electrical
and electronic accessories may
cause severe damage to your car.
Go to an Abarth Dealership if
you want to install accessories
(anti-theft system,
radiotelephone, etc.): they will
suggest the most suitable devices
and advise you whether a higher
capacity battery needs to be
installed.
IMPORTANT
4) Batteries contain substances
which are very dangerous for the
environment. It is advisable to
contact an Abarth Dealership for
battery replacement.
163

WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver wheel,
approximately every two weeks and
before long journeys: the pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested
and cold.
140) 141) 142) 143)
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see "Wheels" in
the "Technical specifications" chapter.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 129:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In
any case, follow the laws in force in the
country you are in.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
❒As far as possible, avoid sharp
braking, screech starts and violent
shocks against pavements, potholes
or other hard obstacles. Driving for
long stretches over uneven roads can
damage the tyres;
❒periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tread wear.
Contact an Abarth Dealership
if required.
❒avoid overloading the car when
travelling: this may cause serious
damage to the wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop
immediately and change it to avoid
damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspensions and steering system;
❒tyres age even if they are not used a
great deal. Cracks in the tread and
on the side walls are a sign of ageing.
In any event, have the tyres checked
by specialised personnel if they
have been fitted for longer than 6
years. Also remember to check the
space-saver wheel with particular
care;❒in the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of
unknown origin;
❒if a tyre is changed, also change the
inflation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to
change them over every 10–15
thousand kilometres, keeping them
on the same side of the car to avoid
inverting the direction of rotation.
WARNING
140) Remember that the road
holding qualities of your car also
depend on correct tyre pressures.
141) If tyre pressure is too low, it
may overheat and be severely
damaged as a result.
142) Do not exchange the tyres from
the left to the right of the car and
vice versa.
143) Never submit alloy rims to
repainting treatments requiring
the use of temperatures
exceeding 150°C. The mechanical
properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
129AB0A0111
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

RUBBER HOSES
As far as the maintenance of the brake
system and fuel supply system rubber
hoses is concerned, follow the
"Scheduled Servicing Plan" in this
chapter carefully.
Ozone, high temperatures and
prolonged lack of fluid in the system
may cause hardening and cracking of
the hoses, with possible leaks. Careful
checking is therefore necessary.
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WIPER
BLADES
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is
deformed or worn. In any case, it is
advisable to replace them
approximately once a year.
144)
A few simple precautions can reduce
the possibility of damage to the blades:
❒if the temperature falls below zero,
make sure that ice has not frozen
the rubber against the glass. Use a
de-icing product to release it if
required;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in
addition to protecting the blades,
this prevents effort on the motor and
overheating;
❒do not operate the windscreen and
rear window wipers on dry glass.REPLACING THE
WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the wiper arm A fig. 130 and
position the blade so that it forms
an angle of 90° with the arm;
❒press the button A and extract the
blade C fig. 130 from the arm B
fig. 130;
❒insert the new blade making sure it is
locked into place.
130AB0A0112
165

REPLACING THE REAR
WINDOW WIPER BLADE
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the cover A fig. 131 and remove
the arm from the car, undoing the nut
B fig. 131 that fastens it to the pivot
pin;
❒correctly position the new arm and
tighten the nut fully;
❒lower the cover.
JETS
Windscreen washer
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly
check that there is fluid in the reservoir
(see "Checking levels" in this chapter).
Then check that the jet holes are not
clogged; use a needle to unblock them
if necessary.The windscreen jets are directed by
adjusting the angle.
The jets should be directed at about
1/3 of the height from the top edge of
the windscreen fig. 132.
IMPORTANT In versions with a sun
roof, make sure that the sun roof is
closed before operating the front jets.Rear window washer
The rear window washer jets are fixed.
The jet holder is on the rear window
fig. 133.
WARNING
144) Driving with worn windscreen/
rear window wiper blades is a
serious hazard, because visibility
is reduced in bad weather.
131AB0A0113
132AB0A0114
133AB0A0115
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE