warning Abarth 500 2015 Owner handbook (in English)

ADJUSTING THE
HEADLIGHTS ABROAD
Dipped headlights are adjusted for
driving in the country where the vehicle
was originally purchased. When
travelling in countries with opposite
driving direction, to avoid dazzling the
drivers on the other side of the road,
you need to cover areas of the
headlight according to the Highway
Code of the country you are travelling
in.ESC SYSTEM
IN BRIEF
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
car in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in
order to maintain control of the car.
The system is capable of recognising
potentially dangerous situations in
terms of the stability and intervenes
automatically on the brakes in a
differentiated manner for the four
wheels in order to provide a stabilising
torque.The ESC system also includes the
following subsystems:
❒EBD
❒ABS
❒ASR
❒HILL HOLDER
❒HBA
❒MSR
❒TTC
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
52
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

EBD (Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution)
SYSTEM
This system (which cannot be
deactivated) recognises emergency
braking conditions according to the
speed of operation of the brake pedal
and provides an additional hydraulic
braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows
faster and more powerful operation of
the braking system.
ABS
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
on all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking thus optimising
stopping distances.The system intervenes when braking
and the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.
The system also improves control and
stability of the car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, it also intervenes
automatically, braking the wheel that
is slipping.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.38) 39) 40) 41)
53

TTC SYSTEM (Torque
Transfer Control)
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
This system improves the transfer of
drive torque to the wheels,
guaranteeing safer and more sporty
driving, especially when cornering, far
more able to prevent understeer.
System activation
It is turned off by pressing the button
again or when the vehicle is switched
off (ignition key in the OFF position).
WARNING
31) When the ABS intervenes and
you feel the brake pedal pulsating,
do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will
brake in the shortest distance
possible, depending on the
current road conditions.
32) To obtain the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500
km is needed: during this period it
is better to avoid sharp, repeated
and prolonged braking.
33) If the ABS system intervenes,
this indicates that the traction
of the tyres on the road is about
to reach its limit. You must slow
down to a speed compatible with
the available traction.
34) The ABS cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and
cannot increase the grip available
according to the condition of
the road.35) The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36) The capability of the ABS must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as
to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
37) For the correct operation of the
ABS, it is essential that the tyres
are of the same make and type on
all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the specified
type and dimensions.
38) For the correct operation of the
ASR system, it is essential that
the tyres are of the same make
and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the
specified type and dimensions.
39) The ASR system cannot overrule
the natural laws of physics, and
cannot increase the grip available
according to the condition of
the road.
40) The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
60AB0A0226
55
The system is activated by pressing
button A fig. 60 in the dashboard.
Activation is signalled by the LED in the
TTC button lighting up.

Low tyre pressure
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel.
The display will also show the following
information:
❒one or morethan one tyre flat: the
display will show “KO” beside the tyres
fig. 62 along with a warning message.
If the system does not recognise the
pressure value of one or more tyres, the
display will show dashes "– –"
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.
RESET PROCEDURE
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the Reset
procedure is carried out.The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
❒whenever the tyre pressure is
modified;
❒when even only one tyre is changed;
❒when tyres are rotated/inverted;
❒when the space-saver wheel is fitted.
Before carrying out the RESET
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the RESET is not carried out, in all
above cases, the
warning light may
give false indications on one or more
tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the vehicle stopped and the ignition
key at MAR, use the setup menu (see
the description of the "Menu items"
paragraph).
At the end of the Reset procedure the
display will show the "Reset saved"
message, indicating that the self-
learning has been started.
61AB0A0123
62AB0A0217
57
p. rocedure, inflate the tyres to the rated

OPERATING CONDITIONS
48), 49), 50), 51), 52), 53)
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the signalling may be delayed
or partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.
Under special conditions (e.g. car
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
damaged or worn tyre, fitting the
space-saver wheel, fitting snow chains,
fitting different tyres on the axles) the
system may give false indications or be
temporarily deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a warning message.
This indication is displayed also after
the engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
WARNING
48) If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the
pressure on all four tyres.
49) iTPMS does not relieve the
driver from the obligation to check
the tyre pressure every month; it
is not even to be considered a
replacing system for maintenance
or a safety system.
50) Tyre pressure must be checked
with tyres cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason
to check pressure with warm
tyres, do not reduce pressure
even though it is higher than the
prescribed value, but repeat the
check when tyres are cold.
51) The iTPMS cannot indicate
sudden tyre pressure drops (for
example when a tyre bursts).
In this case, stop the car, braking
with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
52) The system only warns that the
tyre pressure is low: it is not able
to inflate them.53) Insufficient tyre inflation
increases fuel consumption,
reduces the tread duration and
may affect the capacity to drive
safely.
58
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD (European On Board
Diagnosis system) carries out a
continuous diagnosis of the
components of the car related to
emissions. It also alerts the driver, by
turning on the warning light
on the
instrument panel together with relevant
message on the display, when these
components are no longer in peak
conditions (see chapter "Warning lights
and messages").
The goal of the system is to:
❒monitor system efficiency
❒indicate an increase in emissions due
to vehicle malfunction
❒indicate the need to replace
damaged components.
The system also has a connector that
can be interfaced with appropriate
equipment, which makes it possible to
read the error codes stored in the
control unit together with a series of
specific parameters for engine
operation and diagnosis.
IMPORTANT After eliminating the
failure, to check the system completely,
Abarth Dealerships must run a bench
test and, if necessary, road tests which
may also call for a long journey.
DUALDRIVE
ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING
(for versions/markets, where provided)
OPERATION
This only operates with the ignition key
turned to MAR-ON and the engine
started.
Electric power steering allows the force
required at the steering wheel to be
adapted to the driving conditions.
IMPORTANT When turning the ignition
key quickly, full power steering
functionality can be achieved after a
few seconds.
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.
54) 55)
IMPORTANT During parking
manoeuvres requiring a lot of steering,
the steering may become harder: this is
normal and is due to the intervention
of the system to protect the electric
steering motor from overheating, so no
repair is required. When the car is
used again later on, the power steering
will work normally.
WARNING
54) It is absolutely forbidden to carry
out any after-market operation
involving steering system or
steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety,
invalidate the warranty and also
result in the car not meeting
type-approval requirements.
55) Before servicing the car, switch
off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch to
activate the steering lock. This is
especially important when the car
wheels are not touching the
ground. If this is not possible (for
example if the key needs to be
turned to MAR-ON or the engine
must be running), remove the
main fuse that protects the
electric power steering.
59

INSTALLING
ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electrical and electronic devices
installed after buying the car in the
context of after-sales service must carry
the following label:
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
authorises the installation of transceiver
devices on condition that such
installations are carried out in
a workmanlike fashion, following the
manufacturer’s instructions, at a
specialised centre.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not
allow the car on the road if devices
have been installed which modify the
features of the car. This may also cause
invalidation of warranty in relation to
faults caused by the change either
directly or indirectly related to it.Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. shall not
be liable for damage caused by the
installation of accessories either not
supplied or recommended by Fiat
Group Automobiles S.p.A. and/or not
installed in compliance with the
provided instructions.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS
AND MOBILE PHONES
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle
mobile phones, CB radios, amateur
radio, etc.) cannot be used inside the
car unless a separate aerial is mounted
on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices
inside the passenger compartment
(without a separate aerial) may cause
the vehicle’s electronic systems to
malfunction. This could compromise
safety in addition to constituting a
potential hazard for passengers' health.
In addition, transmission and reception
of these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the car body. As far
as the use of EC-approved mobile
phones is concerned (GSM, GPRS,
UMTS), follow the usage instructions
provided by the mobile phone
manufacturer.
WARNING
56) Take care when fitting additional
spoilers or non-standard alloy
wheels: they could reduce the
ventilation of the brakes and
affect efficiency in sharp,
repeated braking or on long
descents. Make sure that nothing
obstructs the pedal stroke (mats,
etc.).
63DISPOSITIVI-ELETTRONICI
61

FAULT INDICATIONS
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be
indicated when reverse is engaged by
the switching on of the
symbol
on the instrument panel together with
the message on the display (see
"Warning lights and messages"
paragraph).
11)
OPERATION WITH
TRAILER
Sensor operation is automatically
deactivated when the trailer's electric
cable plug is fitted in the car's tow hook
socket. The sensors are automatically
reactivated when the trailer's cable plug
is removed.GENERAL WARNINGS
When parking, take the utmost care
over obstacles that may be above
or under the sensor.
57)
Objects close to the car are not
detected under certain circumstances
and could therefore cause damage
to the car or be damaged.
Some conditions may influence the
performance of the parking system:
❒Reduced sensor sensitivity and
a reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due
to the presence on the surface of the
sensor of: ice, snow, mud, thick
paint.
❒The sensor may detect a non-
existent obstacle (echo interference)
due to mechanical interference, for
example when washing the vehicle,
in rain (strong wind), hail.
❒The signals sent by the sensors can
also be altered by the presence of
ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic
brake systems or pneumatic drills)
near the vehicle.❒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, suspension), or by
changing tyres, overloading the car
or carrying out specific tuning
operations that require the car to be
lowered.
❒The presence of a tow hook without
trailer interferes with the correct
operation of the parking sensors. If a
fixed tow hook is installed, the
parking sensors cannot be used. If
the customer wishes to install a
removable tow hook, this must be
disconnected from the crossmember
whenever the trailer is not attached
to prevent the activation of the
sensors.
❒Do not apply stickers to the sensors.
65AB0A0128
63

IMPORTANT
11) The sensors must be clean of
mud, dirt, snow or ice in order
for the system to operate
correctly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage the sensors
while cleaning them. Avoid using
dry, rough or hard cloths. The
sensors must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of
car shampoo if necessary. When
using special washing equipment
such as high pressure jets or
steam cleaning, clean the sensors
very quickly keeping the jet more
than 10 cm away.
WARNING
57) Parking and other dangerous
manoeuvres are, however, always
the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres,
always make sure that no people
(especially children) or animals are
in the area concerned. The
parking sensors are an aid for the
driver, but the driver must never
allow their attention to lapse
during potentially dangerous
manoeuvres, even those executed
at low speeds.
REFUELLING THE
CAR
IN BRIEF
Stop the engine before refuelling.
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with
octane rating (RON) not less than
95, in compliance with the European
specification EN 228.
In order to prevent damage to the
catalytic converter never introduce
even the smallest amount of leaded
petrol, even in the event of an
emergency.
IMPORTANT An inefficient catalytic
converter leads to harmful exhaust
emissions, thus contributing to air
pollution.
IMPORTANT Never use leaded petrol,
even in small amounts or in an
emergency, as this would damage the
catalytic converter beyond repair.
64
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

FILLING THE TANK
To fill the tank completely, top-up twice
after the first click of the fuel supply
gun. Further top-ups could cause faults
in the fuel supply system.
FUEL TANK PLUG
Plug B fig. 66 is fitted with loss
prevention device C which secures it to
flap A.
Unscrew plug B using the ignition key.
The sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the plug is
absolutely normal. When refuelling,
fasten the plug to the device inside the
flap as shown in fig. 66.
58)
WARNING
58) Keep naked flames or lit
cigarettes away from the fuel tank
filler: fire risk. Keep your face
away from the fuel filler to prevent
breathing in harmful vapours.
PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
The following devices are used for
reducing petrol fuel engine emissions:
❒three-way catalytic converter
(catalytic converter)
❒oxygen sensors
❒evaporation control system.
59)
In addition, do not let the engine run,
even for a test, with one or more spark
plugs disconnected.
WARNING
59) Under operating conditions, the
catalytic converter becomes very
hot. Therefore, do not park the car
on flammable materials (grass,
dry leaves, pine needles, etc.): risk
of fire.66AB0A0058
65