ignition Abarth 500 2015 Owner handbook (in English)

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
TOO HIGH
This symbol comes on when the ignition
key is turned to MAR-ON, but it should
switch off after a few seconds. The symbol
on the display lights up when the engine
has overheated.
The display shows the dedicated message.If the symbol on the display switches on when driving,
proceed as follows:
When driving normally: stop the car, switch off the
engine and check that the water level in the reservoir is
not below the MIN mark. If it is, wait 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 marks on the reservoir. Also check
visually for any fluid leaks. Contact an Abarth
Dealership if the symbol comes on when the engine is
started again.
If the car is used under demanding conditions
(e.g. high-performance driving or towing trailers):
slow down and, if the symbol stays on, stop the car.
Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to further favour the coolant
circulation. Then stop the engine. Check the correct
coolant level as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to
keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few
minutes before switching it off.
94
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redLOW BATTERY CHARGE
The symbol comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should go out as soon
as the engine has started (with the engine running
at idle speed a brief delay before going out is
acceptable).
The display shows the dedicated message.If the symbol on the display stays on when
driving, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
amberHILL HOLDER FAILURE
The symbol is shown on the display when a fault
in the Hill Holder system is detected.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
amberFIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If, with the ignition key at MAR-ON, the symbol
on the display stays on constantly, this indicates a
possible failure (see the "Fiat CODE system"
paragraph in the "Knowing your car" chapter).
If, with the engine running, the symbol in the
displayis flashing, this means that the vehicle
is not protected by the engine immobilizer device
(see "Fiat CODE system" in the "Knowing your
car" chapter).
The display shows the dedicated message.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
95

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
amberFUEL RESERVE/LIMITED RANGE
This symbol comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The symbol switches on in the display when
about 5 litres of fuel are left in the tank.
The triangle on the right side of thesymbol
indicates the side of the car with the fuel filler.IMPORTANT If the symbol flashes or is constantly
on, depending on the version, there is a fault in
the system. If this is the case, go to an Abarth
Dealership to have the system checked.
amberFUEL CUT-OFF
The display will show the symbol and a dedicated
message if the fuel cut-off system intervenes.For the fuel cut-off system reactivation procedure,
refer to the "Fuel cut-off system" section of the
"Controls" paragraph, in the "Knowing your car"
chapter. If it is still not possible to restore the fuel
supply, contact an Abarth Dealership.
amberFUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE
The display will show the symbol and a dedicated
message if the fuel cut-off system is faulty.See the "Fuel cut-off system" paragraph, in the
"Knowing your car" chapter.
red
red
redINCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING
The symbol on the display switches on, together
with a dedicated message, when one or more
doors, the tailgate or the bonnet (for versions/
markets where provided) are not properly closed.
An acoustic signal is activated with the doors
open and the car moving.
96
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

88) Always drive keeping your hands
on the steering wheel rim so that
the airbag can inflate freely if
necessary. Do not drive with your
body bent forward. Keep your
back straight against the
backrest.
89) If the car has been subject to
theft, attempted theft, vandalism,
or flooding, have the airbag
system inspected at an Abarth
Dealership.90) Airbags may be deployed if
another vehicle crashes into the
car, if the key is inserted and
at MAR-ON even if the engine is
not running and the car is
stationary. Therefore, even if the
car is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted,
DO NOT install rear facing child
restraint systems on the front
passenger seat. Deployment of
the airbag following an impact
could cause fatal injuries to the
child. Therefore, always
deactivate the passenger airbag
when a rear facing child restraint
system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be
positioned back as far as possible
in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into
contact with the dashboard.
Immediately reactivate the
passenger airbag as soon as the
child restraint system has been
removed. Also remember that,
if the key is turned to STOP, none
of the safety devices (airbags or
pretensioners) will be deployed in
the event of collision. Non-
deployment in such cases does
not indicate a system malfunction.91) When the ignition key is turned
to MAR-ON, the
warning light
turns on and flashes for a few
seconds to remind you that the
passenger's airbag will be
deployed in a crash, after which it
should switch off.
92) Do not wash the seats with
water or pressurised steam (wash
by hand or at automatic car seat
washing stations).
93) The front airbag deployment
threshold is higher than that of
the pretensioners. For collisions in
the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only
the pretensioners to be activated.
94) Do not affix rigid objects to the
coat hooks or support handles.
95) The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their
effectiveness. Furthermore, since
front airbags are not deployed
in low-speed frontal impacts, side
impacts, rear shunts or roll-overs,
the passengers are protected
only by the seat belts which must
therefore be fastened at all times.
120
SAFETY

STARTING THE
ENGINE
The car is fitted with an electronic
engine lock device: if the engine fails to
start, see the paragraph "Fiat CODE
system" in the "Knowing your car"
chapter.
The engine may be noisier during the
first few seconds of operation,
especially after a long period of
inactivity. This characteristic feature of
the hydraulic tappet system does
not compromise functionality or
reliability: the system chosen for your
car was designed to limit maintenance
interventions.
PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
❒fully press the clutch pedal without
touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine
starts.
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating the starting procedure.If, with key at MAR-ON, the
symbol
on the display stays on together with
the
warning light on the instrument
panel, it is advisable to turn the key
to STOP and then back to MAR-ON. If
the warning light remains on, try with
the other keys provided with the car.
Contact an Abarth Dealership if you still
cannot start the engine.
17) 18)
96) 97)
WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand full performance at
first. It is advisable to wait until the
engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
19)
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine 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
engine compartment to fall.
20)
IMPORTANT
17) It is advisable not to demand
maximum performance from
your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively
intense braking, etc.) when it is
first used.
18) When the engine is off, do not
leave the key turned to MAR-ON
to prevent unnecessary electrical
consumption from draining the
battery.
19) Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting
downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter
and damage it beyond repair.
122
STARTING AND DRIVING

20) A quick burst on the accelerator
before turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to
turbocharged engines.
WARNING
96) It is dangerous to run the engine
in enclosed areas. The engine
takes in oxygen and releases
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
and other toxic gases.
97) Remember that the brake servo
and electric power steering are
not active until the engine is
started. A much greater effort will
therefore be required to use the
brake pedal or turn the steering
wheel.
PARKING
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
❒engage a gear (first gear if parked
uphill or reverse if facing downhill)
and leave the wheels turned.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
Do not leave the ignition key on
MAR-ON to avoid draining the battery.
Always remove the key when you
leave the car.
98)
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever fig. 94 is located
between the two front seats.To use the handbrake pull the lever
upwards until the car cannot be moved.
99)
When the handbrake is on and the
ignition key is at MAR-ON, the
instrument panel warning light
will
come on.
Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
❒slightly lift the lever and press release
button A fig. 94;
❒keep button A pressed and lower the
lever. The
warning light in the
instrument panel will switch off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the car
from moving accidentally.
WARNING
98) Never leave children unattended
in the car. Always remove the
ignition key when leaving the car
and take it out with you.
99) The car should be braked after a
few clicks of the lever. If it is not,
contact an Abarth Dealership
to have it adjusted.
94AB0A0076
123

STARTING THE
ENGINE
If thesymbol on the display turns
on constantly, contact an Abarth
Dealership immediately.
JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, the engine may be
started using an auxiliary battery fig.
96 with the same capacity or a little
higher than the flat one.
23)
104)
Proceed as follows to start the vehicle:
❒connect the positive terminals (+
sign near the terminal) of the two
batteries with a jump lead;❒with a second lead, connect the
negative terminal (–) of the auxiliary
battery to an earth point
on the
engine or the gearbox of the car
to be started;
❒start the engine;
❒when the engine has been started,
remove the leads reversing the order
above.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, do not persist but contact
an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not directly connect
the negative terminals of the two
batteries: sparks could ignite explosive
gas released from the battery. If the
auxiliary battery is installed on another
car, prevent accidental contact
between metallic parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
This could cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic converter and damage it
beyond repair.IMPORTANT Remember that the brake
servo and electric power steering are
not active until the engine is started. A
much greater effort will therefore be
required to use the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.
IMPORTANT
23) Never use a fast battery charger
to start the engine as this could
damage the electronic systems
and the ignition and engine supply
control units.
WARNING
104) This procedure must be
performed by qualified personnel
as incorrect actions may cause
high-intensity electrical discharge.
Furthermore, battery fluid is
poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes. Keep
naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery
and do not cause sparks.96AB0A0078
130
IN AN EMERGENCY

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUSE BOX
DEVICE PROTECTED FUSE AMPERE
Climate control fan F08 30
AvailableF09 15
Acoustic warnings F10 15
Engine management system (secondary loads) F11 10
Main beam headlights F14 15
Electric roof motor F15 20
Powertrain Control Module F17 10
AvailableF18 7,5
Air conditioning compressor F19 7,5
Heated rear window, mirror defrosters F20 30
Fuel pumpF21 15
Ignition coilF22 15
Powertrain Control Module F22 20
Braking system (control unit, valves) F23 20
+15 Braking system, electrical steering, yaw sensor F24 7,5
Fog lightsF30 15
AvailableF84 10
Front power socket (with or without cigar lighter) F85 15
147

WARNING
117) If the fuse blows again, contact an Abarth Dealership.
118) Never replace a blown fuse with metal wires or other material.
119) Never replace a fuse with another with a higher amp rating; DANGER OF FIRE.
120) If a general protection fuse (MEGA-FUSE, MIDI-FUSE, MAXI-FUSE) blows, contact an Abarth Dealership.
121) Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition key has been removed and that all the other devices are
switched off and/or deactivated.
122) If a general protection fuse for the safety systems (airbag system, braking system), power unit systems (engine
system, gearbox system) or driving system blows, contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT
27) If you need to wash the engine compartment, take care not to directly hit the engine compartment fuse box with the
water jet.
148
IN AN EMERGENCY

TOWING THE CAR
The tow hook, which is supplied with
the vehicle, is housed in the tool box,
under the carpet in the luggage
compartment.
125) 126) 127) 128) 129)
ATTACHING THE TOW
HOOK
Proceed as follows:
FrontRear
❒release the cap A fig. 127
❒take the tow hook B fig. 127 from its
housing in the tool box;
❒fully tighten it on the threaded pin.
WARNING
125) Before starting towing
operations, turn the ignition key to
MAR-ON and then to STOP,
without extracting it. The steering
column will automatically lock
when the key is removed and the
wheels cannot be steered.
126) Before tightening the ring clean
the threaded housing thoroughly.
Make sure that the ring is fully
fastened in the housing before
towing the car.
126AB0A0108
127AB0A0109
150
IN AN EMERGENCY
❒release the cap A fig. 126
❒take the tow hook B fig. 126 from its
housing in the tool box;
❒fully tighten it on the threaded pin.