brake fluid Abarth 500 2015 Owner handbook (in English)

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
This section of the handbook gives you
all the information you need to
understand, interpret and use the
instrument panel correctly.DISPLAY ......................................... 68
MENU ITEMS .................................. 71
CONTROL PANEL AND
ON-BOARD INSTRUMENTS ........... 78
TRIP COMPUTER ........................... 80
WARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES .................................... 83
- LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE
ENGAGED .......................................... 83
- EBD FAILURE .................................. 84
- AIRBAG FAILURE ............................. 84
- SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED .......... 85
- ABS FAILURE ................................... 86
- PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
DEACTIVATED .................................... 86
- INJECTION/EOBD SYSTEM
FAILURE ............................................. 87
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
(ESC) SYSTEM ................................... 88
- SIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED
HEADLIGHTS ..................................... 89
- FOLLOW ME HOME ........................ 89
- LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR
............................................................ 89
- RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION
INDICATOR ........................................ 90
- MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS .............. 90
-FOG LIGHTS ..................................... 90
-REAR FOG LIGHT ............................. 90
-WORN BRAKE PADS ........................ 91
-DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE ........................... 91
- INSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE/ENGINE OIL
DETERIORATED ................................. 92
-ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED ........... 93
- ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
TOO HIGH .......................................... 94-LOW BATTERY CHARGE .................. 95
-HILL HOLDER FAILURE .................... 95
- FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE ......... 95
- FUEL RESERVE/LIMITED RANGE .... 96
- FUEL CUT-OFF ................................ 96
- FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE ... 96
-INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING ........ 96
-EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILURE ............. 97
-ASR SYSTEM ................................... 97
- POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD ................ 97
- BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE ................... 97
- PARKING SENSOR FAILURE ........... 97
-iTPMS ............................................... 98
-SERVICE (SCHEDULED SERVICING)
............................................................ 99
-SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED ................. 99
-ENGAGEMENT OF SPORT
FUNCTION ......................................... 99
67

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on on the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal
when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always
refer to the information in this chapter in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: serious and less serious failures. Serious faults are
indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning "cycle". Less serious faults are indicated by a warning "cycle" with a shorter
duration. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause
of the malfunction is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
redLOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
Low brake fluid
The warning light switches on when the brake
fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to a leak in the circuit.
The display shows the dedicated message.Restore the brake fluid level, then check that the
warning light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact an Abarth
Dealership.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the
handbrake is engaged. If the car is moving an
acoustic signal is also emitted on some versions.Release the handbrake, then check that the
warning light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact an Abarth
Dealership.
60)
83

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

SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/8 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from
the first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
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
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary; check “Fix&Go Automatic” kit recharge expiry
date (for versions/markets, where provided)●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, luggage compartment,
passenger compartment, glove compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine
coolant, hydraulic clutch/brakes, screen washer, battery,
etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness●●●●●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check supply/engine
management systems operation, emissions and, for
versions/markets, where provided, engine oil degradation●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (gaiters, sleeves,
bushes, etc.)●●●●●
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear●●●●●
155

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.
158
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".
160
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

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