maintenance Abarth 500 2015 Owner handbook (in English)

We really know your car because we invented, designed and built it: we really know every single detail.
At Abarth Service authorised workshopsyou can find technicians directly trained by us,
offering quality and professionalism for all service operations.
Abarth workshops are always close to you for the regular servicing operations, season checks
and practical recommendations by our experts.
With Abarth Genuine Parts you keep the reliability, comfort and performance features
of your new car unchanged in time: that's why you bought it for.
Always ask for Genuine Parts for the components used on our cars; we recommend them because
they come from our steady commitment in research and development of highly innovative technologies.
For all these reasons: rely on Genuine Parts, because they are the only ones designed
by Abarth for your car.
SAFETY:
BRAKING SYSTEMENVIRONMENT: PARTICULATE FILTERS,
CLIMATE CONTROL MAINTENANCECOMFORT: SUSPENSION
AND WINDSCREEN WIPERS PERFORMANCE: SPARK PLUGS,
INJECTORS AND BATTERIESLINEACCESSORI
ROOF RACK BARS, WHEEL RIMS
WHY CHOOSING
GENUINE PARTS
Cop 500 ABARTH QUAD GB_Cop 500 ABARTH GB 24/09/14 15:36 Pagina 2

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing an Abarth 500. We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the
features of your car and use it in the best possible way. You should read it right through before taking to the road for the first time.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your car and how to achieve the best performance from the
technological features of your Abarth 500. It also provides a description of special features and essential information for the care and
maintenance of your car over time as well as for safe driving.
We urge you to read the warnings and indications found throughout the text with care, marked with the following symbols:
personal safety;
vehicle integrity;
environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are reported at the end of each paragraph and are followed by a number. That number recalls the
corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find a description of the Services that Abarth offers to its customers, the Warranty Certificate and
the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new car and the service provided by the people at Abarth.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!
This Owner Handbook describes all versions of the Abarth 500; please consider only the information relevant to your
car’s trim level, engine and version. All data contained in this publication is purely indicative. Fiat Group Automobiles can
modify the specifications of the vehicle model described in this publication at any time, for technical or marketing
purposes. For further information, contact an Abarth Dealership.

VERY IMPORTANT
REFUELLING
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in compliance with the European specification EN 228. The use of
other products or mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gear lever to neutral, fully depress the clutch pedal without pressing the accelerator, then
turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the car, you decide to install electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact an Abarth
Dealership. They will calculate the overall electrical consumption and check that the car’s electrical system can support the required load.
CODE Card
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Keep it in a safe place, not in the car. We recommend that you always carry the electronic code provided on the CODE Card with you, in
case you need to perform an emergency start.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS
... important information, advice and warnings for correct use, driving safety and maintenance of your car over time. Particular attention
should be paid to information marked with the following symbols:(personal safety)(environmental protection)(car integrity).

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

Service (Scheduled
servicing)
Using this function you can display
information about the mileage intervals
for vehicle servicing.
To consult this information, proceed as
follows:
❒press the
button: the display
shows when servicing is due in
km/mi or days (where provided)
according to the previous setting (see
paragraph "Units of measurement");
❒press the
button to return to the
menu screen; press the button again
to return to the standard screen.
IMPORTANT The "Scheduled Servicing
Plan" includes car maintenance at
fixed intervals (refer to the "Maintenance
and care" chapter).This is displayed automatically, with
ignition key at MAR, 2000 km (or
equivalent value in miles) before
servicing or, where provided, 30 days
before servicing. It is also displayed
each time the key is turned to MAR or,
for versions/markets, where provided,
every 200 km (or equivalent value in
miles). Below this threshold servicing
indications are more frequent.
The display will be in km or miles
according to the unit of measurement
set. When the next scheduled servicing
is approaching, the word "Service"
will appear on the display, followed by
the number of kilometres/miles or
days (where provided) left, when the
ignition key is turned to MAR. Go to an
Abarth Dealership, where the
operations of the "Scheduled Servicing
Plan" will be performed and the
message will be reset.
When the service interval is reached
and for about 1000 km/600 mi or
30 days, a service due message is
displayed.Passenger airbag (front
passenger side airbag
and side bag for pelvis,
chest and shoulder
protection - Side bag -
activation/deactivation)
This function is used to activate/
deactivate the front passenger's airbag.
Proceed as follows:
❒press the MENU button
and
then, after displaying the message
("Bag pass: Off") (to deactivate)
or ("Bag pass: On") (to activate) by
means of buttons+and–press the
MENU button
again;
❒a confirmation request message will
appear on the display;
❒press buttons+or–to select (Yes)
(confirming activation/deactivation)
or (No) (to abort);
❒press the MENU button
briefly, a
message confirming the selection will
be displayed and you will return to
the menu screen or hold the button
down to return to the standard
screen without storing.
76
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

PRETENSIONERS
The car is equipped with front seat
belts pretensioners, that reduce slack in
the belts in the event of a severe frontal
impact. This guarantees the perfect
adherence of the seat belts to the
occupants' bodies before the
restraining action begins.
The retractors lock to indicate that the
pretensioner has intervened.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not indicate any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency. If, due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and mud, it must be
replaced.
67)
15)
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt retractors contain a load
limiter which allows the force acting on
the chest and shoulders to be
modulated during the belt restraining
action in the event of a frontal impact.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver must comply with (and have
all car passengers follow) any local
regulations in force concerning the use
of seat belts. Always fasten the seat
belts before setting off.
68) 69) 70)
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the case of accident is greatly reduced
for them and the unborn child if they
are wearing a seat belt.Pregnant women must position the
lower part of the belt very low down so
that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen (see fig. 76 ). The best
way to protect the unborn child is
to protect the mother. When a seat belt
is worn properly, it is more likely that
the unborn child will not be hurt in
a crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making seat belts
effective is wearing them properly.76AB0A0060
103

The belt must not be twisted. The
upper part must pass over the shoulder
and cross the chest diagonally. The
lower part must adhere to the pelvis
fig. 77, not to the abdomen of the
occupant. Never use devices (clips,
clamps, etc.) that hold the seat belt
away from your body.
IMPORTANT Each seat belt must be
used by only one person. Never travel
with a child sitting on the passenger's
lap and a single belt to protect them
both fig. 78. In general, do not place
any objects between the person and
the belt.SEAT BELTS
MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient
conditions, observe the following:
❒always use the seat belt well
stretched and never twisted; make
sure that it is free to run without
obstructions;
❒replace the belt after an accident of a
certain severity even if it does not
appear to be damaged. Always
replace the belt if the pretensioners
were deployed;
❒hand wash the seat belts with water
and mild soap, rinse and leave to dry
in the shade. Never use strong
detergents, bleach, paints or any
other substance which could
damage the belt fibres;❒prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get
inside;
❒replace the seat belt when there is
wear or cuts.
WARNING
67) The pretensioner may be used
only once. Contact an Abarth
Dealership to have it replaced
after it has been deployed.
68) For maximum safety, keep the
back of your seat upright, lean
back into it and make sure the
seat belt fits closely across your
chest and pelvis. Always fasten
the seat belts on both the front
and the rear seats! Travelling
without wearing seat belts will
increase the risk of serious injury
or even death in the event of an
accident.
77AB0A0061
78AB0A0062
104
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

SAVING FUEL
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Checks and adjustments should be
carried out in accordance with the
"Scheduled Servicing Plan" (see
chapter "Maintenance and care").
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded
luggage compartment. The weight of
the car and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
When transporting particularly large
objects, use a trailer if possible.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof after use. These
accessories lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels.Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The heated
rear window, additional headlights,
screen wipers and heater fan require a
considerable amount of energy;
increasing the current uptake increases
fuel consumption (by up to +25% in
an urban cycle).
Climate control system
Using the climate control system will
increase consumption: use the air vents
when the temperature outside permits.
Devices for
aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Cranking
Do not warm up the engine at low or
high revs when the car is stationary;
this causes the engine to warm up
more slowly, thereby increasing fuel
consumption and emissions. It is
therefore advisable to move off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high
speeds: in this way the engine will
warm up more quickly.Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the
engine. The latter action, as well as
double-declutching, is unnecessary and
causes increased fuel consumption
and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road
conditions allow it. Using a low gear for
faster acceleration will increase
consumption. In the same way
improper use of a high gear increases
consumption, emissions and engine
wear.
Max. speed
Fuel consumption considerably
increases as speed increases. Maintain
a constant speed, avoiding
unnecessary braking and acceleration,
which cost in terms of both fuel
consumption and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects
consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum
torque.
125

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Correct maintenance permits the
performance of the car to be
maintained over time, as well as limited
running costs and safeguarding the
efficiency of the safety systems.
This chapter explains how.SCHEDULED SERVICING ...............154
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN .....155
PERIODIC CHECKS ........................158
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE CAR .....158
CHECKING LEVELS........................159
AIR CLEANER/POLLEN FILTER ......162
BATTERY ........................................162
WHEELS AND TYRES.....................164
RUBBER HOSES ............................165
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WIPER ............................................165
BODYWORK ...................................167
INTERIORS .....................................169
153