tow Abarth 500 2016 Owner handbook (in English)

HEADLIGHTS
LIGHT BEAM ALIGNMENT
The correct alignment of the headlights
is important for the comfort and safety
of not only the driver but all other road
users. This is also covered by a specific
rule of the highway code.
The headlights must be correctly aimed
to guarantee the best visibility
conditions for all drivers while travelling
with headlights on.
Contact an Abarth Dealership to have
them properly adjusted.
Check light beam alignment every time
the load or its distribution changes.
IMPORTANT When the gas discharge
(Xenon) headlights (for versions/
markets, where provided) are switched
on, normally parabolas and light beam
move vertically for about 2 seconds
until headlight alignment has stabilised.HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT
CORRECTOR
This device works with the ignition key
in the MAR-ON position and the dipped
headlights on.
Headlight alignment
adjustment
When the car is loaded, it slopes
backwards. This means the light beam
rises.
In this case, restore the correct
alignment by operating buttons+and–
fig. 59.The adjustment positions are shown on
the display.
Position 0 - one or two people in the
front seats.
Position1-4passengers.
Position2-4passengers + load in the
luggage compartment.
Position 3 - driver + maximum
permitted load stowed in the luggage
compartment.
IMPORTANT Gas discharge headlights
(Xenon headlights) are automatically
adjusted. Headlight alignment
adjustment is electronic and therefore
cannot be manually adjusted using
the+and–buttons.
FOG LIGHTS ALIGNMENT
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Contact an Abarth Dealership to have
the fog lights properly adjusted.
59AB0A0002
51

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

VALUES DISPLAYED
Range (for versions/markets, where
provided)
This indicates the distance that can still
be travelled with the fuel in the tank,
assuming that driving style remains
unvaried. The display will show the
reading "----"when the following
events take place:
❒range value lower than 50 km (or 30
mi)
❒car parked with engine running for a
long period.
IMPORTANT The range can be affected
by several factors: driving style (see
"Driving style" paragraph in the
"Starting and driving" chapter), type of
route (motorway, towns and cities,
mountain roads, etc.), conditions of use
(load, tyre pressure, etc.). Trip planning
must therefore take the above into
account.
Distance travelled
This value shows the distance covered
from the start of the new journey.Average consumption
This value shows the approximate
average fuel consumption from the start
of the new journey.
Instant consumption (for versions/
markets, where provided)
This value shows the fuel consumption.
The value is constantly updated. The
display will show "----"ifthecar
is parked with the engine running.
Average speed
This value shows the car's average
speed based on the overall time
elapsed since the start of the new
journey.
Trip time
Time elapsed since the start of the new
journey.TRIP BUTTON
The TRIP button is located on the
right-hand stalk fig. 74. With the ignition
key turned to MAR-ON, this button
allows you to view the previously
described values and also zero them to
begin a new mission:
❒brief pressto access the various
value displays;
❒long pressto reset and then start a
new mission.
TRIPTRIP
74AB0A0140
81

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
flashing red or
constantly yellow (for
versions/markets,
where provided)ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED
The symbol lights up and a specific message is shown on the display.
The symbol may flash in the following ways, depending on the versions:
- for 1 minute every two hours;
- for 3 minute cycles with the warning light off for intervals of 5 seconds
until oil is changed.
After the first indication, each time the engine is started the symbol will
continue to flash as described above until the oil is changed. In addition
to the symbol, the display will show a dedicated message. If the symbol
flashes, this does not mean that there is a fault, but simply informs that it
is now necessary to change the oil as a result of regular use of the car. If
the oil is not changed, when a second degradation threshold is reached,
the warning light
also switches on in the instrument panel and the
engine operation is limited to 3000 rpm. If the oil is still not changed,
when a third deterioration threshold is reached, the engine is limited to
1500 rpm to avoid damage. Engine oil deterioration is accelerated by:
- mainly town use of the car which makes the DPF regeneration process
more frequent;
- use of the vehicle for short drives, in which the engine does not have
time to reach its regular operating temperature;
- repeated interruptions of the regeneration process, signalled by the DPF
warning light switching on.Contact an Abarth
Dealership as soon as
possible.64)
14)
93

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

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE ................122
PARKING ........................................123
USING THE GEARBOX ...................124
SAVING FUEL .................................125
TOWING TRAILERS ........................126
SNOW TYRES ................................127
SNOW CHAINS ..............................127
CAR INACTIVITY .............................128
121

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

CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts
do not allow the engine to reach
optimum operating temperature. This
results in a significant increase in
consumption levels (from +15 to +30%
on the urban cycle) and emissions.
Traffic and road
conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by
heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in a queue with frequent use
of low gears or in cities with many traffic
lights. Winding mountain roads and
rough road surfaces also adversely
affect consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level
crossings) switch off the engine.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electrical system.
Installation should be carried out by
specialised personnel who will issue the
required papers for travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces the car's loading
capacity by the same amount. To make
sure that the maximum towable weight
is not exceeded (given in the car
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage.Respect the speed limits specific to
each country for vehicles towing
trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.
101) 102)
WARNING
101) The ABS with which the car is
equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer.
Particular caution is therefore
required on slippery surfaces.
102) Never modify the braking
system of the car to control the
trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
of the car’s hydraulic system.
126
STARTING AND DRIVING

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the 00 800
3428 0000 freephone number to
search the nearest Abarth Authorised
Dealership.STARTING THE ENGINE .................130
"FIX&GO AUTOMATIC" KIT .............131
REPLACING A BULB .....................135
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB ..139
REPLACING AN INTERIOR BULB ...142
REPLACING FUSES........................144
BATTERY RECHARGING ................149
LIFTING THE CAR...........................149
TOWING THE CAR .........................150
129

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