Abarth 500 2016 Owner handbook (in English)

IMPORTANT To return the backrest to
its correct position, we recommend
operating from the outside through the
doors.
TOTAL EXTENSION
Tilting the rear seat completely forwards
allows maximum loading volume.
Proceed as follows:
❒remove the rear seat head restraints
(where provided)
❒check that the seat belts are correctly
extended and not twisted
❒operate the levers A and B fig. 53 to
release the backrests and guide
them onto the cushion.
IMPORTANT To return the backrest to
its correct position, we recommend
operating from the outside through the
doors.REPOSITIONING THE
REAR SEAT
Raise the backrests and push them
back until the locking click of both
retainers is heard.
Position the seat belt buckles upwards
and set the cushion to the position of
normal use.
IMPORTANT When returning the
backrest to its normal position, make
sure that it is correctly fastened and
that you hear the lock click.
Make sure the backrest is properly
secured at both sides to prevent it
moving forward in the event of sharp
braking that may cause injuries to
passengers.
WARNING
22) Never exceed the maximum
allowed load in the luggage
compartment (see "Technical
specifications" chapter). Also
make sure that the objects you
place in the luggage compartment
have been properly secured, to
avoid them from being thrown
forward consequent to sudden
braking and injuring your
passengers.
23) If you are travelling in areas with
few filling stations and you want
to transport fuel in a spare tank,
comply with the law by using only
an approved, suitably secured
tank. Anyway, by doing so, you
increase the risk of fire in the
event of an accident with your
vehicle.
24) Do not travel with the tailgate
open: exhaust gas may enter
the passenger compartment.
47

IMPORTANT
9) Take care not to knock objects on
the roof rack when opening the
tailgate.
BONNET
OPENING
Proceed as follows:
❒pull lever A fig. 54 in the direction
indicated by the arrow;
❒move the lever B fig. 55 to the right
as shown in the figure;
❒lift the bonnet and, at the same time,
release the supporting rod C fig. 56
from its catch D, then insert the
end of the rod into housing E in the
bonnet (larger hole) and push to
safety position (smaller hole),
as shown in the figure.
25) 26) 27)
10)
54AB0A0051
55AB0A0052
56AB0A0053
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

CLOSING
Proceed as follows:
❒hold the bonnet up with one hand
and with the other remove rod C
fig. 56 from housing E and fit it back
into its catch D
❒lower the bonnet to approximately 20
centimetres above the engine
compartment and let it come down.
Make sure that the bonnet is
completely closed and not just
secured in safety position. If it is not
perfectly closed, do not try to press
the bonnet down but open it and
repeat the procedure.
28)
WARNING
25) Incorrect positioning of the
supporting rod may cause the
bonnet to drop suddenly. Only
perform these operations when
the car is stationary.
26) When the engine is warm, work
carefully inside the engine
compartment to avoid getting
burnt. Do not place your hands
near the engine fan as it may be
activated even when the key is
removed. Wait for the engine
to cool down.
27) Pay attention to scarves, ties and
other loose-fitting garments. If
they accidentally come into
contact with moving parts, they
may get caught up and dragged
with serious risks for those
wearing them.28) For safety reasons, the bonnet
must always be properly closed
while driving. Make sure that the
bonnet is perfectly closed and
that the lock is engaged. If you
notice when driving that the
bonnet has not been properly
locked, stop immediately
and close the bonnet correctly.
IMPORTANT
10) Before opening the bonnet,
make sure that windscreen wiper
arm is not raised, but is rather
positioned against the
windscreen.
49

ROOF RACK/SKI
RACK
FASTENERS
The fasteners are located in the area
indicated in fig. 57.
To use the front fasteners, remove the
cap A fig. 57, accessible with the door
open.
The rear fixing areas B can be found
according to measurements shown in
fig. 58.
29) 30)
Lineaccessori Abarth provides a
specific roof rack/ski rack for the
tailgate.IMPORTANT Follow the instructions
contained in the assembly kit carefully.
Assembly must be performed by
qualified personnel.
WARNING
29) Strictly adhere to the laws in
force concerning maximum
clearance. Never exceed the
maximum permitted loads; see
chapter "Technical
specifications".
30) Evenly distribute the load and
take into account, when driving,
the increased responsiveness
of the car to side wind. Check that
the attachment fixing screws are
tight after a few kilometres.
57AB0A0054
130 mm30 mm
58AB0A0055
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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

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.
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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

HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
❒uphill: car stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and gearbox
in neutral or gear (other than reverse)
engaged;
❒downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is
reached, or in any case for a maximum
of 2 seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.When two seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage it is possible to hear a
typical mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of
the car.
42) 43)
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) 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.
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car's braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects emergency braking
by monitoring the speed and strength
with which the brake pedal is pressed,
thereby applying the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.Maximum assistance of the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly; in addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to obtain benefits
from the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is not necessary
anymore.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
44) 45) 46) 47)
MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ABS that intervenes, if there is a
sudden downshifting, restoring torque
to the engine, thereby preventing
excessive drive at the drive wheels
which, especially in poor grip
conditions, could lead to a loss in
stability of the car.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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.

41) The capability of the ESC system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously, in such a way
as to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
42) The HH system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the
car without having engaged the
handbrake, turned the engine off
and engaged first gear, so that
it is parked in safe conditions (for
further information read the
"Parking" paragraph in the
"Starting and driving" chapter).
43) There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with car
laden or a trailer attached to it
(where provided), in which the HH
system may not activate, causing
a slight reversing motion and
increasing the risk of collision
with another vehicle or object.
The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
44) The HBA system cannot increase
tyre grip on the road over the
limits imposed by laws of physics:
always drive carefully according
to the conditions of the road
surface.45) The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on bends,
travelling on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
46) The HBA system is an aid for the
driver, who must always pay full
attention while driving. The
responsibility always rests with
the driver.
47) The capability of the HBA system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously in such a way
as to compromise the safety of
the driver, occupants or other
road users.iTPMS (indirect Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The vehicle can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.
To access the iTPMS ( fig. 61 - fig. 62)
screens press the TRIP button.
The fig. 62 screen will be displayed only
if one or more tyres are flat.
Correct tyre pressure
(versions with colour
display)
If pressure of all the tyres corresponds
to the correct value, the display shows
the following screen fig. 61.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR