wheel Abarth 500 2017 Owner handbook (in English)

Theorwarning light will blink on
the instrument panel. The direction
indicators are switched off automatically
when the steering wheel is
straightened.
"FOLLOW ME HOME"
DEVICE
This allows the space in front of the
vehicle to be lit for a set time.
Activation
With the ignition key in the STOP
position or extracted, pull the lever
towards the steering wheel and move it
within 2 minutes of the engine switching
off.
At each single movement of the stalk,
the lights will remain on for an extra
30 seconds up to a maximum of 210
seconds: then the lights are switched
off automatically. The display shows the
time for which the functions remains
active.
The
warning light on the
instrument panel switches on when the
stalk is pulled for the first time and
stays lit until the function switches off
automatically.Deactivation
This function is deactivated turning on
again the headlights, sidelights or
pulling the left lever towards the
steering wheel (unstable position) for
more than 2 seconds, or switching the
starter to MAR.
FRONT FOG
LIGHTS/REAR FOG
LIGHTS
(where provided)
The fog lights can be activated only
when the dipped beam headlights are
on.
To turn on the front/rear fog lights, use
button 1 fig. 22 as follows:
First pressing: front fog lights on;
second press: rear fog lights on;
third pressing: front/rear fog lights
offWith front fog lights on, the
warning
light on the instrument panel will come
on at the same time.
With rear fog lights on, the
warning
light on the instrument panel will come
on at the same time.
REAR FOG LIGHTS
When the dipped beam headlights are
on, these can be activated by pressing
button 2
fig. 22.
With the lights on, the warning light
in the instrument panel switches on.
Press the button again to switch the
lights off.
HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT
CORRECTOR
With the ignition key in the MAR
position and the dipped headlights on,
press the+or–fig. 23 buttons to
adjust the headlight alignment.
The adjustment positions are shown on
the display.
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WINDOW WASHING
The right stalk controls screen
wiper/washer operation.
This operates only with the ignition key
turned to MAR.
SCREEN WIPER/WASHER
Operation
18)
4) 5)
The lever has five different positions (4
speed levels) fig. 25:
A: windscreen wiper stopped.
B: intermittent operation.
C: continuous slow operation.
D: continuous fast operation.
E: temporary fast operation
(unstable position).The temporary fast function lasts as
long as you manually keep the stalk in
that position. The lever returns to
position A when it is released,
automatically stopping the windscreen
wipers.
“Smart washing” function
Pull the stalk towards the steering
wheel (unstable position) to operate the
windscreen washer.
Keep the lever pulled to activate both
the windscreen washer jet and the
windscreen wiper with a single
movement; the latter turns on
automatically if you keep the lever
pulled for more than half a second.
The operation of the windscreen wiper
terminates several strokes after the
stalk is released; a final cleaning stroke
several seconds later completes the
wiping operation.
REAR WINDOW
WIPER/WASHER
Operation
6)
This operates only with the ignition key
turned to MAR.
Turn the knurled ring to
to operate
the rear window wiper.With the windscreen wiper active,
rotate the knurled ring to
to activate
the rear window wiper which, in this
case, operates (in the different
positions) in synch with the windscreen
wiper, but with half its frequency. With
the windscreen wiper on, engaging
reverse gear will automatically turn the
rear window wiper on, in continuous
slow operation. Operation stops when
reverse is disengaged.
“Smart washing” function
Pushing the stalk towards the
dashboard (spring-return position) will
activate the rear window washer.
Keep the stalk pressed, with just one
movement, to operate the rear window
washer jet and the rear window wiper
itself; the latter automatically turns on if
you keep the stalk pressed for more
than half a second.
The rear window wiper stops operating
a few strokes after releasing the stalk;
a further "cleaning stroke", after a
few seconds, completes the wiping
operation.
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WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on in 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 section in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very 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 light What it means
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED
The warning light switches on constantly with the vehicle stationary and the driver's side or passenger side
seat belt (when the passenger is present) not fastened.
The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if the car is in motion and the front seat belts are not
correctly fastened.
For permanent deactivation of the acoustic signal (buzzer) of the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system
contact an Abarth Dealership. The system can be reactivated at any time using the Setup Menu.
EBD FAILURE
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD
system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle
may swerve when braking sharply. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to an Abarth Dealership to have the system inspected immediately.
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Warning light What it means
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably
increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact an Abarth Dealership.
If the warning light switches on while driving (on some versions, together with a dedicated message on the
display) you may not have steering assistance. Although it will still be possible to steer the vehicle, the effort
needed to operate the steering wheel could be increased: contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the
warning light on the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in
motion), stop the engine for about 20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light stays on,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches
on to indicate this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to
the other or drive in a straight line for about a hundred metres.
Warning light What it means
BRAKE PAD WEAR
The warning light switches on, together with a dedicated message on the display, if the front or rear brake
pads (where provided) are worn. In this case have them replaced as soon as possible.
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ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution);
DTC (Drag Torque Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
HH (Hill Holder);
ASR (Antislip Regulation);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
TTC (Torque Transfer Control)
For the operation of the systems, see
the following description.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
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 during braking
when 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 vehicle when braking
on a surface where the grip of the left
and right wheels varies, or on corners.
The Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD) system completes
the system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the
brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.
39) 40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
The system prevents the drive wheels
from possibly locking, which could
happen, for example, if the accelerator
pedal is released suddenly or in the
case of a sudden downshifting in
conditions of poor grip. In this
conditions, the engine braking effect
could cause the drive wheels to slip,
resulting in a loss of vehicle stability. In
these situations, the DTC system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
car in various driving conditions. The
ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the vehicle. The
ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the
trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the
vehicle’s effective trajectory. When the
real trajectory deviates from the desired
trajectory, the ESC system intervenes
to counter the vehicle’s understeer
or oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the car is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer: occurs when the car is
turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
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SAFETY

48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53)
HH (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.
54) 55)
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 lighting of the
warning light
on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.Manual engagement/
disengagement
The ASR comes on automatically
whenever the engine is started. Whilst
driving, the ASR can be switched off
and subsequently switched on again by
pressing button 1fig. 49 (TTC). When
the system is not active, the LED on the
same button turns on and, on some
versions, a message appears on the
display. If the ASR is disengaged during
driving, this is automatically reactivated
at the following car starting.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
56) 57) 58) 59) 60) 61)
PBA (Panic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
The PBA system is designed to
improve the vehicle’s braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects an 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 PBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
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Maximum assistance of the PBA
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 no longer
necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
62) 63) 64) 65)
TTC (Torque Transfer
Control) SYSTEM
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.
Switching the system on
The system is activated by pressing the
button in the dashboard 1 fig. 49.
Activation is signalled by the LED in the
TTC button lighting up.
WARNING
39)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.
40)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.
41)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.
42)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.43)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
44)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.
45)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
46)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ABS system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.
47)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
48)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be
of the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of
the prescribed type and size.
49)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
50)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unfounded risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is always
responsible for road safety.
1
1
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SAFETY

51)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
52)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
53)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.
54)The HH system is not a parking brake,
therefore do not leave the vehicle without
activating the handbrake, switching off
the engine, and engaging first gear, with
the vehicle parked in safe conditions.
55)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.
56)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.
57)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ASR system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.58)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
59)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
60)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
61)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
62)The PBA 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.
63)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
64)The PBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver.
65)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other
road user.iTPMS System
(indirect Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(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 screens ( fig. 50 -
fig. 51), press the TRIP button.
The fig. 51 screen will be displayed only
if one or more tyres are flat.
Correct tyre pressure
If the pressure of all the tyres
corresponds to the correct value, the
display shows the fig. 50 screen.
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Low tyre pressure
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel.
The display will show “KO” beside the
tyres fig. 51 along with a warning
message.
If the system does not recognise the
pressure value of one or more tyres, the
display will show dashes "– –"
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.RESET PROCEDURE
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the Reset
procedure is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
whenever the tyre pressure is
modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
when the space-saver wheel is
fitted.
Before carrying out the RESET
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the RESET is not carried out, in all
above cases, the
warning light may
give false indications on one or more
tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the vehicle stopped and the ignition
key at MAR, use the setup menu (see
the description of the "Menu items"
paragraph).At the end of the Reset procedure the
display will show the “Reset saved”
message, indicating that the self-
learning has been started.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
66),67),68),69),70),71)
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 deflation of
one or more tyres.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
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.
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SAFETY

In the case of abnormal signals, it is
recommended to perform the RESET
procedure. If the signals reappear once
the RESET procedure has started,
check that the type of tyres used are
the same on all four wheels and that
the tyres are not damaged; if the
space-saver wheel is being used, refit
the wheel with a tire with normal
dimensions instead of the space-saver
wheel as soon as possible; if possible
remove the snow chains; make sure
that the load is distributed correctly and
repeat the RESET procedure, driving
on a clean and surfaced road. If the
signals persist, contact an Abarth
Dealership.
WARNING
66)If the system signals a pressure
decrease on one or more tyres, it is
recommended to always check the
pressure on all four tyres.
67)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not to
be considered a system to replace
maintenance or a safety system.68)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.
69)The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden
tyre pressure drops (for example when
a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the vehicle,
braking with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
70)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
71)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety
equipment of the vehicle comprise the
following protection systems:
seat belts;
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
Front airbags and side bags (where
present).
Read the information given the
following pages with the utmost care. It
is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
For the description of the head restraint
adjustment see the "Head restraints"
paragraph in the "Knowing your
vehicle" chapter.
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