engine Abarth 500 2017 Owner handbook (in English)

Warning light What it means
ESC SYSTEM
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
ESC system activation
Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the intervention of the ESC system.
ESC system failure
If the warning light does not go off or stays on together with the LED on the TTC button while driving. The
display will show a dedicated message.
Contact an Abarth Dealership.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light switches on, on some versions together with a dedicated message on the display, in the
event of a Hill Holder system fault.
In this case, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
INJECTION / EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should
go off as soon as the engine is started.
The warning light remains on or switches on whilst driving, on some versions together with a dedicated
message on the display, if the injection system is not working properly. In particular, if the warning light
switches on continuously, it indicates a malfunction in the supply/ignition system that could cause
excessive exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high fuel consumption.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at moderate speed without demanding
excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic converter may be damaged.
If the light flashes, release the accelerator pedal to reduce engine revs until the warning light stops flashing;
continue the journey at a moderate speed, trying to avoid driving conditions that may cause further
flashing, and contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
38)
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING SYMBOLS
Symbol What it means
DOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN
The symbols on the display switches on, together with a dedicated message, on some versions, when one
or more doors, the tailgate or the bonnet (where provided) are not properly closed. An acoustic signal is
also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
LOW BATTERY CHARGE
If the warning light or the symbol on the display (together with a dedicated message on the display on
some versions) remains on, contact an Abarth Dealership immediately.
INSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED
When the key is turned to MAR the icon appears (where present), but should disappear as soon as the
engine is started.
NOTE Where present, the warning light may be amber
Low engine oil pressure
The symbol appears continuously together with the message on the display (where present) when the
system detects that the engine oil pressure is insufficient.
36)
51

Symbol What it means
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
On some versions, the symbol appears on the display when the engine is overheated together with a
dedicated message on the display.
In normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and check that the fluid level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. In this case, 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 itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks. Contact an Abarth Dealership if the warning light
switches on when the engine is started again;
If the car is used under demanding conditions(e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow
down and, if the warning light stays on, stop the car. Stop for two or three minutes with the engine running
and slightly accelerated to facilitate better coolant circulation, then turn the engine off. Check that the
coolant level is correct as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine running and slightly accelerated for
a few minutes before turning it off
ROBOTISED SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX FAILURE
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the icon appears but should disappear after a few seconds.
The icon flashes, along with a dedicated message on the display and an acoustic signal, to indicate
gearbox failure.
13)
Airbag warning light failure(where present)
The icon lights up when a fault is detected in the warning light
.
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED
The symbol is shown on the display, together with a dedicated message and an acoustic signal, when the
vehicle exceeds the speed limit set in the Setup Menu (e.g. 120 km/h). For some markets, the symbol is
red.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Symbol What it means
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE
The display will show the symbol and a dedicated message if the fuel cut-off system is faulty.
EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILURE
(where provided)
The symbol is shown on the display together with a dedicated message when there is a fault in one of the
following lights:
daytime running lights (DRL)
side lights
direction indicators
rear fog light
number plate lights.
The failure relating to these lights could be: one or more blown bulbs, a blown protection fuse or a break in
the relevant electric connection.
BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE
(where provided)
The display will show the symbol together with a dedicated message if there is a fault in the brake lights.
The fault may be caused by a blown bulb, a blown protection fuse or a break in the relevant electrical
connection.
FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
With the key in the MAR position, on some versions the warning light, or the symbol on the display, turns
on continuously, along with a dedicated message on the display, to signal a possible Fiat CODE system
failure.
If the symbol appears on the display with engine running, it means that the vehicle is not protected by the
engine immobiliser device.
In this case, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Symbol What it means
FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE
When the key is turned to MAR, the icon appears but should disappear after a few seconds.
The symbol switches on in the display when about 5 litres of fuel are left in the tank. The triangle to the side
of the symbol indicates the side of the car with the fuel filler.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR FAILURE INDICATOR
The icon appears when a fault is detected in the engine oil pressure sensor.
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible to have the fault fixed.
OIL CHANGE
The icon indicates that it is necessary to change the engine oil. Contact an Abarth Dealership.
PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO START
This symbol turns on to indicate that the clutch pedal must be pressed to enable starting.
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE
The symbol switches on in the event of fuel level sensor failure. Contact an Abarth Dealership.
Symbol What it means
HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT CORRECTOR
The icon, together with a number, indicates the depth of the dipped beam.
WARNING
33)If, when turning the key to MAR, thewarning light does not switch on or if it stays on when travelling, there could be a fault in the
restraint systems; in this event airbags or pretensioners may not be deployed in the event of impact or, in a lower number of cases, they may
deploy accidentally. Before driving off, contact an Abarth Dealership to have the system checked immediately.
34)A failure of the
warning light is indicated by thesymbol on the display. In this case, thewarning light may not indicate a
possible problem with the airbag restraint system. Before driving off, contact an Abarth Dealership to have the system checked immediately.
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35)If thewarning light turns on when travelling (on certain versions together with the message on the display) stop the vehicle
immediately and contact an Abarth Dealership.
36)If the
warning light switches on when driving (on certain versions together with a dedicated message on the display) stop the engine
immediately and contact an Abarth Dealership.
37)If the warning light flashes or the symbol is constantly on, depending on the versions, there is a fault in the system. If this is the case, go
to an Abarth Dealership to have the system checked.
38)If, when the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
warning light does not switch on, switches on constantly or flashes when driving (on
certain versions together with the message on the display), contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible. The operation of the
warning light may be checked by the traffic police using specific devices. Comply with the laws and regulations of the country where you
are driving.
WARNING
13)If there is a fault in the gearbox, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible to check the system.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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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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.
50AB0A0123C
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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