Abarth 500 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

ENGINE OIL
30)
4)
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with
the vehicle parked on level ground.
Take out the engine oil dipstick 2 fig.
107 or fig. 108, clean it with a lint-free
cloth and reinsert it. Extract the engine
oil dipstick again and check that the
level is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick.
The range between the MIN. and MAX.
marks corresponds to about 1 litre of
oil.
If the level of the oil is close to or below
the MIN mark, add oil via filler 1 fig.
107 or fig. 108 until the MAX mark is
reached.
The oil level must never exceed the
MAX reference.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil
consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5000 - 6000
km.IMPORTANT The oil consumption
depends on driving style and the
conditions under which the car is used.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine turn over for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
turning it off before you check the level.
ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is too low, unscrew the cap 3
fig. 107 or fig. 108 of reservoir and
add the fluid described in the "Technical
Specifications" chapter.
31)
135)
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Check fluid level through the reservoir.
If the fluid level is too low, unscrew
the reservoir cap 4 fig. 107 or fig. 108
and add the fluid described in the
"Technical Specifications" chapter.
After topping up, close cap 4, making
sure it is correctly locked.BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum
level (the fluid level in the reservoir
must not exceed the MAX mark).
If the fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, undo the reservoir cap 5 fig. 107 or
fig. 108 and add the fluid described in
the "Technical Specifications" chapter.
137) 138)
32)
IMPORTANT Carefully clean reservoir
cap 5 and the surrounding surface.
Take great care to ensure that
impurities do not enter the reservoir
when the cap is opened.
Always use a funnel with a built-in filter
with a mesh of 0.12 mm or less.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic
(i.e. it absorbs moisture). For this
reason, if the car is mainly used in areas
with a high degree of atmospheric
humidity, the fluid must be replaced at
more frequent intervals than specified in
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan".
119

WARNING
133)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
134)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine
is hot: you may get burned. Remember
that the fan may start up if the engine
is hot: this could injure you. Scarves, ties
and other loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
135)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
136)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Some commercial
windscreen washer additives are
flammable. The engine compartment
contains hot components which may set it
on fire.
137)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if
swallowed.138)The
symbol on the reservoir
identifies synthetic brake fluids,
distinguishing them from the mineral type.
Use of mineral type fluids will damage
the special rubber seals of the braking
system beyond repair.
WARNING
28)Abarth 595/695 is designed and built
for road use, in compliance with the
current regulations. Car use in the track
must be considered as occasional and in
any case under the responsibility of the
user. The vehicle CANNOT be modified or
tampered with for any reason; this would
alter the Manufacturer homologation
and/or safety requirements. Using a
modified or tampered product relieves the
Manufacturer from any responsibility on
the product and may expose people
to serious risks.
29)When topping up, take care not to mix
up the various types of fluids: they are
not compatible with each other and could
seriously damage the car.
30)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already existing in
the engine.
31)PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze is used in the
engine cooling system. Use the same fluid
as in the cooling system when topping
up. PARAFLU
UPcannot be mixed with any
other type of fluid. If this happens, do not
start the engine under any circumstances
and contact an Abarth Dealership.32)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
WARNING
4)Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. You are advised to go to an
Abarth Dealership to have the oil and filters
changed.
120
SERVICING AND CARE

BATTERY
The car is fitted with a low-maintenance
battery: no electrolyte top-ups with
distilled water are needed in standard
conditions of use.
INSPECTING THE
CHARGE AND THE
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The operations must be carried out as
described in this Owner Handbook only
by specialised personnel. Any top-up
operations must be carried out by
skilled personnel and by an Abarth
Dealership.
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
139) 140) 141) 142)
33)
5)If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" will no
longer be valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
when you park the car, ensure that
the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly, to prevent any lights
from remaining on inside the
passenger's compartment;
switch off all roof lights inside the
car: the car is however equipped with a
system which switches all internal
lights off automatically;
do not keep accessories (e.g.
Uconnect™, hazard warning lights,
etc.) switched on for a long time when
the engine is not running;
before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery pole;
completely tighten the battery
terminals.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery
is damaged by sulphation, reducing
its capacity and efficiency at start-up.The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
-10°C). Refer to the paragraph "Car
inactivity" in "Starting and driving" if the
car is left parked for a long time.
If after buying the car, you want to
install electrical accessories that require
permanent electrical supply (alarm,
etc.) or accessories that in any case
burden the electrical supply, contact an
Abarth Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices available in
Lineaccessori Abarth, will evaluate the
overall electric consumption, checking
whether the car’s electrical system is
capable of withstanding the load
required, or whether it should
be integrated with a more powerful
battery.
Since some of these devices continue
to consume electricity even when
the engine is off, they gradually run
down the battery.
WARNING
139)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and sources of
sparks away from the battery: risk of
explosion and fire.
121

140)Running the battery with an
excessively low liquid level will damage the
battery beyond repair and could even
cause its explosion.
141)If the vehicle must remain unused for
a long time at a very low temperature,
remove the battery and take it to a warm
place, to avoid freezing.
142)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
WARNING
33)Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. After purchasing your
car, if you wish to install any accessories
(car alarm, car phone etc.), please contact
your Abarth Dealership, which will suggest
the most appropriate devices for your
car and will, most importantly, recommend
installing a higher­capacity battery.
WARNING
5)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. It is
advisable to contact an Abarth Dealership
for battery replacement.
BATTERY
RECHARGING
143) 144)
IMPORTANT The battery recharging
procedure is given as information only.
It is advisable to contact an Abarth
Dealership to have this operation
performed.
Charging should be slow at a low
ampere rating for approximately 24
hours. Charging for a longer time may
damage the battery.
To recharge, proceed as follows:
disconnect the terminal from the
negative battery pole;
connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity;
turn on the battery charger;
when it is recharged, turn the
charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery;
reconnect the terminal to the
negative battery pole.WARNING: The cables of the electrical
system must be correctly reconnected
to the battery, i.e. the positive cable
(+) to the positive terminal and the
negative cable (-) to the negative
terminal. The battery terminals are
marked with the positive (+) and
negative (-) symbols, and are shown on
the battery cover. The battery terminals
must also be corrosion-free and firmly
secured to the terminals. If a "quick-
type" battery charger is used with the
battery fitted on the car, before
connecting it disconnect both cables of
the battery itself. Do not use a
"quick-type" battery charger to provide
the starting voltage.
WARNING
143)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with your skin and
eyes. The battery should be charged in a
well ventilated place, away from naked
flames or possible sources of sparks:
danger of explosion and fire.
144)Do not attempt to recharge a frozen
battery: first it must be thawed, otherwise
there is a risk of explosion. If freezing
has occurred, the battery should be
checked by skilled personnel to make sure
that the internal elements are not damaged
and that the body is not cracked, with the
risk of leaking poisonous and corrosive
acid.
122
SERVICING AND CARE

WINDSCREEN /
REAR WINDOW
WIPERS
BLADES
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is
deformed or worn. In any case, it is
advisable to replace them
approximately once a year.
145)
A few simple precautions can reduce
the possibility of damage to the blades:
if the temperature falls below zero,
make sure that ice has not frozen
the rubber to the glass. Use a de-icing
product to release it if required;
remove any snow from the glass: in
addition to protecting the blades, this
prevents effort on the motor and
overheating;
do not operate the windscreen and
rear window wipers on dry glass.
REPLACING THE
WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Proceed as follows:
lift up the windscreen wiper arm 1
fig. 109 and position the blade so that it
forms a 90° angle with the arm;
press the button 1 and extract the
blade 3 from the arm 2;
insert the new blade making sure it
is locked into place.
REPLACING THE REAR
WINDOW WIPER BLADE
Proceed as follows:
raise the cover 1 fig. 110 and
remove the arm from the car, undoing
the nut 2 fig. 110 that fixes it to the
pivot pin;
correctly position the new arm and
tighten the nut fully;
lower the cover.
NOZZLES
Windscreen washer
If there is no jet, first check that there is
fluid in the reservoir (see the "Checking
fluid levels" paragraph in this chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.The screen washer jets can be oriented
by adjusting the nozzle angles.
The jets should be directed at about
1/3 of the height from the top edge of
the windscreen fig. 111.
IMPORTANT In versions with a sunroof,
make sure that the sunroof is closed
before operating the front jets.
2
3
1
109AB0A0112C
12
110AB0A0113C
111AB0A0114C
123

Rear window washer
The rear window washer jets are fixed.
The nozzle holder is on the rear window
fig. 112.
WARNING
145)Driving with worn windscreen/rear
window wiper blades is a serious risk,
because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
LIFTING THE CAR
34)
As a result of its sporty nature, the car
is fitted with aerodynamic spoilers at
the bottom and side skirts at the sides.
If the car needs to be raised, go to an
Abarth Dealership which is equipped
with arm lifts and workshop lifts.
WARNING
34)When positioning the workshop lift
arms, be very careful to avoid damaging
the aerodynamic spoilers and the side
skirts.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver wheel,
approximately every two weeks and
before long journeys: the pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested
and cold.
146) 147) 148) 149)
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in
the “Technical specifications” section.
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the
standard tyres provided with the car.
An Abarth Dealership will be happy to
provide advice concerning the most
suitable type of tyre for the Customer's
requirements.
150)
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of
snow tyres, follow the instructions given
in the "Wheels" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" chapter.
112AB0A0115C
124
SERVICING AND CARE

SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations of
each country.
Snow chains can be fitted to the tyres
of the front wheels (drive wheels) only.
Check the tension of the snow chains
after the first few metres have been
driven.
35)
WARNING
146)Remember that the road holding
qualities of your car also depend on
correct tyre pressures.
147)If tyre pressure is too low, the tyre
may overheat and be severely damaged as
a result.
148)Do not switch tyres from the
right­hand side of the vehicle to the
left­hand side, and vice versa.
149)Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C. The
mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
150)The max. speed for snow tyres with
“Q” marking is 160 km/h. The Highway
Code speed limits must however be always
strictly observed.
WARNING
35)Keep the vehicle's speed down when
snow chains are fitted; never exceed 50
km/h. Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and avoid driving long
distances on roads not covered with snow
to avoid damaging the car and the
roadbed.
BODYWORK
PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paint
To correctly wash the car, proceed as
follows:
remove the aerial from the roof to
prevent damage to it if the car is
washed in an automatic system;
if high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a
distance of at least 40 cm from the
bodywork to avoid damage or
alteration. It should be remembered
that the build up of water can damage
the car over a period of time;
wash the bodywork using a low
pressure jet of water;
wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge;
rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois.
Dry the less visible parts with special
care, such as the door frames, bonnet
and the headlight frames, where water
may stagnate more easily. The car
should not be taken to a closed area
immediately, but left outside so that
residual water can evaporate.
125

Do not wash the car after it has been
left in the sun or with the bonnet hot:
this may alter the shine of the
paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned
in the same way as the rest of the
vehicle.
Where possible, do not park under
trees; the resinous substances that
many species release give the paint a
dull appearance and increase the
possibility of triggering rusting
processes.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
6)
36)
Versions with matt paintwork
These versions have exclusive matt
paintwork which requires special care
for its preservation. The instructions for
good preservation follow below.
36) 37) 38)
Versions with stickers
Cars that are wholly or partially
covered, decorated and/or customised
with stickers, must only be cleaned
by hand.
The use of solvents, waxes, detergents
or similar products is not recommended
for the care of the car as they could
damage the stickers or cause them to
detach.
The use of such washing or cleaning
instruments and methods will therefore
invalidate the warranty.
NOTE We recommend using mild
products for cleaning the car.
IMPORTANT In case of stains (water
rings) on the wrapping, remove them by
washing the wrapping again and drying
it with a non-abrasive soft cloth.
36) 37) 38) 39)
Windows
To clean glasses, use specific cleaning
products.
Use clean cloths to avoid scratching
the glass or altering the transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window
inside gently with a cloth following the
direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.
40)
Front headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and
detergent for washing cars.
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic
substances (e.g. petrol) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) for cleaning the plastic lenses
of the headlights.
IMPORTANT When cleaning with a
pressure washer, keep the water jet at
least 20 cm away from the headlights.
Engine compartment
Wash the engine compartment
thoroughly at the end of every winter.
Be careful not to direct the jet of water
onto electronic control units.
Adequately protect the upper air
intakes to prevent damage to the
windscreen wiper motor. Have this
operation performed at a specialised
workshop.
IMPORTANT The washing should take
place with the engine cold and the
ignition key in the STOP position. After
the washing operation, make sure
that the various protections (e.g. rubber
caps and guards) have not been
removed or damaged.
126
SERVICING AND CARE

Washing and cleaning the soft top
Use of specific products is
recommended for washing the soft top
cloth.
The soft top fabric is treated with a
special water-repellent, waterproof
product. The water-repellent properties
will degrade in time with exposure to
the weather elements.
41) 42) 43) 44) 45)
Remove as much dirt from the surface
of the soft top with a soft brush or
vacuum cleaning before washing it. This
operation will considerably improve
the final result.
In lack of specific products, use water
and mild soap applied with a sponge
(preferably in the shade) for washing.
Rinse the soft top with clean water after
having eliminated all the stains.
Hand washing is recommended;
modern automatic washing systems
equipped with soft brushes which
do not apply excessive pressure and
employ specific soft top products may
be used.
46)
Leave the car in the shade after
washing avoiding direct sunlight.Waterproofing the top
Use specific waterproofing products for
fabric soft-tops.
47) 48)
Interior top fabric
Remove dust with a soft brush. Avoid
using hard brushes made of synthetic
material to prevent damaging the fabric
beyond repair.
Clean the surface with a microfiber
cloth or soft sponge dipped in a
solution of water and mild soap. Clean
the entire surface, including the zones
where cleaning is not needed, to
prevent staining.
Use common, car care mild stain
removers for more stubborn stains.
Apply by blotting (never rubbing)
directly on the area of the stain.
WARNING
6)Detergents pollute the environment.
Only wash your vehicle in areas equipped
to collect and treat wastewater from this
type of activity.
WARNING
36)Avoid washing with rollers and/or
brushes in washing stations. Then, wash
the vehicle, only by hand, using pH-neutral
detergents; dry it with a wet chamois
leather. In order to preserve the aesthetic
appearance of the paint, abrasive products
and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the vehicle.
37)Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid
they contain is particularly aggressive.
38)Avoid (if at all possible) parking the
vehicle under trees; remove vegetable
resins immediately as, when dried, it may
only be possible to remove them with
abrasive products and/or polishes, which is
highly inadvisable as they could alter the
typical opaqueness of the paint.
39)It is not advisable to wash with
pressure washer or, in case of use, it is
necessary to maintain at least a minimum
distance of 40 cm with water at room
temperature.
40)Do not use pure windscreen washer
fluid for cleaning the front windscreen and
rear window - dilute it at least 50% with
water.
41)Bird droppings and plant resins must
be washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
42)Never use high-pressure washing
systems.
127

43)When using steam washers or
high-pressure water washers, maintain a
suitable distance and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 60°C. Damage,
alterations and water infiltration may occur
if the distance is too small and the pressure
is too high.
44)If a water jet is used, direct away from
the edges of the fabric and the rear
window frame to prevent water infiltration.
45)Never use alcohol, petrol, chemical
products, detergents, stain removers, wax,
solvents and "wash and polish" products.
46)Rinse immediate to remove soap to
prevent stains and halos. Repeat the
operation if needed.
47)Rinse immediately, and repeat this
operation if necessary. If you choose to
waterproof the soft top, strictly follow the
instructions on the package of the
waterproofing product you have selected in
order to obtain optimal results.
48)The rubber seals on the soft top must
be cleaned exclusively with water. If you
notice that this trim is dry or is sticking,
apply talcum powder or products
specifically for rubber trim (silicone spray).INTERIOR
Regularly check that water is not
trapped under the mats (due to water
dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.),
as this could cause oxidation of the
sheet metal.
151) 152)
SEATS AND FABRIC
PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a
vacuum cleaner. It is advisable to use a
moist brush on velvet upholstery.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral
detergent.
PLASTIC AND COATED
PARTS
It is advisable to clean interior plastic
parts with a moist cloth and a solution
of water and non-abrasive mild soap.
Use specific products for cleaning
plastic, without solvents and specifically
designed to prevent damage to the
appearance and colour of the treated
parts, to remove grease and tough
stains.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol, petrols
and derivatives to clean the instrument
panel lens.LEATHER PARTS
(where provided)
Use only water and mild soap to clean
these parts. Never use alcohol or
alcohol-based products. Before using a
specific product for cleaning interiors,
make sure that it does not contain
alcohol and/or alcohol-based
substances.
ALCANTARA PARTS
(STEERING WHEEL)
Procedure for restoring Alcantara
applied to the steering wheel:
Treat the surface using a microfibre
cloth moistened with mild Marseilles
soap and water, taking care to cover
the whole covered area, applying a
uniform light pressure (do not rub hard).
Rinse and wring out the microfibre
cloth, and pass over the covered area
treated in the previous point again.
Leave it to dry and brush it gently
with a soft brush.
49)
128
SERVICING AND CARE