steering Abarth 500 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

PASSENGER AIRBAG
DEACTIVATION: FRONT AIRBAG
AND FRONT SIDE AIRBAG (SIDE
BAG)
93) 94)
If a child must be carried on the front
seat in a rear facing child restraint
system, deactivate the passenger side
front airbag and front side bag.Warning light 1 fig. 68 will stay on
constantly until the passenger side front
airbag and the front side bag are
reactivated.
IMPORTANT To manually deactivate the
passenger side front airbag and the
front side bag, see paragraph "Menu
items" in the "Knowing the instrument
panel" chapter.
Driver's side knee bag (where
provided)
It consists of an instantly inflating
cushion contained in a special
compartment 3 under the lower
steering column guard fig. 69 at the
driver's knee level. It provides further
protection to the driver in the event of a
frontal impact.
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SAFETY

WARNING
90)Do not apply stickers or other objects
on the steering wheel, on the dashboard in
the passenger side airbag area, on the
side upholstery on the roof and on the
seats. Never put objects (e.g. mobile
phones) on the passenger's side
dashboard since they could interfere with
correct inflation of the airbag and also
cause serious injury to the passengers.
91)Always drive with your hands on the
rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive
with your body bent forward. Keep your
back straight against the backrest.
92)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the child
regardless of the severity of the impact.
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger
side airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed.93)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.
94)The
warning light indicates the
passenger side airbag protection status. If
the warning light is off, passenger side
protection is active: to deactivate it, use the
Setup Menu (in this case the LED lights
up). When the vehicle is started (ignition
key turned to MAR position), the warning
light turns on for about 8 seconds,
provided that at least 5 seconds have
elapsed from when it was switched off. If
not, contact an Abarth Dealership. If the
engine is switched off/on again in less than
5 seconds the warning light may remain
off. In this case, to check correct warning
light operation, switch the engine off,
wait for at least 5 seconds and switch the
engine on again. The warning light may
light up with various intensity levels
depending on the vehicle conditions. The
intensity may also vary during the same key
cycle.
95)If, when turning the key to MAR, the
warning 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.96)In some versions, in case of a LED
failure (located on the plate of the
instrument panel), thewarning light on
the instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated.
97)Do not cover the front seat backrests
with extra covers if they are equipped
with side bags.
98)If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at an
Abarth Dealership.
99)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is in
the ignition and turned to MAR-ON or
when the engine is off, if the car is hit by
another moving vehicle. Therefore, even if
the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child. Therefore, always deactivate the
passenger side airbag when a rearward
facing child restraint system is installed on
the front passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be positioned
back as far as possible in order to prevent
the child restraint system from coming
into contact with the dashboard.
Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed. Also remember that, if
the key is turned to STOP, none of the
safety devices (airbags or pretensioners)
will be deployed in the event of collision.
Non-deployment in such cases does
not indicate a system malfunction.
79

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.
PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place
the gearbox lever in neutral;
fully depress 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, 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. 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.
15) 16)
108) 109)
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.
17)
SWITCHING OFF 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.
18)
WARNING
15)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.
16)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
17)Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter and
damage it beyond repair.
18)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
WARNING
108)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
109)Remember that the brake servo
and power steering are not operational until
the engine has been started, therefore
much effort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
82
STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING THE CAR
NOTES
On starting, the system sets itself to
AUTO mode.
Using the 1, N, R buttons with the
brake pedal pressed, 1stgear, neutral
(N) or reverse (R) can be engaged.
Using the 1, N, R buttons without
pressing the brake pedal, the system
does not change gear.
The levers on the steering wheel will
not engage any gear, even with the
brake pedal pressed.
If the car is switched off with SPORT
or NORMAL modes active, the mode
previously set is kept when the engine
is restarted.
OPERATING MODE
The transmission can function in two
operating modes:
the first is manual (MANUAL). In this
mode the driver decides directly when
to shift, using the "+” fig. 76 lever on
the steering wheel to shift up, or the "–"
to shift down. If the request is accepted
by the system, when the gear change
is completed, the display shows the
new gear engaged.
the second, completely automatic
(AUTO), in which the system decides
when to change gear. A gear change
can be requested using the control
lever without having to deactivate this
mode: this function, known as “gear
suggestion”, suspends the automatic
mode for the time necessary to select
the gear requested by the driver.
20)
To turn automatic operation (AUTO) on,
press the A/M button on the gearbox
panel fig. 75; when it is on, the word
AUTO and the engaged gear are shown
on the display. When AUTO mode is
deactivated, the transmission passes to
MANUAL mode.“Kick Down” function
The "Kick Down" function is also
available: if necessary (for example
when overtaking), pressing the
accelerator pedal fully over the
hardening point, the system downshifts
one or more gears (if the rpm allows
it) in order to provide suitable power
and torque for the acceleration
requested by the driver.
STARTING THE ENGINE
To start the engine press the brake
pedal: the system engages neutral (N)
automatically. When the starting
procedure is complete, you can hold
the brake pedal down and press the 1
or R buttons on the transmission panel
to engage 1
stor reverse (R) gear
respectively.
MOVING THE CAR
You may set off in the car in both 1
st
gear and 2ndgear (advisable on road
surfaces with poor grip) and also in
reverse gear (R). The gears can only be
engaged by pressing the brake pedal.
Proceed as follows:
press the brake pedal;
press the 1 button on the gearbox
panel;
operate the “+” shift paddle while
holding down the brake pedal (only for
setting off in 2
ndgear);
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When necessary, you can engage
1stgear, reverse (R) or neutral (N) with
the engine off, the key at AVV and
the brake pressed. In this case, it is
advisable to change allowing at least 5
seconds to elapse between one gear
change and the next to safeguard
the operation of the hydraulic system
and the pump in particular.
Fully and quickly depressing the
accelerator pedal activates a function
that allows a "lively" departure.
For starting uphill, accelerating
gradually but fully immediately after
having released the handbrake or the
brake pedal allows the engine to greatly
increase the rpm and tackle the
steepest gradients with more torque to
the wheels.
WARNING
20)Using the levers incorrectly (levers
pushed towards the dashboard) could
break them.
SPORT FUNCTION
When the SPORT button 1 fig. 77 is
pressed, the sports driving setting
is turned on giving greater
responsiveness during acceleration, an
increase in drive torque and more
precise steering with greater effort
required on the steering wheel.
When this function is on, the word
SPORT 1 fig. 78 is lit up in the display
and the instrument panel shows a
dedicated screen.
Press the button again to turn the
function off and restore the normal
driving setting.
IMPORTANT When the SPORT button
is pressed, the function is activated
about 5 seconds later.IMPORTANT During acceleration, when
the SPORT function is used, the
steering may shudder, which is typical
of a sports setting.
NOTE For vehicles equipped with an
Akrapovic exhaust system, a
considerable increase in engine sound
can be heard when the SPORT mode is
activated. This is caused by opening
the valve located in the Akrapovic
exhaust, which improves performance.
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WARNING
124)The information required by the
applicable regulation is indicated on the
Fix&Go kit package label. Carefully read
the label on the cartridge before use, avoid
improper use. The kit should be used by
adults and cannot be used by children.
125)IMPORTANT: Do not exceed 80 km/h.
Avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
The kit provides a temporary repair,
therefore the tyre must be examined and
repaired by a specialist as soon as
possible. Before using the kit, ensure that
the tyre is not excessively damaged and
that the rim is in good condition, otherwise
do not use it and call roadside assistance.
Do not remove foreign bodies from the
tyre. Do not let the compressor turned on
for more than 20 consecutive minutes -
overheating hazard.
WARNING
26)The sealant fluid is effective with
external temperatures between -40°C and
+55°C. The sealant fluid has an expiry
date. It is possible to repair tyres which
have been damaged on tread up to a
diameter of 6 mm. Show the cartridge and
the label to the personnel charged with
handling the tyre treated with the tyre
repair kit.
JUMP STARTING
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.
104, with the same capacity or a little
higher than the flat one.
27)
126)
Proceed as follows to start the vehicle:
connect the positive terminals (+
mark near the terminal) of the two
batteries using a suitable 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 driving 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.
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IN AN EMERGENCY

TOWING THE
VEHICLE
The tow hook, which is supplied with
the vehicle, is housed in the tool box,
under the carpet in the luggage
compartment.
128) 129) 130) 131) 132)
ATTACHING THE TOW
RING
Proceed as follows:
Front
release cap 1 fig. 105
take the tow hook 2 fig. 105 out of
its housing in the tool support;
fully tighten it on the threaded pin.Rear
release cap 1 fig. 106
take the tow hook 2 fig. 106 out of
its housing in the tool support;
fully tighten it on the threaded pin.
Towing with robotised
sequential transmission
Make sure that the gearbox is in neutral
(N) (checking that the vehicle moves
when pushed) and proceed in the same
way as for towing a normal vehicle
with a manual gearbox. If the gearbox
cannot be put in neutral, do not tow the
car and contact an Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
128)Before towing, turn the ignition key to
MAR-ON and then to STOP without
removing it. The steering column
will automatically lock when the key is
removed and the wheels cannot be
steered.
129)Before tightening the ring clean the
threaded housing thoroughly. Make sure
that the ring is fully fastened in the housing
before towing the car.
130)The front and rear tow hooks should
be used only for emergencies on the road.
You are allowed to tow the vehicle for
short distances using an appropriate
device in accordance with the highway
code (a rigid bar), to move the vehicle on
the road in readiness for towing or
transporting via a breakdown vehicle. Tow
rings MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles
off the road or where there are obstacles
and/or for towing operations using cables
or other non-rigid devices. In compliance
with the above conditions, towing must
take place with the two vehicles (one
towing, the other towed) aligned as much
as possible along the same centre line.
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IN AN EMERGENCY

131)Whilst towing, remember that as the
assistance of the brake servo and the
electric power assisted steering is
not available, greater force needs to be
exerted on the brake pedal and more effort
is required on the steering wheel. Do not
use flexible cables when towing and avoid
jerky movements. During towing, make
sure that the trailer hitch does not damage
any components it is touching. When
towing the vehicle, you must comply with
all specific traffic regulations, both in terms
of the towing device and behaviour on
the road. Do not start the engine while
towing the car.
132)Because of its conformation, the car
cannot be loaded onto railway carriages
and transported.
109

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

Controls on the steering wheel
The controls for the main system functions are present on the steering wheel to make control easier. The activation of the
function selected is controlled, in some cases, by how long the button is pressed (short or long press) as described in the table
below.
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