ESP Abarth 500 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION!
REFUELLING
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in compliance with the European specification EN 228. The use of
other products or mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Version with manual gearbox: make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gear lever to neutral; fully depress the clutch pedal
without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has started.
Versions with robotised sequential gearbox: make sure that the handbrake is engaged and that the gear lever is in P (Parking) or N
(Neutral), fully depress the brake pedal, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine is started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the car, you decide to install electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact an Abarth
Dealership. They will calculate the overall electrical consumption and check that the car’s electrical system can support the required load.
CODE Card
(where provided)
Keep it in a safe place, not in the car. We recommend that you always carry the electronic code provided on the CODE Card with you, in
case you need to perform an emergency start.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS
... important information, advice and warnings for correct use, driving safety and maintenance of your car over time. Special attention must
be paid to the symbols provided(safety of persons)(environmental protection)(car integrity).

USE OF THE OWNER HANDBOOK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Each time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are given, these must be understood as
regarding an occupant in the driver's seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be specified as appropriate in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do
not correspond to the actual arrangement of your vehicle. In addition, the Handbook has been conceived considering vehicles
with steering wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with steering wheel on the right side, the position
or construction of some controls is not exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner Handbook.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedicated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A few pages further there is a key
for getting to know the chapter order and the relevant symbols in the tabs. There is in any case a textual indication of the
current chapter at the side of each even page.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
While reading this Owner Handbook you will find a series ofWARNINGSto prevent procedures that could damage your
vehicle.
There are alsoPRECAUTIONSthat must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle,
which could cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore allWARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSmust always be carefully followed.
WARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSare recalled in the text with the following symbols:
personal safety;
vehicle safety;
environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are indicated besides the title or at the end of the line and are followed by a number.
That number recalls the corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.

WARNING
1)The electronic components inside the
key may be damaged if the key is
subjected to strong shocks. In order to
ensure complete efficiency of the
electronic devices inside the keys, they
should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
2)Press button 2 fig. 3 only with the key
away from your body, especially your eyes
and from objects which could get
damaged (e.g. your clothes). Do not leave
the key unattended to avoid the button
being accidentally pressed while it is being
handled, e.g. by a child.
WARNING
1)Used batteries may be harmful to the
environment if not disposed of correctly.
They must be disposed of as specified by
law in the special containers or taken to
an Abarth Dealership, which will take care
of their disposal.
IGNITION DEVICE
OPERATION
The key can be turned to three different
positions fig. 4:
STOP: engine off, key can be
removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g.
Uconnect™, central door locking
system, alarm, etc.) are enabled;
MAR: driving position. All electrical
devices are enabled;
AVV: engine starting.
The ignition device is fitted with a safety
system that requires the ignition key
to be turned back to STOP if the engine
does not start, before the starting
operation can be repeated.
3) 4) 5) 6)
STEERING LOCK
Activation
When the key is at STOP, remove the
key and turn the steering wheel until
it locks.
Deactivation
Move the steering wheel slightly as you
turn the ignition key to MAR-ON
WARNING
3)If the ignition switch has been tampered
with (e.g. an attempted theft), have it
checked over by an Abarth Dealership
before driving again.
4)Always remove the key when you leave
your car to prevent someone from
accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake. If the
car is parked on a slope uphill, engage
the first gear; if the car is facing downhill,
engage the reverse gear. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
5)Never remove the key while the car is
moving. The steering wheel will
automatically lock as soon as it is turned.
This holds true for cars being towed as
well.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR

Partial extension (50/50)
(where provided)
Proceed as follows:
remove the rear seat head restraints
(where provided);
remove the parcel shelf, by releasing
it from its two side pins and pulling it
out.
check that the seat belt is fully
extended and not twisted
operate lever 1 or 2 fig. 15 to release
the left hand or right hand part of the
backrest respectively and guide it onto
the cushion.
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)
remove the parcel shelf, by releasing
it from its two side pins and pulling it
out.
check that the belt straps are
correctly extended and not twisted
operate the levers 1 and 2 fig. 15 to
release the backrests and guide them
onto the cushion.
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 normal
use position.
IMPORTANT To return the backrest to
its correct position, we recommend
operating from the outside through the
doors.
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
8)All adjustments must be made with the
car stationary.
9)If a side bag is fitted, it is dangerous to
use seat covers not available from
Lineaccessori Abarth.
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SOFT TOP
(where provided)
The soft top can be automatically
opened from the closed position to the
spoiler position, and from this position
to the fully open position.
Suggestions
it is advisable to close the soft top
when the car is parked. The closed soft
top effectively protects the car from
bad weather and from theft;
it is advisable to put valuables in the
boot and lock the lid even when the
top is closed.
SOFT TOP MOVEMENT
22) 23) 24)
9) 10) 11)
IMPORTANT NOTE If moved frequently
in a short time, the motor could
overheat causing the thermal protection
to block the system. Wait for a minute
and repeat.
OPERATION USING THE BUTTONS
INSIDE THE CAR
Opening the soft top:
Opening partially (spoiler position):
press the button 1 fig. 32 once .
To stop the opening: press the
button 1 while the soft top is opening.
Press it again to continue opening.
Opening fully: from the spoiler
position, press the button 1 again. If
one of the two buttons, 1 or 2, is
pressed before the final position is
reached, the soft top will stop
and move back to the initial position
(spoiler position).
Closing the soft top:
Closing from the fully open position:
press the button 2 fig. 32 once. If one
of the two buttons is pressed before
the spoiler position is reached, the roof
will stop and movement will be
reversed, moving to the initial position
(fully open).
Closing from the spoiler position:
press the button 2 to bring the roof
automatically to the safety position
(approximately 25 cm from fully closed
position). If one of the two buttons is
pressed before the stop position is
reached, the soft top may stop in an
intermediate horizontal open position.
Press and hold the button 2 with the
roof in the safety position. The roof will
stop instantly if the button is released
before the fully closed position is
reached.
OPERATION BY MEANS OF
REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control can only be used
with the engine off and the doors
closed.
NOTE The remote control can be used
to open the roof to the horizontal open
position (spoiler position).
Continuously pressing the "release"
button 1 fig. 33, the soft top opens and
stops in any position when the button
is released.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The horizontal and vertical parts of
the soft top can be operated at any
speed lower than 100 and 80 km/h
respectively.
The top can be operated at any
temperature in the range from -18 to
+80.
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It is recommended to have the
engine running always when opening or
closing the soft top.
If required, remove the battery with
open or closed soft top, but NOT when
the soft top is moving.
Do not fix luggage transport devices
to the soft top and do not travel with
objects resting on the open top.
If requested by the user, the heated
rear window is only turned on if the
soft top is fully closed. If the soft top is
closed incorrectly, the heated rear
window will not function and the
corresponding warning light will not turn
on.
Do not remove ice from the soft top
with a sharp item.
To prevent damage, do not use
scrapers or sprays to remove ice from
the heated rear window.
Do not put objects on the soft top:
they could fall if the it is operated,
causing damage and injury.
It is advisable to cover the soft top
with a protective sheet if the car is
left parked in the open for a long time.
Do not keep the soft top folded for a
long time: this could cause folds and
creases in the fabric.
Before moving the soft top, check
that there is enough room to carry
out the operation and that there are no
obstacles or people close to its moving
parts.
The cooled air flow into the
passenger compartment may decrease
if the automatic climate control system
is on and the top is not completely
closed.
With the soft top open and the car
travelling, the voice recognition system
may not recognise voice commands
because of the background noise: with
the soft top closed and at a high speed,
the voice function for number dialling
may not be recognised.EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the buttons fail, the soft top can be
moved manually proceeding as
described below:
take the provided key 1 fig. 34
located in the luggage compartment in
together with the tool box or the
Fix&Go kit;
insert the provided key in position,
visible from inside the luggage
compartment beneath the parcel shelf
in the point 1 shown in fig. 35;
turn: clockwise to open the soft top;
anticlockwise to close it.
If the tailgate fails to open due to the
battery being flat, or following an
anomaly of the tailgate electric lock,
perform an emergency tailgate opening
as described in the “boot” paragraph
of the “Knowing your car” chapter, the
manually move the soft top as
described above.
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KNOWING YOUR CAR

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The car 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 car 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
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
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 these
conditions, the engine braking effect
could cause the drive wheels to slip,
resulting in a loss of car 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 car’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 car. 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
understeer or oversteer of the car.
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 car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53)
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SAFETY

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, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
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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, in any case, responsible for
safe driving.
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 (indirect Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The car 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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SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS
All vehicle seats are equipped with seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other
occupants of the vehicle also respect,
the local laws in force in relation to
the use of the seat belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
The belt should be worn keeping the
torso straight and rested against the
backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the tab 1
fig. 52 and insert it into the buckle 2
fig. 52, until it clicks into place.
On removal, if the belt jams, let it rewind
for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
Press button 3 fig. 52 to release the
belt.
Guide the belt while it is rewinding to
prevent it from twisting.The retractor mechanism operates
locking the belt in the event of sharp
braking or strong deceleration due
to an impact. This allows the belt strap
to slide freely and to adapt to the body
of the occupant. In the event of an
accident, the belt will lock reducing the
risk of impact inside the passenger
compartment and of being projected
outside the vehicle.
The retractor may lock when the vehicle
is parked on a steep slope: this is
perfectly normal. Furthermore, the reel
mechanism locks the belt if it is pulled
sharply or in the event of sudden
braking, collisions and high-speed
bends.
72) 73)
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.Wear the rear seat belts as shown in
fig. 53.
IMPORTANT When putting the seats
back to their normal position, make
sure the seat belts are positioned
so they are ready to use.
WARNING
72)Never press button 3 when travelling.
73)Remember that in the event of an
accident, the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
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SAFETY