brake 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).

VEHICLE CHANGES/ALTERATIONS
WARNING
Any change or alteration of the vehicle might seriously affect its safety and road holding, thus causing accidents, in which the
occupants could even be fatally injured
ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY THE OWNER
If after buying the vehicle, you decide to install electrical accessories that require a permanent electrical supply (e.g. radio,
satellite anti-theft system, etc.) or accessories that in any case burden the electrical supply, contact an Abarth Dealership,
whose personnel will check whether the vehicle’s electrical system is able to withstand the load required, or whether it needs to
be integrated with a more powerful battery.
IMPORTANT Take care when fitting additional spoilers, alloy wheel rims or non-standard wheel hubs: they could reduce the
ventilation of the brakes and affect efficiency under sharp, repeated braking or on long descents. Make sure that nothing
obstructs the pedal stroke (mats, etc.).
INSTALLING ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electrical and electronic devices installed after buying the car in the context of after-sales service must carry the following label
.
FCA Italy S.p.A. authorises the installation of transceivers provided that installation is carried out at a specialised centre, in a
workmanlike fashion and in compliance with manufacturer's specifications.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not allow the vehicle on the road if devices have been installed which modify the features of the
vehicle. This may also cause invalidation of warranty in relation to faults caused by the change either directly or indirectly related
to it.
FCA Italy S.p.A. shall not be liable for damage caused by the installation of accessories either not supplied or recommended by
FCA Italy S.p.A. and/or not installed in compliance with the provided instructions.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND MOBILE PHONES
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle mobile phones, CB radios, amateur radio etc.) cannot be used inside the vehicle unless a
separate aerial is mounted externally.

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.
4AB0A0302C
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KNOWING YOUR CAR

28)For safety reasons, the bonnet must
always be properly closed while the car is
travelling. Therefore, always make sure that
it is closed properly and that the lock is
engaged. If you notice when driving that
the bonnet has not been properly locked,
stop immediately and close the bonnet
correctly.
29)Use both hands to lift the bonnet.
Before lifting, check that the windscreen
wiper arms are not raised from the
windscreen, that the vehicle is stationary
and that the handbrake is engaged.LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT
30) 31)
OPENING THE TAILGATE
WITH THE REMOTE
CONTROL
Press button
on the key with the
remote control.
The direction indicators will blink twice
when the tailgate is opened.
On some versions, opening the tailgate
will switch the boot ceiling light on:
the light will switch off automatically
when the tailgate is closed.
12)
32)
ELECTRIC HANDLE
(SOFT TOUCH)
The tailgate (if unlocked) can be opened
from the outside by using the electric
opening handle 1 fig. 42 located under
the large handle.
The activation of the
symbol on
the display indicates that the tailgate
is not shut properly.CLOSING
To close, lower the tailgate by pressing
near the lock until you hear it click.
EMERGENCY TAILGATE
OPENING
To open the tailgate from the passenger
compartment if the car battery is flat
or the electric tailgate lock is faulty,
proceed as follows (see "Extending the
boot" in this chapter):
extract the rear head restraints
fold the backrests over
to unlock the tailgate mechanically,
working from the inside of the luggage
compartment, use lever 1 fig. 43.
1
42AB0A0045C
36
KNOWING YOUR CAR

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
This section of the handbook gives you
all the information you need to
understand, interpret and use the
instrument panel correctly.CONTROL PANEL AND
ON-BOARD INSTRUMENTS ........... 39
MENU OPTIONS ............................. 41
TRIP COMPUTER ........................... 42
WARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES .................................... 45
-SEAT BELTS REMINDER.................... 45
-EBD FAILURE .................................... 45
-AIR BAG FAILURE .............................. 46
-LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE
ENGAGED........................................... 46
-“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE ............................ 47
-BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................ 47
-ESC SYSTEM .................................... 48
-INJECTION / EOBD SYSTEM
FAILURE .............................................. 48
-REAR FOG LIGHT .............................. 49
-ABS FAILURE..................................... 49
-iTPMS ................................................ 49
-SIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED BEAM
HEADLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME ..... 50
-FRONT FOG LIGHTS ......................... 50
-LEFT DIRECTION INDICATOR ............ 50
-RIGHT DIRECTION INDICATOR ......... 50
-MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS ................ 50
-DOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT OPEN ...................... 51
-LOW BATTERY CHARGE ................... 51
-INSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE/ENGINE OIL
DETERIORATED .................................. 51
-ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
TOO HIGH........................................... 52
-ROBOTISED SEQUENTIAL
GEARBOX FAILURE ............................ 52
-SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED .................. 52-POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD .................. 53
-PARKING SENSOR FAILURE ............. 53
-SERVICE (SCHEDULED SERVICING)
EXPIRED ............................................. 53
-ASR SYSTEM .................................... 53
-HILL HOLDER FAILURE ..................... 53
-FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM.................... 53
-FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE ..... 54
-EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILURE .............. 54
-BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE ..................... 54
-FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE ........... 54
-FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE .... 55
-ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR
FAILURE INDICATOR........................... 55
-OIL CHANGE ..................................... 55
-PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO
START ................................................. 55
-FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE......... 55
-HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT
CORRECTOR ...................................... 55
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means
AIR BAG FAILURE
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a fault in the airbag system. On some versions the display
shows the dedicated message.
33) 34)
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light switches on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum
level, possibly due to a leak in the circuit. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
35)
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is engaged.
On certain versions, if the car is moving the acoustic warning will also sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when travelling, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
47

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 anomaly 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 car 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

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)
58
SAFETY

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 required for starting is reached,
or in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing you to move your
right foot easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure.
During this release stage, the typical
mechanical brake release noise can be
heard, indicating that the car is about
to move.
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
icon
appearing 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.
59