check engine Abarth 500 2020 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).

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. 3only 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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12
KNOWING YOUR CAR

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. 35, 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.
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.
35AB0A0332C
34
KNOWING YOUR CAR

25)When leaving the car, always remove
the key from the ignition device to avoid the
risk of injury due to accidental operation
of the soft top: improper use of the roof
can be dangerous. Before and during
operation, always check that no-one is at
risk of being injured by the moving soft top
roof or by objects getting caught and
dragged by it.
WARNING
11)Never open the top in presence of
snow or ice to prevent damage.
12)Do not place objects on the rear
window shelf to prevent damage while the
top is closing.
13)Loads may not be secured on the roof.
ENGINE BONNET
OPENING
Proceed as follows:
pull lever 1 fig. 41 in the direction
indicated by the arrow;
move the lever 2 fig. 42 to the right
as shown in the figure;
lift the bonnet and, at the same time,
release the supporting rod 3 fig. 43
from its catch 4, then insert the end of
the rod into housing 5 in the bonnet
(large hole) and push to safety position
(small hole), as shown in the figure.
26) 27) 28) 30)
CLOSING
Proceed as follows:
hold the bonnet up with one hand
and with the other remove the stay
3 fig. 43 from the housing 5 and put it
back in its locking device 4;
41AB0A0051C
42AB0A0052C
43AB0A0053C
37

lower the bonnet to approximately
20 centimetres above the engine
compartment and let it come down.
Make sure that the bonnet is
completely closed and not just secured
in safety position. If it is not perfectly
closed, do not try to press the bonnet
down but open it and repeat the
procedure.
29)
WARNING
26)The bonnet may drop suddenly if the
supporting rod is not positioned correctly.
Only perform these operations when the
car is stationary.
27)Be careful working inside engine
compartment when the engine is hot to
avoid burning yourself. Do not place your
hands near the engine fan as it may be
activated even when the key is removed.
Wait until the engine has cooled.
28)Be very careful not to allow scarves,
neckties and other loose articles of clothing
from touching, even accidentally, any
moving parts. This may cause the clothing
to be pulled into the part, resulting in
serious injury to the wearer.29)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.
30)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
31) 32)
OPENING THE TAILGATE
WITH THE REMOTE
CONTROL
Press buttonon 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.
14)
33)
ELECTRIC HANDLE
(SOFT TOUCH)
The tailgate (if unlocked) can be opened
from the outside by using the electric
opening handle 1 fig. 44 located under
the large handle.
The activation of the
symbol on
the display indicates that the tailgate
is not shut properly.
38
KNOWING YOUR CAR

Warning light What it means
redLOW 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 turns 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.36)
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.
red“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.
49

Symbol What it means
redENGINE 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. when 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
redROBOTISED 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 warning, to indicate
transmission failure.15)
redAirbag warning light failure(where present)
The icon lights up when a fault is detected in the warning light
.
redSPEED 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.
55

Symbol What it means
whiteHEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT CORRECTOR
The icon, together with a number, indicates the depth of the dipped beam.
WARNING
34)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.
35)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.
36)If the
warning light turns on when travelling (on certain versions together with the message on the display) stop the vehicle
immediately and contact an Abarth Dealership.
37)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.
38)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.
39)If, when the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
warning light does not switch on, switches on constantly or flashes while 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
15)If there is a fault in the gearbox, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible to check the system.
59

WARNING
91)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.
92)Always drive with your hands on the
rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive
bent over the steering wheel, but rather sit
upright with your back firmly resting against
the seat back.
93)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in a crash could
cause fatal injuries to the child regardless
of the severity of the collision. 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.94)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.
95)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.
96)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.97)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.
98)Do not cover the front seat backrests
with extra covers if they are equipped
with side bags.
99)If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at an
Abarth Dealership.
100)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.
82
SAFETY

WARNING
29)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
WARNING
129)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
FUEL CUT-OFF
SYSTEM
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
the interruption of the fuel supply
with the engine consequently cutting
out
the automatic unlocking of the doors
turning on the lights inside the car.
The intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the
display.
IMPORTANT Carefully check the car for
fuel leaks, for instance in the engine
compartment, under the car or near the
tank area.
130)
After a crash, turn the ignition key to
STOP position to prevent the battery
from running down.
To restore the correct operation of the
car, proceed as follows:
turn the ignition key to the MAR
position
activate the right direction indicator
deactivate the right direction
indicator
activate the left direction indicator
deactivate the left direction indicator
activate the right direction indicator
deactivate the right direction
indicator
activate the left direction indicator
deactivate the left direction indicator
turn the ignition key to the STOP
position
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON
position.
WARNING
130)If, after an impact, you smell fuel or
notice leaks from the fuel system, do
not reactivate the system to avoid the risk
of fire.
111