light Abarth 500 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING SYMBOLS
Symbol What it means
red
red
redDOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN
The symbols on the display switches on, together with a dedicated message, on some versions, when one
or more doors, the tailgate or the bonnet (where provided) are not properly closed. An acoustic warning is
also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
redLOW BATTERY CHARGE
If the warning light or the symbol on the display (together with a dedicated message on the display on
some versions) remains on, contact an Abarth Dealership immediately.
redINSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED
When the key is turned to MAR the icon appears (where present), but should disappear as soon as the
engine is started.
NOTE Where present, the warning light may be amber
Low engine oil pressure
The symbol appears continuously together with the message on the display (where present) when the
system detects that the engine oil pressure is insufficient.
37)
54
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
amberFUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE
The display will show the symbol and a dedicated message if the fuel cut-off system is faulty.
amberEXTERIOR 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.
amberBRAKE 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.
amberFIAT 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.
57

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

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.
40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48)
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.
49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54)
61

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.
63) 64) 65) 66)
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. 51.
Activation is signalled by the LED in the
TTC button lighting up.
WARNING
40)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.
41)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.
42)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.
43)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.44)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
45)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.
46)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.
47)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.
48)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.
49)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.
50)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.
51)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.
51AB0A0226C
63

52)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
53)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
54)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.
55)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.
56)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.
57)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.
58)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.59)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
60)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
61)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.
62)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.
63)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.
64)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
65)The PBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver.
66)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. 52 -
fig. 53), press the TRIP button.
The fig. 53 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. 52 screen.
52AB0A0123C
64
SAFETY

Low tyre pressure
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel.
The display will show “KO” beside the
tyres fig. 53 along with a warning
message.
If the system does not recognise the
pressure value of one or more tyres, the
display will show dashes "– –"
This warning is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.
RESET PROCEDURE
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the Reset
procedure is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
each time tyre pressure is modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
when the space-saver wheel is
fitted.
Before carrying out the RESET
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the RESET procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the
warning
light may give false indications on
one or more tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the car stopped and the ignition key
at MAR, use the setup menu (see the
description of the "Menu items"
paragraph).At the end of the Reset procedure the
display will show the “Reset saved”
message, indicating that the self-
learning has been started.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
67),68),69),70),71),72)
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the warning may be delayed or
partial in detecting the deflation of one
or more tyres.
Under special conditions (e.g. car
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
damaged or worn tyre, fitting the
space-saver spare wheel, fitting snow
chains, fitting different tyres on the
axles) the system may give false
warnings or be temporarily deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a warning message.
This warning is displayed also after the
engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
53AB0A0217C
65

SBR SYSTEM (Seat
Belt Reminder)
The SBR system warns the front seat
occupants if their seat belt is not
fastened.
The system signals unfastened seat
belts with visual warnings (warning
lights on in the instrument panel and
icons on the display) and an acoustic
signal (see the following paragraphs).
NOTE Contact an Abarth Dealership to
deactivate this acoustic warning
permanently. The acoustic warning can
be reactivated at any time through the
display Setup Menu.
Seat belts warning light operation
The system warns the driver and the
front passenger if their seat belt is
not fastened, as follows:
flashingwarning light and
intermittent acoustic warning for about
100 seconds;
once the cycle has finished, the
warning light remains on constantly until
the seat belts are fastened.
PRE-TENSIONERS
The car is equipped with front seat
belts pretensioners, that reduce slack in
the belts in the event of a severe frontal
collision. This guarantees the perfect
adherence of the seat belts to the
occupants' bodies before the
restraining action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
towards the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency. If, due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water or mud, have it
replaced.
75)
16)
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a device which
allows the force acting on the chest and
shoulders to be modulated during the
belt restraining action in the event of
a frontal collision.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
76) 77) 78)
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the case of a crash is greatly reduced
for them and the unborn child if they
are wearing a seat belt.
Pregnant women must position the
lower part of the belt very low down so
that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen (see fig. 56). While
pregnancy progresses, the driver must
adjust both the seat and the steering
wheel to ensure full control of the
vehicle (pedals and steering wheel must
be easily accessible). The maximum
clearance should be kept between the
abdomen and the steering wheel.
68
SAFETY

Main recommendations to carry
children safely
Install the child restraint systems on
the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of an
impact.
Keep children in rearward facing
child restraint systems for as long as
possible, ideally until they are 2 years
old.
Should a rearward facing child
restraint system be installed on the rear
seats, it is advisable to position it as
far forward as the position of the front
seat allows.
If the passenger's front airbag is
deactivated always check the
permanent switching on of the
warning light to make sure that it
has actually been deactivated.
Carefully follow the instructions
supplied with the child restraint system.
Keep the instructions in the vehicle
along with the other documents and
this handbook. Do not use second-
hand child seats without instructions.
Only one child is to be strapped into
each restraint system; never carry two
children simultaneously.
Always check that the seat belts do
not rest on the child’s neck.
Always check that the seat belt is
well fastened by pulling on it.
While travelling, do not let the child
sit incorrectly or unfasten the belts.
Never allow a child to put the belt's
diagonal section under an arm or
behind their back.
Never carry children on your lap,
even newborns. No-one can hold
a child in the case of a crash.
In the event of an accident, replace
the child restraint system with a new
one. In addition, and depending on the
type of child restraint system installed,
replace the ISOFIX anchors or the
seat belt with which the child restraint
system was connected.
The rear headrest (where provided)
can be removed if needed to install
a child restraint system. The headrest
must always be fitted in the car if the
seat is used by an adult passenger or a
child sitting in a restraint system without
a backrest.
WARNING
79)SERIOUS DANGER. When an active
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rear 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. It is advisable to always carry
children in a child restraint system on
the rear seat, which is the most protected
position in the event of a collision.
80)On the sun visor there is a label with
suitable symbols reminding the user that it
is compulsory to deactivate the airbag if
a rearward facing child restraint system is
fitted. Always comply with the instructions
on the passenger side sun visor (see the
"Front airbags" paragraph).
81)Should it be necessary to carry a child
on the passenger side front seat in a rear
facing child restraint system, the passenger
side front and side airbags must be
deactivated through the display main
menu, verifying deactivation by checking
that the warning light
located in the
central part of the dashboard has switched
on. Move the passenger's seat as far
back as possible to avoid contact between
the child seat and the dashboard.
82)Do not move the front or rear seat if a
child is seated on it or on the dedicated
child restraint system.
76
SAFETY