engine Abarth 500 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE ................ 85
PARKING THE VEHICLE ................. 86
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX .... 87
USING THE ROBOTISED
SEQUENTIAL TRANSMISSION ....... 87
SPORT FUNCTION ......................... 90
PARKING SENSORS....................... 91
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ........... 92
84
STARTING AND DRIVING

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.
17) 18)
109) 110)
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.
19)
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.
20)
WARNING
17)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.
18)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
19)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.
20)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
109)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.
110)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.
85

PARKING THE
VEHICLE
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (1st gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
always remove the ignition key.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with sequential
robotised transmission, wait for letter P
to be displayed before releasing the
brake pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with sequential robotised
transmission, before placing the gear
lever at P).
111)
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever 1 fig. 75 is located
between the front seats.
To use the handbrake pull the lever
upwards until the car cannot be moved.
112)
When the handbrake is on and the
ignition key is at MAR position, the
warning light
will appear on the
instrument panel.
Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
slightly lift the lever and press the
release button on the lever 1 fig. 75;
keep the button pressed and lower
the lever. The
warning light in the
instrument panel will go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the car
from moving accidentally.
WARNING
111)Never leave children in the
unattended car. Always remove the ignition
key when leaving the car and take it out
with you.
112)The car should be braked after a few
clicks of the lever. If it is not, contact an
Abarth Dealership to have it adjusted.
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STARTING AND DRIVING

USING THE MANUAL
GEARBOX
To engage the gears, fully depress the
clutch pedal and put the gear lever
into the required position (the diagram
is shown on the knob fig. 76).
113)
21)
To engage reverse R from neutral,
move the lever to the right and then
backwards.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completely
stationary. With the engine running,
wait for at least 2 seconds with the
clutch pedal fully pressed before
engaging reverse to prevent damage to
the gears and grating.
WARNING
113)Press the clutch pedal fully to change
gears correctly. It is therefore essential
that there is nothing under the pedals:
make sure the mats are lying flat and do
not get in the way of the pedals.
WARNING
21)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even
if slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
USING THE
ROBOTISED
SEQUENTIAL
TRANSMISSION
(where provided)
The car can be equipped with an
electronically controlled manual
transmission that allows two operating
modes: “MANUAL” and “AUTO”.
With the car stationary and the key at
MAR (ignition-operated electrical
services on), the screen displays the
engaged gear and the active operating
mode (automatic = AUTO or manual
= no display).
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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. 78 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.
22)
To turn automatic operation (AUTO) on,
press the A/M button on the gearbox
panel fig. 77; 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 1st
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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STARTING AND DRIVING

release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal (quickly pressing
the pedal fully down and turning off
the ASR, if provided, results in a “lively”
departure).
Engaging reverse gear (R)
To engage reverse gear, press the R
button on the gearbox panel instead of
the 1 button.
Engaging neutral (N)
Press the (N) button to engage neutral.
Neutral (N) can only be engaged with
accelerator pedal released, regardless
of the brake pedal’s status (pressed
or not). In any case, pressing the brake
pedal is recommended.
ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
For safety reasons, there is a buzzer
warning when parking the car with the
gearbox in neutral (N) (the warning is
heard when the ignition key is turned to
the STOP position).
With the car stationary, the engine
running and (1
st), (2nd) or (R) engaged,
the system activates the buzzer and
automatically puts the transmission in
neutral (N) when:
the accelerator and/or brake pedal
are not operated for at least 3 minutes;
the brake pedal is pressed for longer
than 10 minutes;
the driver's door is opened and the
accelerator pedal or the brake pedal
are not operated for at least 1.5
seconds;
a fault has been detected in the
transmission.
PARKING THE CAR
To park safely, you must engage 1stor
reverse (R) gear, with your foot on
the brake pedal and, if there is a
gradient, operate the handbrake. Wait
until the indication of the gear engaged
disappears on the display before
releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the transmission in neutral (N).
IMPORTANT NOTES
With car stationary and gear
engaged, always keep the brake pedal
pressed until you decide to set off,
then release the brake and accelerate
gradually.
During prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep
the transmission in neutral (N).
In order to safeguard the efficiency
of the clutch, do not use the
accelerator to keep the car stationary
(e.g. when stopped on an incline); if the
clutch overheats it could be damaged.
Use the brake pedal or the handbrake
instead and use the accelerator pedal
only when you decide to set off.
Only use 2ndgear when you need
greater control for setting off on
surfaces with poor grip.
If you have to engage 1stgear with
reverse gear (R) engaged, or vice versa,
only do so when the car is completely
stationary and with the brake pedal
pressed.
Although it is strongly inadvisable, if
you are driving downhill and, for
unexpected reasons, you let the car
move forward with the transmission in
neutral (N), when there is a request
to engage a gear, depending on the
actual speed of the car, the system will
automatically engage the best gear
for the correct transmission of drive
torque to the wheels.
89

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
22)Using the levers incorrectly (levers
pushed towards the dashboard) could
break them.
SPORT FUNCTION
When the SPORT button 1 fig. 79 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. 80 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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STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING
23)For correct operation of the system,
sensors must always be clean from mud,
dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not to scratch
or damage the sensors while cleaning
them. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The sensors must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of vehicle
shampoo if necessary. When using special
washing equipment such as high pressure
jets or steam cleaning, clean the sensors
very quickly keeping the jet more than
10 cm away.
24)Have interventions on the bumper in
the area of the sensors carried out only by
an Abarth Dealership. Interventions on
the bumper that are not carried out
properly may compromise the operation of
the parking sensors.
WARNING
114)Parking and other dangerous
manoeuvres are, however, always the
driver’s responsibility. While carrying out
these manoeuvres, always make sure that
no people (especially children) or animals
are in the area concerned. The parking
sensors are an aid for the driver, but the
driver must never allow their attention
to lapse during potentially dangerous
manoeuvres, even those executed at low
speeds.
REFUELLING THE
VEHICLE
Stop the engine before refuelling.
IMPORTANT Never introduce leaded
petrol to the tank, even in small
amounts in an emergency, as this
would damage the catalytic converter
beyond repair.
REFUELLING CAPACITY
To ensure that you fill the tank
completely, top up twice after the first
click of the fuel supply gun. Further
top-ups could cause faults in the fuel
supply system.
FUEL TANK CAP
Plug 2 fig. 82 is fitted with a cable that
secures it to flap 1 so that it cannot
be lost.Unscrew cap 2 using the ignition key.
The sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the cap is
absolutely normal. When refuelling,
fasten the plug to the device inside the
flap as shown in fig. 82.
115)
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STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING
116)Modifications or repairs to the electric system that are not carried out properly or do not take the system technical specifications into
account can cause malfunctions leading to the risk of fire.
117)Halogen bulbs contain pressurised gas, in the case of breakage they may burst causing glass fragments to be projected outwards.
118)Before replacing the bulb, wait for the exhaust ducts to cool down: DANGER OF SCALDING!
119)Only replace the light bulbs when the engine is off and in a position that does not interfere with traffic and lets you safely replace them
(see the description in the “Replacement” paragraph). Also ensure that the engine is cold, to prevent the risk of burns.
WARNING
25)Halogen bulbs must be handled holding the metallic part only. Touching the transparent part of the bulb with your fingers may reduce the
intensity of the emitted light and even reduce the lifespan of the bulb. In the event of accidental contact, wipe the bulb with a cloth moistened
with alcohol and let the bulb dry.
26)Where possible, it is advisable to have bulbs changed at an Abarth Dealership. The correct operation and direction of the external lights
are absolutely essential for the safety of the car and of compliance with the law.
99

REPLACING AN
EXTERIOR BULB
For the type of bulb and power rating,
see paragraph "Replacing a bulb".
FRONT LIGHT CLUSTERS
The front light clusters contain side
lights, dipped headlights, main beam
headlights and direction indicator bulbs.
Access to the direction indicator
bulbs
Working from the engine compartment,
remove the rubber cap 1 fig. 84.
Access to the main beam headlight
bulbs
Rotate the cap 2 fig. 84 anticlockwise.
Access to the daytime running light
(DRL) and main beam headlight
bulbs
Completely steer the wheels and open
guard door 3 fig. 85 (on the wheel
arch at the level of the lights) then
remove the rubber cap 4 fig. 85.
DIRECTION INDICATORS
Front
To replace the bulb, proceed as follows:
turn the protection cap 1 fig. 84
anticlockwise and remove it;
turn the bulb holder 1 fig. 86
anticlockwise and remove it;
remove the pressure-fitted bulb and
replace it;
refit the bulb holder 1 by turning it
clockwise and locking it correctly;
insert the protection cap and turn it
clockwise.
Side
IMPORTANT The intervention must be
carried out taking all precautions
necessary to avoid damaging the
bodywork (use a sufficiently rigid and
appropriately thick plastic card).
To replace the bulb, proceed as follows:
apply leverage at the point indicated
by the arrows 1 and 2, in such a way
as to compress the fixing clip and
remove the light fig. 87
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IN AN EMERGENCY