Abarth Punto Evo 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

140
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforated plastic
sheet. Do not use sheets of non-perforated plastic
as they do not allow moisture on the car body to
evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the standard
specified pressure and check it periodically;
❒if you don’t disconnect the battery from the
electrical system, check its charge every month and
recharge it if the indicator shows a dark colour
without the central green area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
IMPORTANT Where relevant, switch off the car alarm
with the remote control.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer than a month,
the following precautions should be followed:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if possible well-
ventilated premises;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal and check
battery charge. Repeat this check once every three
months during storage. Recharge if the optical
indicator shows a dark colour without the central
green area;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using protective
wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special
compounds commercially available;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;

141
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
GENERAL WARNINGS
Switching on of some warning lights/symbols is
associated to a specific message and/or warning buzzer.
These indications are indicative and precautionary and
as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained in the Owner
Handbook, which you are recommended to read
carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in
this chapter in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT The fault indicators appearing on the
reconfigurable multifunction display are divided into two
categories: very serious and less serious faults.
Very serious faults prompt a prolonged cycle of signals.
Less serious faults prompt a shorter cycle of signals.
Press MENU ESC to stop the warning cycle in both
cases.
The instrument panel warning lights will stay on until the
causes of the fault are eliminated.
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
If the warning light xturns on when
travelling (with the message on the
display) stop the car immediately and contact
an Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID
LOW (red)
HANDBRAKE ENGAGED (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR position the
warning light comes on but should go out after a few
seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light comes on when the level of the brake
fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level due
to a possible leak in the circuit.
The display will show a dedicated message.
x
Handbrake on
The warning light turns on when the handbrake is
engaged.
On some versions there is also an associated warning
buzzer if the car is moving.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when
travelling, check that the handbrake is not engaged.

142
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The warning light will light up when the system is either
not working or not available. Under these circumstances
the braking system will work as normal without the extra
performance offered by the ABS system. Drive carefully
and contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
The display will show a dedicated message.
>
EBD FAULT
(red/amber)
Warning lights
xand >lit at the
same time with the engine running
indicate an EBD system failure or that the system is not
available. This may cause premature locking of the rear
wheels in the event of violent braking, causing the car to
swerve. Drive very carefully to an Abarth Dealership to
have the system inspected immediately.
The display will show a dedicated message.> x
ESP SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
ESP-ASR system failure
If the warning light does not go out or remains on while
driving, it indicates a fault in the ESP-ASR system. In this
case, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
The display shows the dedicated message.
Note Warning light flashing when driving indicates that
the ESP system has intervened.
Hill Holder system fault
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light will turn on when the Hill Holder
system is faulty. In this case, contact an Abarth
Dealership as soon as possible.
The display shows the dedicated message.
á
AIRBAG FAILURE (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a fault in
the air bag system.
The display shows the dedicated message.
¬

143
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
SEAT BELTS
NOT FASTENED (red)
This warning light comes on constantly when
the car is stationary and the driver’s seat belt is
not correctly fastened.
The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if the
vehicle is in motion and the front seat belts are not
correctly fastened.
<
If, when turning the key to MAR the
warning light ¬does not turn on or if it
stays on when travelling, there could be a fault in
the retaining systems; in this event air bags or
pretensioners may not be deployed in case of
impact or, in a minor number of cases, they may
deploy incorrectly. Contact an Abarth Dealership
immediately to have the system checked before
driving off.
WARNING
A problem with the warning light ¬
(light off) is indicated by the warning
light “, which indicates that the front passenger
airbag is deactivated, flashing for more than the
usual four seconds.
WARNING
Warning light “indicates a fault with
warning light ¬. This condition is
indicated by intermittent blinking of warning
light “for longer than 4 seconds. In this case,
the warning light ¬may not indicate failures in
the retaining systems. Before driving off,
contact an Abarth Dealership to have the
system checked immediately.
WARNING
FRONT PASSENGER’S AIR BAG
DEACTIVATED (amber)
The warning light
“comes on when the
front passenger airbag is disabled.
With the front passenger air bag enabled, when the
ignition key is turned to MAR the
“warning light
comes on constantly for about 4 seconds, flashes for
another 4 seconds and then should go out.
“
The buzzer of the SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system may
only be switched off by an Abarth Dealership.
The system can be reactivated from the set-up menu.

144
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE (red)
When the ignition key is moved to MAR, the
warning light switches on, and should go out
as soon as the engine is started.
The warning light switches on constantly together with
the message in the display when the system detects that
the engine oil pressure is insufficient.
v
If the warning light vturns on when
travelling (with the message on the
display) stop the car immediately and contact
an Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
In normal conditions, when the ignition key is
moved to MAR, the warning light turns on and
should go off after engine start-up. The initial switching-
on indicates that the warning light is working properly.
If the warning light stays on or turns on when travelling:
❒on permanently: this means there is a fault in the
supply/ignition system which could cause high
exhaust emissions, loss of performance, poor
handling and high fuel consumption levels.
The display shows the dedicated message.
Under these conditions, you may continue travelling at a
moderate speed without demanding excessive effort
from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with the
warning light on may cause damage. Contact an Abarth
Dealership as soon as possible.
The warning light switches off if the failure disappears,
but it is still stored by the system.
❒flashing: this indicates possible damage to the
catalytic converter (see “EOBD system” in the
“Knowing your car” section).
U

145
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon
as possible if the warning light Udoes
not light up when the key is turned to MAR or
if, during travel, the warning light comes on
either constantly or flashing (along with a
message on the display). The operation of the
warning light Umay be checked by the traffic
control authorities using specific devices. Always
comply with the traffic regulations in force in
the country where you are driving.
WARNING
If the light flashes, release the accelerator pedal to
reduce engine revs until the warning light stops flashing;
continue the journey at a moderate speed, trying to
avoid driving conditions that may cause further flashing,
and contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out after a
few seconds. The warning light turns on when the
engine is overheated. If the warning light comes on
when driving, proceed as follows:
❒when driving normally: stop the car, switch off the
engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is not, wait
for a few minutes 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. Also check visually for any fluid
leaks. Contact an Abarth Dealership if the warning
should come on when the engine is started again.
❒if the vehicle is used under demanding conditions
(e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow down
and, if the light stays on, stop the car. Wait for 2 or
3 minutes with the engine running and slightly
accelerated to further favour the coolant circulation.
Then stop the engine. Check correct liquid level as
described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to
keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few
minutes before switching it off.
The display shows the dedicated message.
ç

146
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
FUEL RESERVE (amber)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when about 7 litres of fuel
are left in the tank.
IMPORTANT The warning light will flash to indicate a
system failure. If this is the case, contact an Abarth
Dealership to have the system checked.
ç
FRONT FOG LIGHTS (green)
The light comes on when the front fog lights
are turned on.
5
SIDE/TAIL LIGHTS
AND LOW BEAMS (green)
FOLLOW ME HOME (green)
Side/tail lights and low beams
The warning light comes on when side/tail lights or low
beams are turned on.
Follow me home
The warning light will turn on when this device is active
(see “Follow me home” in section “Knowing your car”).
The display will show a dedicated message.
3
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION
INDICATOR (green – blinking)
The warning light turns on when the direction
indicator control lever is moved upwards or,
together with the left indicator, when the hazard light
button is pressed.
D
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION
INDICATOR (green – blinking)
The warning light turns on when the direction
indicator control lever is moved downwards or,
together with the right indicator, when the hazard
warning light button is pressed.
F

147
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
CRUISE CONTROL (green)
(for versions/markets where provided)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
The warning light switches on by rotating the Cruise
Control twist switch to ON.
The display will show a dedicated message.
Ü
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS (blue)
The warning light comes on when the main
beams are turned on.
1
REAR FOG LIGHTS (amber)
The warning light comes on when the rear fog
lights are turned on.
4
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING (red)
The symbol is shown on the display when one
or more doors or the tailgate are not perfectly
closed.
The display shows the dedicated message.
An acoustic signal is emitted with the doors open and
the car moving.
´
ENGINE OIL LEVEL LOW (red)
The symbol is shown on the display when the
engine oil level falls below the minimum
recommended value. Restore the correct engine
oil level (see “Checking fluid levels” in the “Servicing and
maintenance” section).
The display shows the dedicated message.
k
GENERIC WARNING
(amber)
Engine oil pressure sensor failure
The symbol is shown on the display when a fault in the
engine oil pressure sensor is detected. Contact an Abarth
Dealership to have the fault fixed as soon as possible.
è
ELECTRIC STEERING FAILURE
(red)
When the symbol is shown on the display, you
will not benefit from the electric power steering and the
effort needed to turn the wheel will be greatly
increased, although it will still be possible to steer the
car. Contact an Abarth Dealership.
The display shows the dedicated message.
g

148
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
FIAT CODE VEHICLE PROTECTION
SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
(for versions/markets where provided)
The symbol (together with a dedicated message) may be
shown on the display to indicate that there is a fault in
the Fiat Code system or, if applicable, the alarm system.
In this case, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
Y
WORN BRAKE PADS
(amber)
The symbol is shown on the display if the front
brake pads are worn; in this case, have them changed as
soon as possible.
The display will show a dedicated message.
d
EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILURE
(amber)
(for versions/markets where provided)
The symbol is shown on the display when a
failure with one of the following lights is detected:
– side lights
– brake lights
– rear fog lights
– direction indicators
– number plate lights
– DRL lights
The display will show a dedicated message.
The failure relating to these lights could be one or more
blown bulbs, a blown protection fuse or a break in the
electrical connection.
W
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM (amber)
The symbol is shown on the display when the
fuel cut-off system has intervened.
The display shows the dedicated message.
For the procedure to restore the system see “Fuel cut-
off system” in the “Knowing your car” section.
sSPORT MODE
The symbol is shown on the display when
“Sport” driving mode is engaged and remains off when
“Normal” mode is activated (see “Manettino Abarth car
dynamic control system” in the “Knowing your car”
section).S

149
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
TYRE PRESSURE CHECK
(amber)
TYRE PRESSURE LOW (amber)
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR
SPEED
(amber)
(for versions/markets where provided)
Check tyre pressures
The symbol is shown on the display to indicate the flat
tyre. Should two or more tyres be flat, the display will
show the indications corresponding to each tyre in
sequence.
Restore correct tyre pressures as soon as possible (see
“Cold tyre pressures” in the “Technical specifications”
section).
Tyre pressure low
The symbol is shown on the display if the pressure of
one or more tyres drops below the preset level. In this
way the TPMS system warns the driver that one or
more tyres may be dangerously flat and liable to
puncture.
n
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or
more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop
the car, avoiding harsh braking or steering manoeuvres.
Repair using the dedicated kit (see the “Automatic
Fix&Go quick tyre repair kit” paragraph in the “In an
emergency” section) and contact an Abarth Dealership
as soon as possible.
Tyre pressure unsuitable for speed
Should travelling at a higher speed than 160 km/h be
required, inflate tyres to pressures values specified in
paragraph “Inflation pressures”.
If the TPMS system (where provided) detects that the
pressure of one or more tyres is unsuitable for the
current speed, the symbol will be shown on the display
together with the dedicated message (see paragraph
“Low tyre pressure” in this section) and it will stay on
until the car speed returns within the preset threshold.
IMPORTANT In this case, slow down immediately
because tyre overheating could compromise tyre
performance and durability beyond repair, and may even
make the tyre explode.