wheel Abarth 500 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

With the windscreen wiper active,
rotate the knurled ring to
to activate
the rear window wiper which, in this
case, operates (in the different
positions) in synch with the windscreen
wiper, but with half its frequency. With
the windscreen wiper on, engaging
reverse gear will automatically turn the
rear window wiper on, in continuous
slow operation. Operation stops when
reverse gear is disengaged.
“Smart washing” function
Pushing the stalk towards the
dashboard (spring-return position) will
activate the rear window washer.
Keep the stalk pressed, with just one
movement, to operate the rear window
washer jet and the rear window wiper
itself; the latter automatically turns on if
you keep the stalk pressed for more
than half a second.
The rear window wiper stops operating
a few strokes after releasing the stalk;
a further "cleaning stroke", after a
few seconds, completes the wiping
operation.
AUTOMATIC WIPING
(for versions/markets, where provided)
7) 8)
Activation
The user can select automatic wiping
by moving the right steering wheel stalk
to the AUTO (B) position. The
activation of the automatic wiping will
be notified to the driver by a single
stroke.
Sensitivity Adjustment
The rain sensor sensitivity can be
adjusted through the display menu or
on theUconnect™5" or 7” system.
Inhibition
If the starter switch is moved to the
STOP position, leaving the right
steering wheel stalk in the AUTO (B)
position, when the vehicle is next
started (starter switch in the MAR
position), no wiping cycle to prevent
damage to the system if the
windscreen is being washed manually
or if there is ice on it.
To re-enable the automatic wiping
mode:
Put the right steering wheel stalk in a
position other than AUTO and then
back to the AUTO position;
exceed the speed of 5 km/h when
the sensor detects rain.
Deactivation
The user can disable automatic wiping
by moving the right steering wheel
stalk to a position other than AUTO.
WARNING
4)Never use the windscreen wipers to
remove layers of snow or ice from the
windscreen. In such conditions, the wiper
may be subjected to excessive stress
and the motor cut-out switch, which
prevents operation for a few seconds, may
intervene. If operation is not subsequently
restored, contact an Abarth Dealership.
5)Do not operate the windscreen wiper
with the blades lifted from the windscreen.
6)Do not use the rear window wiper to
remove layers of snow or ice. In these
conditions, the rear window wiper may be
subjected to excessive stress and the
motor protection, which prevents operation
for a few seconds, may intervene. If
operation is not subsequently restored,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
7)Do not activate the rain sensor or the
rear window wiper when washing the car in
an automatic car wash.
8)Make sure the device is switched off if
there is ice on the windscreen.
25

Warning light What it means
red
amber
amberEBD FAILURE
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD
system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the car may
swerve when braking sharply. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to an Abarth Dealership to have the system inspected immediately.
redAIR 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.34) 35)
48
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

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

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.
55) 56)
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 theicon
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. 51 (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.
57) 58) 59) 60) 61) 62)
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.
62
SAFETY

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

In the case of abnormal signals, it is
recommended to perform the RESET
procedure. If the warnings reappear
once the RESET procedure has started,
check that the same type of tyre is
used on all four wheels and that the
tyres are not damaged; if the
space-saver spare wheel is being used,
refit a wheel with a tyre of normal
dimensions in place of the space-saver
wheel as soon as possible; if possible
remove the snow chains; make sure
that the load is distributed correctly and
repeat the RESET procedure, driving
on a clean and surfaced road. If the
warning persist, contact an Abarth
Dealership.
WARNING
67)If the system signals a pressure drop
on one or more tyres, it is recommended
to always check the pressure on all tyres.
68)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not to
be considered a system to replace
maintenance or a safety system.
69)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary for
whatever reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even
though it is higher than the prescribed
value, but repeat the check when tyres are
cold.70)The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden
tyre pressure drops (for example when
a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the vehicle,
braking with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
71)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
72)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety
equipment of the car comprise the
following protection systems:
seat belts;
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
Front airbags and side bags (where
present).
Read the information given the
following pages with the utmost care. It
is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
For the description of the head restraint
adjustment see the "Head restraints"
paragraph in the "Knowing your car"
chapter.
66
SAFETY

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