check engine FIAT 500 ABARTH 2013 2.G Owner's Manual

As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-
12106) and distilled water for proper corrosion protec-
tion of your engine which contains aluminum compo-
nents.
•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission as needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
356 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brake, Parking...........................234
Brakes.................................333
Brake System............................237
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................237
Master Cylinder........................333
Parking..............................234
Warning Light.........................153
Bulb Replacement.........................348
Bulbs, Light..............................83
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........353
Capacities, Fluid..........................353
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................277
Oil (Engine)...........................315
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................79
Cargo Area Features.......................137
Car Washes.............................337
CD (Compact Disc) Player...................174
Cellular Phone...........................205
Chains, Tire.............................265
Changing A Flat Tire.......................293
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................247
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .151
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............78
Checks, Safety............................78
Child Restraint............................56
Clean Air Gasoline........................272
Cleaning
Wheels...............................338
Climate Control..........................205
Clutch.................................333
Clutch Fluid.............................333
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............204
Connector
UCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..202
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)..........202
Contract, Service..........................364
10
INDEX 373

Jump Starting..........................299
Towing..............................305
Emission Control System Maintenance..........310
Engine
Air Cleaner...........................316
Break-In Recommendations.................78
Checking Oil Level......................313
Compartment..........................309
Cooling..............................327
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................79
Fails to Start...........................226
Flooded, Starting.......................226
Fuel Requirements......................272
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..313
Oil Filler Cap..........................315
Oil Selection...........................315
Overheating...........................282
Starting..............................224
Temperature Gauge......................156
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............49
Event Data Recorder........................55
Exhaust Gas Caution........................26
Exhaust System...........................79
Exterior Lights............................83
Filler Location Fuel........................157
Filters
Air Cleaner...........................316
Air Conditioning.......................319
Engine Oil............................316
Engine Oil Disposal.....................315
Flashers
Turn Signal............................83
Flash-To-Pass............................113
Flooded Engine Starting....................226
Fluid, Brake.............................354
Fluid Capacities..........................353
Fluid Leaks..............................83
10
INDEX 375

Hood................................109
Lead Free Gasoline........................272
Leaks, Fluid..............................83
Life of Tires.............................262
Liftgate (Sedan)...........................25
Light Bulbs..............................83
Lights..................................83
Airbag................................47
Anti-Lock.............................154
Brake Assist Warning....................244
Brake Warning.........................153
Bulb Replacement.......................349
Engine Temperature Warning...............152
Exterior...............................83
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..147
High Beam............................113
High Beam Indicator.....................147
Low Fuel.............................147
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........151
Oil Pressure...........................151
Park.................................113
Seat Belt Reminder......................148
Service...............................349
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .151
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............149
Traction Control........................244
Turn Signal............................83
Voltage..............................148
Wait to Start...........................146
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......146
Loading Vehicle
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..252
Locks
Automatic Door.........................23
Door.................................20
Power Door............................22
Lubrication, Body.........................322
378 INDEX

Maintenance Free Battery....................317
Maintenance, General......................313
Maintenance Procedures....................313
Maintenance Schedule......................356
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......151
Manual, Service..........................366
Manual Transmission......................227
Fluid Level Check.......................336
Frequency of Fluid Change................336
Lubricant Selection......................336
Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................333
Mirrors.................................91
Automatic Dimming......................92
Electric Powered.........................93
Heated...............................95
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................266
Multi-Function Control Lever.................112
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................78
Occupant Restraints........................45
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)..................26
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................272
Odometer...............................156
Tr i p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..156
Oil Change Indicator.......................161
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..................161
Oil, Engine..............................313
Capacity.............................353
Change Interval........................314
Checking.............................313
Disposal..............................315
Filter................................316
Filter Disposal.........................315
Recommendation.......................315
Viscosity.............................315
Oil Filter, Selection........................316
10
INDEX 379

Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls.........203
Replacement Bulbs........................348
Replacement Keys.........................14
Replacement Parts.........................312
Replacement Tires.........................263
Reporting Safety Defects....................365
Restraints, Child...........................56
Rotation, Tires...........................265
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle..................80
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.................83
Safety Defects, Reporting....................365
Safety, Exhaust Gas.........................79
Safety Information, Tire.....................245
Safety Tips...............................78
Schedule, Maintenance.....................356
Seat Belt Maintenance......................342
Seat Belt Reminder.........................37
Seat Belts................................80
And Pregnant Women.....................39
Child Restraint..........................56
Extender..............................38
Front Seat.............................29
Inspection.............................80
Pretensioners...........................37
Rear Seat..............................29
Untwisting Procedure.....................34
Seat Belts (Sedan)..........................26
Seats..................................103
Adjustment...........................103
Heated...............................107
Selection of Oil...........................315
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)....................13
Service Assistance.........................362
Service Contract..........................364
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction Indicator) . .151
Service Manuals..........................366
Shift Speeds, Manual Transmission.............228
10
INDEX 381