ECU FIAT 124 SPIDER 2017 2.G Owner's Guide

VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration regulations, your
vehicle has a certification label affixed to
the driver's side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year
of manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A
Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the
Month, Day and Hour of manufacture.
The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle including driver,
passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum
capacities of front and rear axle
systems (GAWR). Total load must be
limited so GVWR and front and rear
GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as
the allowable load weight a truck can
carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
load on the front and rear axles. The
load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is
not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the
components in the system with the
lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles
or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased
durability does not necessarily increase
the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification
Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be
equal to the load capacity of this tire
size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate
for the tire size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for
your vehicle for all loading conditions up
to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined
as the total weight of the vehicle with all
fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no
occupants or cargo loaded into the
vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your
vehicle on a commercial scale before
any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight
of the front and rear of your vehicle at
the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready
for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be
weighed on a commercial scale to
insure that the GVWR has not been
exceeded. The weight on the front and
rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that
the load is properly distributed over the
front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle
may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded
but the total load is within the specified
GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as
appropriate until the specified weight
limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the
weight is distributed equally. Stow all
loose items securely before driving.
177

Follow the maintenance schedule
and contact your Authorized Dealer.
Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
Slow down on rough roads.
Keep the tires properly inflated.
Do not carry unnecessary weight.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
Keep the wheels in correct
alignment.
Keep windows closed at high
speeds.
Slow down when driving in
crosswinds and headwinds.
Hazardous Driving
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
If you get stuck, select a lower gear
and accelerate slowly. Do not spin the
rear wheels.
For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels.
Note: Usesnowchainsonlyonthe
rear wheels.
Floor Mat Safety
Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit
the footwell of your vehicle. Use only
floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly
secured so that they cannot slip out of
position and interfere with the pedals or
impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways.
Warning!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded,
or stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle
control. To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or
DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attachyour floor
mat using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT
install your floor mat upside down or turn
your floor mat over. Lightly pull to confirm
mat is secured using the floor mat
fasteners on a regular basis.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING
FLOOR MAT FROM THE VEHICLE
before installing any other floor mat.
NEVER install or stack an additional floor
mat on top of an existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit
your vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured
to your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year
of your vehicle.
04090400-USA-001Floor Mat Retention Post Location
179

ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on
the driver’s side floor area. To check for
interference, with the vehicle properly
parked with the engine off, fully depress the
accelerator, the brake, and the clutch pedal
(if present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of
any pedal, or is not secure to the floor,
remove the floor mat from the vehicle and
place the floor mat in your trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor
mat on the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall
or slide into the driver’s side floor area
when the vehicle is moving. Objects can
become trapped under accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
NEVER place any objects under the
floor mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These
objects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Rocking The Vehicle
Note: Too much rocking may cause
engine overheating, transmission failure,
and tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it
from snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
gear selector from 1 (D) to R.
Warning!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces generated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin
your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you
are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
Caution!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by
shifting between DRIVE and REVERSE, do
not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph
(24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the
wheels too fast may lead to transmission
overheating and failure. It can also damage
the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper leads, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Contact an Authorized Dealer to check
the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Inspect the battery and its leads.
Cold reduces battery capacity.
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in.
Inspect the ignition system for
damage and loose connections.
Use winter windshield washer fluid
that will not freeze.
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STARTING AND OPERATING

6. Insert a new fuse of the same
amperage rating, and make sure it fits
tightly. If it does not fit tightly, contact an
Authorized Dealer. If you have no spare
fuses, borrow one of the same rating
from a circuit not essential to vehicle
operation, such as the audio or outlet
circuit.
7. Reinstall the cover and make sure
that it is securely installed.
Note:Always replace a fuse with a
genuine FCA fuse or equivalent of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.
Underhood Fuses
If the headlights or other electrical
components do not work and the fuses
in the cabin are normal, inspect the fuse
block in the engine compartment. If a
fuse is blown, it must be replaced.
Make sure the ignition is placed in the
OFF mode, and other switches are
turned off and remove the fuse block
cover. If the lock is forcefully opened,
the fuse block cover may come in
contact with the frame when it is
removed and become scratched.
When removing the cover, remove it
slowly according to the following
procedure:
1. Disengage the rear lock by pressing
down on the front tab with your fingers. 2. Remove the front tab while slightly
lifting the front of the cover.
3. Remove the cover while lifting it and
sliding it to the rear.
4. If any fuse but the main fuse is
blown, replace it with a new one of the
same amperage rating.
5. Reinstall the cover and make sure
that it is securely installed.
07031601-ALL-001Fuses
1 — Normal Fuse
2 — Blown Fuse
07031601-123-001Underhood Fuse Block
1 — Lock
2 — Cover
07031601-ALL-002Fuse
1 — Normal Fuse
2 — Blown Fuse
197

To Secure The Jack
Proceed as follows:
1. Insert the wing bolt into the jack with
the jack screw pointing back, and turn
the wing bolt clockwise to temporarily
tighten it.
2. Turn the jack screw clockwise.
3. Turn the wing bolt completely to
secure the jack.
4. Insert the cover tabs and install the
cover.
Warning!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the
jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire
repaired or replaced immediately.
Maintenance
Always keep the jack clean.
Make sure the moving parts are kept
free from dirt or rust.
Make sure the screw thread is
adequately lubricated. Conditions Of Non-Use
Temperatures below -40°F (−40°C)
On sandy or muddy ground
On uneven ground
On steep roads
In extreme weather conditions
In direct contact with the engine or
for repairs under the vehicle
On boats
Changing Procedure
Note: Make sure the jack is well
lubricated before using it.
Warning!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side
of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull
far enough off the road to avoid being hit
when operating the jack or changing the
wheel.
Proceed as follows:
1. Stop the vehicle in a position that
does not cause any danger to traffic
and lets you change the tire in safety, as
far as possible from the edge of the
driving lane. The ground must be flat
and sufficiently compact. 2. Turn on the hazard warning lights
and engage the parking brake.
3. For vehicles with automatic
transmission, place the gear selector in
Park (P). For vehicles with manual
transmission, place gear selector in
Reverse (R) and turn off the engine.
4. Stop the engine. The motor must be
kept off as long as the vehicle is lifted
off the ground.
5. Remove the jack and tools.
6. Block both the front and rear of the
wheel diagonally opposite of the jacking
position. For example, if changing the
right front tire, block the left rear wheel.
08020300-121-001Blocking Right Front Tire And Left
Rear Tire
205

8. Install the air compressor hose
which was pulled out of the air
compressor to the injection valve of the
bottle.
Note:Make sure that the air
compressor switch is off before
inserting the air compressor hose to the
injection valve of the bottle. If the air
compressor hose is not installed to the
injection valve of the bottle securely, the
sealant may leak.
9. Remove the valve cap from the valve
of the flat tire, install the injection hose
to the tire valve, and turn the sleeve to
the right, and tighten it. 10. Install the bottle to the air
compressor and push it in until the left
and right tabs are engaged securely.11. Insert the air compressor plug into
the accessory socket inside the vehicle
and place the ignition to ACC.
Note:
When inserting the air
compressor plug into or removing it
from the accessory socket, make sure
that the air compressor switch is off .
When turning the air compressor on/off,
use the air compressor switch. Before
checking the tire inflation pressure using
the tire pressure gauge, turn the air
compressor switch off.
12. The sealant is injected into the tire
when the air compressor is switched
on. After the sealant is injected
completely, wait until the tire inflation
pressure increases to the specified tire
inflation pressure. For the correct
pressure, check the tire inflation
pressure label on the driver's door
frame.
Note: The inflation pressure may
increase to about 43.5 psi (3 Bar)
temporarily to inject the sealant through
the valve. Normally, the inflation
pressure decreases gradually and it
reaches the actual inflation pressure
after about 30 seconds.
08020202-031-670Install Air Compressor To Sealant Bottle
3 — Air Compressor Hose
4 — Injection Valve
08020202-03A-004Valve And Valve Cover
5 — Valve Cap
6 — Valve
08020202-031-669Sealant Bottle Into Air Compressor
7 — Air Compressor Tabs
212
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

4. Connect one end of a jumper cables
to the positive terminal on the
discharged battery.
5. Connect the other end to the
positive terminal on the booster battery.
6. Connect one end of the other
jumper cables to the negative terminal
of the booster battery.
7. Connect the other end to a good
engine ground of the vehicle with the
discharged battery (exposed metal part
of the engine) away from the battery
and the fuel injection system.
8. Start the engine of the booster
vehicle and run it a few minutes. Then
start the engine of the other vehicle.
9. Once the engine is started, remove
the jumper cables in the reverse
sequence.
10. Replace the positive terminal
cover. Make sure cover is secure.
Bump Starting
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.
Note:
You cannot start a vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing it.
Do not push-start a vehicle that has
a manual transmission. It can damage
the emission control system.
STARTING A FLOODED
ENGINE
If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:
1. If the engine does not start within
5 seconds on the first try, wait
10 seconds and try again.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the accelerator all the way
and hold it there.
4. Depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(automatic transmission), then push the
push button start. If the engine starts,
release the accelerator immediately
because the engine will suddenly rev
up.
5. If the engine fails to start, crank it
without depressing the accelerator.
If the engine still does not start using
the above procedure, have your vehicle
inspected an Authorized Dealer.
OVERHEATING
Overheating
In any of the following situations, you
can reduce the potential for overheating
by taking the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place
the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do
not increase engine idle speed.
Note: There are steps that you can
take to slow down an impending
overheat condition:
If your air conditioner (A/C) is on,
turn it off. The A/C system adds heat
to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode
control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to
act as a supplement to the radiator
and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
220
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Caution!
The tow eye must be used exclusively
for roadside assistance operations. Only
use the tow eye with an appropriate device
in accordance with the highway code (a
rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for
a short distance to the nearest service
location.
Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow
vehicles off the road or where there are
obstacles.
In compliance with the above
conditions, towing with a tow eye must
take place with two vehicles (one towing,
the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same center line.
Damage to your vehicle may occur if these
guidelines are not followed.
When towing, only use a facility that can
tow vehicles with low ground clearances as
extensive damage can result by using a
standard tow truck platform.
Proceed as follows:
1. Remove the towing eyelet and the
lug wrench from the luggage
compartment.
2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or
similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent
damage to a painted bumper, and open
the cap located on the front or rear
bumper.
Note:Do not use excessive force as it
may damage the cap or scratch the
painted bumper surface. Remove the
cap completely and store it so as not to
lose it.
3. Securely install the tow eye in front
or rear using the lug wrench or
equivalent.
GUID-08060203121001Front Bumper Cap Location
1— Front Bumper Cap
08060203-122-001Rear Bumper Cap Location
2— Rear Bumper Cap
222
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

4. Hook the towing rope to the tow
eye.
Caution!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to
rescue a vehicle stranded off road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or
highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle.
When using the tow eyes, always pull
the lead or chain in a straight direction
with respect to the eyelet. Never apply
a sideways force.
Note:Be careful not to damage the
towing eyelet and towing hook, vehicle
body, or transmission system when
towing under the following conditions:
Do not tow a vehicle heavier than
yours.
Do not suddenly accelerate your
vehicle as it will apply a severe shock
to the tow eye and towing hook or
rope.
Do not attach any rope other than
to the tow eye and towing hook.
EMERGENCY TOWING
TOWING DESCRIPTION
Proper lifting and towing are necessary
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (rear wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
Caution!
DO NOT use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a
flatbed truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, the vehicle may be towed
with all four wheels on the ground using
the towing hook at the front of the
vehicle. Only tow the vehicle on paved
surfaces for short distances at low
speeds.
Follow these instructions when towing
the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground:
1. Shift to neutral (manual
transmission), or the N position
(automatic transmission).
2. Place the ignition to ACC.
3. Release the parking brake.
Note:
Remember that power assist for the
brakes and steering will not be available
when the engine is not running.
08060201-121-001Installing Front Towing Eye
08060201-122-001Installing Rear Tow Eye
223

Warning!
Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than
the one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F (Full) and L
(Low) marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool. If it is at or near L (Low), add coolant by
mixing a minimum solution of 50%
Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate
for FIAT Spider. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are
anticipated. Bring the level to F (Full).
Please contact your Authorized Dealer
for assistance.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir
tank cap after adding coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, contact
your Authorized Dealer.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid
from the same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly.
It should be kept between the MAX
and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with
accumulated use, a condition
associated with wear of brake and
clutch linings. If it is excessively low,
have the brake/clutch system
inspected. Contact your Authorized
Dealer.
Warning!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master cylinder
reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling
point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
07030501-121-001Coolant Reservoir
07030601-121-002Brake Fluid Reservoir
234
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE