suspension FIAT 124 SPIDER 2017 2.G Owners Manual

Note:
When DSC is on and you attempt
to free the vehicle when it is stuck, or
drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the
TCS (part of the DSC system) will
activate. Depressing the accelerator
will not increase engine power and
freeing the vehicle may be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the
TCS/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the
engine is turned off, it automatically
activates when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode.
If the switch is pressed and held for
10 seconds or more, the switch
malfunction detection function
operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The indicator
light turns off while the DSC system is
operative.
Warning!
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. DSC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. DSC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an DSC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to
properly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the DSC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking
system, tire type and size or wheel size
may adversely affect DSC performance.
Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires
may also degrade DSC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle
maintenance that reduces the effectiveness
of the DSC system can increase the risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
AUXILIARY DRIVING
SYSTEMS
Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) System
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
system is designed to assist the driver
in checking the area to the rear of the
vehicle on both sides during lane
changes by alerting the driver to the
presence of vehicles approaching from
the rear in an adjacent lane.
The system detects vehicles
approaching from the rear while
traveling in the forward direction at a
speed of 18 mph (30 km/h) or faster
and turns on the warning lights
equipped on the door mirrors
depending on the conditions.
If the turn signal lever is operated to
signal a lane change in the direction in
which the warning light is illuminated,
the system warns the driver of a vehicle
in the detection area by flashing the
warning light and activating a beep
sound.
114
SAFETY

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

Note:
Remove snow before driving. Snow
left on the windshield is dangerous as
it could obstruct vision.
Drive slowly. Braking performance
can be adversely affected if snow or
ice adheres to the brake components.
If this situation occurs, drive the vehicle
slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal
and lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
Do not open or close the soft top when
the temperature is 41 °F (5 °C) or less.
The material of the soft top could be
damaged by freezing.
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
Snow Tires
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system (vehicle
with run-flat tires), the system may not
function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the
sidewalls. Use Snow Tires on all Four Wheels
:
Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your snow tires or
legal speed limits.
When snow tires are used, select the
specified size and pressure.
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
If your vehicle is equipped with the
TPMS system, the system may not
function correctly when using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires only.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Note:
Chains may affect handling.
Do not go faster than 30 mph
(50 km/h) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is lower.
Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Do not use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminium wheels.
Warning!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can
cause unpredictable handling. You could
lose control and have a collision.
Caution!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further
use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
181

Driving On Uneven Road
Your vehicle's suspension and
underbody can be damaged if driven
on rough/uneven roads or over speed
bumps at excessive speeds.
Use care and reduce speed when
traveling on rough/uneven roads or over
speed bumps.
Use care not to damage the vehicle's
underbody, bumpers or muffler(s) when
driving under the following conditions:
Ascending or descending a slope
with a sharp transition angle.
Ascending or descending a driveway
or trailer ramp with a sharp transition
angle.
This vehicle is equipped with low profile
tires allowing class-leading performance
and handling. As a result, the sidewall
of the tires are very thin and the tires
and wheels can be damaged if driven
through potholes or on rough/uneven
roads at excessive speeds.
Use care and reduce speed when
traveling on rough/uneven roads or
through potholes.
183

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

Mileage or time passed(whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Years123 456789101112131415
Or Kilometers16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Check engine control
system operation (via
diagnostic tool). •••••••••••••••
Visually inspect condition
of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection,
pipes and hoses (exhaust -
fuel system - brakes),
rubber elements (boots,
sleeves, bushings, etc.). •••• • • •
Visually inspect conditions
of steering elements and
check their operation. •••• • • •
Check the front and rear
suspension, tie rods, CV
Joints, and replace if
necessary. •••• • • •
Check endfloat of wheel
bearings. •••• • • •
228
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Warning!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can
result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact with
oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a
balance of many characteristics. They
should be inspected regularly for wear
and correct cold tire inflation pressures.
The manufacturer strongly recommends
that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is
needed. Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicator”. Refer to the Tire
and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire
sidewall. See the Tire Sizing Chart
example found in the “Tire Safety
Information” section of this manual for
more information relating to the Load
Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.It is recommended to replace the two
front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you
ever replace a wheel, make sure that
the wheel’s specifications match those
of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact your
authorized tire dealer or original
equipment dealer with any questions
you may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.Warning!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved
for your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load
index or capacity, other than what was
originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a
tire with a smaller load index could result in
tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can
result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Caution!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all
seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and
Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the
M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on
the tire sidewall. Use all season tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
247

Limited Use Spare — If
Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for
temporary emergency use only. This tire
is identified by a label located on the
limited use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this
spare. This tire may look like the original
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of
your vehicle, but it is not. Installation of
this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. Since it is not the same as
your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Warning!
Limited use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare
tire affects vehicle handling. With this tire,
do not drive more than the speed listed on
the limited use spare wheel. Keep inflated
to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on
your Tire and Loading Information Placard
located on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the
rear edge of the driver’s side door. Replace
(or repair) the original equipment tire at the
first opportunity and reinstall it on your
vehicle. Failure to do so could result in loss
of vehicle control.
Snow Chains
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations of
each country. In certain countries, tires
marked with code M+S (Mud and
Snow) are considered as winter
equipment; therefore their use is
equivalent to that of the snow chains.
The snow chains may be applied only
to the front wheel tires. Check the
tension of the snow chains after the first
few feet have been driven.
Warning!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can
cause unpredictable handling. You could
lose control and have a collision.
Caution!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further
use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
Observe the traction device
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a
compact spare tire.
Caution!
Using snow chains with tires with
non-original dimensions may damage the
vehicle.
Using different size or type (M+S, snow,
etc.) tires between front and rear axle may
adversely affect vehicle driveability, with the
risk of losing control of the vehicle and
resulting accidents.
250
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA........264
RECOMMENDED TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURE ...............265
ENGINE..................267
TRANSMISSION ............268
BRAKES ................ .269
SUSPENSIONS .............270
STEERING ............... .271
DIMENSIONS ..............272
FLUID CAPACITIES ..........274
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS .....275
PERFORMANCE ............277
ELECTROMAGNETIC
COMPATIBILITY ............278
263

SUSPENSIONS
EngineFrontRear
1.4 Turbo Multi Air 160HP Double
wishbone with stabilizer barsMultilink with stabilizer bars
270
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS