four wheel drive FIAT 124 SPIDER 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

Warning light What it means
Tire Pressure Monitoring System WARNING LIGHT
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light flashes
for about 1 minute when the ignition is switched ON and then stay on. Contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible. When the warning light illuminates, and the warning beep sound is heard
(about 3 seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or more tires. Inspect the tires and adjust to
the specified inflation pressure.
Perform tire pressure adjustment when the tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary according to the
tire temperature, therefore let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive it 1.6 km or less before
adjusting the tire pressures. When pressure is adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation pressure,
the warning light/beep may turn on after the tires cool and pressure drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light, resulting from the tire air pressure dropping due to cold
ambient temperature will remain illuminated even if the ambient temperature rises. In this case, it
will also be necessary to adjust the tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning light illuminates due to
a drop in tire air pressure, make sure to check and adjust the tire air pressures.
Tires lose air naturally over time and the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too soft over
time or you have a flat. However, when you find one low tire in a set of four-that is an indication
of trouble; you should have someone drive the vehicle slowly forward so you can inspect any
low tire for cuts and any metal objects sticking through tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of
water in the valve stem to see if it bubbles indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be addressed
by more than simply refilling the trouble tire as leaks are dangerous: take it to a Fiat Dealership
which has all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems and order the best replacement tire for
your vehicle.
63) 64)
POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT
The light illuminates if the electric power steering has a malfunction. If the light illuminates, stop
the vehicle in a safe place and do not operate the steering wheel. There is no problem if the light
turns off after a while. Contact a Fiat Dealership if the light illuminates continuously.
NOTE If the indicator light illuminates, the power steering will not operate normally. If this
happens, the steering wheel can still be operated, however, the operation may feel heavy
compared to normal, or the steering wheel could vibrate when turning.
NOTE Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or moving
extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective mode which will
make the steering feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem. If this occurs, park the
vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to return to normal.
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DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
NOTE The DSC may not operate
correctly unless the following are
observed:
use tires of the correct size specified
for your vehicle on all four wheels;
use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels;
do not mix worn tires.
IMPORTANT The DSC may not operate
correctly when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
TCS / DSC indicator light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to a Fiat
Dealership.DSC OFF indicator light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. It also illuminates when the DSC
OFF switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, contact a
Fiat Dealership. The DSC may have a
malfunction.
DSC OFF switch
Press the switch fig. 58 to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The
warning light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off.
IMPORTANT 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 DSCsystem) 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.
IMPORTANT If the TCS/DSC is off
when the engine is turned off, it
automatically activates when the
ignition is switched ON.
IMPORTANT Leaving the TCS/DSC on
will provide the best traction.
IMPORTANT If the switch is pressed
and held for 10 seconds or more, the
DSC OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The DSC OFF
indicator light turns off while the DSC
system is operative.
ACTIVE BONNET
PRECAUTIONS
75)
In the unlikely event that the vehicle
were to hit a pedestrian and a certain
amount of impact is applied to the front
of the vehicle, impact to the head of the
pedestrian if it were to hit the bonnet is
lessened by the rear area of the bonnet
raising instantly to maintain a wide
space between it and the parts in the
engine compartment.
If the sensor 1 fig. 59 installed to the
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back of the front bumper detects a
certain amount of impact by a collision
with a pedestrian or other obstruction
while the vehicle is being driven at a
speed sufficient to activate the system,
the system is activated and the bonnet
is raised (3 = active bonnet warning
light/4 = electronic control unit).
IMPORTANT Do not touch the actuator
2 fig. 59 directly after the active bonnet
has activated. Otherwise, it could result
in a burn as the actuator is hot directly
after the activation.
Operation and handlingAlways make sure that the bonnet is
closed completely before driving.
Otherwise, the system may not operate
normally.
The system may not operate for
about 8 seconds after the ignition is
switched ON.
Use tires of the same specified size
on all four wheels. If tires with different
sizes are used, the system may not
operate normally.
If something hits the area around the
front bumper, the sensor could be
damaged even if the active bonnet
does not activate. Contact a Fiat
Dealership to have the vehicle
inspected.
Do not remove or repair parts or
wiring for the active bonnet. In addition,
do not test the system’s circuitry using
an electric tester. Otherwise, the active
bonnet may activate mistakenly or not
operate normally. Contact a Fiat
Dealership when repairs or replacement
servicing is required.
Do not replace the front bumper,
bonnet, suspension, aero parts, or
wheels with non-genuine FCA parts.
Otherwise, the system may not operate
normally.
Do not install non-genuine FCA
accessories to the front bumper. In
addition, do not install objects on thebonnet. Otherwise, the system may not
operate normally.
Do not close the bonnet excessively
or apply a load to the actuator.
Otherwise, the actuator could be
damaged and cause the system to not
operate normally.
Do not modify the suspension. If the
vehicle height or the damping force of
the suspensions is changed, the
system may not operate normally.
When equipping parts, contact a Fiat
Dealership. If parts are installed
incorrectly, the active bonnet may not
activate normally due to the inability to
detect an impact.
When disposing of the vehicle,
contact a Fiat Dealership. If the vehicle
is not handled correctly, it could result in
injury.
The active bonnet cannot be reused
if it has been activated. Contact a Fiat
Dealership.
If the active bonnet activates
The active bonnet activates under the
following conditions:
if the front of the vehicle hits a
pedestrian or obstruction while the
vehicle is being driven at a speed
sufficient to activate the system, the
system will activate if a certain amount
of impact is applied in a collision even
though no trace may remain on the
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SAFETY

74)The capability of the DSC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
75)If the active bonnet has activated,
always contact a Fiat Dealership. If the
bonnet release handle is pulled after the
active bonnet has activated, the bonnet will
rise even further. If the vehicle is driven with
the bonnet raised it will obstruct visibility
and could result in an accident. In addition,
do not attempt to push the bonnet back
down. Otherwise, it could deform the
bonnet or cause injury because the
activated bonnet cannot be lowered
manually. Before driving the vehicle contact
a Fiat Dealership after the active bonnet
has activated, make sure that the raised
bonnet does not obstruct vision and drive
the vehicle at a low speed.AUXILIARY DRIVING
SYSTEMS
TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System)
76) 77) 78)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) monitors the air pressure of all
four tires. If the air pressure of one or
more tires is too low, the system warns
the driver by indicating the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light
in
the instrument cluster and operating a
beep sound. The system monitors the
tire pressures indirectly using the data
sent from the ABS wheel speed
sensors.
To allow the system to operate
correctly, the system needs to be
initialized with the specified tire pressure
(value on the tire pressure label). Refer
to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization” in this paragraph.
The warning light flashes when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
IMPORTANT Each tire, including the
spare (where provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehiclemanufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label (if your
vehicle has tires of a different size than
the size indicated on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires).
IMPORTANT As an added safety
feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a TPMS system that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
IMPORTANT Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
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SAFETY

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
initialization
(versions with conventional tires)
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that
the system operates normally:
a tire pressure is adjusted;
tire rotation is performed;
a tire or wheel is replaced;
the battery is replaced or completely
drained;
the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light is illuminated.
Initialization method
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a safe place and firmly
apply the parking brake;
let the tires cool, then adjust the tire
pressure of all four (4) tires to the
specified pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label located on the driver's
door frame (door open);
switch the ignition ON;
while the vehicle is parked, press and
hold the TPMS system set switch
fig. 60 and verify that the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light in the
instrument cluster flashes twice and a
beep sound is heard once.
IMPORTANT If the system initialization
is performed without adjusting the tire
pressure, the system cannot detect the
normal tire pressure and it may not
illuminate the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light even if a tire
pressure is low, or it may illuminate the
light even if the pressures are normal.
IMPORTANT Adjust the tire pressure on
all four tires and initialize the system
when the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light is turned on. If the
warning light turns on for a reason
other than a flat tire, the tire pressure of
all four tires may have decreased
naturally.
IMPORTANT The system initialization
will not be performed if the switch is
pressed while the vehicle is being
driven.HLA (Hill Launch Assist)
FUNCTION
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is a function
which assists the driver in accelerating
from a stop while on a slope. When the
driver releases the brake pedal and
depresses the accelerator pedal while
on a slope, the function prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the shift lever is in a position other than
the reverse (R) position.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the selector lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the selector lever is in a forward gear.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate on a gentle slope. In
addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate if the parking brake is
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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.
IMPORTANT Do not tow the vehicle
pointed backward with driving wheels
on the ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transmission.
IMPORTANT Do not tow with sling-type
equipment. This could damage your
vehicle. Use wheel-lift or flatbed
equipment.
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:
shift to neutral (manual transmission),
or the N position (automatic
transmission);
switch the ignition to ACC;
release the parking brake.
NOTE Remember that power assist for
the brakes and steering will not be
available when the engine is not
running.
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pedals (driver's side): using a floor mat that is not secured is dangerous as it will interfere with the accelerator and brake pedal
operation (driver's side), which could result in an accident.
Only use a floor mat which conforms to the shape of the floor on the driver's side and make sure it is oriented correctly.
Secure the floor mat using the grommets or retainers. There are various ways to secure floor mats depending on the type
used, therefore secure the mat according to the type. After installing the floor mat, make sure that it does not slide from side to
side or back and forth, and that there is sufficient clearance with the accelerator and brake pedals on the driver's side.
After removing the floor mat for cleaning or some other reason, always securely reinstall it while paying attention to the
precautions just mentioned.
Do not install two floor mats, one on top of the other, on the driver's side: installing two floor mats, one on top of the other,
on the driver's side is dangerous as the retention pins can only keep one floor mat from sliding forward.
Loose floor mat(s) will interfere with the foot pedals and could result in an accident.
When using a heavy duty floor mat for winter, always remove the original floor mat.
Do not spin the wheels at high speed, and do not allow anyone to stand behind a wheel when pushing the vehicle: when
the vehicle is stuck, spinning the wheels at high speed is dangerous. The spinning tyre could overheat and explode. This could
cause serious injuries.
Use only the same size and type tyres (snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four wheels: using tyres different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling could be greatly affected and result in an accident.