stop start FIAT 124 SPIDER 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

verify that the push button start
indication light (green) flashes;
touch the push button start using the
backside of the key (as shown in fig. 5 )
while the push button start indicator
light (green) flashes;
verify that the push button start
indicator light (green) turns on;
press the push button start to start
the engine.
When touching the push button start
using the backside of the key as shown
in the illustration, touch the push button
start with the lock switch side of the key
facing up.
The engine cannot be started unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed
(manual transmission) or the brake
pedal is fully depressed (automatic
transmission).
If there is a malfunction with the pushbutton start function, the push button
start indicator light (amber) flashes. In
this case, the engine may start,
however contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
If the push button start indicator light
(green) does not illuminate, perform the
operation from the beginning again. If it
does not illuminate contact a Fiat
Dealership.
To switch the ignition position without
starting the engine, perform the
following operations after the push
button start indicator light (green) turns
on:
release the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or brake pedal (automatic
transmission);
press the push button start to switch
the ignition position. The ignition
switches in the order of ACC, ON, and
OFF each time the push button start is
pressed. To switch the ignition position
again, perform the operation from the
beginning.
TURNING THE ENGINE
OFF
5) 6)
Proceed as follows:
stop the vehicle completely;
manual transmission: shift into
neutral and set the parking brake.
Automatic transmission: shift theselector lever to the P position and set
the parking brake.
press the push button start to turn
off the engine. The ignition position is
OFF.
IMPORTANT When leaving the vehicle,
make sure the push button start is off.
Emergency engine stop
Continuously pressing the push button
start or quickly pressing it any number
of times while the engine is running or
the vehicle is being driven will turn the
engine off immediately. The ignition
switches to ACC.
WARNING
3)Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the selector lever is
in P (automatic transmission) or in 1
stgear
or R (manual transmission). Leaving the
driver's seat without switching the ignition
off, setting the parking brake, and shifting
the selector lever to P (automatic
transmission) or to 1
stgear or R (manual
transmission) is dangerous. Unexpected
vehicle movement could occur which could
result in an accident. In addition, if your
intention is to leave the vehicle for even a
short period, it is important to switch the
ignition off, as leaving it in another position
will disable some of the vehicle's security
systems and run the battery down.
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13

4)Radio waves from the key may affect
medical devices such as pacemakers.
Before using the key near people who use
medical devices, ask the medical device
manufacturer or your physician if radio
waves from the key will affect the device.
5)Do not stop the engine while the vehicle
is moving. Stopping the engine while the
vehicle is moving for any reason other than
in an emergency is dangerous. Stopping
the engine while the vehicle is moving will
result in reduced braking ability due to the
loss of power braking, which could cause
an accident and serious injury.
6)Always take the key with you when you
leave your vehicle to prevent someone
from accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the parking brake.
Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.ADVANCED
KEYLESS ENTRY
SYSTEM
(where provided)
6)
The advanced keyless function allows
you to lock/unlock the door and the
boot lid, fuel filler flap, or open the boot
lid while carrying the key.
IMPORTANT Radio waves from the key
may affect medical devices such as
pacemakers: before using the key near
people who use medical devices, ask
the medical device manufacturer or
your physician if radio waves from the
key will affect the device.
IMPORTANT The advanced keyless
entry system functions can be
deactivated to prevent any possible
adverse effect on a user wearing a
pacemaker or other medical device. If
the system is deactivated, you will be
unable to start the engine by carrying
the key. Contact a Fiat Dealership for
details. If the advanced keyless entry
system has been deactivated, you can
start the engine by following the
procedure indicated when the key
battery goes dead.IMPORTANT If the key is left in the
following areas and you leave the
vehicle, the doors may be locked
depending on the radio wave
conditions even if the key is left in the
vehicle:
Around the instrument panel.In the storage compartments such as the
console box.
Next to a communication device such as
a mobile phone.
IMPORTANT
6)The operation of the recognition system
depends on various factors, such as, for
example, any electromagnetic wave
interference from external sources (e.g.
mobile phones), the charge of the battery in
the electronic key and the presence of
metal objects near the key or the vehicle. In
these cases it is still possible to unlock the
doors by using the metal insert in the
electronic key (see description on the
following pages).
14
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Red warning lights
Warning light What it means What to do
PARKING BRAKE WARNING - WARNING
LIGHT INSPECTION / LOW BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL WARNING
Parking brake warning / Warning light
inspection
The light illuminates when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switched to START or
ON. It turns off when the parking brake is fully
released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the brake warning light remains illuminated
even though the parking brake is released, the
brake fluid may be low or there could be a
problem with the brake system.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with the brake
system warning light illuminated. Contact a
Fiat Dealership to have the brakes inspected
as soon as possible. Driving with the brake
system warning light illuminated is dangerous.
It indicates that your brakes may not work at
all or that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains illuminated, after
checking that the parking brake is fully
released, have the brakes inspected
immediately.
IMPORTANT In addition, the effectiveness of
the braking may diminish so you may need to
depress the brake pedal more strongly than
normal to stop the vehicle.Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
55

Warning light What it means What to do
EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
SYSTEM WARNING
If the EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may illuminate the brake system
warning light and the ABS warning light
simultaneously. The problem is likely to be the
electronic brake force distribution system.Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with both the ABS
warning light and brake warning light
illuminated. Contact a Fiat Dealership to have
the brakes inspected as soon as possible.
Driving when the brake system warning light
and ABS warning light are illuminated
simultaneously is dangerous. When both lights
are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock
more quickly in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.
CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it
indicates a malfunction of the alternator or of
the charging system. Drive to the side of the
road and park off the right-of-way.Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving when the
charging system warning light is illuminated
because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT
This warning light indicates low engine oil
pressure.
IMPORTANT Do not run the engine if the oil
pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in
extensive engine damage.
IMPORTANT Do not run the engine if the oil
level is low. Otherwise, it could result in
extensive engine damage.
If the light remains illuminated even though the
oil level is normal or after adding oil, stop the
engine immediately and contact a Fiat
Dealership.If the light illuminates or the warning indication
is displayed while driving:
drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way on level ground;
turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for
the oil to drain back into the sump;
inspect the engine oil level. If it's low, add
the appropriate amount of engine oil while
being careful not to overfill;
start the engine and check the warning
light.
DOOR-AJAR WARNING LIGHT
The light turns on if any door is not closed
securely.Close the door securely.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light (red color) on dashboard trim
Warning light What it means What to do
SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT
The seat belt warning light turns on if the
driver or passenger's seat is occupied and the
seat belt is not fastened with the ignition
switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h, the warning light
flashes. After a short time, the LED stops
flashing, but remains illuminated.
If a seat belt remains unfastened, the LED
flashes again for a given period of time.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened after the LED turns on, and the
vehicle speed exceeds 20 km/h, the LED
flashes again.
Passenger occupant classification
system: to allow the passenger occupant
classification sensor to function properly, do
not place and sit on an additional seat cushion
on the passenger's seat. The sensor may not
function properly because the additional seat
cushion could cause sensor interference.
Warning light (amber color) on dashboard trim
Warning light What it means What to do
PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION
INDICATOR LIGHT (Where provided)
The light turns on when the ignition is
switched on for an operation check, and turns
off a few seconds later or when the engine is
started.If the light does not turn on or remains turned
on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
69

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
TCS (Traction Contol System);
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control);
Active bonnet (active pedestrian
protection).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
ABS SYSTEM (Antilock
Brake System)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing
and reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a
chattering noise from the brake system.
This is normal ABS system operation.
Continue to depress the brake pedal
without pumping the brakes.
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 Braking distances may be longer
on loose surfaces (snow or gravel, forexample) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
NOTE The sound of the ABS operating
may be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
TCS SYSTEM (Traction
Control System)
72) 73) 74)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
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 To turn off the TCS, press theDSC OFF switch (refer to “DSC OFF
switch” in this chapter).
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. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT In addition to the warning
light flashing, a slight labouring sound
will come from the engine. This
indicates that the TCS/DSC is
operating properly.
IMPORTANT On slippery surfaces, such
as fresh snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is on.
DSC SYSTEM (Dynamic
Stability Control)
75) 76) 77)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and
engine torque in conjunction with
systems such as ABS and TCS to help
control side slip when driving on
slippery surfaces, or during sudden or
evasive manoeuvring, enhancing vehicle
safety. Refer to “ABS system (Antilock
73
68) 69) 70)71)

indicate when the system is not
operating properly.
IMPORTANT The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
IMPORTANT To avoid false readings,
the system samples for a little while
before indicating a problem. As a result
it will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
Because this system detects slight
changes in tire conditions, the timing ofthe warning may be faster or slower in
the following cases.
the size, manufacturer, or the type of
tires is different from the specification;
the size, manufacturer, or the type of
a tire is different from the others, or the
level of tire wear is excessively different
between them;
a run-flat tire (where provided),
studless tire, snow tire, or tire chains
are used;
an emergency tire is used (tire
pressure monitoring system warning
light may flash and then continue
illuminating);
a tire is repaired using the emergency
flat tire repair kit;
the tire pressure is excessively higher
than the specified pressure, or the tire
pressure is suddenly lowered for some
reason such as a tire burst during
driving;
the vehicle speed is lower than about
15 km/h (9 mph) (including when the
vehicle is stopped), or the drive period
is shorter than 5 minutes;
the vehicle is driven on an extremely
rough road or a slippery, icy road;
hard steering and rapid
acceleration/deceleration are repeated
such as during aggressive driving on a
winding road;
load on the vehicle is applied to a tire
such as by loading heavy luggage toone side of the vehicle;
system initialization has not been
implemented with the specified tire
pressure.
System error activation
When the TPMS warning light flashes,
there may be a system malfunction.
Contact a Fiat Dealership.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
when there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors;
when a metallic device such as a
non-genuine navigation system is
equipped near the center of the
dashboard, which may block radio
signals from the tire pressure sensor to
the receiver unit;
when using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit;
a digital device such as a personal
computer;
a current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter;
when excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels;
when the tire pressure sensor
batteries are exhausted;
78
SAFETY

IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate if the parking brake is
applied, the vehicle has not stopped
completely, or the clutch pedal is
released.
IMPORTANT While Hill Launch Assist is
operating, the brake pedal may feel stiff
and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate while the TCS/DSC
indicator light is illuminated. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
does not turn off even if the DSC OFF
switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
IMPORTANT For vehicles with an
automatic transmission although the Hill
Launch Assist does not operate during
idling stop, the vehicle roll prevention
function operates to prevent vehicle roll.
WARNING
79)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tire pressure, including for the spare
wheel, and correct maintenance: the
system is not used to signal a possible fault
to a tire. Tire pressure must be checked
with tires rested and cold. Should it
become necessary for whatever reason to
check pressure with warm tires, do not
reduce pressure even though it is higher
than the prescribed value. Repeat the
check when the tires are cold.
80)Replacing the normal tires with winter
tires and vice versa requires an inspection
of the TPMS, which should be carried out
only by a Fiat Dealership.
81)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tire pressures to vary. The system
may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case check the tire
inflation pressure with the tires cold and, if
necessary top up the inflation pressure.82)Do not rely completely on HLA. HLA is
an auxiliary device for accelerating from a
stop on a slope. The system only operates
for about two seconds and therefore,
relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident. The
vehicle could roll depending on the
vehicle's load or if it is towing something. In
addition, for vehicles with a manual
transmission, the vehicle could still roll
depending on how the clutch pedal or the
accelerator pedal is operated. Always
confirm the safety around the vehicle
before starting to drive the vehicle.
81

STARTING THE
ENGINE
140) 141) 142)
24)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
For starting procedure see “Starting the
engine” in “Getting to know your
vehicle” chapter.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic; engage
a gear (versions with manual
transmission) or position the gear lever
to P (Parking) (versions with automatic
transmission);
turn the ignition device to STOP with
the engine idling.
WARNING
140)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
141)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
142)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
24)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
PARKING
Keep away the key when leaving the
vehicle and take it with you.
When parking and leaving the vehicle,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (first gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before releasing the brake
pedal, wait for letter P to be displayed.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the vehicle
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before placing the gear
lever at P).
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STARTING AND OPERATING

MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
146) 147) 148)
25)
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever into
the required position. The diagram for
gear engagement is shown on the knob
fig. 87.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
down while shifting; then release it
slowly.
Your vehicle is equipped with a device
to prevent shifting to R (reverse) by
mistake. Push the shift lever downward
and shift to R.
A natural driving posture can be
achieved by lightly gripping the shiftlever from the side without having to
rest your elbow on the center console
box.
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.
With Parking Sensor system
When the shift lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON,
the parking sensor system is activated
and a beep sound is heard. Refer to
“Parking Sensor System” paragraph.
IMPORTANT Keep your foot off the
clutch pedal except when shifting
gears. Also, do not use the clutch to
hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Riding
the clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
IMPORTANT Do not apply any
excessive lateral force to the shift lever
when changing from 5
thto 4thgear.
This could lead to the accidental
selection of 2
ndgear, which could
result in damage to the transmission.
IMPORTANT Make sure the vehicle
comes to a complete stop before
shifting to R. Shifting to R while the
vehicle is still moving may damage the
transmission.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completelystationary. With the engine running, wait
at least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal
fully pressed before engaging reverse to
prevent damage to the gears and
grating.
WARNING
146)Depress the clutch pedal fully to
change gear correctly. Therefore, the floor
area underneath the pedal unit must not be
obstructed in any way. Ensure that the floor
mat is always laid flat and does not
interfere with use of the pedals.
147)Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high speeds.
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while driving at high
speeds causes sudden engine braking,
which is dangerous. The sudden change in
tyre speed could cause the tyres to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
148)Always leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle unattended. Otherwise
the vehicle could move and cause an
accident.
IMPORTANT
25)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even if
slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
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STARTING AND OPERATING