towing FIAT 124 SPIDER 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and our
wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE.......116
PARKING.................116
PARKING BRAKE............117
MANUAL TRANSMISSION......118
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. . . .119
CRUISE CONTROL...........122
SPEED LIMITER.............125
PARKING SENSOR SYSTEM.....126
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE.....128
REAR CAMERA (PARKVIEW REAR
BACKUP CAMERA)...........130
TOWING TRAILERS..........133
115

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

WARNING
168)Parking and other potentially
dangerous manoeuvres are, however,
always the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The camera is an aid for the
driver, but the driver must never allow
his/her attention to lapse during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even those
executed at low speeds. Always keep a
slow speed, so as to promptly brake in the
case of obstacles.
169)Always adjust the picture quality of
the rear view monitor while the vehicle is
stopped: do not adjust the picture quality
of the rear view monitor while driving the
vehicle. Adjusting the picture quality of the
rear view monitor such as brightness,
contrast, color, and tint while driving the
vehicle is dangerous as it could distract
your attention from the vehicle operation
which could lead to an accident.
IMPORTANT
29)It is vital, for correct operation, that the
camera is always kept clean and free from
mud, dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not to
scratch or damage the camera while
cleaning it. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The camera must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. In washing stations
which use steam or high-pressure jets,
clean the camera quickly, keeping the
nozzle more than 10 cm away from the
sensors. Do not apply stickers to the
camera.
TOWING TRAILERS
Your car is not designed for towing.
133

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere with
our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the national or
international universal freephone
number to search for the nearest
Dealership.HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS.....135
REPLACING A BULB..........136
REPLACING FUSES..........144
TIRE SERVICE KIT...........152
JUMP STARTING............157
TOWING THE VEHICLE........159
EMERGENCY TOWING........161
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

TIRE SERVICE KIT
(where provided)
180) 181) 182) 183) 184) 185) 186)
3)
TOOL STORAGE
Your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire, jack and wheel brace. For
details, contact a Fiat Dealership.
Tools are stored in the locations
illustrated in fig. 127:
1: jack lever;
2: towing eyelet
Inside the boot lid is also located the
emergency flat tire repair kit.
TIRE SERVICE STORAGE
The tire service kit is located inside the
boot lid fig. 128.
IMPORTANT Your vehicle is not
equipped with a spare tire. In the event
of a flat tire, use the tire service kit to
repair the tire temporarily. When doing
the repair, refer to the instructions
included in the tire service kit. If an
emergency repair was performed on a
flat tire using the tire service kit, contact
a Fiat Dealership, repair or replace the
tire as soon as possible.TIRE SERVICE USAGE
PRECAUTIONS
NoteThe tire sealant cannot be reused.
Purchase new tire sealant at a Fiat
Dealership.
The tire service kit cannot be used in
the following cases. Consult a Fiat
Dealership:
– the period of effective use for the
tire sealant has expired (the period
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
of effectiveness is indicated on the
bottle label);
– the tear or puncture exceeds about
4 mm;
– the damage has occurred to an
area of the tire other than the tread;
– the vehicle has been driven with
nearly no air remaining in the tire;
– the tire has come off the wheel rim;
– damage to the wheel rim has
occurred;
– the tire has two or more punctures.

connect the jumper leads in the
exact sequence as in “Preparations for
jump starting” paragraph:
– connect one end of a lead to the
positive terminal on the discharged
battery;
– attach the other end to the positive
terminal on the booster battery;
– connect one end of the other lead
to the negative terminal of the
booster battery;
– connect the other end to the
ground point indicated in the
illustration away from the
discharged battery.
start the engine of the booster
vehicle and run it a few minutes. Then
start the engine of the other vehicle;
when finished, carefully disconnect
the leads in the reverse order as
previously described;
if the battery cover has been
removed, install it in the reverse order of
removal.
IMPORTANT Verify that the covers are
securely installed.
IMPORTANT Perform the phonic wheel
learning procedure described in the
“Battery maintenance” section (see the
“Maintenance and care” chapter).
WARNING
187)Before opening the bonnet, make
sure that the engine is off and that the
ignition switch is in OFF position. During
refuelling, make sure that the engine is off
(and that the ignition switch is in OFF
position).
188)Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury. Pay attention to scarves,
ties and other loose clothing which might
be pulled by moving parts.
189)Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings,
watches, bracelets), that might cause an
accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
190)Batteries contain acid which may
burn skin and eyes. Batteries produce
hydrogen, which is easily flammable and
explosive. Thus keep away flames or
devices which may cause sparks.191)Do not allow the positive (+) terminal
to contact any other metal object that
could cause sparks. Flames and sparks
near open battery cells are dangerous.
Hydrogen gas, produced during normal
battery operation, could ignite and cause
the battery to explode. An exploding
battery can cause serious burns and
injuries. When working near a battery, do
not allow metal tools to contact the positive
(+) or negative (–) terminal of the battery.
192)Keep all flames, including cigarettes,
and sparks away from open battery cells.
Flames and sparks near open battery cells
are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced
during normal battery operation, could
ignite and cause the battery to explode. An
exploding battery can cause serious burns
and injuries.
193)Do not jump-start a frozen battery or
one with a low fluid level. Jump-starting a
frozen battery or one with a low fluid level is
dangerous. It may rupture or explode,
causing serious injury.
194)Route the jumper leads away from
parts that will be moving. Connecting a
jumper lead near or to moving parts
(cooling fans, belts) is dangerous. The lead
could get caught when the engine starts
and cause serious injury.
195)Never tow a vehicle to start it. Towing
a vehicle to start it is dangerous. The
vehicle being towed could surge forward
when its engine starts, causing the two
vehicles to collide. The occupants could be
injured.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

196)Connect the negative lead to a good
ground point (see figure) away from the
battery. Connecting the end of the second
jumper lead to the negative (–) terminal of
the discharged battery is dangerous. A
spark could cause the gas around the
battery to explode and injure someone.
IMPORTANT
34)Do not connect the cable to the
negative terminal (–) of the flat battery. The
following spark could lead to battery
explosion and cause serious harm. Only
use the specific earth point; do not use any
other exposed metallic part.
TOWING THE
VEHICLE
ATTACHING THE TOW
HOOKS
35) 36) 37)
Proceed as follows:
remove the towing eyelet and the
wheel brace from the luggage
compartment;
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 1 fig. 141 or rear
bumper 2 fig. 142;IMPORTANT Do not use excessive force
as it may damage the cap or scratch the
painted bumper surface.
NOTE Remove the cap completely
and store it so as not to lose it.
securely install the towing eyelet
using the wheel brace or equivalent
front fig. 143 and rear fig. 144;
hook the towing rope to the towing
eyelet.
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IMPORTANT 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 towing eyelet and towing hook or
rope;
do not attach any rope other than to
the towing eyelet and towing hook.
IMPORTANT The towing eyelet should
be used in an emergency (to get the
vehicle out of a ditch or a snow bank,
for example).
IMPORTANT When using the towing
eyelets, always pull the lead or chain in
a straight direction with respect to the
eyelet. Never apply a sideways force.
IMPORTANT When towing with chain
or lead, wrap the chain or lead with a
soft cloth near the bumper to prevent
damage to the bumper.
IMPORTANT If the towing eyelet is not
securely tightened, it may loosen or
disengage from the bumper when
towing the vehicle. Make sure that the
towing eyelet is securely tightened to
the bumper.
IMPORTANT
35)Before starting towing operations, put
the ignition switch to OFF position.
36)Before tightening the tow hook, clean
the threaded housing thoroughly. Make
sure that the tow hook is fully fastened in
the housing before towing the vehicle.37)The front and rear tow hooks should be
used only for emergencies on the road. You
are allowed to tow the vehicle for short
distances using an appropriate device in
accordance with the highway code (a rigid
bar), to move the vehicle on the road in
readiness for towing or transport via a
breakdown vehicle. Tow hooks MUST NOT
be used to tow vehicles off the road or
where there are obstacles and/or for
towing operations using ropes or other
non-rigid devices. Respecting the above
conditions, towing must take place with
two vehicles (one towing, the other towed)
aligned as much as possible along the
same center line.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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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