FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH 2017 2.G Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
Warning Lights And
Messages
Note:
The warning light in the instrument
panel appears together with a
dedicated message and/or acoustic
signal when applicable. These
indications are indicative and
precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained
in the Owner’s Manual, which you are
advised to read carefully in all cases.
Always refer to the information in this
chapter in the event of a failure
indication.
Failure indications displayed are
divided into two categories: serious
and less serious failures. Serious
failures are indicated by a repeated
and prolonged warning "cycle". Less
serious failures are indicated by a
warning "cycle" with a shorter duration.
The display cycle of both categories
can be interrupted. The instrument
panel warning light will stay on until the
cause of the failure is eliminated. Vehicles With Fiat Connect 7.0
The warning contents can be verified
on the audio system.
Proceed as follows:
If the warning light is turned on,
selecticon on the home screen to
display the application screen.
Select “ Warning Guidance ”to
display the current warnings.
Select the applicable warning to view
the warning details.
For the following warning/indicator
lights:
Master Warning Light
Brake System Warning Light
ABS Warning Light
Charging System Warning Light
Engine Oil Warning Light
Electric Throttle Warning Light
Cold Start Warning Light
Check Engine Warning Light
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Automatic Transmission Warning
Light
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator
Light
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light
Low Fuel Warning Light
Seat Belt Warning Light
Door Ajar Warning Light
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning
Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light
KEY Warning Light
LED Headlight KEY Warning Light
BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring) OFF
Indicator Light
Wrench Indicator Light
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
DSC OFF Indicator Light
Security Indicator Light
Indicator Light
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation
Warning Light
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,
have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Dealership.
Note:
Only for “Brake System Warning Light”:
the light turns on continuously when the
parking brake is applied.
89

Red Warning Lights
Warning LightWhat It Means
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. Park the vehicle in a
safe place immediately and contact an Authorized Dealership.
Note:
Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an Authorized
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.
The effectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to push the brake pedal
more strongly than normal to stop the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Authorized Dealership.
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 an Authorized
Dealership.
Note:
Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized 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.
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Warning LightWhat It Means
ALTERNATOR FAILURE
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 an Authorized Dealership.
Note:Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated because the
engine could stop unexpectedly.
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
Note:Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine
damage.
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 five 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.
Note:
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 an Authorized Dealership.
DOOR-OPEN WARNING LIGHT
The light turns on if any door is not closed securely.
Close the door securely.
Warning!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You
could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
91

Red Warning Lights
Warning lightWhat It Means
HIGH ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT
The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extremely high, and illuminates when
the engine coolant temperature increases further.
Handling procedure
Flashing light: drive slowly to reduce engine load until you can find a safe place to stop the
vehicle and wait for the engine to cool down.
Illuminated light : this indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe
place immediately and stop the engine. Refer to “Overheating” paragraph in “In an emergency”
chapter.
Note:
Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated.
Otherwise, it could result in damage to the engine.
AIR BAG / SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER SYSTEM WARNING
A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illuminates
or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is placed in the ON position. If any of these occur,
contact an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible. The system may not operate in an
accident.
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Red Warning Lights
Warning lightWhat It Means
KEY WARNING LIGHT (ILLUMINATED)
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously.
Note:If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light (amber)
flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the
emergency operation for starting the engine, and contact an Authorized Dealership as soon as
possible.
Refer to “Emergency Operation For Starting Operation” in “Starting The Engine” paragraph.
Key Warning Light (Flashing)
Advanced key fob malfunction
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.
The advanced key fob battery is discharged: replace the key fob battery.
The advanced key fob is not within the operation range/is placed in areas inside
the cabin where it is difficult for the key to be detected : bring the advanced key fob into
the operation range.
A key fob from another manufacturer similar to the advanced key fob is in the
operation range : take the key fob from another manufacturer similar to the advanced key out
of the operation range.
Without the ignition switched OFF, the advanced key is taken out of the vehicle,
and then all the doors are closed : bring the advanced key fob back into the vehicle.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
The warning light switches on to report a failure of the Vehicle Security Alarm System. Contact
an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible.
93

Amber Warning Lights
Warning lightWhat it means
ABS WARNING LIGHT
If the ABS warning light stays on while you're driving, when the ABS control unit has detected a
system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally as if the vehicle had no
ABS. Should this happen contact an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible.
Note:
When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven RPM occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does not
indicate an ABS malfunction. Recharge the battery.
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT
If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem. It is important to note the
driving conditions when the light illuminated and contact an Authorized Dealership.
The malfunction indicator light may illuminate in the following cases:
The engine's electrical system has a problem.
The emission control system has a problem.
The fuel tank level is very low or approaching empty.
The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.If the malfunction indicator light remains on, or it flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and contact an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible.
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Warning!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause
a fire if you drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious
injury to the driver, occupants or others.
Caution!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine control system. It also could affect fuel
economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
95

Amber Warning Lights
Warning lightWhat it means
TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM) WARNING LIGHT (IF EQUIPPED)
The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to indicate that the tire pressure is
lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these cases,
optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire in sequence.
IMPORTANT:Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as handling may be
compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. Repair immediately using
the dedicated tire repair kit and contact your authorized dealership as soon as possible.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer 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.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) 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.
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
indicate when the system is not operating properly. 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
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lightWhat it means
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.
Caution!The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your sensor function checked.
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 an Authorized 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.
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.
Warning!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not of
the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can or balance beads if your
vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
97

Amber Warning Lights
Warning lightWhat it means
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT (IF EQUIPPED)
The light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
Note:If the automatic transmission warning light illuminates, the transmission has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your vehicle in this condition could cause damage to your
transmission. Contact an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible.
MASTER WARNING LIGHT
Versions Without Fiat Connect 7.0 System
The warning light turns on continuously if there is a malfunction in the battery management
system or there is a malfunction in the brake switch. Contact an Authorized Dealership as soon
as possible.
Versions With Fiat Connect 7.0 System
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction. Operate the center display and
verify the content. Refer to “Vehicles With Fiat Connect 7.0” paragraph in this chapter.
Cold Start Disable Indicator Light
When the ambient temperature is extremely low, the engine may not crank even when the
engine starting procedure is performed. At this time, the Cold Start Disable Indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes. However, this does not indicate a problem.
Note:Place your vehicle in a warm garage until the temperature has risen to a sufficient level to
enable engine starting.
Electric Throttle Control Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending
on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the
light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your vehicle
may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/RUN and
remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
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