four wheel drive FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH 2017 2.G Owners Manual

power to the drive wheels, limiting
wheel spin and loss of traction.
The indicator light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages”
paragraph in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” chapter.
TCS / DSC Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the
indicator light stays on, the
TCS, DSC or the brake assist system
may have a malfunction and they may
not operate correctly. Contact an
Authorized Dealer.
Note:
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight sound will come from
the engine. This indicates that the
TCS/DSC is operating properly.
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)
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 maneuvering, enhancing vehicle
safety. Refer to “ABS System (Antilock
Brake System)” and “TCS System
(Traction Control System)”.
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The indicator light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages”
paragraph in “Getting To Know Your
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.
Note:
The DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used.
TCS / DSC Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode. It also illuminates when
the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
TCS/DSC is switched off. 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 an
Authorized Dealer.
DSC OFF Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode. 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
an Authorized Dealer. The DSC may
have a malfunction.
DSC OFF Switch
Pushtheswitchtoturnoffthe
TCS/DSC. The
indicator light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. Push
the switch again to turn the TCS/DSC
back on. The indicator light will turn off.
05060301-12A-001DSC OFF Switch
112
SAFETY

In the following cases, it may be difficult
to view the illumination/flashing of the
BSM warning lights equipped on the
door mirrors:
Snow or ice adheres to the door
mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered
in snow, frost or dirt.
Turn off the RCTA system while pulling
a trailer or while an accessory such as a
bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of
the vehicle.
Otherwise, the sound system waves
emitted by the radar will be blocked
causing the system to not operate
normally.
TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System —
Lo/Hi Grade
The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) 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
warning light in the
instrument cluster and operating a
beep.
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 placard label). Follow
the procedure and perform the
initialization (refer to “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Initialization”
paragraph).
The
warning light flashes when the
system has a malfunction.
Because this system detects slight
changes in tire conditions, the timing of
the warning may be faster or slower in
the following cases:
The size, manufacturer, or the type of
tires is different from the specification.
05281200-03A-004Another Vehicle Approaching In Direct Rear Of Your Vehicle
05281200-03A-005Your Vehicle Parked On A Slant
118
SAFETY

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, snow tire, or tire chains
are used.
An emergency tire is used (thewarning 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 9 mph (15 km/h) (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
to one side of the vehicle.
System initialization has not been
implemented with the specified tire
pressure. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that
the system operates normally:
A tire pressure is adjusted.
A tire rotation is performed. A tire or
wheel is replaced.
The battery is replaced or completely
discharged.
Thewarning light is illuminated.
Initialization Method
Proceed as follows:
1. Park the car in a safe place and
firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Be sure the tires are cool, then
adjust the tire pressure of all four (4)
tires to the specified pressure indicated
on the tire placard label located on the
driver's door frame (door open).
3. Place the ignition in the ON mode.
4. While the vehicle is parked, press
and hold the TPMS system set switch
and verify that the
warning light in
the instrument cluster flashes twice and
a beep sound is heard once. Note:
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
warning light even if a
tire pressure is low, or it may illuminate
the light even if the pressures are
normal.
Adjust the tire pressure on all four
tires and initialize the system when the
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.
The system initialization will not be
performed if the switch is pressed
while the vehicle is being driven.
05120101-12A-001TPMS Set Switch
119

Tire Pressure Monitoring System —
Sport Grade
The TPMS system monitors the
pressure for each tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more
tires, the system will inform the driver
via the
warning light in the
instrument cluster and by the warning
beep sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on
each wheel send tire pressure data by
radio signal to the receiver unit in the
vehicle.
TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires regularly.
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. 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.
System Error Activation
When the
warning light flashes,
there may be a system malfunction.
Contact your Authorized Dealer.
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 discharged.
When using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
120
SAFETY

Caution!
If the rear bumper receives a severe
impact, the system may no longer operate
normally. Stop the system immediately and
contact an authorized dealer.
The detection ability of the radar
sensors has limitations. In the following
cases, the detection ability may lower
and the system may not operate
normally:
The rear bumper near the radar
sensors has become deformed.
Snow, ice or mud adheres to the
radar sensors on the rear bumper.
Under bad weather conditions such
as rain, snow and fog.
Note: Under the following conditions,
the radar sensors cannot detect target
objects or it may be difficult to detect
them:
Stationary objects on a road or a
road side such as small, two-wheeled
vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians,
animals, and shopping carts.
Vehicle shapes which do not reflect
radar waves well such as empty trailers
with a low vehicle height and sports
cars. Vehicles are shipped with the direction
of the radar sensors adjusted for each
vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so
that the radar sensors detect
approaching vehicles correctly. If the
direction of the radar sensors has
changed, contact an authorized dealer.
The radar sensors are regulated by the
relevant radio wave laws of the country
in which the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is driven abroad, authorization
from the country in which the vehicle is
driven may be required.
Note:
For repairs or replacement of the
radar sensors, bumper repairs, paint
work, or replacement near the radar
sensors, consult an authorized dealer.
Turn off the system while pulling a
trailer or while an accessory such as a
bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of
the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves
emitted by the radar will be blocked
causing the system to not operate
normally.
REAR PARK ASSIST
— IF EQUIPPED
Rear Park Assist
Warning!
Do not rely completely on the parking
sensor system and be sure to confirm the
safety around your vehicle visually when
driving. This system can assist the driver in
operating the vehicle in the forward and
backward directions while parking. The
detection ranges of the sensors are limited,
therefore, driving the vehicle while relying
only on the system may cause an accident.
Always confirm the safety around your
vehicle visually when driving.
Parking and other potentially dangerous
manoeuvres are, however, always the
driver’s responsibility. When performing
these operations, always make sure that
there are no other people (especially
children) or animals on the route you want
to drive into. The parking sensors are an
aid for the driver, but the driver must never
allow their attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres, even
those executed at low speeds.
The rear park assist system uses four
ultrasonic sensors (two rear sensors
and two rear corner sensors) to detect
obstructions around the vehicle while
parking the vehicle in a garage or
during parallel parking when the gear
selector is in REVERSE (R).
161

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.Improper weight distributions can have
an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
Caution!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
TOWING TRAILERS
Trailer Towing
Your car is not designed for towing.
Recreational Towing
An example of "recreational towing" is
towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
The transmission is not designed for
towing this vehicle on all four wheels.
Caution!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to
the drivetrain will result. If this vehicle
requires towing, make sure the drive
wheels are OFF the ground.
Ensure that the Parking Brake is
released, and remains released, while
being towed.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
176
STARTING AND OPERATING

Contact an Authorized Dealer to check
the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Inspect the battery and its leads.
Cold reduces battery capacity.
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in.
Inspect the ignition system for
damage and loose connections.
Use winter windshield washer fluid
that will not freeze.
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.
179

3. Securely install the tow eye in front
or rear using the lug wrench or
equivalent.
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:Follow the below precautions so
as not to damage the towing eyelet and
towing hook, vehicle body, or
transmission system when towing:
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 for manual
transmission or 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
221

Check tire pressures more often if
subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately
1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a
garage, especially in the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F
(20°C) and the outside temperature =
32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 psi
(21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for
every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to
6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation.
DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too
low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed
Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at
safe speeds and within posted speed
limits. Where speed limits or conditions
are such that the vehicle can be driven
at high speeds, maintaining correct tire
inflation pressure is very important.
Increased tire pressure and reduced
vehicle loading may be required for
high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to
your authorized tire dealer or original
equipment vehicle dealer forrecommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
Warning!
High speed driving with your vehicle under
maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to
fail. You could have a serious collision. Do
not drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum
capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
Warning!
Combining radial ply tires with other types
of tires on your vehicle will cause your
vehicle to handle poorly. The instability
could cause a collision. Always use radial
ply tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may
be repaired if it meets the following
criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when
flat.
The damage is only on the tread
section of your tire (sidewall damage is
not repairable).
The puncture is no greater than a ¼
of an inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire
repairs and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat
tires that have experienced a loss of
pressure should be replaced
immediately with another Run Flat tire
of identical size and service description
(Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to
drive 50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph
(80 km/h) after a rapid loss of inflation
pressure. This rapid loss of inflation is
referred to as the Run Flat mode. A Run
Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa).
Once a Run Flat tire reaches the run flat
mode it has limited driving capabilities
and needs to be replaced immediately.
A Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle
loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer
while a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section
for more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously
without stopping.
244
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.
Summer Or Three Season Tires
— If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both
wet and dry conditions, and are not
intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized
dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
246
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE