brake FIAT 500 ABARTH 2012 2.G User Guide

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
24. Door AjarThis light will turn on to indicate that one or
more doors or the trunk may be ajar. 25. Temperature Gauge
The temperature digital scale shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If all the segments of the
temperature gauge are lit, pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range. If you hear continuous chimes, turn
the engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealer for service.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 133

To adjust the volume proceed as follows:
1. Briefly press theMENU ESCbutton. The previously
set volume “level” will flash on the display.
2. Press the +or –button for setting.
3. Briefly press the MENU ESCbutton to go back to the
menu screen, or press and hold the MENU ESCbutton
(approximately one second) to go back to the main screen
without storing the settings.
Button Volume (Button Volume Adjustment)
This function may be used to adjust the volume of the
beep accompanying the buttons. MENU ESC,+ or –can
be adjusted according to 8 levels.
To adjust the volume, proceed as follows:
1. Briefly press the MENU ESCbutton. The previously
set volume “level” will flash on the display.
2. Press the +or –button for setting. 3. Briefly press the
MENU ESCbutton to go back to the
menu screen, or press and hold the MENU ESCbutton
(approximately one second) to go back to the main screen
without storing the settings.
Belt Buzzer (Buzzer Activation For S.B.R.
Indication)
This function will only be displayed after a FIAT Group
Automobiles dealer has deactivated the S.B.R. system.
Hill Start Assist
This function is used when starting a vehicle from a stop
on a hill. Hill Start Assist maintains the same level of
brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of
time after the foot has been removed from the brake
pedal.
Proceed as follows to switch this function on or off:
1. Briefly press the MENU ESCbutton. “On” or “Off”
will flash on the display (according to previous setting).
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 196
▫ Manual Transmission ................. 196
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 196
▫ Cold Weather Operation ............... 197
▫ Extended Park Starting ................ 197
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 198
▫ After Starting ....................... 198
▫ Turbocharger “Cool Down” ............. 198
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 199
▫ Acceleration ........................ 199
▫ Traction ........................... 199
 Driving Through Water ................. 200
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 200
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 200
 Power Steering ....................... 202
 Parking Brake ........................ 202
 Sport Mode .......................... 204
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Brake System ........................ 205
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 205
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 207
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 207
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 207
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 208
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 209
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 210
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 212
 Tire Safety Information ................. 214
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 214
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 217▫
Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 218
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 219
 Tires — General Information ............. 223
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 223
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 224
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 225
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 226
▫ All Season Tires — If Equipped .......... 226
▫ Snow Tires ......................... 226
▫ Summer Or Three Season Tires — If
Equipped .......................... 227
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped ............. 227
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 228
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlock-
ing ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch
pedal is pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START) position and
release it when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
the Normal Starting procedure.
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 201

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
The power steering system is speed sensitive for light
steering effort during slow speed parking maneuvers,
and gradually increases the steering effort as vehicle
speed increases to provide a tighter/more sporty steering
response.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced or no power steer-
ing assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon as pos-
sible.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave manual
transmission in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
202 STARTING AND OPERATING

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the Brake
Warning Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and awayfrom the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the MAR (ACC/ON/
RUN) position. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
(Continued)
Parking Brake
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STARTING AND OPERATING 203

WARNING! (Continued)
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also, be certain to leave a manual
transmission in REVERSE or first gear. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
SPORT MODE
In Sport mode, the engine is more responsive to the
throttle pedal, and provides more maximum torque by
increasing turbo boost pressure. Steering feedback is
improved, and steering effort is slightly higher. This
driving mode is useful for spirited driving.
1. To activate the Sport mode, press the SPORT button.
204 STARTING AND OPERATING

Once activated, a SPORT message will be displayed in
the instrument cluster.
2. Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.
3. Press the accelerator pedal again to activate.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example; repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be significantly more than that
required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning Light and the ABS Warning Light during brake
use.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
SPORT Button
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STARTING AND OPERATING 205