tow FIAT 500 ABARTH 2012 2.G Owner's Guide

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM – OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and transmis-
sion control systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well
within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291

pads, steel wool, a bristle brush or metal polishes. Only
MOPARcleaners or equivalent are recommended. Do
not use oven cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that
use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage
the wheels’ protective finish.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPAR Total Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•For grease stains, apply MOPAR Multi-Purpose
Cleaner or a high quality cleaner, to a clean, damp
cloth and remove the stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to
remove soap residue.
•Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of
protectants on Stain Repel products.
Interior Care
Use MOPAR Total Clean or equivalent to clean fabric
upholstery and carpeting.
Use MOPAR Total Clean or equivalent to clean vinyl
upholstery.
MOPAR Total Clean or equivalent is specifically recom-
mended for leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp, soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303

Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPARTotal Clean or equivalent. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean
your leather upholstery. Application of a leather condi-
tioner is not required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas, they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and, therefore,
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed. To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR
Glass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake Assist System................... 207
Traction Control System ................ 208
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 100
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 210
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 135
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 248
Jacking ............................ 259
Jump Starting ....................... 266
Towing ............................ 271
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 276
Engine Break-In Recommendations .............. 63
Checking Oil Level ................... 280
Compartment ....................... 275
Cooling ........................... 292
Exhaust Gas Caution ................65,242
Fails to Start ........................ 198
Flooded, Starting ..................... 198 Fuel Requirements
.................... 238
Oil ......................... 280,314,315
Oil Change Interval ................... 280
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 281
Oil Filter ........................... 315
Oil Selection ........................ 281
Overheating ........................ 248
Starting ........................... 196
Temperature Gauge ................... 133
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 47
Event Data Recorder ...................... 52
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 24,65,242
Exhaust System ....................... 65,289
Exterior Lights .......................... 68
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 135
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 282
Engine Oil ....................... 282,315
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INDEX 345

Onboard Diagnostic System................ 276
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Overheating, Engine ................... 133,248
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,336
Paint Care ............................. 300
Parking Brake .......................... 202
Pets .................................. 63
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 219
Power Door Locks ......................... 20
Mirrors ............................ 74
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 112
Steering ........................... 202
Sunroof ........................... 109
Windows ........................... 22
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 316
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 37
Preparation for Jacking .................... 260 Pretensioners
Seat Belts ........................... 35
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 226
Radio (Sound Systems) .................... 151
Radio Operation ...................... 151,179
Radio Reception ........................ 151
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ...................... 23
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 52
Recreational Towing ...................... 245
Refrigerant ............................ 286
Release, Hood ........................... 89
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 35
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 177
Replacement Keys ........................ 14
Replacement Parts ....................... 278
Replacement Tires ....................... 230
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 335
Restraints, Child ....................... 53,58
350 INDEX

Life of Tires........................ 229
Load Capacity .................... 219,220
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 233
Pressure Warning Light ................ 127
Quality Grading ..................... 337
Radial ............................ 226
Replacement ........................ 230
Rotation ........................... 232
Safety .......................... 214,223
Sizes ............................. 215
Spinning ........................... 228
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 229
To Open Hood .......................... 89
Towing ............................... 245
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 271
Recreational ........................ 245
Trailer Towing .......................... 245
Transaxle Automatic .......................... 11 Transmission
Manual ........................... 300
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 17
Transporting Pets ........................ 63
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 229
Trip Odometer .......................... 134
Turn Signals ......................... 93,125
UCI Connector ......................... 176
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 337
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 176
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 238
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ......................... 220
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 191,310
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INDEX 353