towing FIAT 500 ABARTH 2012 2.G User Guide

1149538_12b_Abarth_500_UG_021612.indd 22/17/12 9:26 AM
The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe operation of the vehi\
cle. Driving while
distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, resulting in an accide\
nt and
personal injury. Chrysler Group LLC strongly recommends that the driver \
use
extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take their att\
ention off
the road. Use of any electrical devices such as cell phones, computers, \
portable
radios, vehicle navigation or other devices by the driver while the vehi\
cle is moving
is dangerous and could lead to a serious accident. Texting while driving\
is also
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yourself unable to devote your full attention to vehicle operation, pull\
off the road
to a safe location and stop your vehicle. Some States or Provinces prohi\
bit the use
of cellular telephones or texting while driving. It is always the driver\
’s responsibility
to comply with all local laws.

I This User Guide is intended to familiarize you with the
important features of your vehicle. The DVD enclosed contains your Owner\
’s Manual,
Navigation/Media Center Manuals, Warranty Booklets, Tire Warranty and 24-Hour
Towing Assistance (new vehicles purchased in the U.S.) or Roadside Assistance\

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Replacement DVD kits may be purchased by visiting www.techauthority.com.\
© 2012
Chrysler Group LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FIAT Group Marketi\
ng &
Corporate Communication SpA used under license by Chrysler Group LLC.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL: Drunken driving is one of the most
frequent causes of accidents. Your driving ability can be seriously impa\
ired
with blood alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drinki\
ng,
don\222t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab, \
a friend,
or use public transportation.
WARNING! Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
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i
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0056
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1-888-242-6342 (U.S.) or 0011000D001800100010000D001300180017000D001100110014001300AC000800230041004E0041004400410009
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INTRODUCTION/WELCOMEWelcome From Fiat.............2
CONTROLS AT A GLANCEDriver Cockpit................4
Instrument Cluster .............6
GETTING STARTEDKeyFob...................8
Power Door Locks.............8
Seat Belt ..................8
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) — Air Bags ..............9
Child Restraints .............. 10
Front Seats ................ 12
Rear Seats ................ 13
Tilt Steering Column ........... 14
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLEEngine Break-In Recommendations . . . 15
Turn Signal/Lights/High Beam Lever . . . 15
Wiper/Washer Lever........... 17
Speed Control .............. 18
Power Windows ............. 19
Manual Climate Controls ......... 20
Automatic Temperature Controls
(ATC) ................... 21
Sport Mode ................ 22
Manual Transmission ........... 22
Power Sunroof .............. 23
Wind Buffeting .............. 24
Cold Weather Operation (Engine Block
Heater) .................. 25
ELECTRONICSYour Vehicle's Sound System ...... 26
AM/FM Radio With CD Player And Sirius
XM™ Satellite Radio ........... 28
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ...... 30
BLUE&ME™ Hands-Free Operation . . . 30
iPod
®/USB/MP3 Control ......... 34
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ............... 35
Programmable Features ......... 36Trip Button
................ 36
Power Outlet ............... 38
UTILITYTrailer Towing ............... 39
Recreational Towing (Behind
Motorhome, Etc.) ............. 39
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES24-Hour Roadside Assistance ...... 40
Instrument Cluster Warning Lights .... 40
If Your Engine Overheats ......... 44
TIREFIT Kit ................ 44
Jump-Starting Procedure ......... 50
Towing A Disabled Vehicle ........ 51
Enhanced Accident Response System . . 52
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ......... 53
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ........ 54
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEOpening The Hood............ 55
Engine Compartment ........... 56
Fluids And Capacities ........... 57
Maintenance Chart ............ 58
Fuses ................... 60
Tire Pressures .............. 61
Summer/Three-Season Tires ....... 62
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ....... 62
Exterior Bulbs ............... 63
CONSUMER ASSISTANCEFiat Customer Center ........... 64
Assistance For The Hearing Impaired . . 64
Publications Ordering ........... 64
Reporting Safety Defects In
The 50 United States
And Washington, D.C. .......... 65
MOPAR ACCESSORIESAuthentic Accessories By MOPAR®... 66
INDEX.................67
FAQ (How To?)Frequently Asked Questions ....... 69
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

TRAILER TOWING
• Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
Ground Manual Transmission
Flat Tow NONETransmission in NEUTRAL
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NO
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may be recreationally towed (flat
towed) at any legal highway speed, for any distance, if the manual transmission is in
NEUTRAL.
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four wheels
are OFF the ground.
CAUTION!
• 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.
UTILITY
39

24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
• If your Abarth requires jump start assistance, out of gas/fuel delivery, tire service,lockout service or towing due to a defect covered under the Basic Limited Warranty,
dial toll-free 1-888-242-6342. See your Warranty booklet for further details.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we
will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Generic Warning Light
• The Generic Warning Light will illuminate if any of the following conditions occur: OilChange Request, Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Failure, External Light Failure, Fuel
Cut-Off Intervention, Fuel Cut-Off Not Available, Parking Sensor Failure.
- Power Steering System Warning
• If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message and icon are displayedin the EVIC display, it indicates that extreme steering maneuvers have occurred,
which caused an over temperature condition in the power steering system. You will
lose power steering assistance momentarily until the over temperature condition no
longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle. After
approximately five minutes, the system will cool and return to normal operation.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop thevehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned
by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized service center
for service if your vehicle overheats.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle theignition when the vehicle has completely stopped; the light should turn off.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
40

• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is flashing 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.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control system (ESC) has been turned offby the driver.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation / Malfunction Indicator
Light
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on for four seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on,
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and
corrected.
NOTE:
• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN.
• Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC system will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
TTC (Tire Transfer Control)
• The TTC system uses the brakes to prevent unwanted wheelspin during corning, tomaximize acceleration and minimize understeer during aggressive driving. This
feature is active in all modes. While TTC is active, the “ESC” lamp in the instrument
cluster may flash
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, should be checked monthly, when cold and inflated to the inflationpressure 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
41

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.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., mayilluminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays
on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging systemlight remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop thevehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have thevehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
43

9. Disconnect the positive(+)end of the jumper cable from the positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
• If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle, you should have the battery and charging system inspected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
• Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw powerfrom the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge
sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
• Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other booster source with a system voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.
• Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen. It could rupture or explodeand cause personal injury.
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can be injured by moving fan
blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property damage due to battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged
battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to
explode and could result in personal injury.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Manual Transmission
• Vehicle can be flat towed (all four wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
• Vehicle can be towed with the front wheels elevated.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
51

• Vehicle can be towed on a flatbed truck (all wheels off the ground).
NOTE: If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed (wipers, defrosters,
etc.), the key must be in the ON/RUN position. Make certain the transmission remains in
NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
• Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed with the ignition in the OFF/LOCK position. A dolly should be used under the front wheels if the rear wheels
are raised. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Failure to follow these towing methods can cause severe transmissiondamage. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position.
• Do not attempt to 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.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
• In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if the communication networkremains intact, and the power remains intact, depending on the nature of the event
the ORC will determine whether to have the Enhanced Accident Response System
perform the following functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine.
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or until the ignition key is turned off.
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power or until the ignition key is removed.
• Unlock the doors automatically.
• After the event occurs, when the system is active, the message "Fuel Cutoff See Handbook" is displayed.
• Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on the ground near the engine compartment and fuel tank before resetting the system and
starting the engine.
NOTE: In order to start the engine and move the vehicle to a safe location after an
impact, the System Reset Procedure must be completed.
System Reset Procedure
• After an impact causing airbag deployment, the left and right turn signal lights, located in the instrument panel cluster, will both be blinking, until the ignition is
turned off.
• In order to move your vehicle to the side of the road you must follow the system reset procedure.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
52

Air Conditioning.............20
Airbag ...................9
Airbag Light ...............43
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ....43
Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) ..............21
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type ...............57
Battery Charging System Light . . . ....43
Jump Starting ............50
Belts, Seat ................8
BLUE&ME™ Hands-Free
Communication .............30
Brake Fluid ...............57
Brake System Warning Light .............42
Break-In Recommendations,
New Vehicle ...............15
Bulb Replacement ...........63
Charging System Light . . . ......43
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light) .............43
Child Restraint ..............10
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ....10
Climate Control .............20
Clock Setting ..............29
Cooling System Coolant Capacity ...........57
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ....18
Cruise Light ...............18
Customer Assistance ..........64
Defects, Reporting ...........65
Defroster, Rear Window . . ......20
Defroster, Windshield ..........20
Electronic Speed Control
(Cruise Control) .............18
Electronic Throttle Control
Warning Light ..............40
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ............ 35,36
Electronics Your Vehicle's Sound System ....26Emergency, In Case of
Jump Starting ............50
Towing . ...............51
Engine Break-In Recommendations ....15
Compartment . . . ..........56
Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine) . . ..........43
Oil Selection . ............57
Overheating . . ............44
Enhanced Accident Response
Feature ..................52
Exterior Lights . .............63
Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . .....57
Fluids . . . . . . . ............57
Folding Rear Seat ............13
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . 53
Fuel Specifications . . . ..........57
Hands-Free Communication -
BLUE&ME™ . . . . . . . . .......30
Headlights High
Beam . . . ...........16
Heated Mirrors ........... 20,21
High Beam/Low Beam Select
(Dimmer) Switch . . . .........16
Hood Release . . ............55
Instrument Cluster ............6
Indicators ................7
Instrument Cluster
Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,40
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) . . . 17
Introduction . ...............2
iPod
®Control ..............34
iPod®/USB/MP3 Control ........34
Jump Starting ..............50
KeyFob ..................8
Lane Change Assist . .........15
INDEX
67

LATCH (Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren)...........10
Lights Engine Temperature Warning . . . . 40
Turn Signal ..............15
Warning (Instrument Cluster
Description) ..............6
Maintenance Record ..........59
Maintenance Schedule .........58
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine) .............43
Manual Transmission ..........22
Mirrors Heated ............... 20,21
MOPAR
®Accessories .........66
New Vehicle Break-In Period . . . . . 15
Oil Pressure Light ............43
Oil, Engine Capacity ................57
Outlet Power .................38
Overheating, Engine ..........44
Placard, Tire and Loading
Information ...............61
Power Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) . . 38
Sunroof ................23
Programmable Electronic Features . . 36
Rear Seat, Folding ...........13
Recreational Towing ..........39
Replacement Bulbs ...........63
Restraints, Child ............10
Seat Belts .................8
Seats ...................12
Adjustment ..............12 Rear Folding . .
...........13
Setting the Clock ............29
Signals, Turn . . . ...........15
Spark Plugs ...............57
Speed Control (Cruise Control) . . . . 18
Sport Mode ...............22
Starting Cold Weather . . ...........25
Steering Tilt Column . . . ...........14
Steering Wheel Audio Controls . . 30,32
Store Radio Presets ..........29
Stuck, Freeing ..............53
Sun Roof .................23
Supplemental Restraint
System - Airbag . . ...........9
Tilt Steering Column ..........14
TIREFIT .................44
Tires Air Pressure . . . . ..........61
Pressure Warning Light . . .....41
Towing . .................39
24-Hour Towing Assistance .....40
Disabled Vehicle ...........51
Recreational . . ...........39
Trailer Towing ..............39
Transmission Fluid ..................57
Turn Signals . . . . ...........15
USB Port . . . . . ...........34
Washer Rear . . . . ..............17
Washers, Windshield . . . . . .....17
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care . .....62
Wind Buffeting .............24
Windshield Washers ..........17
Windshield Wipers . . . . .......17
Wiper, Rear ...............17
INDEX
68