FIAT SPIDER ABARTH 2017 Owners Manual

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 123 456789101112131415
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Visual inspect the
condition and tensioning of
the accessory drive belt. •• •
Replace the accessory
drive belt.
**** •
Inspect and replace PCV
valve if necessary. •
Change engine oil and
replace oil filter.
* In accordance with Oil Change Indicator System OR Severe Duty Mileage, whichever occurs first.
Replace spark plugs (1.4L
Turbo engine).
** ••• • •
****Replace belt every 40,000 miles (60,000 km) for use on dusty roads.
*The oil and oil filter replacement must be carried out when indicated by a warning light or message on the instrument panel, or in any case should not exceed one
year.
**The spark plug change is distance based only, yearly intervals do not apply. The following are essential to ensure correct operation and prevent serious damage to
the engine: Only use spark plugs of the same make and type which are specially certified for such engines (refer to “Engine” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information).
Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement interval given in the scheduled servicing plan for spark plug replacement.
Contact your authorized dealer if you have any questions.
229

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 123 456789101112131415
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Replace engine air filter.
# ••• • •
Replace Cabin Air Filter – If
Equipped.
*** •••• • • •
Flush and replace the
engine coolant at 10 years
or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever
comes first. ••
Replace the timing belt
(1.4L Turbo Engine). •
#The engine air cleaner should be inspected at every oil change if used in dusty areas.
***Replace every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or two years. Replacement every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or one year in dusty conditions or as optional/suggested
replacement.
Warning!You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
230
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Checking Levels 07030300-121-003
1 — Window Washer Reservoir 4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 5 — Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Cap 6 — Battery
231

Engine Oil
Warning!Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned.
Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury.
Loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
Recommended Oil
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for further
information.
Inspecting engine oil level
Proceed as follows:
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least five
minutes for the oil to return to the
sump.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and reinsert it fully. 5. Pull the dipstick out again and
examine the level. The level is normal if
it is between Low and Full. If it is near
or below Low, open the engine oil
cap/filler 2 and add enough oil to bring
the level to Full.
Note: Do not overfill the engine oil.
This may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick
is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine oil consumption
During the initial period of use the
engine oil consumption conditions
should stabilize after the first 3000 –
3500 miles (5000 – 6000 km). Engine Coolant
Warning! Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan
motor lead before working near the radiator
cooling fan.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts
automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot. 07030403-121-001
Engine Compartment
1 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Engine Oil Cap
232
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Inspecting Coolant Level
Note: Changing the coolant should be
done by your authorized dealer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year, at the beginning of
the winter season, and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections
of all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are worn or
deteriorated.
Warning!Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than
the one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F (Full) and L
(Low) marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool. If it is at or near L (Low), add coolant by
mixing a minimum solution of 50%
Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate
for FIAT Spider. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are
anticipated. Bring the level to F (Full).
Please contact your authorized dealer
for assistance.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir
tank cap after adding coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, contact
your authorized dealer.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid
from the same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept between the MAX
and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with
accumulated use, a condition
associated with wear of brake and
clutch linings. If it is excessively low,
have the brake/clutch system
inspected. Contact your authorized
dealer.
Warning! Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir. 07030501-121-001
Coolant Reservoir 07030601-121-002
Brake Fluid Reservoir
233

To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master cylinder
reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling
point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
Windshield And
Headlight Washer Fluid
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir, open the cap and add fluid if
necessary. Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable. But use only washer fluid in
cold weather to prevent it from freezing.
Automatic Transmission
Control Unit
The transmission oil level should only be
checked at your authorized dealer.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
Keep it securely mounted.
Keep the top clean and dry.
Keep terminals and connections
clean, tight, and coated with petroleum
jelly or terminal grease.
Rinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda. If the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
leads and charge the battery every six
weeks.
Battery Replacement
Contact your authorized dealer to
purchase a replacement battery.
Warning! Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution
and can burn or even blind you. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your eyes,
skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery
when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately
with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling. 07030901-121-001
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
234
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

BATTERY
RECHARGING BATTERY CHARGING
PROCEDURE
Warning!Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution
and can burn or even blind you. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your eyes,
skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery
when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately
with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling. Caution!It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the
negative cable is attached to the negative
post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight
on the terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the
battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both
vehicle battery cables before connecting
the charger to the battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Charge battery as follows:
Before recharging the battery, turn off
all accessories and turn the engine off
by placing the ignition in the OFF mode.
Disconnect the negative battery
cable.
Connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity
(+,–).
Turn on the charger.
When finished, turn the charger off
before disconnecting the battery.
Reconnect the negative battery
terminal. MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES The following pages contain
instructions on the required
maintenance from the technical
personnel who designed the vehicle.
In addition to these specific
maintenance instructions specified for
routine scheduled servicing, there are
other components which may require
periodic maintenance or replacement
over the vehicle’s life cycle.
Body Lubrication
Ensure that the locks and bodywork
junction points, including components
such as the seat guides, door hinges
(and rollers), trunk and hood are
periodically lubricated with lithium
based grease to ensure correct, silent
operation and to protect them from rust
and wear.
Thoroughly clean the components,
eliminating every trace of dirt and dust.
After lubricating, eliminate excess oil
and grease. Also pay particular
attention to the hood closing devices,
to ensure correct operation.
During operations on the hood, be sure
to perform with the engine cold, also
remember to check, clean and lubricate
the locking, release and safety devices.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
235

Lubricate the external lock cylinders
twice a year. Apply a small amount of
high-quality lubricant directly into the
lock cylinder. If necessary, contact your
authorized dealer.
Wiper Blades
Contamination of either the windshield
or the blades with foreign matter can
reduce wiper effectiveness. Common
sources are insects, tree sap, and hot
wax treatments used by some
commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a
good cleaner or mild detergent; then
rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Repeat if necessary.
When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is placed in the
ON mode, the wipers may move
automatically in the following cases:
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object.
If the rain sensor is struck with a
hand or other object from inside the
vehicle. Note:
Hot waxes applied by automatic car
washers have been known to affect
the wiper's ability to clean windows.
To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gas, paraffin, paint
thinner, or other solvents on or near
them.
Be careful not to pinch hands or
fingers as it may cause injury, or
damage the wipers. When washing or
servicing the vehicle, make sure the
wiper lever is in the OFF position.
Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well,
the blades are probably worn or
cracked. Replace them.
When raising both windshield wiper
arms, raise the driver's side wiper arm
first.
When lowering the wiper arms, slowly
lower the wiper arm from the
passenger's side first while supporting
it with your hand. Forcefully lowering
the wiper arms could damage the wiper
arm and blade, and may scratch or
crack the windshield.
Note: To prevent damage to the wiper
arms and other components, do not try
to sweep the wiper arm by hand. Blade Replacement
Proceed as follows:
1. Raise the wiper arm.
2. Open the clip and slide the blade
assembly in the direction of the arrow.
3. Tilt the blade assembly and remove
it from the arm. 07031101-36A-001
Clip 07031101-36A-002
Blade Assembly and Arm
236
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Warning!To prevent damage to the windshield let
the wiper arm down easily, do not let it slap
down on the windshield.
4. Pull down the blade rubber and slide
it out of blade holder.
5. Remove the metal stiffeners from
each blade rubber and install them in
the new blade. 6. Carefully insert the new blade
rubber. Then install the blade assembly
in the reverse order of removal. RAISING THE
VEHICLE If the vehicle needs to be raised, see an
authorized dealer which is equipped
with arm hoists or workshop lifts.
The vehicle’s lifting points are marked
on the side skirts with the
symbols.07031101-36A-003
Blade Holder 07031101-36A-004
Metal Stiffeners 07031101-36A-005
Reassemble Blade
237

WHEELS AND TIRES Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover
aspects of the following information:
Tire Markings, Tire Identification
Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire
Loading.
Tire Markings Note:
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is
based on U.S. design standards.
P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example:
P215/65R15 95H.
European — Metric tire sizing is
based on European design standards.
Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall
beginning with the section width. The
letter "P" is absent from this tire size
designation. Example: 215/
65R15 96H.
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing
is based on U.S. design standards.
The size designation for LT-Metric tires
is the same as for P-Metric tires except
for the letters “LT” that are molded into
the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: LT235/85R16. Temporary spare tires are designed
for temporary emergency use only.
Temporary high pressure compact
spare tires have the letter “T” or “S”
molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.
High flotation tire sizing is based on
U.S. design standards and it begins
with the tire diameter molded into the
sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.0601085395US
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT
Safety Standards
Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum
Load
2 — Size Desi-
gnation 5 — Maximum
Pressure
3 — Service De-
scription 6 — Treadwear,
Traction and
Temperature
Grades
238
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE