towing FIAT SPIDER ABARTH 2017 Owners Manual

Amber Warning Lights Warning Light What It Means
Automatic Transmission Warning Light — If Equipped
The light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
Note: If the automatic transmission warning light illuminates, the transmission has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your vehicle in this condition could cause damage to your
transmission. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Master Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction. Operate the center display and
verify the content.
Cold Start Disable Indicator Light
When the ambient temperature is extremely low, the engine may not crank even when the
engine starting procedure is performed. At this time, the Cold Start Disable Indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes. However, this does not indicate a problem.
Note: Place your vehicle in a warm garage until the temperature has risen to a sufficient level to enable
engine starting.
Electric Throttle Control Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light
remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash 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. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/RUN and
remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
96
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 automatic
transmission 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. Although
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 driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can
be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic
System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an
Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD II)
and a connection port to allow access
to information related to the
performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians
may need to access this information to
assist with the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle and emissions system. Warning! ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to diagnose or
service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected
to the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems, could be
impaired or a loss of vehicle control could
occur that may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access,
information stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.
For further information, refer to “Privacy
Practices” and “Uconnect
CyberSecurity” in “All About Uconnect
Access” in your Owner’s Manual Radio
Supplement.
109

STARTING AND OPERATINGSTARTINGTHEENGINE ...... .149
BRAKE SYSTEM ........... .150
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ..... .152
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED ............... .153
SPORT MODE ............ .158
SPEED CONTROL .......... .159
RADAR SENSORS — IF
EQUIPPED ............... .162
REAR PARK ASSIST — IF
EQUIPPED ............... .163
PARKVIEW REAR BACKUP CAMERA
— IF EQUIPPED ........... .167
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ..... .173
VEHICLELOADING ......... .176
TOWING TRAILERS ......... .178
DRIVING TIPS ............. .178
148
STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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. DRIVING TIPS Engine Break-In
Recommendation
No special break-in is necessary, but a
few precautions in the first 620 miles
(1000 km) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of the vehicle:
Do not race the engine.
Do not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
Do not drive constantly at full-throttle
or high engine rpm for extended
periods of time.
Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
Avoid full-throttle starts.
Saving Fuel And
Protection Of The
Environment
How you operate your vehicle
determines how far it will travel on a
tank of fuel.
Use these suggestions to help save fuel
andreduceCO 2
:
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the
engine runs smoothly, begin driving.
Avoid fast starts.
Drive at lower speeds.
Anticipate when to apply the brakes
(avoid sudden braking). Follow the maintenance schedule
and contact your authorized dealer.
Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
Slow down on rough roads.
Keep the tires properly inflated.
Do not carry unnecessary weight.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
Keep the wheels in correct
alignment.
Keep windows closed at high
speeds.
Slow down when driving in
crosswinds and headwinds.
Hazardous Driving
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
If you get stuck, select a lower gear
and accelerate slowly. Do not spin the
rear wheels.
178
STARTING AND OPERATING

IN CASE OF EMERGENCYHAZARD WARNING LIGHTS . . . .184
REPLACING A BULB ......... .184
REPLACING FUSES ......... .194
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING . .203
TIRE SERVICE KIT .......... .208
JUMPSTARTING........... .217
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS . . .219
TOWINGTHEVEHICLE....... .220
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) . .222
183

To jump start the vehicle, follow this
procedure:
1. Remove the positive terminal cover.
2. Make sure the booster battery is
12 Volts and that the negative terminal
is grounded.
3. Turn off the engine of the vehicle
with the booster battery and all
unnecessary electrical loads in both
vehicles.
Warning!Do not allow vehicles to touch each other
as this could establish a ground
connection and personal injury could
result. 4. Connect the positive end of the
jumper cable to the positive terminal on
the discharged battery.
5. Connect the opposite end of the
positive jumper cable to the positive
terminal on the booster battery.
6. Connect the negative end of the
negative jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the booster battery.
7. Connect the opposite end of the
negative jumper cable to a good engine
ground of the vehicle with the
discharged battery (exposed metal part
of the engine) away from the battery
and the fuel injection system.
8. Start the engine of the booster
vehicle and run it a few minutes. Then
start the engine of the other vehicle.
9. Once the engine is started, remove
the jumper cables in the reverse
sequence.
10. Replace the positive terminal cover.
Make sure cover is secure.
Bump Starting
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.
Note:
You cannot start a vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing it. Do not push-start a vehicle that has
a manual transmission. It can damage
the emission control system.
Starting A Flooded
Engine
If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:
1. If the engine does not start within
5 seconds on the first try, wait
10 seconds and try again.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Press the accelerator all the way and
hold it there.
4. Press the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(automatic transmission), then push the
push button start. If the engine starts,
release the accelerator immediately
because the engine will suddenly rev
up.
5. If the engine fails to start, crank it
without pressing the accelerator.
If the engine still does not start using
the above procedure, have your vehicle
inspected an authorized dealer.08030100-122-001
Positive Terminal Cover
218
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

TOWING THE
VEHICLE Attaching The Tow Eyes
— If Equipped
Warning!Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with
tow eyes.
Do not use a chain with a tow eye.
Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye.
Tow straps may break or become
disengaged, causing serious injury or
death.
Failure to follow proper tow eye usage
may cause components to break resulting
in serious injury or death. Caution!The tow eye must be used exclusively
for roadside assistance operations. Only
use the tow eye with an appropriate device
in accordance with the highway code (a
rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for
a short distance to the nearest service
location.
Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow
vehicles off the road or where there are
obstacles.
In compliance with the above
conditions, towing with a tow eye must
take place with two vehicles (one towing,
the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same center line.
Damage to your vehicle may occur if these
guidelines are not followed.
When towing, only use a facility that can
tow vehicles with low ground clearances as
extensive damage can result by using a
standard tow truck platform.
Proceed as follows:
1. Remove the towing eyelet and the
lug wrench from the luggage
compartment.
2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or
similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent
damage to a painted bumper, and open
the cap located on the front or rear
bumper. Note: Do not use excessive force as it
may damage the cap or scratch the
painted bumper surface. Remove the
cap completely and store it so as not to
lose it. 08060203-121-001AB
Front Bumper Cap Location
1— Front Bumper Cap 08060203-122-001AB
Rear Bumper Cap Location
220
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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 eyes are for emergency use only, to
rescue a vehicle stranded off road. Do not
use tow eyes 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 precautions below to
avoid damage to 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 of 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.08060201-121-001AB
Installing Front Towing Eye 08060201-122-001AB
Installing Rear Tow Eye
221

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. EVENT DATA
RECORDER (EDR) This vehicle is equipped with an Event
Data Recorder (EDR). The main
purpose of an EDR is to record data
that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint
Systems” in “Safety” for further
information on the Event Data Recorder
(EDR).
222
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Tire And Loading Information
Placard
This placard tells you important
information about the:
1. Number of people that can be
carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the
front, rear, and spare tires. Loading The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying
capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying
capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire
and Loading Information placard in
“Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And
Operating” section of this manual.
Note: Under a maximum loaded
vehicle condition, gross axle weight
ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs,
vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer
to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting
And Operating” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading
conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight
(if applicable) should never exceed the
weight referenced here. Steps For Determining Correct
Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)GUID-054900418-high.tif
Tire And Loading Information
Placard
243