2008 Abarth 500 technical specifications

50
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
Before lifting the bonnet, en-
sure that the wiper arm is
not lifted from the windscreen.
WARNING
fig. 54
C
D
E
F0S054Ab
To close fig. 54
Proceed as follows:
❒hold the bonnet up with one hand and
with the other remove rod Cfrom seat
Eand fit it back into its catch D;
❒lower the bonnet to approximately 20
centimetres from the engine compart-
ment and let it drop. Make sure that the
bonnet is completely closed and not on-
ly fastened by the safety catch by trying
to open it. If it is not perfectly closed,
open the bonnet and repeat the proce-
dure. Do not simply press it.
The bonnet must always be
perfectly closed while trav-
elling for safety reasons. Make sure
that the bonnet is perfectly closed
and that the lock is engaged. If you
discover that the bonnet is not per-
fectly closed while travelling, stop im-
mediately and close the bonnet in the
correct manner.
WARNING
With hot engine, operate
with caution inside the en-
gine compartment to avoid burns.
Keep your hands away from the fan:
it may turn on even with key removed
from the switch. Wait for engine cool-
ing.
WARNING
Pay attention to scarves, ties
and other loose fitting gar-
ments. If they accidentally touch
moving parts, they may get dragged
with serious risks for those who wear
them.
WARNING
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51
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
HEADLIGHTS
BEAM DIRECTION
The correct orientation of the headlights
is important for drivers comfort and safe-
ty. Besides, it is a specific rule of the high-
way code.
The headlights must be correctly directed
to ensure the best visibility conditions for
all drivers.
Contact Abarth Dealership to have the
headlights properly adjusted.
Check beam aiming every time the load or
its distribution changes.
ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
FASTENERS
The fasteners are located in the area in-
dicated in fig. 55.
To use the front fasteners, remove the cap
A, accessible with the door open. To lo-
cate rear fasteners B, refer to fig. 56.
Lineaccessori provides a specific rack/ski
rack on tailgate.
IMPORTANT Follow the instructions
contained in the assembly kit to the letter.
Assembly must be performed by qualified
personnel.
fig. 55
A
F0S055Ab
After travelling for a few
kilometres, check again that
fastening screws are properly tight-
ened.
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum
allowed load (see “Technical
Specifications”).
Evenly distribute the load and
take into account, when dri-
ving, the increased respon-
siveness of the car to side
wind.
Comply with applicable laws
concerning maximum over-
all dimensions.
WARNING
fig. 56
30 mm
130 mm

F0S056Ab
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52
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
BEAM ADJUSTMENT fig. 57
The car is provided with electric adjust-
ment of the beams, operating with ignition
key on MARand low beams on.
The car will slant backwards when it is
loaded, raising the light beam.
In that case, it is necessary to perform
beams adjustment with buttons +and –.
The display provides a visual indication of
the positions during adjustment.AIMING THE FRONT FOG
LIGHTS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Contact Abarth Dealership to have the
headlights properly adjusted.
BEAMS ADJUSTMENT ABROAD
Low beams factory adjustment depends
on the country where the car is pur-
chased. When you travel in countries with
different driving direction, to avoid blind-
ing the drivers who travel in the opposite
direction, it is necessary to cover the ar-
eas of the beam according to the provi-
sions of the Highway Code of the country
where you travel.
fig. 57
M E N UE S C
F0S057Ab
Correct positions depending
on load
Position 0- one or two passengers on
front seats.
Position 1- 4 passengers.
Position 2- 4 passengers + load in the
boot.
Position 3- driver + maximum admitted
load in the boot.
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53
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
ABS SYSTEM INTERVENTION
Intervention of the ABS is detected by a
slight pulsing of the brake pedal accompa-
nied by noise: such an event indicates that
you need to adjust your speed to the type
of road on which you are travelling.ABS SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes the most of road
grip and gives the best control when emer-
gency braking under difficulty road condi-
tions.
The system is completed by EBD (Elec-
tronic Braking Force Distribution), which
distributes the braking action between
front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To achieve maximum effi-
ciency of the braking system, a settlement
period of about 500 km is required: dur-
ing this time, avoid sudden, repeated and
prolonged braking.
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep it pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of space
possible under the current road con-
ditions.
WARNING
When the ABS intervenes, it
means that you are ap-
proaching the grip limit between tyres
and road: it is necessary to slow down
to adjust the speed according to
available grip.
WARNING
The ABS exploits the tyre-
road grip at the best, but it
cannot improve it; you should there-
fore take every care when driving on
slippery surfaces without taking un-
necessary risks.
WARNING
FAILURE INDICATIONS
ABS failure
It is indicated by the turning on of warn-
ing light
>on the instrument panel to-
gether with the dedicated message on the
reconfigurable multifunctional display (for
versions/markets, where provided), see
section “Warning lights and messages”.
In the case, the braking system will work
as normal without the extra potentials of-
fered by the ABS system. Drive carefully
to the nearest Abarth Dealership to have
the system checked.
046-062 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:41 Pagina 53

54
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
If warning light xonly lights
up on the instrument panel,
(with a message on the multifunc-
tional reconfigurable display, for ver-
sions/markets, where provided), im-
mediately stop the car and contact
the nearest Abarth Dealership. Leak-
age of hydraulic fluid from the brak-
ing system will compromise function-
ality of the braking system, either of
the conventional type or with ABS.
WARNINGESP SYSTEM (Electronic
Stability Program)
The ESP system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event of
tyre grip loss.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when grip conditions of the road sur-
faces change.
With the ESP in addition to the ASR (trac-
tion control with intervention on the
brakes and the engine) and the HILL
HOLDER function (device for setting off
on an incline without using the brakes),
there is also MSR (regulation of the engine
brake torque during downward gear
shifts), HBA (automatic increase in brak-
ing pressure during emergency braking)
and TTC (transfer of engine torque to the
wheels).
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warn-
ing light
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions. EBD failure
It is indicated by the turning on of warn-
ing lights
>and xon the instrument
panel together with the dedicated message
on the reconfigurable multifunctional dis-
play (for versions/markets, where provid-
ed); see section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”.
In this case, the rear wheels may sudden-
ly lock and the car may swerve. Drive
carefully to the nearest Abarth Dealership
to have the system checked.
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55
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
Do not take unnecessary
risks, even if your cars fits an
ESP system. Your driving style must
always be suited to the conditions of
the road, visibility and traffic. The dri-
ver is always responsible for road
safety.
WARNING
System intervention
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
Failure indications
In the event of a failure, the ESP system
will be automatically switched off and
warning light
áwill appear on the instru-
ment panel along with a message on the
reconfigurable multifunctional display (for
versions/markets, where provided). Con-
tact Abarth Dealership.HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESP system and
is automatically activated in the following
conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with
a gradient of more than 2%, engine run-
ning, brake pressed and gearbox in neu-
tral or gear other than reverse engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 2%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
At pickup the ESP system control unit will
keep brake force on wheels until reaching
the torque suitable for starting, or in any
case for max. 2 seconds in order to pass
easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
After two seconds without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by re-
leasing gradually the brake force. At re-
leasing, the typical brake disengagement
noise indicating that the car is going to
move will be heard.Failure indications
A failure of the system is indicated by the
turning on warning light áon the instru-
ment panel together with the dedicated
message on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tional display (for versions/markets, where
provided); see section “Warning lights and
messages”.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never leave
the car without having engaged the hand-
brake, turned the engine off and engaged
the first speed.
If the spare wheel is used,
the ESP system keeps oper-
ating. The spare wheel, being smaller
than the original wheel provides less
grip.
For correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must ab-
solutely be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tions and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
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56
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
MSR system
(engine braking torque control)
It is an integral part of the ASR system that
in case of sudden gear downshifting, cuts
in providing torque to the engine thus pre-
venting excessive driving wheel drive that,
specially in poor grip conditions, can lead
to loss of stability.TTC SYSTEM
(Torque Transfer Control)
It is an integral part of the ESP system.
This system improves the transfer of dri-
ve torque to the wheels, guaranteeing
safer and more sporty driving, especially
when cornering, far more able to prevent
understeer.
The system is turned on by pressing the
button in the dashboard C-Fig. 58. The
LED in the TTC button is lit up when it
is on.
It is turned off by pressing the button again
or when the vehicle is switched off (igni-
tion key in STOP position). ASR SYSTEM
(Antislip Regulation)
It’s integral to the ESP system and auto-
matically intervenes in case of slip of one
or both drive wheels, helping the driver
to control the car.
The action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or ex-
cessive acceleration;
❒too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the conditions
of the road surface;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet sur-
face (acquaplaning).
fig. 58
TTC
C
F0S058Ab
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57
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
IMPORTANT After eliminating the in-
convenience, to check the system com-
pletely, Abarth Dealerships are obliged to
run a bench test and, if necessary, road
tests which may also call for a long jour-
ney.EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuous diagnosis of
the components of the car correlated with
emissions. It also alerts the driver, by turn-
ing on the warning light
Uon the instru-
ment panel (together with relevant mes-
sage on the multifunction display, for ver-
sions/markets, where provided), when
these components are no longer in peak
conditions (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
The objective is:
❒to keep the system efficiency under
control;
❒to warn when a fault causes emissions
levels to increase;
❒to warn of the need to replace deteri-
orated components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropri-
ate tools, which makes it possible to read
the error codes stored in the control unit,
together with a series of specific parame-
ters for engine operation and diagnosis.
This check can also be carried out by the
traffic police.Go to a Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible if warning
light
Ueither does not light
up when the key is turned to
MAR or if while travelling the warning
light comes on either steady or blinking
(along with a message on the reconfig-
urable multifunctional display, for ver-
sions/markets, where provided). The op-
eration of warning light
Umay be
checked by the traffic police using spe-
cific devices. Follow the laws in force in
the country where you are driving.
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