38
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
If, after a crash, you smell fu-
el or notice leaks from the
fuel system, do not reset the system
to avoid fire risk.
WARNING
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
It intervenes in case of collision, activating:
❒switch off of fuel supply with resultant
engine switch off;
❒automatic door lock release;
❒switch on of all lights inside the car.
When the system is active, the message
“Fuel cut-off see handbook” is displayed.
Carefully check the car for fuel leaks, for
instance in the engine compartment, be-
low the car or near the tank area.
After the collision, position ignition key on
STOPto avoid battery draining.To reset car operation, follow this pro-
cedure:
❒turn the ignition key to MAR;
❒activate the right-hand indicator;
❒deactivate the right-hand indicator;
❒activate the left-hand indicator;
❒deactivate the left-hand indicator;
❒activate the right-hand indicator;
❒deactivate the right-hand indicator;
❒activate the left-hand indicator;
❒deactivate the left-hand indicator;
❒turn the ignition key to STOP. REAR FOG LIGHTS fig. 34
They turn on, with low beams on, press-
ing the button D.
With lights on, the warning light 4on the
instrument panel will come on at the same
time. Press the button again to turn the
lights off.
123456AUD
F0S034Abfig. 34
023-045 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:41 Pagina 38
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.
046-062 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:41 Pagina 54
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.
046-062 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:41 Pagina 57
77
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
GENERAL WARNINGS
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or if it stays on when
travelling (together with the message
on the multifunctional display, where
provided) there could be a failure in
safety systems; in this event air bags
or pretensioners may not be deployed
in case of impact or, in a minor num-
ber of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact Abarth Dealer-
ship immediately to have the system
checked before driving off.
WARNING
Do not cover the front seat
backrest with covers if a
Side-bag is fitted.
WARNING
Do not travel with objects in
your lap, in front of your
chest, or keeping between your lips
pipes, pencils, etc.. In the event of
crash with airbag activation, you may
be seriously injured.
WARNING
Always drive keeping your
hands on the steering wheel
crown so that, in the event of airbag
activation, it can inflate without find-
ing obstacles. Do not drive with your
body bent forward. Keep the backrest
in straight position, resting correctly
your back on it.
WARNINGWith ignition key inserted,
on MAR, even if the engine
is off, the air bags can activate also
with the car stopped, if it is hit by an-
other vehicle. For this reason, children
must never sit on the front seat, even
if the car is not moving. We remind
you that if the key is inserted on
STOP, no safety device (air bag or
pretensioner) activates following a
collision; no deployment in such cas-
es is consequently not the sign of a
fault.
WARNING
It someone tried to steal or
damage your car, and in the
event of floods, have the air bag sys-
tem checked by the Abarth Dealer-
ship.
WARNING
063-078 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:42 Pagina 77
82
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some useful tips to save fuel and
minimize polluting emissions of CO
2and
other pollutants (nitric oxide, unburnt hy-
drocarbons, fine dusts etc…).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedule”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly at least on-
ce every four weeks: excessively low pres-
sure will increase consumption because
rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affect consumption and stabi-
lity.
USING THE MANUAL
GEARBOX
To engage the gears, press the clutch pe-
dal fully and shift the gear lever into one
of the required positions (the diagram is
shown on the knob fig. 2).
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be enga-
ged when the car is at a standstill. With
the engine running, wait for at least 2 se-
conds with the clutch pedal fully pressed
before engaging reverse to prevent da-
mage to the gears and grating.
In addition, to assist the transmission of the
drive torque, a limit on the engine revs du-
ring take off at 2700 rpm can be noticed.
When the clutch pedal is released and the
vehicle is being driven, the engine revs re-
striction is disabled.
To engage reverse gear Rfrom neutral,
move the lever to the right and then
backwards.
IMPORTANT The clutch pedal must be
used for gear shift only. Never drive with
the foot resting, even if slightly, on the
clutch pedal. For versions/markets, whe-
re provided, the clutch pedal control elec-
tronics can intervene interpreting the
wrong drive style as a faultPress the clutch pedal fully to
change gears correctly. For
this reason, there must be no
obstacles on the floor under
the pedals: ensure that rubber mats (if
any) are correctly positioned, not in-
terfering with the pedals.
Do not drive with the hand
resting on the gear lever, be-
cause this pressure, even if light, over
time can wear gear inner compo-
nents.
WARNING
fig. 2
1
23
45
R
24R351
A
F0S077Ab
079-086 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:42 Pagina 82
86
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the nor-
mal specified pressure and check it at
intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts
using special compounds readily avai-
lable;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber
windscreen and rear window wiper bla-
des and lift them off the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a fabric or perfora-
ted plastic sheet. Do not use compact
plastic sheets which do not allow hu-
midity to evaporate from the surface of
the car.
079-086 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:42 Pagina 86
89
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or if it stays on when
travelling (together with the message
on the multifunctional display, where
provided) there could be a failure in
safety systems; in this event air bags
or pretensioners may not be deployed
in case of impact or, in a minor num-
ber of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact Abarth Dealer-
ship immediately to have the system
checked before driving off.
WARNING
The failure of the warning
light
¬(warning light off) is
indicated by intermittent blinking of
the warning light
“that signals front
passenger airbag deactivated.
WARNING
FRONT PASSENGER
AIRBAG
DEACTIVATED
(amber)
Warning light
“comes on when front
passenger’s airbag is deactivated.
With front passenger’s airbag on, turning
the ignition key to MAR, warning light
“comes on steadily for about 4 seconds, it
flashes for other 4 seconds and then it
shall go off.
“
Warning light “indicates
failure of warning light ¬.
This condition is indicated by inter-
mittent blinking of warning light
“for longer than 4 seconds. In this case,
warning light ¬may not indicate
fault to the system. Contact Abarth
Dealership immediately to have the
system checked before driving off.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE
COOLANT (red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the en-
gine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as
follows:
❒during normal travel: stop the car,
stop the engine and check that the wa-
ter level in the vessel is not under the
MIN line. In this case, wait for a few
minutes for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap,
top-up with coolant and check that the
level is between the MIN and MAX
references on the vessel itself. Also
check for leakages. Should the warn-
ing light turn on again at the next start-
up, contact Abarth Dealership.
u
087-094 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:42 Pagina 89
90
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
❒If the vehicle is used under severe
conditions(e.g. towing of trailers up-
hill or fully loaded vehicle): slow down
and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stand for 2 or 3 minutes with
the engine running and slightly accel-
erated to ease a better circulation of
coolant. Then stop the engine. Check
correct liquid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly accel-
erated for a few minutes before switching
it off.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go out as soon as the engine is
started (with the engine running at idle
speed a brief delay in going out is allowed).
If the warning light stays on glowing steadi-
ly or flashing: contact immediately Abarth
Dealership.
w
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light will light up when the
system is either not working or not avail-
able. In the case, the braking system will
work as normal without the extra poten-
tials offered by the ABS system. Drive
carefully and go to a Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
>
EBD FAILURE
(red) (amber)
Warning lights
xand >lit at the same
time with the engine running indicates an
EBD system failure or that the system is
not available. Early locking of the rear
wheels may occur in the event of violent
braking causing the car to swerve. Drive
very carefully to a Abarth Dealership to
have the system inspected.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
x>
LOW ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE (red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on,
but it should go out as soon as the engine
is started.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
v
If the warning light vturns on when the car is trav-
elling (on certain versions together
with the message on the display) stop
the engine immediately and contact
a Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
087-094 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:42 Pagina 90