80
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒press the clutch pedal down to the
floor without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVVand let
it go the moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR, war-
ning light
Yremains lit together with
warning light Uturn the key to STOP
and then back to MAR; if the warning li-
ght remains on, try with the other keys
provided with the car.
If you still do not manage to start the en-
gine, go to an Abarth Dealership.
STARTING THE
ENGINE
The car is provided with an electronic en-
gine lock device: refer to “The Fiat CO-
DE system” paragraph in “Your car” if you
cannot start the engine.
The engine may be noisier during the first
seconds of operation, particularly after a
long period of inactivity. This does not im-
pair functionality and reliability and is typ-
ical of hydraulic tappets: the distribution
system selected for the petrol engines of
your car in order to limit the maintenance
required.
In the first period of use, we
recommend to avoid excessi-
ve stress for the car (for in-
stance excessive accelera-
tions, extended travel at maximum
speed, sudden braking etc.).
With engine off, do not leave
the key in the ignition switch
on MAR to prevent draining
the battery.
It is dangerous to have the
engine running in closed en-
vironments. The engine depletes the
oxygen and discharges carbon dioxi-
de, carbon monoxide and other toxic
gases.
WARNING
Remember that the servo-
brake and electric power
steering are not operational until the
engine has been started, therefore
more effort than usual is required on
the brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
Never jump start the engine
by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. This could cause a
flow of fuel into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond re-
pair.
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81
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to operate the
handbrake.
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒engage a gear (on a slope, engage first
gear if the car is faced uphill or rever-
se if it is faced downhill) and leave the
wheels steered.
If the car is parked on a steep slope, it is
further advisable to block the wheels with
a wedge or stone.
Do not leave the ignition key on MARto
prevent draining the battery. Always re-
move the key when you leave the car.
Never leave children unattended in the
car. Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car and take it out with you. HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium speed. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performan-
ce for the first few kilometres. Wait un-
til the engine coolant temperature gau-
ge starts moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the engi-
ne compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the accele-
rator before turning off the
engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.The car must be braked after
a few snaps of the lever,
otherwise, contact the Abarth Dea-
lership for regulation.
WARNING
When the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is on MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
xwill turn
on.
Proceed as follows to release the hand-
brake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A-fig. 1;
❒hold button Apressed and lower the
lever. Warning light xon the instru-
ment panel will go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
fig. 1
A
F0S076Ab
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84
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups
will prevent the engine from reaching op-
timal running temperature. Consequently,
both consumption (from +15 to +30% on
urban cycle ) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption is caused by
heavy traffic, for instance when travelling
in a queue with frequent use of low gears
or in cities with many traffic lights. Moun-
tain and rough roads also have a negative
effect on consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings)
the engine should be switched off.SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided with the car.
Abarth Dealership will be happy to pro-
vide advice concerning the most suitable
type of tyre for the customer’s require-
ments.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of snow
tyres, follow the instructions given in pa-
ragraph “Wheels” in section “Technical
specifications”.
The performance of these tyres is consi-
derably reduced when the tread thickness
is less than 4 mm. Replace them in this ca-
se.
Due to their specific features, the perfor-
mance of snow tyres is much lower than
that of normal types in normal conditions
or long motorway stretches. Limit perfor-
mance according to the use for which they
were approved. Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
as speed increases. Keep your speed as
even as possible, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration which cause ex-
cessive fuel consumption and increase
emissions.
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative
effect on consumptions and emissions: ac-
celerate gradually.
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85
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in com-
pliance with local regulations.
The snow chains may be applied only on-
to the front wheel tyres (drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the
first few metres have been driven. IMPORTANT When snow tyres are used
with a max speed index below the one
that can be reached by the car (increased
by 5%), place a notice in the passenger’s
compartment, plainly in the driver’s view
which states the max permissible speed of
the snow tyres (as per EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand
and track) to ensure greater safety when
driving and braking and better driveability.
Remember that it is inappropriate to chan-
ge the direction of rotation of tyres.
EXTENDED
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if pos-
sible well-ventilated premises;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not enga-
ged;
❒disconnect battery negative terminal
and check charge (see paragraph “Bat-
tery - Charge and electrolyte level
check” in chapter “Maintenance and ca-
re”)
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;
Snow tyre maximum speed
with “Q” mark must not ex-
ceed 160 km/h, respecting however
the applicable rules of the Highway
Code.
WARNINGKeep your speed down when
snow chains are fitted. Do
not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes,
steps and pavements and avoid also
to drive for long distances on roads
not covered with snow to prevent da-
maging the car and the roadbed.
WARNING
079-086 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:42 Pagina 85
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
91
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
EOBD/INJECTION
SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber yellow)
Under normal conditions, when
the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
warning light comes on, but should go off
as soon as the engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or comes
on whilst driving, this means that the in-
jection system is not working properly;
in particular, if the warning light comes on
constantly, this indicates a malfunction in
the supply/ignition system that could cause
excessive exhaust emissions, a possible
loss of performance, poor driveability and
high consumption.
On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
In these conditions, the vehicle can con-
tinue travelling at moderate speed with-
out demanding excessive effort from the
engine. The prolonged use of the car with
the warning light on constantly could
cause damage so it is advisable to go to a
Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
The warning light goes out if the malfunc-
tion disappears, but the system still mem-
orizes the problem.
Warning light turning on flashing indicates
the possibility of damage to the catalyst.
U
INCOMPLETE DOOR
LOCKING (red)
On certain versions the warn-
ing light turns on when one or
more doors or the tailgate are not prop-
erly shut.
On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
When doors are open and the vehicle is
running, a beep is emitted (only for ver-
sions with reconfigurable multifunction
display).
´
“DUALDRIVE”
ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE
(red)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe
warning light turns on, but it should go off
after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, you will not
have the steering assistance and the effort
on the steering wheel will be increased,
steering is however possible: go to a
Abarth Dealership.
On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
g
If warning light vflashes,
contact Abarth Dealership
as soon as possible to have oil
changed and instrument panel warn-
ing light turned off.
WARNING
087-094 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:42 Pagina 91
97
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
Proceed as follows:
❒Connect positive terminals (+ sign near
the terminal) of the two batteries with
a jump lead;
❒With a second lead, connect the nega-
tive terminal (–) of the auxiliary battery
to an earthing point
Eon the engine or
the gearbox of the car to be started;
❒Start the engine;
❒When the engine has been started, re-
move the leads reversing the order
above.
If after a few attempts the engine does not
start, do not insist any further but contact
the nearest Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never connect the negative
terminals of the two batteries directly:
sparks could ignite explosive gas released
from the battery. If the auxiliary battery is
installed on another car, prevent acciden-
tal contact between metallic parts of the
two cars.BUMP STARTING
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill.
This could cause a flow of fuel into the cat-
alytic converter and damage it beyond re-
pair.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake
booster and the power steering system
are not operating until the engine is start-
ed, a greater effort will therefore be re-
quired to press the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.
095-122 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:43 Pagina 97
98
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
QUICK TYRE REPAIR
KIT - Automatic FIX &
GO
The quick tyre repair kit Fix & Go auto-
matic is placed in the boot A-fig. 2.
Signal that the vehicle is sta-
tionary in accordance with
the following legal requirements:
hazard warning lights, emergency
warning triangle, etc. It is advisable
for the people in the vehicle to get
out, especially if the vehicle is heavi-
ly laden, and wait until the repair is
carried out, well away from any dan-
gerous traffic. In the case of uneven
roads or roads on an incline, place
chocks or other suitable materials un-
der the wheels to secure the vehicle.
WARNING
fig. 2F0S079Ab
The kit fig. 11includes:
❒bottle A containing sealer and fitted
with:
– filling pipe B;
– label Cwith the caption “max. 80
km/h”, to be affixed in a place clear-
ly visible for the driver (on the dash-
board) after repairing the tyre;
095-122 ABARTH 500 GB 29-04-2009 9:43 Pagina 98