2011 Abarth 500 Owner handbook (in English)

88
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
GENERAL WARNINGS
Lighting of a warning light is associated to
a specific message and/or buzzer when ap-
plicable. These indications are brief and
precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or alterna-
tive to the information contained in the
Owner’s Handbook, which you are rec-
ommended to read carefully in all cases.
Refer to the information in this chap-
ter in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications on the
display fall into either of two categories:
seriousfaults and less seriousfaults.
Seriousfailures are indicated by a re-
peated and prolonged warning “cycle”.
Less seriousfailures are indicated by a
limited warning “cycle”.
Press MENU ESCto stop the warning
cycle in both cases. The warning light on
the instrument panel will stay on until the
cause of the fault is eliminated.LOW BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL (red)
HANDBRAKE ON (red)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe
warning light turns on, but it should go off
after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the lev-
el of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls
below the minimum level, due to possi-
ble leak in the circuit.
On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
x
If the warning light xturns
on when travelling (on cer-
tain versions together with the mes-
sage on the display) stop the car im-
mediately and contact Abarth Deal-
ership.
WARNING
Handbrake on
The warning light turns on when the hand-
brake is on.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on
when travelling, check that the handbrake
is not engaged.
AIR BAG FAILURE
(red)
Turning the ignition key to
MARthe warning light turns on, but it
should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on glowing steadi-
ly if there is a failure in the air bag system.
On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
¬

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

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

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

92
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
Go to a Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible if warning
light
Udoes not light up
when the key is turned to
MAR or if, while travelling, the warn-
ing light comes on either steady or
blinking (along with a message on the
display). The operation of warning light
Umay be checked by the traffic po-
lice using specific devices. Follow the
laws in force in the country where you
are driving.
K
FUEL RESERVE
(amber)
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 about 5
litres of fuel are left in the tank.
IMPORTANT The warning light will blink
to indicate a system failure. Go to a Abarth
Dealership to have the system checked.
CAR PROTECTION
SYSTEM FAILURE -
FIAT CODE (amber)
If with the ignition key at MAR, the warn-
ing light stays on, this indicates a possible
failure (see “Fiat Code system” in section
“Your car”).
IMPORTANT Warning lights
Uand Ywill come on at the same time to indicate
a Fiat CODE system failure.
If with the engine running the warning light
Yflashes, this means that the car is not
protected by the engine inhibitor device
(see “Fiat Code system” in section “Your
car”).
Contact Abarth Dealership to have all the
key stored.
Y
REAR FOG LIGHTS
(amber)
The warning light comes on
when the rear fog lights are turned on.
4
GENERIC FAILURE
INDICATION
(amber)
The warning light turns on in the follow-
ing circumstances.
Engine oil pressure
sensor failure
The warning light turns on when failure
is detected in parking sensors. Go to a
Abarth Dealership to have the fault fixed
as soon as possible.
è
If the light flashes, release the accelerator
pedal to lower the speed of the engine un-
til the warning light stops flashing; contin-
ue the journey at moderate speed, trying
to avoid driving conditions that may cause
further flashing and contact Abarth Deal-
ership as soon as possible.

SIDE/TAILLIGHTS
AND LOW BEAMS
(green)
FOLLOW ME HOME
(green)
Side/taillights and low beams
The warning light turns on when side/tail-
lights or low beams are turned on.
Follow me home
The warning light will turn on when this
device is active (see “Follow me home”
in section “Your car”).
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
93
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
Fuel cut-off inertial switch
intervention/fuel cut-off not
available
The warning light turns on when the fu-
el cut-off inertial switch intervenes or
when the fuel cut-off system is not avail-
able.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
External lights failure
The warning light comes on when an ex-
ternal light failure is detected.ESP SYSTEM FAILURE/
HILL HOLDER FAILURE
(amber)
ESP system failure
Turning the ignition key to MARthe
warning light turns on, but it should go off
after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not go out or re-
mains on whilst driving, go to an Abarth
Dealership.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
NoteWarning light flashing when driving
indicates that the ESP system is active.
Hill Holder failure
Turning the ignition key to MARthe
warning light turns on, but it should go off
after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on to indicate a
Hill holder system failure. In this case, con-
tact Abarth Dealership as soon as possi-
ble.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
3á

94
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
FRONT FOG LIGHTS
(green)
The warning light turns on
when the front fog lights are turned on.
5
LEFT-HAND
DIRECTION
INDICATOR
(green - intermittent)
The warning light turns on when the di-
rection indicator control lever is moved
downwards or, together with the right in-
dicator, when the hazard warning light
button is pressed.
F
RIGHT-HAND
DIRECTION
INDICATOR
(green - intermittent)
The warning light turns on when the di-
rection indicator control lever is moved
upwards or, together with the left indica-
tor, when the hazard warning light button
is pressed.
D
ENGAGEMENT OF
SPORT FUNCTION
The word lights (up in the mul-
tifunction “SPORT” and reconfigurable
multifunction display “S”) when the con-
trol button is pressed and the sports set-
ting is turned on. If the button is pressed
again the word SPORT goes out.
SPORT
MAIN BEAMS
(blue)
The warning light turns on
when the main beams are turned on.
1
LIMITED RANGE
(versions with reconfigurable
multifunctional display)
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage to warn the driver that the cruising
range is less than 50 km.
POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD
This indication starts flashing when the
outside temperature reaches or falls be-
low 3°C to warn the driver of the possi-
ble presence of ice on the road.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage when the car exceeds the set speed
limit (see “Reconfigurable Multifunction
Display” in section “Your car”).BRAKE PAD WEAR
(amber)
The warning light on the dial
turns on (and the message ap-
pears on the display) if the front brake pads
are worn; in this case have them changed
as soon as possible.
d
SEAT BELTS
NOT FASTENED (red)
The warning light on the display
will light up when the car is mov-
ing and the driver’s seat belt is not correctly
fastened. The warning light will go on, and
a steady beep will be emitted for the first
6 seconds when front seatbelts are not
properly fastened and the vehicle is run-
ning; for the next 96 seconds the warning
light will continue blinking and the beep will
become intermittent. The buzzer of the
S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system may on-
ly be switched off by a Abarth Dealership.
The system can be reactivated from the
set-up menu. The display will show the ded-
icated message.
<

95
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
ENGINE STARTING ........................................................... 96
QUICK TYRE REPAIR KIT FIX&GO automatic........... 98
WHEN NEEDING TO CHANGE A BULB ................... 107
IF AN EXTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT.......................... 111
IF AN INTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT.......................... 114
IF A FUSE BLOWS................................................................ 116
IF THE BATTERY IS FLAT .................................................. 121
LIFTING THE CAR............................................................... 122
TOWING THE CAR ........................................................... 122
II I
N N
A A
N N
E E
M M
E E
R R
G G
E E
N N
C C
Y Y
In an emergency we recommend that you call the toll-free number found on the
Warranty Booklet. You can also connect to the site www.fiat500.com
to search for the nearest Abarth Dealership point