2012 Abarth 500 tow

44
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
Lock/release from outside
To open, insert the key in the lock and
turn it to the position 1-fig. 43. When the
key is turned the doors and the tailgate
are simultaneously released.
To release the doors with the remote
control press the button Ë
fig. 43F0S043Abfig. 44F0S044Ab
IMPORTANT If one of the doors is not
properly closed or if there is a fault in the
system, the central locking will not be ac-
tivated. If the operation is repeated 10/11
times in quick succession, the device is ex-
cluded for approximately 30 seconds.
To lock, insert the key in the lock and
turn it to the position 2-fig. 43. When the
key is turned the doors and the tailgate
are simultaneously locked.
To lock the doors with the remote con-
trol press the button Á.Lock/release from inside
To releasepull lever A-fig. 44.
Operating lever A on the driver's side or
on the passenger side releases both doors.
To lock. Push the control lever A-fig. 44
toward the door
Operating the lever on the driver's side or
on the passenger side locks both doors.
The correct lever position with locked doors
is shown by the red symbol A-fig. 44a
visible on the handles.
fig. 44a
A
A
F0S144Ab

58
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure is indicated by instrument pan-
el warning light
gcoming on together
with the message on the reconfigurable
multifunction display (for versions/mar-
kets, where provided) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
In the event of electric power steering sys-
tem failure, the car can be driven with me-
chanical steering.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, fac-
tors independent from the electric pow-
er steering could cause the illumination of
the warning light
gon the instrument
panel.
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
The car has an electrically operated pow-
er assisted system, that only works with
the ignition key in the MARposition and
the engine started, known as Dualdrive.
The electric power steering reduces the
effort on the steering wheel making town
driving and parking manoeuvres particu-
larly easy.
IMPORTANT In case of quick rotation of
the ignition switch, full power steering
functionality can be achieved after 1-2 sec-
onds.
When the SPORT function is turned on
(see “Controls” paragraph in this chapter)
the electric power steering assistance is
altered, increasing the sensitivity of the
steering wheel.
It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out whatever after-
market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifica-
tions (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect per-
formance and safety, cause the lapse
of warranty and also result in non-
compliance of the car with homolo-
gation requirements.
WARNING
Before servicing the car,
switch off the engine and re-
move the key from the ignition de-
vice, activating the steering lock, es-
pecially when car wheels do not
touch the ground. If this is not possi-
ble (if the key must be on MAR or the
engine must be running), remove the
main fuse which protects the electric
power steering.
WARNING
In this case, immediately stop the car, turn
off the engine for about 20 seconds and
then turn on again the engine. If the warn-
ing light
gis still on, along with the mes-
sage on the reconfigurable multifunction-
al display (for versions/markets, where
provided), contact Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT The steering may become
slightly stiff following parking manoeuvres
including a great deal of steering. This is
normal and caused by a system to prevent
motor overheating. No servicing is re-
quired. The power steering system will re-
turn to normal operation the next time
the car is used.

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.

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

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

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

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.

99
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
❒instruction brochure (see fig. 12), to
be used for prompt and proper use of
the quick repair kit and to be then
handed to the personnel charged with
handling the treated tyre;
❒a compressor D-fig. 11complete with
pressure gauge and fittings, in the boot;
fig. 11F0S084Abfig. 12F0S085Ab
❒a pair of protective gloves, that can be
found in the side space of the com-
pressor;
❒adapters for inflating different elements.
In the kit container (placed in the boot un-
der the carpet) are also housed the screw-
driver and the tow hitch.
Give the instruction booklet
to the tyre repair workshop
personnel.
WARNING