2012 FIAT 500 ABARTH towing

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flashers ................ 248
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 248
 TIREFIT Kit ......................... 249
▫ TIREFIT Storage ..................... 250
▫ TIREFIT Kit Components And Operation . . . 250
▫ TIREFIT Usage Precautions ............. 251
▫ Sealing A Tire With TIREFIT ............ 254
 Jacking And Tire Changing — If Equipped . . . 259
▫ Jack Location ....................... 260 ▫
Preparations For Jacking ............... 260
▫ Jacking Instructions ................... 261
 Jump-Starting Procedure ................ 266
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 266
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 268
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................. 270
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 271
▫ With Ignition Key .................... 271
▫ Without The Ignition Key .............. 272
6

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Manual Transmission
•
Vehicle can be flat towed (all four wheels on the
ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
•Vehicle can be towed with the front wheels elevated.
•Vehicle can be towed on a flatbed truck (all wheels off
the ground).
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON/
RUN position. Make certain the transmission remains in
NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position.
•Do not attempt to use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 271

Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the OFF/LOCK position. A dolly
should be used under the front wheels if the rear wheels
are raised. Proper towing equipment is necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these towing methods can cause
severe transmission damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM – OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and transmis-
sion control systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well
within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291

Brake Assist System................... 207
Traction Control System ................ 208
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 100
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 210
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 135
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 248
Jacking ............................ 259
Jump Starting ....................... 266
Towing ............................ 271
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 276
Engine Break-In Recommendations .............. 63
Checking Oil Level ................... 280
Compartment ....................... 275
Cooling ........................... 292
Exhaust Gas Caution ................65,242
Fails to Start ........................ 198
Flooded, Starting ..................... 198 Fuel Requirements
.................... 238
Oil ......................... 280,314,315
Oil Change Interval ................... 280
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 281
Oil Filter ........................... 315
Oil Selection ........................ 281
Overheating ........................ 248
Starting ........................... 196
Temperature Gauge ................... 133
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 47
Event Data Recorder ...................... 52
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 24,65,242
Exhaust System ....................... 65,289
Exterior Lights .......................... 68
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 135
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 282
Engine Oil ....................... 282,315
10
INDEX 345

Onboard Diagnostic System................ 276
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Overheating, Engine ................... 133,248
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,336
Paint Care ............................. 300
Parking Brake .......................... 202
Pets .................................. 63
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 219
Power Door Locks ......................... 20
Mirrors ............................ 74
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 112
Steering ........................... 202
Sunroof ........................... 109
Windows ........................... 22
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 316
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 37
Preparation for Jacking .................... 260 Pretensioners
Seat Belts ........................... 35
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 226
Radio (Sound Systems) .................... 151
Radio Operation ...................... 151,179
Radio Reception ........................ 151
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ...................... 23
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 52
Recreational Towing ...................... 245
Refrigerant ............................ 286
Release, Hood ........................... 89
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 35
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 177
Replacement Keys ........................ 14
Replacement Parts ....................... 278
Replacement Tires ....................... 230
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 335
Restraints, Child ....................... 53,58
350 INDEX

Life of Tires........................ 229
Load Capacity .................... 219,220
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 233
Pressure Warning Light ................ 127
Quality Grading ..................... 337
Radial ............................ 226
Replacement ........................ 230
Rotation ........................... 232
Safety .......................... 214,223
Sizes ............................. 215
Spinning ........................... 228
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 229
To Open Hood .......................... 89
Towing ............................... 245
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 271
Recreational ........................ 245
Trailer Towing .......................... 245
Transaxle Automatic .......................... 11 Transmission
Manual ........................... 300
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 17
Transporting Pets ........................ 63
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 229
Trip Odometer .......................... 134
Turn Signals ......................... 93,125
UCI Connector ......................... 176
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 337
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 176
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 238
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ......................... 220
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 191,310
10
INDEX 353