2012 FIAT 500 ABARTH hood release

downward on the head restraint. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for information on tether routing.TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released.
1. Pull the bottom of the RED hood release lever, located
on the left kick panel, rearward.
Rear Head Restraint
Hood Release Lever
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, or refrigerants.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium-based grease, such as
MOPAR Spray White Lube or equivalent to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild, nonabrasive cleaner or use the washer solvent. This
will remove accumulations of salt, waxes or road film
and help reduce streaking and smearing.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) per-
formance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission , the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to
both the brake system and the clutch release system. The
two systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in
one system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297

Underhood Fuses
The Front Distribution Unit is located on the right side of
the engine compartment, next to the battery. To access the
fuses, press the release tabs and remove the cover.
The ID number of the electrical component correspond-
ing to each fuse can be found on the back of the cover.Cavity Maxi Fuse Mini Fuse DescriptionF01 60 Amp Blue Body Controller
F02 20 Amp Yellow Audio Amplifier
F03 20 Amp Yellow Ignition Switch
F04 40 Amp Orange Anti-Lock Brake
Pump
F05 70 Amp Ta n Electric Power
Steering
F06 20 Amp Yellow Radiator Fan -
Single Speed
F06 30 Amp Green Radiator Fan -
Low Speed
F07 40 Amp Orange Radiator Fan -
High Speed
Front Distribution Unit
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 200
Headlights ............................. 92
Cleaning ........................... 304
High Beam ......................... 125
Switch ............................. 92
Heated Seats ............................ 87
Heater ............................... 180
Hill Start Assist ......................... 209
Holder, Cup ........................... 115
Hood Release ........................... 89
Ignition ............................... 11
Key ............................... 11
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 11
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ................... 13
Infant Restraint .......................... 54
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 135 Instrument Cluster
....................... 124
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 121
Instrument Panel Cover ................... 305
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 305
Interior Appearance Care .................. 303
Interior Lighting ......................... 94
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 260
Jack Operation ....................... 259,261
Jacking Instructions ...................... 261
Jump Starting .......................... 266
Key-In Reminder ......................... 13
Key, Replacement ........................ 14
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 13
Keys .................................. 11
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 125
10
INDEX 347

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