2012 FIAT 500 ABARTH oil temperature

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Glow Plug Light — If EquippedThe Glow Plug light will flash during engine oil
viscosity sensor measurement in cold weather.
During this measurement (up to 10 seconds), the starter
will be disabled. If the measured oil viscosity is OK, the
light will turn off and the engine will be allowed to crank.
If the measured oil viscosity is too high, engine cranking
will be disabled and the light will blink repeatedly until
the oil temperature is raised, preferably by an externally-
powered electric engine block heater (available from
your authorized dealer).
The message Plug In Engine Heater, will be displayed
in the instrument cluster when the ambient temperature
is below 5°F (-15°C) at the time the engine is shut off as
a reminder to avoid possible crank delays at the next cold
start. 2. Rear Defrost Button
Press and release this button to turn on the rear
window defroster. This indicator will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after 20 minutes.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
(Continued)
124 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Cold Weather Operation
To prevent possible engine damage while starting at low
temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit engine cranking
when the ambient temperature is less than –22° F (–30° C)
and the oil temperature sensor reading indicates an
engine block heater has not been used. An externally-
powered electric engine block heater is available as
optional equipment or from your authorized dealer.
The messageplug in engine heater will be displayed in
the instrument cluster when the ambient temperature is
below 5° F (–15° C) at the time the engine is shut off as a
reminder to avoid possible crank delays at the next cold
start.CAUTION!
Use of the recommended SAE 5W-40 synthetic en-
gine oil and adhering to the prescribed oil change
intervals is important to prevent engine damage and
ensure satisfactory starting in cold conditions.
Extended Park Starting
NOTE: Extended Park condition occurs when the ve-
hicle has not been started or driven for at least 35 days.
1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery
to ensure a full battery charge during the crank cycle.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it when the engine starts.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 197

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and
about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range markings on the
dipstick. The safe range is indicated by a crosshatch zone.
Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the indicated range will result in the oil level at the full
end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
temperature. This loss of oil pressure and increased
oil temperature could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for tur-
bocharged engines under all types of operating condi-
tions, the manufacturer recommends synthetic engine
oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-10896.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-40 full synthetic engine oil is recommended for
all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low
temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281

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

Lane Change Assist....................... 94
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 27
Latches ................................ 68
Hood .............................. 89
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 238
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 68
Life of Tires ............................ 229
Liftgate (Sedan) .......................... 23
Light Bulbs ............................. 68
Lights ............................. 68,91,92
Airbag ...................... 44,52,66,126
Anti-Lock .......................... 132
Brake Assist Warning .................. 212
Brake Warning ...................... 131
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 130
Exterior ............................ 68
Fog .............................. 125
High Beam .......................... 92
High Beam Indicator .................. 125 Low Fuel
.......................... 125
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 129
Oil Pressure ........................ 129
Park .............................. 92
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 126
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction
Indicator) .......................... 129
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 127
Traction Control ..................... 212
Turn Signal ..................... 68,93,125
Voltage ............................ 126
Wait to Start ........................ 124
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 124
Loading Vehicle Tires .............................. 219
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 21
Door .............................. 19
Power Door ......................... 20
348 INDEX