2012 FIAT 500 ABARTH service indicator

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
19. Engine Temperature Warning Light This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. The engine coolant temperature indicator
will illuminate and a single chime will sound after
reaching a set threshold.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher,
and summer tires, typically have a reduced tread life.
Rotation of these tires per the vehicle maintenance sched-
ule is highly recommended
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 229

WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine. 2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 277

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oilif it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Change Engine Oil” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S318 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Lubrication, Body....................... 286
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 283
Maintenance Procedures ................... 279
Maintenance Schedule .................... 318
Maintenance, General ..................... 279
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 129,277
Manual Transmission ..................... 300
Fluid Level Check .................... 300
Frequency of Fluid Change ............. 300
Lubricant Selection ................... 300
Manual, Service ......................... 336
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 297
Mirrors ................................ 72
Automatic Dimming ................... 72
Electric Powered ...................... 74
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 233
Multi-Function Control Lever ................ 92New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 63
Occupant Restraints ..................... 43,49
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........24,40,41,43,46
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 238
Odometer ............................. 134
Trip .............................. 134
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 138
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 138
Oil, Engine ......................... 280,314
Capacity ........................... 314
Change Interval ..................... 280
Checking .......................... 280
Disposal ........................... 282
Filter ............................. 282
Identification Logo ................... 281
Materials Added to ................... 282
Recommendation .................. 281,314
Viscosity ........................... 281
10
INDEX 349