2013 Abarth 500 Owner handbook (in English)

128
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
CHECKING FLUID
LEVELS
A.Engine oil filler
B.Engine oil level dispstick
C.Engine coolant
D.Windscreen washer fluid
E.Brake fluid
F.Battery
fig. 1 Never smoke while working
in the engine compartment.
there might be flammable gases and
vapours, with fire hazards.
WARNING
When topping up, pay atten-
tion not to confuse the vari-
ous types of fluids: they are all
reciprocally incompatible and
may severely damage your car.
B
A
D
CE
F
F0S117Ab
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129
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is
usually 400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil con-
sumption can only be considered stabilised
after the first 5,000 ÷ 6,000 km.
IMPORTANT The oil consumption de-
pends on driving style and the conditions
under which the car is used.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine turn over for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after turn-
ing it off before you check the level. ENGINE OIL fig.1
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with the
car parked on level ground.
The oil level shall be included between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick B.
The range between the MIN and MAX
levels corresponds to approximately 1
litre of oil.
If the oil level is near or even under the
MIN line, add oil through the filler Ato
reach the MAX line.
Oil level shall never exceed the MAX line.
Proceed very carefully inside
the engine compartment
when the engine is hot: risk of burns.
Remember that the fan may start up
if the engine is hot: risk of injury. Pay
attention to scarves, ties and other
loose fitting garments: they might get
caught by moving components.
WARNING
Don’t add any oil having dif-
ferent characteristics from
those of the existing engine oil.
The exhausted engine oil and
the replaced oil filter contain
substances that may be dan-
gerous for the environment. It
is advisable to have oil and filters
changed by a Abarth Dealership where
they will be disposed of according to
the law.
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130
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WASHER FLUID fig. 1
To add fluid, remove the cap D, pressing
the special tab.
Pour a mixture of water and TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC 35, in the following
concentrations:
30% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 and
70% water in summer.
50% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 and
50% water in winter.
In case of temperatures below –20°C, use
undiluted TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC
35 fluid.
Check level through the reservoir.
Close the cap Dpressing its central sec-
tion. ENGINE COOLANT fig. 1
The coolant level must be checked when
the engine is cold and must be between
the MIN and MAX lines on the vessel.
If the level is low, pour slowly a mixture
of 50% distilled water and 50%
PARAFLU
UPof the PETRONAS
LUBRICANTSGroup through the filler
neck Cuntil the level reaches MAX.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU
UPand dis-
tilled water gives freeze protection to
–35°C.
When the vehicle is used under particu-
larly harsh climate conditions, we recom-
mend using a 60-40 mixture of
PARAFLU
UPand demineralised water.PARAFLU
UPantifreeze is used
in the engine cooling system.
Use fluid of the same type
contained in the cooling sys-
tem for top-ups. PARAFLU
UPmay not
be mixed with other types of fluids. If
this accidentally occurs, do not start
the engine and contact a Abarth Deal-
ership.
The engine cooling system is
pressurized. If required, re-
place the cap with an original spare
part so as not to compromise system
efficiency. Do not remove the cap
from the vessel when the engine is
hot: risk of burns.
WARNING
Do not travel with the wind-
screen washing reservoir
empty: the windscreen washer is fun-
damental to improve visibility.
Some commercial windscreen wash-
er additives are flammable. The en-
gine compartment contains hot parts
which could start a fire if they come
into contact.
WARNING
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131
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
BRAKE FLUID fig. 1
Release cap E:check that the liquid con-
tained in the tank is at the maximum level.
Fluid level in the reservoir must not ex-
ceed the MAXmark.
Use the brake fluid shown in the “Fluids
and lubricants” table (see “Technical Spec-
ifications”).
NOTE Carefully clean the cap of reservoir
Eand the surrounding surface.
When opening the cap, make sure that no
dirt gets into the reservoir.
For topping up always use a funnel with
built-in filter (mesh smaller than or equal
to 0.12 mm).
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic
(i.e. it absorbs moisture). For this reason,
if the car is mainly used in areas with a high
degree of atmospheric humidity, the fluid
should be replaced at more frequent in-
tervals than specified in the “Service
schedule”.Prevent brake fluid which is
highly corrosive from coming
into contact with painted
parts. Should that occur, im-
mediately wash with water.
The brake fluid is poisonous
and highly corrosive. In the
case of accidental contact, wash the
parts with water and mild soap and
rinse with plenty of water. In case of
swallowing immediately call a doctor.
WARNING
The symbol π, on the con-
tainer indicates a synthetic
brake fluid, which is different from a
mineral fluid. Use of a mineral type
fluid will damage the special rubber
seals of the braking system beyond re-
pair.
WARNING
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132
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
AIR CLEANER/
POLLEN FILTER
Have the air cleaner or the pollen filter re-
placed by a Abarth Dealership.
BATTERY
The car fits a low-maintenance battery: no
top-ups with distilled water are needed in
normal conditions of use.
INSPECTING THE CHARGE
AND THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Inspection operations must be carried out
by specialised personnel, following the
prescriptions contained in the Use and
maintenance booklet. Any top-up opera-
tions must be carried out by specialised
personnel and by Abarth Dealership.
Battery liquid is poisonous
and corrosive. Avoid contact
with the skin and eyes. Keep naked
flames and sources of sparks away
from the battery: risk of explosion
and fire.
WARNING
Running the battery with an
excessively low liquid level
will damage the battery beyond re-
pair and even cause an explosion.
WARNING
CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a gen-
uine spare part having the same specifi-
cations.
If a battery with different specifications is
fitted, the service intervals given in the
“Service schedule” in this section will no
longer be valid.
Refer therefore to the instructions pro-
vided by the battery manufacturer.
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133
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
for a long time under 50%, the battery is
damaged by sulphation, reducing its ca-
pacity and starting attitude.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (e.g. already at -10°C). Refer to
the paragraph “Car inactivity” in “Starting
and driving” if the car is left parked for a
long time.
If after buying the car, you want to install
electric accessories which require per-
manent electric supply (alarm, etc.) con-
tact Abarth Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, checking
whether the car’s electric system is capa-
ble of withstanding the load required, or
whether it should be integrated with a
more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing en-
ergy even when the ignition key is off, they
gradually run down the battery. USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and length-
en its life, observe the following indica-
tions:
❒when you park the car, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly;
❒switch off all lights inside the car: the
car is however equipped with a system
which switches all internal lights off au-
tomatically;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound sys-
tem, hazard lights, etc.) switched on for
a long time when the engine is not run-
ning;
❒before performing any operation on the
electrical system, disconnect the bat-
tery negative cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be per-
fectly tightened. Incorrect assembly of electric
and electronic devices may
cause severe damage to your
car. Go to a Abarth Dealer-
ship if you want to install accessories
(alarms, mobile phone, etc.): they will
suggest the most suitable devices and
advise you if a higher capacity battery
needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances
that can be very dangerous
for the environment. t is ad-
visable to have the battery
changed by a Abarth Dealership where
it will be disposed of according to the
law.
If the vehicle must remain
unused for a long time at
very low temperature, remove the
battery and carry it to a warm place,
to avoid freezing.
WARNING
When you must perform any
operation on the battery or
near it, always protect your eyes with
the special goggles.
WARNING
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134
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the tyre pressures every couple of
weeks and before long journies.
This check should be carried out with the
tyres at rest and cold.
It is normal for pressure to increase when
the car is used. For the correct tyre in-
flation pressure, see “Wheels” in “Tech-
nical specifications” section.
fig. 4F0S118Ab
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Avoid braking suddenly, burning starts
and violent knocks against the curb,
potholes or other obstacles if possible.
Long distances on rough roads may
damage the tyres;
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the
sides, swelling or irregular tread wear.
Go to a Abarth Dealership if required.
❒do not over load your car: this may
cause serious damage to wheels and
tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop immediate-
ly and charge it to avoid damage to the
tyre, the rim, suspensions and steering
system; Wrong pressure causes abnormal wear of
tyres fig. 4:
Anormal pressure: evenly worn tread.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
on the edges.
Cexcessive pressure: tread particularly
worn in the middle.
The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In all cas-
es, follow the laws in force in the coun-
try where you are driving.
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135
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber
hoses are concerned, carefully follow the
“Service schedule” in this section.
Ozone, high temperatures and prolonged
lack of fluid in the system may cause hard-
ening and cracking of the hoses, with pos-
sible leaks. Careful inspections are there-
fore necessary.
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used
much. Cracks in the tread and on the
sidewalls are a sign of ageing. Have the
tyres checked by specialised personnel
if they have been fitted for longer than
6 years;
❒In the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of dubious
origin;
❒If a tyre is changed, also change the in-
flation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to change
them over every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same side
of the car so as not to reverse the di-
rection of rotation.
Remember that the road
holding qualities of your car
also depends on the correct inflation
pressure of the tyres.
WARNING
If the pressure is too low the
tyre will get overheated, with
the risk of serious damages.
WARNING
Avoid moving the tyres from
the right side of the vehicle
to the left side and vice versa.
WARNING
Do not repaint alloy wheel
rims at temperatures higher
than 150°C. The mechanical charac-
teristics of the wheels might be dis-
rupted.
WARNING
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