65
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
PRETENSIONERS
To increase the efficiency of the seat belts,
the car is fitted with front pretensioners.
These devices, in the event of a violent
crash, rewind the seat belts a few cen-
timetres. In this way they ensure that the
seat belt adheres perfectly to the wearer
before the restraining action begins. The
seat belt locks to indicate that the device
has intervened; the seat belt cannot be
drawn back up even when guiding it man-
ually.
This car is provided with a second pre-
tensioner (in the sill board area). Its acti-
vation is signalled by the shortening of the
metallic cable.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest de-
gree of protection from the action of the
pretensioning device, wear the seat belt
keeping it firmly close to the chest and
pelvis.
A small amount of smoke may be pro-
duced. This smoke is in no way toxic and
presents no fire hazard. The pretension-
er does not require any maintenance or
greasing. Anything that modifies its origi-
nal conditions invalidates its efficiency. If
due to unusual natural events (floods, seas
storm, etc.) the device has been affected
by water and mud, it must necessarily be
replaced.LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger’s safety, the reels
contain a load limiter which allows con-
trolled sag in such a way as to dose the
force acting on the chest and shoulders
during the belt restraining action in case
of front crash.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting
and ensuring that all the other occupants
of the car also respect the local laws in
force in relation to the use of seat belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before start-
ing off.
Seat belts must also be used by pregnant
women: risk will be significantly reduced
for both the expectant mother and the
child in the event of an accident. Pregnant
women must position the lower part of
the belt very low down so that it passes
under the abdomen (see fig. 2). The pretensioner can only
be used once. Go to a Abarth
Dealership to have it replaced after
is has been deployed. The expiration
date is shown on the label on the
door edge: refer to the Abarth Deal-
ership when it’s time to replace the
device.
WARNING
Operations which lead to
knocks, vibrations or localised
heating (over 100°C for a
maximum of 6 hours) in the
area around the pretensioners may
cause damage or trigger them. These
devices are not affected by vibrations
caused by irregularities of the road sur-
face or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc.
Contact a Abarth Dealership for any
assistance.
063-078 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:063-078 ABARTH 500 GBdx 24-05-2012 9:51 Pagina 65
81
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to operate the
handbrake.
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒engage a gear (on a slope, engage first
gear if the car is faced uphill or rever-
se if it is faced downhill) and leave the
wheels steered.
If the car is parked on a steep slope, it is
further advisable to block the wheels with
a wedge or stone.
Do not leave the ignition key on MARto
prevent draining the battery. Always re-
move the key when you leave the car.
Never leave children unattended in the
car. Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car and take it out with you. HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium speed. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performan-
ce for the first few kilometres. Wait un-
til the engine coolant temperature gau-
ge starts moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the engi-
ne compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the accele-
rator before turning off the
engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.The car must be braked after
a few snaps of the lever,
otherwise, contact the Abarth Dea-
lership for regulation.
WARNING
When the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is on MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
xwill turn
on.
Proceed as follows to release the hand-
brake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A-fig. 1;
❒hold button Apressed and lower the
lever. Warning light xon the instru-
ment panel will go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
fig. 1F0S076Ab
079-086 ABARTH 500 1ed GB:079-086 ABARTH 500 GBdx 24-05-2012 9:55 Pagina 81
