50
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
HEADLIGHTS
BEAM DIRECTION
The correct orientation of the headlights
is important for drivers comfort and safe-
ty. Besides, it is a specific rule of the high-
way code.
The headlights must be correctly directed
to ensure the best visibility conditions for
all drivers.
Contact Abarth Dealership to have the
headlights properly adjusted.
Check beam aiming every time the load or
its distribution changes.
IMPORTANT When turning on (Xenon)
gas discharge headlight lamps (for ver-
sions/markets, where provided), it is nor-
mal that there should be a vertical move-
ment of reflectors, and consequently the
same will also happen to the light beam,
for the time required to achieve the cor-
rect headlight trim stabilisation, equal to
approx. 2 seconds.
ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
FASTENERS
The fasteners are located in the area in-
dicated in fig. 55.
To use the front fasteners, remove the cap
A, accessible with the door open. To lo-
cate rear fasteners B, refer to fig. 56.
Lineaccessori provides a specific rack/ski
rack on tailgate.
IMPORTANT Follow the instructions
contained in the assembly kit to the letter.
Assembly must be performed by qualified
personnel.
fig. 55F0S055Ab
After travelling for a few
kilometres, check again that
fastening screws are properly tight-
ened.
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum
allowed load (see “Technical
Specifications”).
Evenly distribute the load and
take into account, when dri-
ving, the increased respon-
siveness of the car to side
wind.
Comply with applicable laws
concerning maximum over-
all dimensions.
WARNING
fig. 56
30 mm
130 mm
F0S056Ab
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53
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
ESP SYSTEM (Electronic
Stability Program)
The ESP system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event of
tyre grip loss.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when grip conditions of the road sur-
faces change.
With the ESP in addition to the ASR (trac-
tion control with intervention on the
brakes and the engine) and the HILL
HOLDER function (device for setting off
on an incline without using the brakes),
there is also MSR (regulation of the engine
brake torque during downward gear
shifts), HBA (automatic increase in brak-
ing pressure during emergency braking)
and TTC (transfer of engine torque to the
wheels).
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warn-
ing light
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.System intervention
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
Failure indications
In the event of a failure, the ESP system
will be automatically switched off and
warning light
áwill appear on the instru-
ment panel along with a message on the
reconfigurable multifunctional display (for
versions/markets, where provided). Con-
tact Abarth Dealership.HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESP system and
is automatically activated in the following
conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with
a gradient of more than 2%, engine run-
ning, brake pressed and gearbox in neu-
tral or gear other than reverse engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 2%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
At pickup the ESP system control unit will
keep brake force on wheels until reaching
the torque suitable for starting, or in any
case for max. 2 seconds in order to pass
easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
After two seconds without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by re-
leasing gradually the brake force. At re-
leasing, the typical brake disengagement
noise indicating that the car is going to
move will be heard.
Do not take unnecessary
risks, even if your cars fits an
ESP system. Your driving style must
always be suited to the conditions of
the road, visibility and traffic. The dri-
ver is always responsible for road
safety.
WARNING
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54
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
Failure indications
A failure of the system is indicated by the
turning on warning light áon the instru-
ment panel together with the dedicated
message on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tional display (for versions/markets, where
provided); see section “Warning lights and
messages”.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never leave
the car without having engaged the hand-
brake, turned the engine off and engaged
the first speed.
If the spare wheel is used,
the ESP system keeps oper-
ating. The spare wheel, being smaller
than the original wheel provides less
grip.
For correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must ab-
solutely be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tions and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
MSR system
(engine braking torque control)
It is an integral part of the ASR system that
in case of sudden gear downshifting, cuts
in providing torque to the engine thus pre-
venting excessive driving wheel drive that,
specially in poor grip conditions, can lead
to loss of stability.TTC SYSTEM
(Torque Transfer Control)
It is an integral part of the ESP system.
This system improves the transfer of dri-
ve torque to the wheels, guaranteeing
safer and more sporty driving, especially
when cornering, far more able to prevent
understeer.
The system is turned on by pressing the
button in the dashboard C-Fig. 58. The
LED in the TTC button is lit up when it
is on.
It is turned off by pressing the button again
or when the vehicle is switched off (igni-
tion key in STOP position). ASR SYSTEM
(Antislip Regulation)
It’s integral to the ESP system and auto-
matically intervenes in case of slip of one
or both drive wheels, helping the driver
to control the car.
The action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or ex-
cessive acceleration;
❒too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the conditions
of the road surface;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet sur-
face (acquaplaning).
fig. 58F0S058Ab
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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.
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69
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
GROUP 3
For children from 22 kg to 36 kg the size
of the child’s chest no longer requires a
support to space the child’s back from the
seat back.
Fig. 8shows proper child seat position-
ing on the rear seat.
Children taller than 1.50 m can wear seat
belts like adults.
fig. 8F0S067Ab
The figures are indicative for
assembly purposes only. Re-
fer to the instructions supplied with
the child restraint.
WARNING
GROUP 2
Children from 15 to 25 kg may use the car
seat belts directly fig. 7.
The child seat is only needed to position
the child correctly with respect to the
belts so that the diagonal section crosses
the child’s chest and never the neck and is
snug on the hips not the abdomen.
fig. 7F0S066Ab
The figures are indicative for
assembly purposes only. Re-
fer to the instructions supplied with
the child restraint.
WARNING
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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
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82
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some useful tips to save fuel and
minimize polluting emissions of CO
2and
other pollutants (nitric oxide, unburnt hy-
drocarbons, fine dusts etc…).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedule”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly at least on-
ce every four weeks: excessively low pres-
sure will increase consumption because
rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affect consumption and stabi-
lity.
USING THE MANUAL
GEARBOX
To engage the gears, press the clutch pe-
dal fully and shift the gear lever into one
of the required positions (the diagram is
shown on the knob fig. 2).
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be enga-
ged when the car is at a standstill. With
the engine running, wait for at least 2 se-
conds with the clutch pedal fully pressed
before engaging reverse to prevent da-
mage to the gears and grating.
In addition, to assist the transmission of the
drive torque, a limit on the engine revs du-
ring take off at 2700 rpm can be noticed.
When the clutch pedal is released and the
vehicle is being driven, the engine revs re-
striction is disabled.
To engage reverse gear Rfrom neutral,
move the lever to the right and then
backwards.
IMPORTANT The clutch pedal must be
used for gear shift only. Never drive with
the foot resting, even if slightly, on the
clutch pedal. For versions/markets, whe-
re provided, the clutch pedal control elec-
tronics can intervene interpreting the
wrong drive style as a faultPress the clutch pedal fully to
change gears correctly. For
this reason, there must be no
obstacles on the floor under
the pedals: ensure that rubber mats (if
any) are correctly positioned, not in-
terfering with the pedals.
Do not drive with the hand
resting on the gear lever, be-
cause this pressure, even if light, over
time can wear gear inner compo-
nents.
WARNING
fig. 2F0S077Ab
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85
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in com-
pliance with local regulations.
The snow chains may be applied only on-
to the front wheel tyres (drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the
first few metres have been driven. IMPORTANT When snow tyres are used
with a max speed index below the one
that can be reached by the car (increased
by 5%), place a notice in the passenger’s
compartment, plainly in the driver’s view
which states the max permissible speed of
the snow tyres (as per EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand
and track) to ensure greater safety when
driving and braking and better driveability.
Remember that it is inappropriate to chan-
ge the direction of rotation of tyres.
EXTENDED
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if pos-
sible well-ventilated premises;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not enga-
ged;
❒disconnect battery negative terminal
and check charge (see paragraph “Bat-
tery - Charge and electrolyte level
check” in chapter “Car maintenance”)
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;Snow tyre maximum speed
with “Q” mark must not ex-
ceed 160 km/h, respecting however
the applicable rules of the Highway
Code.
WARNING
Keep your speed down when
snow chains are fitted. Do
not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes,
steps and pavements and avoid also
to drive for long distances on roads
not covered with snow to prevent da-
maging the car and the roadbed.
WARNING
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