
STARTING THE
ENGINE
The car is fitted with an electronic
engine lock device: if the engine fails to
start, see the paragraph "Fiat CODE
system" in the "Knowing your car"
chapter.
The engine may be noisier during the
first few seconds of operation,
especially after a long period of
inactivity. This characteristic feature of
the hydraulic tappet system does
not compromise functionality or
reliability: the system chosen for your
car was designed to limit maintenance
interventions.
PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
❒fully press the clutch pedal without
touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine
starts.
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating the starting procedure.If, with key at MAR-ON, the
symbol
on the display stays on together with
the
warning light on the instrument
panel, it is advisable to turn the key
to STOP and then back to MAR-ON. If
the warning light remains on, try with
the other keys provided with the car.
Contact an Abarth Dealership if you still
cannot start the engine.
17) 18)
96) 97)
WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand full performance at
first. It is advisable to wait until the
engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
19)
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine 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
engine compartment to fall.
20)
IMPORTANT
17) It is advisable not to demand
maximum performance from
your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively
intense braking, etc.) when it is
first used.
18) When the engine is off, do not
leave the key turned to MAR-ON
to prevent unnecessary electrical
consumption from draining the
battery.
19) Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting
downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter
and damage it beyond repair.
122
STARTING AND DRIVING

20) A quick burst on the accelerator
before turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to
turbocharged engines.
WARNING
96) It is dangerous to run the engine
in enclosed areas. The engine
takes in oxygen and releases
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
and other toxic gases.
97) Remember that the brake servo
and electric power steering are
not active until the engine is
started. A much greater effort will
therefore be required to use the
brake pedal or turn the steering
wheel.
PARKING
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
❒engage a gear (first gear if parked
uphill or reverse if facing downhill)
and leave the wheels turned.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
Do not leave the ignition key on
MAR-ON to avoid draining the battery.
Always remove the key when you
leave the car.
98)
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever fig. 94 is located
between the two front seats.To use the handbrake pull the lever
upwards until the car cannot be moved.
99)
When the handbrake is on and the
ignition key is at MAR-ON, the
instrument panel warning light
will
come on.
Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
❒slightly lift the lever and press release
button A fig. 94;
❒keep button A pressed and lower the
lever. The
warning light in the
instrument panel will switch off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the car
from moving accidentally.
WARNING
98) Never leave children unattended
in the car. Always remove the
ignition key when leaving the car
and take it out with you.
99) The car should be braked after a
few clicks of the lever. If it is not,
contact an Abarth Dealership
to have it adjusted.
94AB0A0076
123

INDEX
A
BS .............................................. 53
ABS (system) ................................. 53
Air cleaner ...................................... 162
Analogue pressure gauge............... 79
Automatic climate control
system ......................................... 26
Battery .......................................... 162
– advice for extending lifetime ...... 162
– inspecting the charge ................ 162
– replacement .............................. 162
Battery (recharging) ........................ 149
Bodywork (cleaning and
maintenance) ............................... 167
Bodywork (warranty) ...................... 167
Bonnet ........................................... 48
Brake fluid ...................................... 160
Brakes ........................................... 177
Bulbs
– bulbs (replacement) ................... 135
– general instructions ................... 135
– types of bulbs ........................... 136
Car inactivity ................................. 128
Carrying children safely .................. 105
Checking levels .............................. 159
Cigar lighter.................................... 36
Cleaning and maintenance
– car interior ................................. 169
– leather parts .............................. 169– plastic parts .............................. 169
– seats ......................................... 169
Climate control
– Passenger compartment air
diffusers .................................... 21
Climatic comfort ............................. 21
Clutch ............................................ 176
CO2 emissions............................... 192
CODE Card .................................... 11
Control panel and on-board
instruments .................................. 78
Controls ......................................... 34
Correct reading of the rim .............. 181
Correct tyre reading ....................... 180
Cup/bottle holders ......................... 38
Daytime running lights (DRL) ......... 30
Digital engine coolant
temperature gauge....................... 79
Digital fuel level gauge .................... 79
Dimensions .................................... 184
Dipped headlights (bulb
replacement) ................................ 140
Dipped headlights/side lights ......... 30
Direction indicators (bulb
replacement) ................................ 139
Direction indicators ........................ 31
Display ........................................... 68
Doors ............................................. 42
– Door central
locking/unlocking ...................... 42
– door locking/unlocking .............. 42– opening/closing with the key ..... 42
Driver side knee bag ...................... 115
Driver's side front airbag ................ 114
Dualdrive electric power steering .... 59
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) .................................. 53
eco Index ....................................... 69
Electric windows ............................ 44
Engine codes - bodywork
versions ....................................... 173
Engine compartment (washing) ...... 168
Engine coolant ............................... 160
Engine............................................ 174
– marking ..................................... 172
Engine oil (consumption) ................ 160
Engine oil (level check) ................... 160
EOBD system ................................ 59
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
system ......................................... 52
External lights................................. 30
Fiat CODE system......................... 10
Fitting "Universal" child restraint
system ......................................... 107
Fixed glass roof .............................. 40
Fix&Go Automatic (kit) .................... 131
Flashing ......................................... 30
Fluids and lubricants ...................... 188
Fog lights (bulb replacement) ......... 140
Fog lights/rear fog light................... 35
Follow Me Home (device) ............... 31