2015 Abarth 500 check engine light

IGNITION SWITCH
The key can be turned to three different
positions fig. 10:
❒STOP: engine off, key can be
removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. radio,
central door locking system, alarm,
etc.) are enabled;
❒MAR-ON: driving position. All
electrical devices are enabled;
❒AVV: engine start-up.
The ignition switch is fitted with a safety
system that requires the ignition key
to be turned back to STOP if the engine
does not start, before the starting
operation can be repeated.
2) 3) 4) 5)
STEERING LOCK
Activation
When the key is at STOP, remove the
key and turn the steering wheel until
it locks.
Deactivation
Move the steering wheel slightly as you
turn the ignition key to MAR-ON.
WARNING
2) If the ignition switch has been
tampered with (e.g. an attempted
theft), have it checked over by
an Abarth Dealership before
driving again.
3) Always remove the key when you
leave your car to prevent someone
from accidentally operating the
controls. Remember to engage
the handbrake. If the car is parked
on a slope uphill, engage the first
gear; if the car is facing downhill,
engage reverse. Never leave
children unattended in the
vehicle.4) Never extract the key while the
vehicle is moving. The steering
wheel will automatically lock
as soon as it is turned. This holds
true for cars being towed as well.
5) It is absolutely forbidden to carry
out any after-market operation
involving steering system or
steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety,
invalidate the warranty and also
result in non-compliance of the
car with type-approval
requirements.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

The intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the
display.
IMPORTANT Carefully check the car for
fuel leaks, for instance in the engine
compartment, under the car or near the
tank area.
14)
After a collision, turn the ignition key to
STOP position to prevent the battery
from running down.
To restore the correct operation of the
car, proceed as follows:
❒turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON
position
❒activate the right direction indicator
❒deactivate the right direction indicator
❒activate the left direction indicator
❒deactivate the left direction indicator
❒activate the right direction indicator
❒deactivate the right direction indicator
❒activate the left direction indicator
❒deactivate the left direction indicator
❒turn the ignition key to the STOP
position
❒turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON
position.
WARNING
14) If, after an impact, you smell fuel
or notice leaks from the fuel
system, do not reactivate the
system to avoid the risk of fire.
INTERIOR FITTINGS
CIGAR LIGHTER
(for versions/markets, where provided)
It is located on the central tunnel
fig. 33,near the handbrake lever. To
activate the cigar lighter, press button
A.
After a few seconds the button goes
back to its initial position and the cigar
lighter is ready for use.
15)
IMPORTANT Always check that the
cigar lighter is switched off.
IMPORTANT Do not connect devices
with power higher than 180 W to the
socket. Do not damage the socket by
using unsuitable plugs.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

OPERATING CONDITIONS
48), 49), 50), 51), 52), 53)
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the signalling may be delayed
or partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.
Under special conditions (e.g. car
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
damaged or worn tyre, fitting the
space-saver wheel, fitting snow chains,
fitting different tyres on the axles) the
system may give false indications or be
temporarily deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a warning message.
This indication is displayed also after
the engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
WARNING
48) If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the
pressure on all four tyres.
49) iTPMS does not relieve the
driver from the obligation to check
the tyre pressure every month; it
is not even to be considered a
replacing system for maintenance
or a safety system.
50) Tyre pressure must be checked
with tyres cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason
to check pressure with warm
tyres, do not reduce pressure
even though it is higher than the
prescribed value, but repeat the
check when tyres are cold.
51) The iTPMS cannot indicate
sudden tyre pressure drops (for
example when a tyre bursts).
In this case, stop the car, braking
with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
52) The system only warns that the
tyre pressure is low: it is not able
to inflate them.53) Insufficient tyre inflation
increases fuel consumption,
reduces the tread duration and
may affect the capacity to drive
safely.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD (European On Board
Diagnosis system) carries out a
continuous diagnosis of the
components of the car related to
emissions. It also alerts the driver, by
turning on the warning light
on the
instrument panel together with relevant
message on the display, when these
components are no longer in peak
conditions (see chapter "Warning lights
and messages").
The goal of the system is to:
❒monitor system efficiency
❒indicate an increase in emissions due
to vehicle malfunction
❒indicate the need to replace
damaged components.
The system also has a connector that
can be interfaced with appropriate
equipment, which makes it possible to
read the error codes stored in the
control unit together with a series of
specific parameters for engine
operation and diagnosis.
IMPORTANT After eliminating the
failure, to check the system completely,
Abarth Dealerships must run a bench
test and, if necessary, road tests which
may also call for a long journey.
DUALDRIVE
ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING
(for versions/markets, where provided)
OPERATION
This only operates with the ignition key
turned to MAR-ON and the engine
started.
Electric power steering allows the force
required at the steering wheel to be
adapted to the driving conditions.
IMPORTANT When turning the ignition
key quickly, full power steering
functionality can be achieved after a
few seconds.
When the SPORT function is turned on
(see "Controls" paragraph in this
chapter) the electric power steering
assistance is altered, increasing the
sensitivity of the steering wheel.
54) 55)
IMPORTANT During parking
manoeuvres requiring a lot of steering,
the steering may become harder: this is
normal and is due to the intervention
of the system to protect the electric
steering motor from overheating, so no
repair is required. When the car is
used again later on, the power steering
will work normally.
WARNING
54) It is absolutely forbidden to carry
out any after-market operation
involving steering system or
steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety,
invalidate the warranty and also
result in the car not meeting
type-approval requirements.
55) Before servicing the car, switch
off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch to
activate the steering lock. This is
especially important when the car
wheels are not touching the
ground. If this is not possible (for
example if the key needs to be
turned to MAR-ON or the engine
must be running), remove the
main fuse that protects the
electric power steering.
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Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
amberELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
SYSTEM
When the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON, the
warning light switches on, but it should switch off
as soon as the engine is started.
The intervention of the system when driving is
indicated by the flashing warning light.
If the warning light does not go out or remains on
while driving, it indicates a failure in the ESC
system.
The display will show a specific message.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
Hill Holder system failure
When the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON, the
warning light turns on but should switch off after a
few seconds.
The warning light turns on to indicate a Hill Holder
system failure.
The display will show a specific message.In this case, contact an Abarth Dealership as
soon as possible.
WARNING
63) Thewarning light indicates anywarning light faults. This condition is indicated by intermittent blinking of
warning light
for longer than 4 seconds. In this case, thewarning light may not indicate a fault in the restraint
systems. Before driving off, contact an Abarth Dealership to have the system checked immediately.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
TOO HIGH
This symbol comes on when the ignition
key is turned to MAR-ON, but it should
switch off after a few seconds. The symbol
on the display lights up when the engine
has overheated.
The display shows the dedicated message.If the symbol on the display switches on when driving,
proceed as follows:
When driving normally: stop the car, switch off the
engine and check that the water level in the reservoir is
not below the MIN mark. If it is, wait for the engine to
cool down, then slowly and carefully open the cap, top
up with coolant and check that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir. Also check
visually for any fluid leaks. Contact an Abarth
Dealership if the symbol comes on when the engine is
started again.
If the car is used under demanding conditions
(e.g. high-performance driving or towing trailers):
slow down and, if the symbol stays on, stop the car.
Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to further favour the coolant
circulation. Then stop the engine. Check the correct
coolant level as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to
keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few
minutes before switching it off.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

SAVING FUEL
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Checks and adjustments should be
carried out in accordance with the
"Scheduled Servicing Plan" (see
chapter "Maintenance and care").
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded
luggage compartment. The weight of
the car and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
When transporting particularly large
objects, use a trailer if possible.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof after use. These
accessories lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels.Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The heated
rear window, additional headlights,
screen wipers and heater fan require a
considerable amount of energy;
increasing the current uptake increases
fuel consumption (by up to +25% in
an urban cycle).
Climate control system
Using the climate control system will
increase consumption: use the air vents
when the temperature outside permits.
Devices for
aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Cranking
Do not warm up the engine at low or
high revs when the car is stationary;
this causes the engine to warm up
more slowly, thereby increasing fuel
consumption and emissions. It is
therefore advisable to move off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high
speeds: in this way the engine will
warm up more quickly.Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the
engine. The latter action, as well as
double-declutching, is unnecessary and
causes increased fuel consumption
and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road
conditions allow it. Using a low gear for
faster acceleration will increase
consumption. In the same way
improper use of a high gear increases
consumption, emissions and engine
wear.
Max. speed
Fuel consumption considerably
increases as speed increases. Maintain
a constant speed, avoiding
unnecessary braking and acceleration,
which cost in terms of both fuel
consumption and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects
consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum
torque.
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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
possible well-ventilated premises and
slightly open the windows;
❒check that the handbrake is not
engaged;
❒engage a gear;
❒disconnect the negative battery
terminal and check the battery
charge. Repeat this check once
every three months during storage;
❒if the battery is not disconnected
from the electrical system, check
its state of charge every thirty days;
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds
available commercially;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the
windscreen and rear window wiper
rubber blades and lift them off the
glass;❒cover the car with a cloth or
perforated plastic sheet. Do not use
compact plastic sheets which do
not allow humidity to evaporate from
the surface of the car;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the
standard prescribed pressure and
check it periodically;
❒do not drain the engine cooling
system;
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STARTING AND DRIVING