2015 Abarth 500 tow bar

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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14
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

AAir temperature knob (red = hot,
blue = cold) fig. 25
BFan speed and climate control
system activation/deactivation knob
fig. 25. Press the knob to activate the
climate control system; the LED on
the knob switches on. This enables
rapid cooling of the passenger
compartment.
NoteTo stop the air flow from the
vents, turn the knob to 0.
CAir recirculation knob fig. 25
internal air recirculation
air intake from outside
IMPORTANT It is advisable to switch
the air recirculation on whilst queuing or
in tunnels to prevent the introduction
of polluted air. However, it is better not
to use the function for long periods,
particularly if there are many people on
board, to prevent the windows from
misting.
DAir distribution knob fig. 25
towards the body and the side
windows
towards the body, the side
windows and the feet
towards the feet only
towards the feet and the
windscreen
towards the windscreen only
E
Heated rear window activation/
deactivation button fig. 25.
The LED on the button switches on to
indicate activation.
In order to maintain battery efficiency,
the function is automatically deactivated
after about 20 minutes.
Fast windscreen and
front side window
demisting/defrosting
(MAX-DEF)
Proceed as follows:
❒turn knob A to the red section;
❒turn knob C to
;
❒turn knob D to
;
❒turn knob B to 4
(maximum fan
speed).
IMPORTANT The climate control
system is very useful for speeding up
demisting since it dehumidifies the
air. Adjust the controls as described
above and press knob B to switch the
climate control system on: the LED
on the knob will light up.SYSTEM SERVICING
In winter, the climate control system
must be turned on at least once a
month for about 10 minutes. Have the
system inspected at an Abarth
Dealership before the summer.
25

"Smart washing"
function
Pushing the stalk towards the
dashboard (unstable position) will
activate the rear window washer.
Keep the stalk pressed, with just one
movement, to operate the rear window
washer jet and the rear window wiper
itself; the latter automatically turns on if
you keep the stalk pressed for more
than half a second.
The rear window wiper stops operating
a few strokes after releasing the stalk;
a further "cleaning stroke", after a
few seconds, completes the wiping
operation.
IMPORTANT
3) Do not use the screen wiper to
remove layers of snow or ice
from the windscreen. In such
conditions, the wiper may
be subjected to excessive stress
and the motor protection, which
prevents operation for a few
seconds, may intervene. If
operation is not subsequently
restored, contact an Abarth
Dealership.
4) Do not operate the windscreen
wiper with the blades lifted from
the windscreen.
5) Do not use the rear window wiper
to remove layers of snow or ice. In
these conditions, the rear
window wiper may be subjected
to excessive stress and the motor
protection, which prevents
operation for a few seconds, may
intervene. If operation is not
subsequently restored, contact an
Abarth Dealership.
ROOF LIGHTS
FRONT ROOF LIGHT
The fig. 30 lens can be set to three
positions:
❒right side pressed: light always on;
❒left side pressed: light always off;
❒central position (neutral): the light
switches on and off when the doors
are opened or closed.
IMPORTANT Before getting out of the
car, make sure that the switch is in
the central position: ensure that lights
are off with doors closed in order to
avoid running the battery down.
On some versions, the lights switch on
and off only when the front driver side
door is opened or closed.
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33

HEADLIGHTS
LIGHT BEAM ALIGNMENT
The correct alignment of the headlights
is important for the comfort and safety
of not only the driver but all other road
users. This is also covered by a specific
rule of the highway code.
The headlights must be correctly aimed
to guarantee the best visibility
conditions for all drivers while travelling
with headlights on.
Contact an Abarth Dealership to have
them properly adjusted.
Check light beam alignment every time
the load or its distribution changes.
IMPORTANT When the gas discharge
(Xenon) headlights (for versions/
markets, where provided) are switched
on, normally parabolas and light beam
move vertically for about 2 seconds
until headlight alignment has stabilised.HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT
CORRECTOR
This device works with the ignition key
in the MAR-ON position and the dipped
headlights on.
Headlight alignment
adjustment
When the car is loaded, it slopes
backwards. This means the light beam
rises.
In this case, restore the correct
alignment by operating buttons+and–
fig. 59.The adjustment positions are shown on
the display.
Position 0 - one or two people in the
front seats.
Position1-4passengers.
Position2-4passengers + load in the
luggage compartment.
Position 3 - driver + maximum
permitted load stowed in the luggage
compartment.
IMPORTANT Gas discharge headlights
(Xenon headlights) are automatically
adjusted. Headlight alignment
adjustment is electronic and therefore
cannot be manually adjusted using
the+and–buttons.
FOG LIGHTS ALIGNMENT
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Contact an Abarth Dealership to have
the fog lights properly adjusted.
59AB0A0002
51

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
flashing red or
constantly yellow (for
versions/markets,
where provided)ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED
The symbol lights up and a specific message is shown on the display.
The symbol may flash in the following ways, depending on the versions:
- for 1 minute every two hours;
- for 3 minute cycles with the warning light off for intervals of 5 seconds
until oil is changed.
After the first indication, each time the engine is started the symbol will
continue to flash as described above until the oil is changed. In addition
to the symbol, the display will show a dedicated message. If the symbol
flashes, this does not mean that there is a fault, but simply informs that it
is now necessary to change the oil as a result of regular use of the car. If
the oil is not changed, when a second degradation threshold is reached,
the warning light
also switches on in the instrument panel and the
engine operation is limited to 3000 rpm. If the oil is still not changed,
when a third deterioration threshold is reached, the engine is limited to
1500 rpm to avoid damage. Engine oil deterioration is accelerated by:
- mainly town use of the car which makes the DPF regeneration process
more frequent;
- use of the vehicle for short drives, in which the engine does not have
time to reach its regular operating temperature;
- repeated interruptions of the regeneration process, signalled by the DPF
warning light switching on.Contact an Abarth
Dealership as soon as
possible.64)
14)
93

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.
94
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the 00 800
3428 0000 freephone number to
search the nearest Abarth Authorised
Dealership.STARTING THE ENGINE .................130
"FIX&GO AUTOMATIC" KIT .............131
REPLACING A BULB .....................135
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB ..139
REPLACING AN INTERIOR BULB ...142
REPLACING FUSES........................144
BATTERY RECHARGING ................149
LIFTING THE CAR...........................149
TOWING THE CAR .........................150
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