2015 FIAT 500 ABARTH check engine

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) remains pressurized.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the bottom and top lines marked “COLD FILL
RANGE”.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunc-
tion, visit your authorized dealer immediately to have
the transmission fluid level checked. Operating the ve-
hicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator sys-
tem turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and
park brake.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road
conditions.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 393

Automatic Transmission....................233
Adding Fluid..........................368
Fluid and Filter Changes..................369
Fluid Change..........................369
Fluid Level Check.......................368
Fluid Type............................390
Gear Ranges...........................237
Special Additives.......................368
Autostick...............................242
Battery.................................347
Jump Starting..........................327
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........18
Belts, Seat...............................79
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................353
B-Pillar Location..........................267
Brake Assist System.......................254
Brake Fluid.............................388
Brake, Parking...........................248
Brakes.................................364
Brake System............................252
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................252
Master Cylinder........................364
Parking..............................248
Warning Light.........................148
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................235
Bulb Replacement.........................382
Bulbs, Light..............................81
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........387
Capacities, Fluid..........................387
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................300
Oil (Engine)...........................345
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................78
Cargo Area Features.......................137
Car Washes.............................370
CD (Compact Disc) Player...................182
10
INDEX 409

Cellular Phone...........................211
Chains, Tire.............................284
Changing A Flat Tire.......................320
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................262
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .148
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............77
Checks, Safety............................77
Child Restraint............................56
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................60
Child Restraints.........................56
Child Seat Installation.....................73
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt........69
Infants And Child Restraints................58
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint.....68
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt..................................70
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.......63
Older Children And Child Restraints..........59
Seating Positions........................62
Clean Air Gasoline........................296
Cleaning
Wheels...............................371
Climate Control..........................211
Clutch.................................364
Clutch Fluid.............................364
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............210
Compact Spare Tire........................279
Connector
UCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..208
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)..........208
Contract, Service..........................400
Coolant (Antifreeze).......................387
Cooling System...........................358
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............360
Coolant Level..........................359
Disposal of Used Coolant.................362
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................359
410 INDEX

Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher..................307
Jacking...............................320
Jump Starting..........................327
Towing..............................334
Emission Control System Maintenance..........340
Engine
Air Cleaner...........................346
Break-In Recommendations.................76
Checking Oil Level......................344
Compartment..........................339
Cooling..............................358
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................78
Fails to Start...........................229
Flooded, Starting.......................229
Fuel Requirements......................295
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..344
Oil Filler Cap..........................345
Oil Selection...........................345
Overheating...........................307
Starting..............................227
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............50
Euro Twin Clutch Transmission
Fluid Type............................367
Event Data Recorder........................55
Exhaust Gas Caution........................78
Exhaust System...........................78
Exterior Lights............................81
Filters
Air Cleaner...........................346
Air Conditioning.......................350
Engine Oil............................346
Engine Oil Disposal.....................346
Flashers
Turn Signal............................81
Flash-To-Pass............................110
Flooded Engine Starting....................229
412 INDEX