2016 Abarth 124 Spider warning

engine naturally reaching idling speed,
the learning procedure is invalidated
and the
warning light on the
instrument panel will turn on.
If the engine is not brought to over
6000 rpm, or it is not warmed up, the
control unit will leave open the
possibility to repeat the toothed wheel
learning.
Inspecting electrolyte level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause
the battery to discharge quickly.
Inspect the electrolyte level at least
once a week. If it is low, remove the
caps and add enough distilled water to
bring the level between the upper and
lower level (1 fig. 153 = upper level/2=
lower level).Do not overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the
electrolyte with a hydrometer, especiallyduring cold weather. If it is low,
recharge the battery.
Battery replacement
Contact an Abarth Dealership for a
battery replacement purchase.
For versions with automatic
transmission: after replacing the battery,
perform the toothed wheel learning
procedure described in this section.
WARNING
190)Never smoke when performing
operations in the engine compartment.
Flammable gases and fumes may be
present and risk igniting.
191)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned. Do not get too
close to the radiator cooling fan: the
electric fan may start; danger of injury.
Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
192)If the engine oil is being topped up,
wait for the engine to cool down before
loosening the filler cap, particularly for
vehicles with aluminium cap (where
provided). IMPORTANT: risk of burns!
193)Do not use a match or live flame in
the engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT: a
hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has
been running, parts of the engine
compartment can become very hot. You
could be burned. Carefully inspect the
engine coolant in the coolant reservoir, but
do not open it.194)Do not remove either cooling system
cap when the engine and radiator are hot.
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot out
under pressure and cause serious injury.
195)The cooling system is pressurized. If
necessary, only replace the cap with
another original one or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir cap when the engine
is hot: risk of burns.
196)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the washer
operation is essential for improving visibility.
Repeated operation of the system without
fluid could damage or cause rapid
deterioration of some system components.
197)Certain commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluids are inflammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may set it on fire.
198)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if
swallowed.
199)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin and
eyes. Keep open flames away from the
battery and do not use objects that might
create sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
200)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
201)If the vehicle must remain unused for
a long time at a very low temperature,
remove the battery and take it to a warm
place, to avoid freezing.
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169

before connecting it disconnect both
cables of the battery itself. Do not use a
“quick-type” battery charger to provide
the starting voltage.
IMPORTANT For versions with
automatic transmission, perform the
toothed wheel learning procedure
described in the “Battery maintenance”
paragraph in this chapter.
BATTERY CHARGING
PROCEDURE
Charge battery as follows:
remove the caps before recharging
the battery;
connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity;
turn on the charger;
when finished, turn the charger off
before disconnecting the battery;
reconnect the negative battery
terminal.
WARNING
205)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. The battery recharging operation
must be performed in a ventilated place,
away from naked flames or possible
sources of sparks to avoid the risk of
explosion and fire.206)Do not try to recharge a frozen
battery: it must be thawed first, otherwise it
may explode. If the battery was frozen,
have it inspected by specialized personnel
before recharging to check that the internal
elements are not damaged and that the
casing is not cracked, which causes the
risk of leakage of poisonous, corrosive
acid.
WHEELS AND TIRES
SAFETY INFORMATION
207) 208) 209)
48) 49)
Before embarking on a long trip, and
approximately every two weeks, check
the tire inflation pressure, including the
spare wheel, if present. Check the tires
when cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the vehicle is used due to tire
heating; for the correct tire inflation
pressure, see the “Wheels and tire
specifications” paragraph in the
“Technical specifications” chapter.
The tires must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick.
REPLACING A TIRE
210)
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread. Replace the tire when this
happens (see figure): 1: new tread/2:
worn tread (3 = tread wear indicator).
171

You should replace the tire before the
band crosses the entire tread.
SNOW CHAINS
50)
The snow chains may be applied only
to the rear wheel tires. Check the
tension of the snow chains after the first
few metres have been driven.
IMPORTANT Using snow chains with
tires with non-original dimensions may
damage the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Using different size or type
(M+S, snow, etc.) tires between front
and rear axle may adversely affect
vehicle driveability, with the risk of losing
control of the vehicle and resulting
accidents.TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
211)
The single wheel will therefore operate
on a different axle and, where possible,
on the opposite side of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT The following rotation
methods must NOT be used with
one-way tires! This type of tires can
only be switched from the front axle to
the rear axle and vice versa, keeping
them on the same side of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Rotate tires periodically.
Irregular tire wear is dangerous. To
equalize tread wear for maintaining
good performance in handling and
braking, rotate the tires every 10,000
km, or sooner if irregular wear
develops.
IMPORTANT Because your vehicle is
not equipped with a spare tire, you
cannot do a tire rotation safely with the
jack that comes with your vehicle.
Contact an Abarth Dealership for tire
rotation.
IMPORTANT Rotate unidirectional tires
and radial tires that have an
asymmetrical tread pattern or studs
only from front to rear, not from side to
side. Tire performance will be reduced if
rotated from side to side.
With limited-slip differential
Your vehicle is equipped with
limited-slip differential. Do not use the
following:
tires not of the designated size;
tires of different sizes or types at the
same time;
tires not sufficiently inflated.
If these instructions are not followed,
the rotation of the left and right wheels
will be different and will thus apply a
constant load on the limited-slip
differential. This will cause a
malfunction.
WARNING
207)If the tires are "unidirectional", do not
switch tires from the right-hand side of the
vehicle to the left-hand side, and vice
versa. This type of tires can only be
switched from the front axle to the rear axle
and vice versa, keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle.
208)Travelling with partially or completely
flat tires can cause safety problems and
irreparable damages to the tire.
209)Always use tires that are in good
condition. Driving with worn tires is
dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
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172
MAINTENANCE AND CARE

repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Versions with opaque paint
(where provided)
Your vehicle could be equipped with an
exclusive opaque paint needing special
care for its preservation.
To correctly wash the vehicle, proceed
as follows:
wash the body using a low pressure
jet of water. Remember that the build
up of water can damage the car over a
period of time;
wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge;
rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or chamois leather, without
wiping localised areas repeatedly.
MAINTAINING THE
FINISH
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your vehicle
thoroughly and frequently, at least once
a month, with lukewarm or cold water.
IMPORTANT FCA is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.IMPORTANT Keep hands and scrapers
clear of the windscreen when the wiper
lever is in the AUTO position and the
ignition is switched ON as fingers could
be pinched or the wipers and wiper
blades damaged when the wipers
activate automatically. If you are going
to clean the windscreen, be sure the
wipers are turned off completely (when
it is most likely that the engine is left
running) this is particularly important
when clearing ice and snow.
IMPORTANT Do not spray water in the
engine compartment. Otherwise, it
could result in engine-starting problems
or damage to electrical parts.
IMPORTANT When washing and
waxing the vehicle, be careful not to
apply excessive force to any single area
of the vehicle bonnet. Otherwise, you
could dent the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Do not use automatic car
washing machines and car washing
devices using high water pressure.
IMPORTANT Make sure that the fuel
flap is closed and lock the doors.
Otherwise, the fuel flap may be
forcefully opened by water pressure
causing damage to the vehicle or fuel
flap.IMPORTANT Do not use steel wool,
abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chromeplated or anodised
aluminium parts. This may damage the
protective coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolour or deteriorate
the paint.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
212)
WARNING
212)Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator
pedal and lightly applying the brakes
several times until the brake performance
returns to normal. Driving with wet brakes
is dangerous. Increased stopping distance
or the vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious accident.
Light braking will indicate whether the
brakes have been affected.
IMPORTANT
51)In order to preserve the appearance of
the paint abrasive products and/or polishes
should not be used for cleaning the vehicle.
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MAINTENANCE AND CARE

rinse and wring out the microfibre
cloth, and pass over the covered area
treated in the previous point again;
leave it to dry and brush it gently with
a soft brush.
WARNING
213)Do not spray water into the vehicle
cabin. Spraying water into the vehicle cabin
is dangerous as electrical devices such as
the audio and switches could get wet
resulting in a malfunction or vehicle fire.
214)If a seat belt appears frayed or has
abrasions, have it replaced by a
Dealership. If a seat belts is used under
such a condition, it cannot function at its
full capacity which could result in serious
injury or death.
215)Use a mild detergent to remove
soiling from a seat belt. If organic solvents
are used for cleaning the seat belts or they
become stained or bleached, there is the
possibility of them becoming weakened
and as a result, they may not function at
their full capacity which could cause
serious injury or death.
216)Never use flammable products, such
as petrol ether or rectified petrol to clean
the inside of the car. The electrostatic
charges which are generated by rubbing
during the cleaning operation may cause a
fire.217)Do not keep aerosol cans in the car:
they might explode. Aerosol cans must not
be exposed to a temperature exceeding
50°C. When the vehicle is exposed to
sunlight, the internal temperature can
greatly exceed this value.
218)There must be no obstacles on the
floor underneath the pedals; make sure
that mats are always flat and do not
interfere with the pedals.IMPORTANT
53)Never use alcohol, petrols and
derivatives to clean the dashboard and
instrument panel lens.
54)Do not use “hard” synthetic brushes as
they could damage the fabric beyond
repair. Do not perform partial, localised
restorations that could cause “aesthetic”
differences between treated and untreated
areas. Do not use alcohol or ketone-based
solvents.
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MAINTENANCE AND CARE

ENGINE
219)
Version 1.4 Turbo Multi Air 170HP
CycleOtto
Number and position of cylinders 4 in line
Piston bore and stroke (mm) 72.0 x 84.0
Total displacement (cm³) 1368
Compression ratio9.8:1
Maximum power (EEC) (kW) 125
Maximum power (EEC) (HP) 170
corresponding engine speed (rpm) 5500
Maximum torque (EEC) (Nm) 250
Maximum torque (EEC) (kgm) 25,5
corresponding engine speed (rpm) 2500
Spark plugsNGK SIKR9A7
Fuel Unleaded petrol 95 R.O.N. (EN 228 specifications)
IMPORTANT When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate coating on the iridium alloy and
platinum tips could be damaged.
WARNING
219)Modifications or repairs to the fuel supply system that are not carried out correctly or do not take the system's technical specifications
into account can cause malfunctions leading to the risk of fire.
179

WHEEL AND TIRE
SPECIFICATIONS
RIMS AND TIRES
220)
55)
NOTE The tires have been optimally
matched with the chassis of your
vehicle. When replacing tires, FCA
recommends that you replace tires of
the same type originally fitted to your
vehicle. For details, contact an Abarth
Dealership.
Check the tire pressure label for tire size
and inflation pressure (refer to “Tire
inflation pressure” paragraph in
“Maintenance and care” chapter).
IMPORTANT If there are any
discrepancies between the Owner
Handbook and the registration
document, take the information from
the latter. For safe driving, the vehicle
must be fitted with tires of the same
make and type on all wheels.
IMPORTANT Do not use tubes with
tubeless tires.
WARNING
220)If winter tyres with a lower speed
rating than that indicated in the
Registration Document are used, do not
exceed the maximum speed
corresponding to the speed rating of the
tyres used.
IMPORTANT
55)Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h
(30 mph). Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and avoid driving for long
distances on roads not covered with snow
to prevent damaging the vehicle and the
road surface.
180
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

TIPS, CONTROLS
AND GENERAL
INFORMATION
ROAD SAFETY
221) 222)
Learn how to use the various system
functions before setting off.
Read the instructions for the system
carefully before setting off.
RECEPTION CONDITIONS
Reception conditions change
constantly while driving.
Reception may be interfered with by the
presence of mountains, buildings or
bridges, especially when you are far
away from the broadcaster.
IMPORTANT The volume may be
increased when receiving traffic alerts
and news.
CARE AND
MAINTENANCE
57) 58)
Observe the following precautions to
ensure the system is fully operational:
the display lens should not come into
contact with pointed or rigid objects
which could damage its surface; use a
soft, dry anti-static cloth to clean and
do not press;
never use alcohol, petrols and
derivatives to clean the display lens;
prevent any liquid from entering the
system: this could damage it beyond
repair.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
Look at the screen only when it is
necessary and safe. If you need to look
at the screen for a long time, pull over
to a safe place so as not to be
distracted while driving.
Immediately stop using the system in
the event of a fault. Otherwise the
system might be damaged.
Contact a Dealership as soon as
possible to have the system repaired.
WARNING
221)Follow the safety rules below:
otherwise serious injuries may occur to the
occupants or the system may be
damaged.
222)If the volume is too loud this can be
dangerous. Adjust the volume so that you
can still hear background noises (e.g.
horns, ambulances, police vehicles, etc.).
IMPORTANT
57)Only clean the front panel and the
display lens with a soft, clean, dry,
anti-static cloth. Cleaning and polishing
products may damage the surface. Never
use alcohol, petrols and derivatives.
58)Do not use the display as a base for
supports with suction pads or adhesives for
external navigators or smartphones or
similar devices.
193