2016 Abarth 500 ESP

EBD (Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution)
SYSTEM
This system (which cannot be
deactivated) recognises emergency
braking conditions according to the
speed of operation of the brake pedal
and provides an additional hydraulic
braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows
faster and more powerful operation of
the braking system.
ABS
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
on all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking thus optimising
stopping distances.The system intervenes when braking
and the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.
The system also improves control and
stability of the car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, it also intervenes
automatically, braking the wheel that
is slipping.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.38) 39) 40) 41)
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HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
❒uphill: car stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and gearbox
in neutral or gear (other than reverse)
engaged;
❒downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is
reached, or in any case for a maximum
of 2 seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.When two seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage it is possible to hear a
typical mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of
the car.
42) 43)
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car's braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects emergency braking
by monitoring the speed and strength
with which the brake pedal is pressed,
thereby applying the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.Maximum assistance of the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly; in addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to obtain benefits
from the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is not necessary
anymore.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
44) 45) 46) 47)
MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ABS that intervenes, if there is a
sudden downshifting, restoring torque
to the engine, thereby preventing
excessive drive at the drive wheels
which, especially in poor grip
conditions, could lead to a loss in
stability of the car.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

TTC SYSTEM (Torque
Transfer Control)
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
This system improves the transfer of
drive torque to the wheels,
guaranteeing safer and more sporty
driving, especially when cornering, far
more able to prevent understeer.
System activation
It is turned off by pressing the button
again or when the vehicle is switched
off (ignition key in the OFF position).
WARNING
31) When the ABS intervenes and
you feel the brake pedal pulsating,
do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will
brake in the shortest distance
possible, depending on the
current road conditions.
32) To obtain the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500
km is needed: during this period it
is better to avoid sharp, repeated
and prolonged braking.
33) If the ABS system intervenes,
this indicates that the traction
of the tyres on the road is about
to reach its limit. You must slow
down to a speed compatible with
the available traction.
34) The ABS cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and
cannot increase the grip available
according to the condition of
the road.35) The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36) The capability of the ABS must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as
to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
37) For the correct operation of the
ABS, it is essential that the tyres
are of the same make and type on
all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the specified
type and dimensions.
38) For the correct operation of the
ASR system, it is essential that
the tyres are of the same make
and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the
specified type and dimensions.
39) The ASR system cannot overrule
the natural laws of physics, and
cannot increase the grip available
according to the condition of
the road.
40) The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
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The system is activated by pressing
button A fig. 60 in the dashboard.
Activation is signalled by the LED in the
TTC button lighting up.

41) The capability of the ESC system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously, in such a way
as to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
42) The HH system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the
car without having engaged the
handbrake, turned the engine off
and engaged first gear, so that
it is parked in safe conditions (for
further information read the
"Parking" paragraph in the
"Starting and driving" chapter).
43) There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with car
laden or a trailer attached to it
(where provided), in which the HH
system may not activate, causing
a slight reversing motion and
increasing the risk of collision
with another vehicle or object.
The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
44) The HBA system cannot increase
tyre grip on the road over the
limits imposed by laws of physics:
always drive carefully according
to the conditions of the road
surface.45) The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on bends,
travelling on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
46) The HBA system is an aid for the
driver, who must always pay full
attention while driving. The
responsibility always rests with
the driver.
47) The capability of the HBA system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously in such a way
as to compromise the safety of
the driver, occupants or other
road users.iTPMS (indirect Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The vehicle can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.
To access the iTPMS ( fig. 61 - fig. 62)
screens press the TRIP button.
The fig. 62 screen will be displayed only
if one or more tyres are flat.
Correct tyre pressure
(versions with colour
display)
If pressure of all the tyres corresponds
to the correct value, the display shows
the following screen fig. 61.
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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.
59

PARKING SENSORS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Parking sensors are located in the
rear bumper fig. 64 and detect and
inform the driver, through an
intermittent acoustic signal, of the
presence of obstacles at the rear of the
car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when reverse is engaged. As the
obstacle behind the car gets closer, the
acoustic signal becomes more
frequent.ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
When reverse is engaged and there is
an obstacle behind the car an acoustic
signal is activated and the signal varies
as the distance of the obstacle from
the bumper varies.
The frequency of the acoustic signal:
❒increases as the distance between
the car and the obstacle decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the
distance between the car and the
obstacle is less than 30 cm and
stops immediately if the distance
increases;
❒is constant if the distance between
the car and the obstacle is
unchanged. If this situation concerns
the side sensors, the signal will
stop after approximately 3 seconds
to avoid, for example, indications
in the event of manoeuvres along a
wall.
Detection distances
If several obstacles are detected by the
sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.INDICATIONS ON
DISPLAY
When the sensors are activated, the
screen in fig. 65 appears on the display.
Obstacle presence and distance
information is therefore provided both
by the acoustic signal and the
instrument panel display. The system
indicates a detected obstacle by
displaying an arc in one or more
positions according to the distance of
the obstacle and its position in relation
to the car.
If an obstacle is detected in the rear
central area, the display shows all the
arcs in the rear central area, up to
the one that corresponds to the
position of the obstacle itself. The signal
is similar for obstacles in the rear left
or right area. The arc that corresponds
to the position of the obstacle will flash.
The colour on the display depends on
the distance from and position of the
obstacle. The car is close to the
obstacle when the display shows a
single constant arc and emits a
continuous sound. If there are several
obstacles, the closest approaching one
is indicated.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

IMPORTANT
11) The sensors must be clean of
mud, dirt, snow or ice in order
for the system to operate
correctly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage the sensors
while cleaning them. Avoid using
dry, rough or hard cloths. The
sensors must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of
car shampoo if necessary. When
using special washing equipment
such as high pressure jets or
steam cleaning, clean the sensors
very quickly keeping the jet more
than 10 cm away.
WARNING
57) Parking and other dangerous
manoeuvres are, however, always
the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres,
always make sure that no people
(especially children) or animals are
in the area concerned. The
parking sensors are an aid for the
driver, but the driver must never
allow their attention to lapse
during potentially dangerous
manoeuvres, even those executed
at low speeds.
REFUELLING THE
CAR
IN BRIEF
Stop the engine before refuelling.
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with
octane rating (RON) not less than
95, in compliance with the European
specification EN 228.
In order to prevent damage to the
catalytic converter never introduce
even the smallest amount of leaded
petrol, even in the event of an
emergency.
IMPORTANT An inefficient catalytic
converter leads to harmful exhaust
emissions, thus contributing to air
pollution.
IMPORTANT Never use leaded petrol,
even in small amounts or in an
emergency, as this would damage the
catalytic converter beyond repair.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

DISPLAY
The car is equipped with a colour
display that, according to the previously
applied settings, will show useful
driving information.
With the ignition key removed, the
display lights up and, depending on the
version, shows the time, the total
odometer reading (in km or miles) and
the 500 logo for a few seconds when a
front door is opened.
NOTE With a low outside temperature
(below 0°C) it may take longer than
normal for information to appear on the
display.COLOUR DISPLAY
"STANDARD" SCREEN
The standard screen fig. 67 can display
the following information:
1Odometer (display of distance
travelled in kilometres/miles)
2Digital engine coolant temperature
gauge
3Digital rev counter
4Gear Shift Indicator
5Date
6Outside temperature gauge
7Car speed indication
8Headlight alignment position (only
with dipped headlights on)
9Time
10eco Index
11Digital fuel level gaugeSPORT MODE
If the SPORT function is used, the
longitudinal/lateral accelerometer
indicator screen (G-meter information)
is displayed automatically. This
considers gravitational acceleration (G)
fig. 68.
2
3
4
5
6
11
10
9
8
7
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL