2016 Abarth 500 warning lights

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

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redLOW BATTERY CHARGE
The symbol comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should go out as soon
as the engine has started (with the engine running
at idle speed a brief delay before going out is
acceptable).
The display shows the dedicated message.If the symbol on the display stays on when
driving, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
amberHILL HOLDER FAILURE
The symbol is shown on the display when a fault
in the Hill Holder system is detected.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
amberFIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If, with the ignition key at MAR-ON, the symbol
on the display stays on constantly, this indicates a
possible failure (see the "Fiat CODE system"
paragraph in the "Knowing your car" chapter).
If, with the engine running, the symbol in the
displayis flashing, this means that the vehicle
is not protected by the engine immobilizer device
(see "Fiat CODE system" in the "Knowing your
car" chapter).
The display shows the dedicated message.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
95

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
amberFUEL RESERVE/LIMITED RANGE
This symbol comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The symbol switches on in the display when
about 5 litres of fuel are left in the tank.
The triangle on the right side of thesymbol
indicates the side of the car with the fuel filler.IMPORTANT If the symbol flashes or is constantly
on, depending on the version, there is a fault in
the system. If this is the case, go to an Abarth
Dealership to have the system checked.
amberFUEL CUT-OFF
The display will show the symbol and a dedicated
message if the fuel cut-off system intervenes.For the fuel cut-off system reactivation procedure,
refer to the "Fuel cut-off system" section of the
"Controls" paragraph, in the "Knowing your car"
chapter. If it is still not possible to restore the fuel
supply, contact an Abarth Dealership.
amberFUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE
The display will show the symbol and a dedicated
message if the fuel cut-off system is faulty.See the "Fuel cut-off system" paragraph, in the
"Knowing your car" chapter.
red
red
redINCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING
The symbol on the display switches on, together
with a dedicated message, when one or more
doors, the tailgate or the bonnet (for versions/
markets where provided) are not properly closed.
An acoustic signal is activated with the doors
open and the car moving.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
amberEXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILURE
On some versions, the display will show the
symbol and a dedicated message if a fault is
detected in one of the following lights:
❒daytime running lights (DRL)
❒side lights
❒direction indicators
❒rear fog light
❒number plate lights.The fault may be caused by a blown bulb, a
blown protective fuse or a break in the electrical
connection.
amberASR SYSTEM
The symbol on the display flashes to indicate the
intervention of the ASR system.
amberPOSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD
The symbol is displayed when the outside
temperature falls to or below 3°C.
The display shows the dedicated message.
amberBRAKE LIGHT FAILURE
The display will show the symbol together with a
dedicated message if there is a fault in the brake
lights.
amberPARKING SENSOR FAILURE
The symbol is shown on the display together with
a dedicated message if there is a fault in the
parking sensors.
97

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
amberiTPMS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the key is turned to MAR-ON, the warning
light switches on but it should switch off after a
few seconds.IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or
more flat tyres as handling may be compromised.
Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and
steering.
Low tyre pressure
The warning light switches to indicate that the
pressure of one or more tyres is lower than the
recommended value, in order to guarantee long
tyre life and low fuel consumption, or to indicate a
slow loss of pressure.
In this way the iTPMS warns the driver that one or
more tyres may be flat and probably punctured.In this case it is advisable to restore the correct
pressure value (see the "Wheels" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" section).
Once the normal operating conditions of the
vehicle are restored, carry out the Reset
procedure.
iTPMS failure/iTPMS temporarily deactivated
The warning light flashes for about 75 seconds
and then stays on constantly (together with a
message on the display) (see “Operating
conditions” paragraph) to indicate that the system
is temporarily deactivated or faulty.
The system goes back to normal operation when
the operating conditions allow it. If this is not the
case, carry out the Reset procedure after
restoring the normal operating conditions.If the malfunction warning persists, contact an
Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
98
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
amberSERVICE (SCHEDULED SERVICING)
The symbol is shown on the display together with
a dedicated message, with key at MAR-ON,
2,000 km (or equivalent value in miles) before the
following scheduled servicing interval and is
activated again every 200 km (or equivalent value
in miles).Go to an Abarth Dealership, where the operations
of the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" will be
performed and the message will be reset.
whiteSPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the car exceeds the speed limit set in the
Setup menu (e.g. 120 km/h), a message and a
dedicated symbol are shown on the display.
ENGAGEMENT OF SPORT FUNCTION
The SPORT indication is shown on the analogue
pressure gauge and the instrument panel shows
a dedicated screen when the "SPORT" function is
engaged by pressing the relevant button on the
dashboard (see the "Controls" paragraph in the
"Knowing your car" chapter). The indication
SPORT will switch off when the button is pressed
again.
99

CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts
do not allow the engine to reach
optimum operating temperature. This
results in a significant increase in
consumption levels (from +15 to +30%
on the urban cycle) and emissions.
Traffic and road
conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by
heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in a queue with frequent use
of low gears or in cities with many traffic
lights. Winding mountain roads and
rough road surfaces also adversely
affect consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level
crossings) switch off the engine.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electrical system.
Installation should be carried out by
specialised personnel who will issue the
required papers for travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces the car's loading
capacity by the same amount. To make
sure that the maximum towable weight
is not exceeded (given in the car
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage.Respect the speed limits specific to
each country for vehicles towing
trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.
101) 102)
WARNING
101) The ABS with which the car is
equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer.
Particular caution is therefore
required on slippery surfaces.
102) Never modify the braking
system of the car to control the
trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
of the car’s hydraulic system.
126
STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING
114) Changes or repairs to the electrical system carried out incorrectly and without due consideration for the technical
specifications of the system may lead to malfunctioning and generate a fire hazard.
115) Halogen bulbs contain pressurised gas. If they break, glass fragments could fly everywhere.
IMPORTANT
25) Halogen bulbs must be handled by holding the metallic part only. Touching the transparent part of the bulb with
your fingers may reduce the intensity of the emitted light and even reduce the lifespan of the bulb. In the event of
accidental contact, wipe the bulb with a cloth moistened with alcohol and let the bulb dry.
26) Where possible, it is advisable to have bulbs changed at an Abarth Dealership. The correct operation and alignment
of the external lights are absolutely essential for the safety of the car and of compliance with the law.
138
IN AN EMERGENCY