2016 Abarth 500 trailer

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.
56
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

FAULT INDICATIONS
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be
indicated when reverse is engaged by
the switching on of the
symbol
on the instrument panel together with
the message on the display (see
"Warning lights and messages"
paragraph).
11)
OPERATION WITH
TRAILER
Sensor operation is automatically
deactivated when the trailer's electric
cable plug is fitted in the car's tow hook
socket. The sensors are automatically
reactivated when the trailer's cable plug
is removed.GENERAL WARNINGS
When parking, take the utmost care
over obstacles that may be above
or under the sensor.
57)
Objects close to the car are not
detected under certain circumstances
and could therefore cause damage
to the car or be damaged.
Some conditions may influence the
performance of the parking system:
❒Reduced sensor sensitivity and
a reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due
to the presence on the surface of the
sensor of: ice, snow, mud, thick
paint.
❒The sensor may detect a non-
existent obstacle (echo interference)
due to mechanical interference, for
example when washing the vehicle,
in rain (strong wind), hail.
❒The signals sent by the sensors can
also be altered by the presence of
ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic
brake systems or pneumatic drills)
near the vehicle.❒Parking assistance system
performance can also be influenced
by the position of the sensors, for
example due to a change in the ride
setting (caused by wear to the shock
absorbers, suspension), or by
changing tyres, overloading the car
or carrying out specific tuning
operations that require the car to be
lowered.
❒The presence of a tow hook without
trailer interferes with the correct
operation of the parking sensors. If a
fixed tow hook is installed, the
parking sensors cannot be used. If
the customer wishes to install a
removable tow hook, this must be
disconnected from the crossmember
whenever the trailer is not attached
to prevent the activation of the
sensors.
❒Do not apply stickers to the sensors.
65AB0A0128
63

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 AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE ................122
PARKING ........................................123
USING THE GEARBOX ...................124
SAVING FUEL .................................125
TOWING TRAILERS ........................126
SNOW TYRES ................................127
SNOW CHAINS ..............................127
CAR INACTIVITY .............................128
121

SAVING FUEL
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Checks and adjustments should be
carried out in accordance with the
"Scheduled Servicing Plan" (see
chapter "Maintenance and care").
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded
luggage compartment. The weight of
the car and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
When transporting particularly large
objects, use a trailer if possible.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof after use. These
accessories lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels.Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The heated
rear window, additional headlights,
screen wipers and heater fan require a
considerable amount of energy;
increasing the current uptake increases
fuel consumption (by up to +25% in
an urban cycle).
Climate control system
Using the climate control system will
increase consumption: use the air vents
when the temperature outside permits.
Devices for
aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Cranking
Do not warm up the engine at low or
high revs when the car is stationary;
this causes the engine to warm up
more slowly, thereby increasing fuel
consumption and emissions. It is
therefore advisable to move off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high
speeds: in this way the engine will
warm up more quickly.Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the
engine. The latter action, as well as
double-declutching, is unnecessary and
causes increased fuel consumption
and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road
conditions allow it. Using a low gear for
faster acceleration will increase
consumption. In the same way
improper use of a high gear increases
consumption, emissions and engine
wear.
Max. speed
Fuel consumption considerably
increases as speed increases. Maintain
a constant speed, avoiding
unnecessary braking and acceleration,
which cost in terms of both fuel
consumption and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects
consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum
torque.
125

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

127) The front and rear tow hooks
should be used only for
emergencies on the road. You are
allowed to tow the vehicle for
short distances using an
appropriate device in accordance
with the highway code (a rigid
bar), to move the vehicle on the
road in readiness for towing or
transport via a breakdown vehicle.
Tow hooks MUST NOT be used
to tow vehicles off the road or
where there are obstacles and/or
for towing operations using cables
or other non-rigid devices.
Respecting the above conditions,
towing must take place with two
vehicles (one towing, the other
towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same centre
line.128) Whilst towing, remember that
as the assistance of the brake
servo and the electric power
steering is not available, greater
force needs to be exerted on
the brake pedal and more effort is
required on the steering wheel.
Do not use flexible cables when
towing and avoid jerky
movements. While towing, make
sure that the trailer hitch does not
damage any components it is
touching. When towing the car,
you must comply with all specific
traffic regulations, both in terms
of the towing device and
behaviour on the road. Do not
start the engine while towing the
car.
129) Because of its conformation,
the car cannot be loaded onto
railway carriages and transported.
151

PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long
journeys, check and, if necessary, top
up the following:
❒engine coolant level;
❒brake fluid level;
❒windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of screen washer/wiper
system and positioning/wear of
windscreen/rear window wiper
blades.
Every 3,000 km check and, if
necessary, top up: engine oil level.
You are advised to use PETRONAS
LUBRICANTS products, which have
been designed and produced
specifically for Abarth cars (see table
"Capacities" in the "Technical
specifications" chapter).
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF
THE CAR
If the car is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long
periods of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect condition of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes) and rubber elements (boots -
sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belts;❒check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
158
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE