2016 FIAT 124 SPIDER automatic transmission

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light in the instrument panel appears together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal
when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always
refer to the information in this chapter in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: serious and less serious failures. Serious failures are
indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning "cycle". Less serious failures are indicated by a warning "cycle" with a shorter
duration. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause
of the failure is eliminated.
Vehicles with Radio 7”
The warning contents can be verified on the audio system.
Proceed as follows:
if the warning light is turned on, selecticon on the home screen to display the application screen;
select “Warning Guidance” to display the current warnings;
select the applicable warning to view the warning details.
For the following warning/indicator lights:
Master warning light;
Brake system warning light;
ABS warning light;
Charging system warning light;
Engine oil warning light;
Check engine light;
High engine coolant temperature warning light;
Automatic transmission warning light;
Power steering malfunction indicator light;
Air Bag/Seat Belt pretensioner system warning light;
Active bonnet warning light;
Low fuel warning light;
Seat belt warning light;
Door-ajar warning light;
Low washer fluid level warning light;
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System warning light;
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Warning light What it means
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT (where provided)
The light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
IMPORTANT If the automatic transmission warning light illuminates, the transmission has an
electrical problem. Continuing to drive your vehicle in this condition could cause damage to your
transmission. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
MASTER WARNING LIGHT
Versions without Radio 7”
The warning light turns on continuously if there is a malfunction in the battery management
system or there is a malfunction in the brake switch. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
Versions with Radio 7”
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction. Operate the center display and
verify the content. Refer to “Vehicles with Radio 7” paragraph in this chapter.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System
initialization
(versions with conventional tires)
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that
the system operates normally:
a tire pressure is adjusted;
tire rotation is performed;
a tire or wheel is replaced;
the battery is replaced or completely
drained;
the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light is illuminated.
Initialization method
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a safe place and firmly
apply the parking brake;
let the tires cool, then adjust the tire
pressure of all four (4) tires to the
specified pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label located on the driver's
door frame (door open);
switch the ignition ON;
while the vehicle is parked, press and
hold the TPMS system set switch
fig. 58 and verify that the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light in the
instrument cluster flashes twice and a
beep sound is heard once.
IMPORTANT If the system initialization
is performed without adjusting the tire
pressure, the system cannot detect the
normal tire pressure and it may not
illuminate the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light even if a tire
pressure is low, or it may illuminate the
light even if the pressures are normal.
IMPORTANT Adjust the tire pressure on
all four tires and initialize the system
when the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light is turned on. If the
warning light turns on for a reason
other than a flat tire, the tire pressure of
all four tires may have decreased
naturally.
IMPORTANT The system initialization
will not be performed if the switch is
pressed while the vehicle is being
driven.HLA (Hill Launch Assist)
FUNCTION
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is a function
which assists the driver in accelerating
from a stop while on a slope. When the
driver releases the brake pedal and
depresses the accelerator pedal while
on a slope, the function prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the shift lever is in a position other than
the reverse (R) position.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the selector lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the selector lever is in a forward gear.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate on a gentle slope. In
addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate if the parking brake is
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SAFETY

applied, the vehicle has not stopped
completely, or the clutch pedal is
released.
IMPORTANT While Hill Launch Assist is
operating, the brake pedal may feel stiff
and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate while the TCS/DSC
indicator light is illuminated. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
does not turn off even if the DSC OFF
switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
IMPORTANT For vehicles with an
automatic transmission although the Hill
Launch Assist does not operate during
idling stop, the vehicle roll prevention
function operates to prevent vehicle roll.
IMPORTANT Do not rely completely on
Hill Launch Assist. Hill Launch Assist is
an auxiliary device for accelerating from
a stop on a slope. The system only
operates for about two seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system,
when accelerating from a stop is
dangerous because the vehicle may
move (roll) unexpectedly and cause anaccident. The vehicle could roll
depending on the vehicle's load or if it
is towing something. In addition, for
vehicles with a manual transmission,
the vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated. Always confirm the
safety around the vehicle before starting
to drive the vehicle.
WARNING
76)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tire pressure, including for the spare
wheel, and correct maintenance: the
system is not used to signal a possible fault
to a tire. Tire pressure must be checked
with tires rested and cold. Should it
become necessary for whatever reason to
check pressure with warm tires, do not
reduce pressure even though it is higher
than the prescribed value. Repeat the
check when the tires are cold.
77)Replacing the normal tires with winter
tires and vice versa requires an inspection
of the TPMS, which should be carried out
only by a Fiat Dealership.
78)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tire pressures to vary. The system
may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case check the tire
inflation pressure with the tires cold and, if
necessary top up the inflation pressure.
OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
The most important safety equipment
of the vehicle comprise the following
protection systems:
seat belts;
SBA (Seat Belt Alert) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
front air bags and side air bags.
Read the information given the following
pages with the utmost care.
It is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
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.......109
PARKING BRAKE............109
MANUAL TRANSMISSION......110
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. . . .111
CRUISE CONTROL...........114
SPEED LIMITER.............117
PARKING SENSOR SYSTEM.....118
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE.....120
REAR CAMERA (PARKVIEW REAR
BACKUP CAMERA)...........121
TOWING TRAILERS..........125
108
STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE
ENGINE
130) 131) 132)
24)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
For starting procedure see “Starting the
engine” in “Getting to know your
vehicle” chapter.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic; engage
a gear (versions with manual
transmission) or position the gear lever
to P (Parking) (versions with automatic
transmission);
turn the ignition device to STOP with
the engine idling.
WARNING
130)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.131)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
132)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
24)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
PARKING BRAKE
133) 134) 135)
IMPORTANT Driving with the parking
brake on will cause excessive wear of
the brake parts.
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully
upwards with sufficient force to hold the
vehicle in a stationary position.
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever 1 upwards fig. 84,
then press the release button 2. While
holding the button, lower the parking
brake lever all the way down to the
released position.
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lever from the side without having to
rest your elbow on the center console
box.
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.
With Parking Sensor system
When the shift lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON,
the parking sensor system is activated
and a beep sound is heard.
IMPORTANT Keep your foot off the
clutch pedal except when shifting
gears. Also, do not use the clutch to
hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Riding
the clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
IMPORTANT Do not apply any
excessive lateral force to the shift lever
when changing from 5
thto 4thgear.
This could lead to the accidental
selection of 2
ndgear, which could
result in damage to the transmission.
IMPORTANT Make sure the vehicle
comes to a complete stop before
shifting to R. Shifting to R while the
vehicle is still moving may damage the
transmission.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completely
stationary. With the engine running, waitat least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal
fully pressed before engaging reverse to
prevent damage to the gears and
grating.
WARNING
136)Depress the clutch pedal fully to
change gear correctly. Therefore, the floor
area underneath the pedal unit must not be
obstructed in any way. Ensure that the floor
mat is always laid flat and does not
interfere with use of the pedals.
137)Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high speeds.
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while driving at high
speeds causes sudden engine braking,
which is dangerous. The sudden change in
tyre speed could cause the tyres to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
138)Always leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle unattended. Otherwise
the vehicle could move and cause an
accident.
IMPORTANT
25)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even if
slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(where provided)
VARIOUS LOCKOUTS
To shift from P to R you must depress
the brake pedal and hold in the
lock-release button to shift (the ignition
must be switched ON).
To shift from R to N, from N to D (or D
to N), from D to M (or M to D) and from
M to + and - the selector lever can be
shifted freely into any position.
To shift from N to R and from R to P
you must hold in the lock-release
button fig. 86 to shift.
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GEAR LEVER POSITIONS
P (Park)
139) 140)
P locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from rotating. The
selector lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
IMPORTANT Shifting into P, N or R
while the vehicle is moving can damage
your transmission.IMPORTANT Shifting into a driving gear
or reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transmission.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete
stop before shifting to or from R, except
under rare circumstances.
With Parking Sensor system: when
the selector lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON,
the parking sensor system is activated
and a beep sound is heard.
N (Neutral)
141)
In N, the wheels and transmission are
not locked. The vehicle will roll freely
even on the slightest incline unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
IMPORTANT Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause
transaxle damage. Apply the parking
brake or depress the brake pedal
before moving the selector lever from N
to prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 6-gear sequence.M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the selector lever. Refer to
“Manual shift mode”.
SHIFT-LOCK SYSTEM
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
depress and hold the brake pedal;
start the engine;
press and hold the lock-release
button;
move the selector lever.
When the ignition is switched to ACC or
the ignition is switched off, the selector
lever cannot be shifted from P.
The ignition cannot be switched to OFF
if the selector lever is not in P.
SHIFT-LOCK OVERRIDE
If the selector lever will not move from P
using the proper shift procedure,
continue to hold down the brake pedal.
Proceed as follows:
remove the shift-lock override cover
using a cloth-wrapped flat head
screwdriver fig. 87;
insert a screwdriver and push it
down;
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STARTING AND OPERATING