2017 Abarth 500 Owner handbook (in English)

WARNING
92)Do not apply stickers or other objects
on the steering wheel, on the dashboard in
the passenger side airbag area, on the
side upholstery on the roof and on the
seats. Never put objects (e.g. mobile
phones) on the passenger's side
dashboard since they could interfere with
correct inflation of the airbag and also
cause serious injury to the passengers.
93)Always drive with your hands on the
rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive
with your body bent forward. Keep your
back straight against the backrest.
94)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the child
regardless of the severity of the impact.
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger
side airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed.95)A failure of the
warning light is
indicated by thesymbol on the display.
In this case, thewarning light may
not indicate a possible problem with the
airbag restraint system. Before driving off,
contact an Abarth Dealership to have
the system checked immediately.
96)The
warning light indicates the
passenger side airbag protection status. If
the warning light is off, passenger side
protection is active: to deactivate it, use the
Setup Menu (in this case the LED lights
up). When the vehicle is started (ignition
key turned to MAR position), the warning
light turns on for about 8 seconds,
provided that at least 5 seconds have
elapsed from when it was switched off. If
not, contact an Abarth Dealership. If the
engine is switched off/on again in less than
5 seconds the warning light may remain
off. In this case, to check correct warning
light operation, switch the engine off,
wait for at least 5 seconds and switch the
engine on again. The warning light may
light up with various intensity levels
depending on the vehicle conditions. The
intensity may also vary during the same key
cycle.
97)If, when turning the key to MAR, the
warning light does not switch on or if it
stays on when travelling, there could be
a fault in the restraint systems; in this event
airbags or pretensioners may not be
deployed in the event of impact or, in a
lower number of cases, they may deploy
accidentally. Before driving off, contact
an Abarth Dealership to have the system
checked immediately.98)In some versions, in case of a LED
failure (located on the plate of the
instrument panel), thewarning light on
the instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated.
99)Do not cover the front seat backrests
with extra covers if they are equipped
with side bags.
100)If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at an
Abarth Dealership.
101)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is in
the ignition and turned to MAR-ON or
when the engine is off, if the car is hit by
another moving vehicle. Therefore, even if
the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child. Therefore, always deactivate the
passenger side airbag when a rearward
facing child restraint system is installed on
the front passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be positioned
back as far as possible in order to prevent
the child restraint system from coming
into contact with the dashboard.
Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed. Also remember that, if
the key is turned to STOP, none of the
safety devices (airbags or pretensioners)
will be deployed in the event of collision.
Non-deployment in such cases does
not indicate a system malfunction.
79

102)When the ignition key is turned to
MAR, thewarning light switches for few
seconds, then if the passenger airbag
protection is active it should switch off.
103)Do not wash the seats with water or
pressurised steam (wash by hand or at
automatic seat washing stations).
104)The airbag deployment threshold is
higher than that of the pretensioners.
For collisions in the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only the
pretensioners to be activated.
105)Do not affix rigid objects to the
garment hooks or support handles.
106)The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their efficiency.
Furthermore, since front airbags are not
deployed in low-speed frontal impacts,
side impacts, rear shunts or roll-overs, the
passengers are protected only by the
seat belts which must therefore be
fastened at all times.
107)Do not rest your head, arms or
elbows on the door, on the windows or in
the window bag area to prevent injury
during deployment.
108)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.
109)Do not travel carrying objects in your
lap, in front of your chest or between
your lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could
cause severe injury if the airbag is
deployed.
80
SAFETY

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the core 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 ................ 82
PARKING THE VEHICLE ................. 83
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX .... 84
USING THE ROBOTISED
SEQUENTIAL TRANSMISSION ....... 84
SPORT FUNCTION ......................... 87
PARKING SENSORS....................... 88
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ........... 89
TOWING TRAILERS ........................ 90
81

STARTING THE
ENGINE
The car is fitted with an electronic
engine lock device: if the engine fails to
start, see the paragraph "Fiat CODE
system" in the "Knowing your car"
chapter.
PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place
the gearbox lever in neutral;
fully depress the clutch pedal
without touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the
first attempt, return the ignition key to
STOP before repeating the starting
procedure.
If, with key at MAR, the
symbol on
the display stays on together with
the
warning light on the instrument
panel, it is advisable to turn the key to
STOP and then back to MAR. If the
warning light remains on, try with the
other keys provided with the car.
Contact an Abarth Dealership if you still
cannot start the engine.
15) 16)
110) 111)
WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Proceed as follows:
drive off slowly, letting the engine
turn at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
do not demand full performance at
first. It is advisable to wait until the
engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
17)
SWITCHING OFF THE
ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to "catch
its breath" before turning it off by letting
it idle to allow the temperature in the
engine compartment to fall.
18)
WARNING
15)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at maximum
rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.)
when it is first used.16)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
17)Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter and
damage it beyond repair.
18)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
WARNING
110)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.
111)Remember that the brake servo
and power steering are not operational until
the engine has been started, therefore
much effort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
82
STARTING AND DRIVING

PARKING THE
VEHICLE
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (1st gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
always remove the ignition key.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with sequential
robotised transmission, wait for letter P
to be displayed before releasing the
brake pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with sequential robotised
transmission, before placing the gear
lever at P).
112)
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever 1 fig. 73 is located
between the front seats.
To use the handbrake pull the lever
upwards until the car cannot be moved.
113)
When the handbrake is on and the
ignition key is at MAR position, the
warning light
will appear on the
instrument panel.
Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
slightly lift the lever and press the
release button on the lever 1 fig. 73;
keep the button pressed and lower
the lever. The
warning light in the
instrument panel will go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the car
from moving accidentally.
WARNING
112)Never leave children in the
unattended car. Always remove the ignition
key when leaving the car and take it out
with you.
113)The car should be braked after a few
clicks of the lever. If it is not, contact an
Abarth Dealership to have it adjusted.1
73AB0A0076C
83

USING THE MANUAL
GEARBOX
To engage the gears, fully depress the
clutch pedal and put the gear lever
into the required position (the diagram
is shown on the knob fig. 74).
114)
19)
To engage reverse R from neutral,
move the lever to the right and then
backwards.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completely
stationary. With the engine running,
wait for at least 2 seconds with the
clutch pedal fully pressed before
engaging reverse to prevent damage to
the gears and grating.
WARNING
114)Press the clutch pedal fully to change
gears correctly. It is therefore essential
that there is nothing under the pedals:
make sure the mats are lying flat and do
not get in the way of the pedals.
WARNING
19)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.
USING THE
ROBOTISED
SEQUENTIAL
TRANSMISSION
(where provided)
The vehicle can be equipped with an
electronically controlled manual
gearbox that allows two operating
modes: “MANUAL” and “AUTO”.
With the car stationary and the key at
MAR (ignition-operated electrical
services on), the screen displays the
engaged gear and the active operating
mode (automatic = AUTO or manual
= no display).
74AB0A0301C75AB0A0334C
84
STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING THE CAR
REMARKS
On starting, the system sets itself to
AUTO mode.
Using the 1, N, R buttons with the
brake pedal pressed, 1stgear, neutral
(N) or reverse (R) can be engaged.
Using the 1, N, R buttons without
pressing the brake pedal, the system
does not change gear.
The levers on the steering wheel will
not engage any gear, even with the
brake pedal pressed.
If the car is switched off with SPORT
or NORMAL modes active, the mode
previously set is kept when the engine
is restarted.
OPERATING MODE
The gearbox/transmission can function
in two operating modes:
the first is manual (MANUAL). In this
mode the driver decides directly when
to shift, using the "+” fig. 76 lever on
the steering wheel to shift up, or the "–"
to shift down. If the request is accepted
by the system, when the gear change
is completed, the display shows the
new gear engaged.
the second, completely automatic
(AUTO), in which the system decides
when to change gear. A gear change
can be requested using the control
lever without having to switch off this
mode: this function known as "gear
suggestion" suspends the automatic
mode for the time necessary to carry
out the gear selection requested by the
driver.
20)
To switch automatic operation (AUTO)
on/off, press the button A/M on the
gearbox panel fig. 75; activation is
signalled by the word AUTO and the
gear engaged shown on the display.
When AUTO mode is deactivated, the
transmission passes to MANUAL
mode.“Kick Down” function
The "Kick Down" function is also
available: if necessary (for example
when overtaking), pressing the
accelerator pedal fully over the
hardening point, the system downshifts
one or more gears (if the rpm allows
it) in order to provide suitable power
and torque for the acceleration
requested by the driver.
STARTING THE ENGINE
To start the engine press the brake
pedal: the system engages neutral (N)
automatically. When the starting
procedure is complete, you can engage
the 1st (1) or reverse (R) gear, keeping
the brake pedal down and pressing the
1 or R buttons on the gearbox panel
to engage 1st gear and reverse
respectively.
MOVING THE CAR
Setting off in the car is permitted in
both 1st gear and 2nd gear (advisable
on road surfaces with poor grip) and
also in reverse gear (R). The gears can
only be engaged by pressing the brake
pedal.
Proceed as follows:
press the brake pedal;
press the 1 button on the gearbox
panel;
76AB0A0335C
85

operate the “+” lever on the steering
wheel keeping the brake pedal
depressed (only for setting off in 2nd
gear);
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal (fully depressing
the pedal quickly to its end of travel and
switching off the ASR, if fitted, results
in a “lively” departure).
Engaging reverse (R)
To engage reverse gear, press the R
button on the gearbox panel instead of
the 1 button. When reverse is engaged,
the system emits an acoustic signal.
Engaging neutral (N)
Press the (N) button to engage neutral.
Neutral (N) can only be engaged with
accelerator pedal released, regardless
of the brake pedal’s state (pressed
or not). In any case, pressing the brake
pedal is recommended.
ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
For safety reasons, there is a buzzer
warning when parking the car with the
gearbox in neutral (N) (the warning is
heard when the ignition key is turned to
the STOP position).
With the car stationary, the engine
started and (1st), (2nd) or (R)
gear engaged, the system activates the
acoustic signal and automatically
places the transmission in neutral (N)
when:
the accelerator and/or brake pedal
are not operated for at least 3 minutes;
the brake pedal is pressed for longer
than 10 minutes;
the driver's door is opened and the
accelerator pedal or the brake pedal
are not operated for at least 1.5
seconds;
a fault has been detected in the
transmission.
PARKING THE CAR
The 1st or reverse gear must be
engaged with the foot on the brake
pedal and, if on a slope, the handbrake
must be operated in order to park
safely. Wait until the indication of the
gear engaged disappears on the
display before releasing the brake
pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (N).
IMPORTANT NOTES
With car stationary and gear
engaged, always keep the brake pedal
pressed until you decide to set off,
then release the brake and accelerate
gradually.
During prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep
the gearbox in neutral (N).
In order to safeguard the efficiency
of the clutch, do not use the
accelerator to keep the car stationary
(e.g. when stopped on an incline); if the
clutch overheats it could be damaged.
Use the brake pedal or the handbrake
instead and use the accelerator pedal
only when you decide to set off.
Only use 2nd gear when you need
greater control when setting off for
manoeuvres on surfaces with poor grip.
If, with reverse gear (R) engaged,
you have to engage 1st gear or vice
versa, only do this when the car is
completely stationary and with
the brake pedal pressed.
Although it is strongly unadvisable, if
you are driving downhill and, for
unexpected reasons, you let the car
move forward with the transmission in
neutral (N), when there is a request
to engage a gear, depending on the
actual speed of the car, the system will
automatically engage the best gear
for the correct transmission of drive
torque to the wheels.
86
STARTING AND DRIVING