2017 Abarth 500 light

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution);
DTC (Drag Torque Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
HH (Hill Holder);
ASR (Antislip Regulation);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
TTC (Torque Transfer Control)
For the operation of the systems, see
the following description.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
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 during braking
when 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 vehicle when braking
on a surface where the grip of the left
and right wheels varies, or on corners.
The Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD) system completes
the system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the
brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.
39) 40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
The system prevents the drive wheels
from possibly locking, which could
happen, for example, if the accelerator
pedal is released suddenly or in the
case of a sudden downshifting in
conditions of poor grip. In this
conditions, the engine braking effect
could cause the drive wheels to slip,
resulting in a loss of vehicle stability. In
these situations, the DTC system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
car in various driving conditions. The
ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the vehicle. The
ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the
trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the
vehicle’s effective trajectory. When the
real trajectory deviates from the desired
trajectory, the ESC system intervenes
to counter the vehicle’s understeer
or oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the car is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer: occurs when the car is
turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
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SAFETY

48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53)
HH (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.
54) 55)
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 lighting of the
warning light
on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.Manual engagement/
disengagement
The ASR comes on automatically
whenever the engine is started. Whilst
driving, the ASR can be switched off
and subsequently switched on again by
pressing button 1fig. 49 (TTC). When
the system is not active, the LED on the
same button turns on and, on some
versions, a message appears on the
display. If the ASR is disengaged during
driving, this is automatically reactivated
at the following car starting.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
56) 57) 58) 59) 60) 61)
PBA (Panic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
The PBA system is designed to
improve the vehicle’s braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects an 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 PBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
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Maximum assistance of the PBA
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 no longer
necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
62) 63) 64) 65)
TTC (Torque Transfer
Control) SYSTEM
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.
Switching the system on
The system is activated by pressing the
button in the dashboard 1 fig. 49.
Activation is signalled by the LED in the
TTC button lighting up.
WARNING
39)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.
40)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.
41)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.
42)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.43)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
44)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.
45)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
46)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ABS system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.
47)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
48)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be
of the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of
the prescribed type and size.
49)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
50)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unfounded risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is always
responsible for road safety.
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SAFETY

51)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
52)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
53)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.
54)The HH system is not a parking brake,
therefore do not leave the vehicle without
activating the handbrake, switching off
the engine, and engaging first gear, with
the vehicle parked in safe conditions.
55)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.
56)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.
57)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ASR system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.58)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
59)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
60)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
61)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
62)The PBA 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.
63)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
64)The PBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver.
65)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other
road user.iTPMS System
(indirect Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(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 screens ( fig. 50 -
fig. 51), press the TRIP button.
The fig. 51 screen will be displayed only
if one or more tyres are flat.
Correct tyre pressure
If the pressure of all the tyres
corresponds to the correct value, the
display shows the fig. 50 screen.
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Low tyre pressure
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel.
The display will show “KO” beside the
tyres fig. 51 along with a warning
message.
If the system does not recognise the
pressure value of one or more tyres, the
display will show dashes "– –"
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.RESET PROCEDURE
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the Reset
procedure is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
whenever the tyre pressure is
modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
when the space-saver wheel is
fitted.
Before carrying out the RESET
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the RESET is not carried out, in all
above cases, the
warning light may
give false indications on one or more
tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the vehicle stopped and the ignition
key at MAR, use the setup menu (see
the description of the "Menu items"
paragraph).At the end of the Reset procedure the
display will show the “Reset saved”
message, indicating that the self-
learning has been started.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
66),67),68),69),70),71)
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the signalling may be delayed
or partial in detecting the deflation of
one or more tyres.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
damaged or worn tyre, fitting the
space-saver wheel, fitting snow chains,
fitting different tyres on the axles) the
system may give false indications or be
temporarily deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a warning message.
This indication is displayed also after
the engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
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SAFETY

SBR SYSTEM (Seat
Belt Reminder)
The SBR system warns the front seat
occupants if their seat belt is not
fastened.
The system signals unfastened seat
belts with visual warnings (warning
lights on in the instrument panel and
icons on the display) and an acoustic
signal (see the following paragraphs).
NOTE Contact an Abarth Dealership to
deactivate this acoustic warning
permanently. The acoustic warning can
be reactivated at any time through the
display Setup Menu.
Seat belts warning light operation
The system warns the driver and the
front passenger if their seat belt is
not fastened, as follows:
flashingwarning light and
intermittent acoustic warning for about
100 seconds;
once the cycle has finished, the
warning light remains on constantly until
the seat belts are fastened.
PRE-TENSIONERS
The car is equipped with front seat
belts pretensioners, that reduce slack in
the belts in the event of a severe frontal
impact. This guarantees the perfect
adherence of the seat belts to the
occupants' bodies before the
restraining action begins.
The retractors lock to indicate that the
pretensioner has intervened.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency. If, due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and mud, it must be
replaced.
74)
14)
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter
which allows the force acting on the
chest and shoulders to be modulated
during the belt restraining action in
the event of a frontal impact.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver must comply with (and have
all car passengers follow) any local
regulations in force concerning the use
of seat belts. Always fasten the seat
belts before setting off.
75) 76) 77)
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the case of accident is greatly reduced
for them and the unborn child if they
are wearing a seat belt.
Pregnant women must position the
lower part of the belt very low down so
that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen (see fig. 54). While
pregnancy increases, the driver must
adjust both seat and steering wheel to
have full control over the vehicle (pedals
and steering wheel should be easily
accessed). The maximum clearance
should be kept between the abdomen
and the steering wheel.
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Main recommendations to carry
children safely
Install the child restraint systems on
the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of an
impact.
Keep children in rear facing child
restraint systems for as long as
possible, at least until 2 years old.
Should a rearward facing child
restraint system be installed on the rear
seats, it is advisable to position it as
far forward as the position of the front
seat allows.
If the passenger's front airbag is
deactivated always check the
permanent switching on of the
warning light to make sure that it
has actually been deactivated.
Carefully follow the instructions
supplied with the child restraint system.
Keep the instructions in the vehicle
along with the other documents and
this handbook. Do not use second-
hand child restraint systems without
instructions.
Only one child is to be strapped into
each restraint system; never carry two
children simultaneously.
Always check that the seat belts do
not rest on the child’s neck.
Always check that the seat belt is
well fastened by pulling on it.
While travelling, do not let the child
sit incorrectly or unfasten the belts.
Never allow a child to put the belt's
diagonal section under an arm or
behind their back.
Never carry children on your lap,
even newborns. No one can hold
a child in the case of an accident.
In the event of an accident, replace
the child restraint system with a new
one. In addition, and depending on the
type of child restraint system installed,
replace the isofix anchorages or the
seat belt with which the child restraint
system was connected.
WARNING
78)SEVERE DANGER. When an active
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rear 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. It is advisable to always carry
children in a child restraint system on
the rear seat, which is the most protected
position in the event of a collision.
79)On the sun visor there is a label with
suitable symbols reminding the user that it
is compulsory to deactivate the airbag if
a rearward facing child restraint system is
fitted. Always comply with the instructions
on the passenger side sun visor (see the
"Front airbags" paragraph).80)Should it be necessary to carry a child
on the passenger side front seat in a rear
facing child restraint system, the passenger
side front and side airbags must be
deactivated through the display main
menu, verifying deactivation by checking
that the
warning light located in the
central part of the dashboard has switched
on. Move the passenger's seat as far
back as possible to avoid contact between
the child seat and the dashboard.
81)Do not move the front or rear seat if a
child is seated on it or on the dedicated
child restraint system.
82)Child restraint systems with ISOFIX
attachments are available for safely
anchoring to the seat without using the car
seat belts. See paragraph "Installing an
Isofix child carseat" for the fitting
instructions.
83)Incorrect fitting of the child restraint
system may result in an inefficient
protection system. In the event of an
accident the child restraint system may
become loose and the child may be
injured, even fatally. When fitting a restraint
system for newborns or children, strictly
comply with the instructions provided
by the Manufacturer.
84)When the child restraint system is not
used, secure it with the seat belt or with
the ISOFIX anchorages, or remove it from
the vehicle. Do not leave it unsecured
inside the passenger compartment. In this
way, in the event of sudden braking or
an accident, it will not cause injuries to the
occupants.
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The front airbags (driver, passenger,
driver's knee bags) are designed and
calibrated to protect front seat
passengers wearing seat belts.
Their volume at the moment of
maximum inflation fills most of the
space between the steering wheel and
the driver, between the lower post
guard and the knees on passenger side
and between the dashboard and the
passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the
event of minor frontal impacts (for
which the restraining action of the seat
belts is sufficient). Seat belts must
always be worn. In the event of frontal
impacts they guarantee correct
positioning of the passenger.
Front airbag driver's side
93)This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 64.
Passenger side front airbag
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special recess in the
dashboard fig. 65. This bag has a
larger volume than that of the driver .Passenger side front airbag and
child restraint systems
94)Rearward facing child restraint systems
must NEVER be fitted on the front
seat with an active passenger side
airbag since, in the event of an impact,
the airbag activation could cause fatal
injuries to the transported child.
ALWAYScomply with the instructions
on the label on the passenger side
sun visor (fig. 66 and fig. 67).PASSENGER AIRBAG
DEACTIVATION: FRONT AIRBAG
AND FRONT SIDE AIRBAG (SIDE
BAG)95) 96)If a child must be carried on the front
seat in a rear facing child restraint
system, deactivate the passenger side
front airbag and front side bag.
Warning light 1 fig. 68 will stay on
constantly until the passenger side front
airbag and the front side bag are
reactivated.
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