2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH towing

ONBOARD
DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a
sophisticated Onboard Diagnostic
system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When
these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well
as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service,
the OBD II system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service
technician in making repairs. Although
your vehicle will usually be drivable and
not need towing, see your authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
Caution!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can
be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the engine is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic
System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an
Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD II)
and a connection port to allow access
to information related to the
performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians
may need to access this information to
assist with the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle and emissions system.
Warning!
ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to diagnose or
service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected
to the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems, could be
impaired or a loss of vehicle control could
occur that may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access,
information stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.
For further information, refer to “Privacy
Practices” and “Uconnect
CyberSecurity” in “All About Uconnect
Access” in your Owner’s Manual Radio
Supplement and “Cybersecurity” in
“Multimedia”.
77

Amber Warning Lights
Warning lightWhat it means
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT (IF EQUIPPED)
The light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
Note: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 an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible.
MASTER WARNING LIGHT
Versions Without Fiat Connect 7.0 System
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 an Authorized Dealership as soon
as possible.
Versions With Fiat Connect 7.0 System
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction. Operate the center display and
verify the content. Refer to “Vehicles With Fiat Connect 7.0” paragraph in this chapter.
Cold Start Disable Indicator Light
When the ambient temperature is extremely low, the engine may not crank even when the
engine starting procedure is performed. At this time, the Cold Start Disable Indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes. However, this does not indicate a problem.
Note:Place your vehicle in a warm garage until the temperature has risen to a sufficient level to
enable engine starting.
Electric Throttle Control Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending
on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the
light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your vehicle
may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/RUN and
remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
98
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTINGTHEENGINE .......148
BRAKE SYSTEM............149
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ......151
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ..............152
ELECTRONIC SPEED
CONTROL ................157
RADAR SENSORS —
IF EQUIPPED ..............160
REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..............161
PARKVIEW REAR BACKUP
CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED ......166
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ......171
VEHICLELOADING ..........175
TOWING TRAILERS ..........176
DRIVING TIPS ..............177
147

Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined
as the total weight of the vehicle with all
fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no
occupants or cargo loaded into the
vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your
vehicle on a commercial scale before
any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight
of the front and rear of your vehicle at
the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready
for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be
weighed on a commercial scale to
insure that the GVWR has not been
exceeded. The weight on the front and
rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that
the load is properly distributed over the
front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle
may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded
but the total load is within the specified
GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as
appropriate until the specified weight
limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the
weight is distributed equally. Stow all
loose items securely before driving.Improper weight distributions can have
an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
Caution!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
TOWING TRAILERS
Trailer Towing
Your car is not designed for towing.
Recreational Towing
An example of "recreational towing" is
towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
The transmission is not designed for
towing this vehicle on all four wheels.
Caution!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to
the drivetrain will result. If this vehicle
requires towing, make sure the drive
wheels are OFF the ground.
Ensure that the Parking Brake is
released, and remains released, while
being towed.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
176
STARTING AND OPERATING

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS . . . .183
REPLACING A BULB..........183
REPLACING FUSES ..........194
CHANGINGAWHEEL ........202
TIRE SERVICE KIT ...........207
JUMPSTARTING............217
OVERHEATING .............219
TOWINGTHEVEHICLE........220
182
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

To jump start the vehicle, follow this
procedure:
1. Remove the positive terminal cover.
2. Make sure the booster battery is
12 V and that the negative terminal is
grounded.
3. Turn off the engine of the vehicle
with the booster battery and all
unnecessary electrical loads in both
vehicles.
Warning!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other
as this could establish a ground
connection and personal injury could
result.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cables
to the positive terminal on the
discharged battery.
5. Connect the other end to the
positive terminal on the booster battery.
6. Connect one end of the other
jumper cables to the negative terminal
of the booster battery.
7. Connect the other end to a good
engine ground of the vehicle with the
discharged battery (exposed metal part
of the engine) away from the battery
and the fuel injection system.
8. Start the engine of the booster
vehicle and run it a few minutes. Then
start the engine of the other vehicle.
9. Once the engine is started, remove
the jumper cables in the reverse
sequence.
10. Replace the positive terminal
cover. Make sure cover is secure.
Bump Starting
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.
Note:
You cannot start a vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing it.
Do not push-start a vehicle that has
a manual transmission. It can damage
the emission control system.
STARTING A FLOODED
ENGINE
If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:
1. If the engine does not start within
5 seconds on the first try, wait
10 seconds and try again.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Press the accelerator all the way and
hold it there.
4. Press the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(automatic transmission), then push the
push button start. If the engine starts,
release the accelerator immediately
because the engine will suddenly rev
up.
5. If the engine fails to start, crank it
without pressing the accelerator.
If the engine still does not start using
the above procedure, have your vehicle
inspected an authorized dealer.
08030100-122-001Positive Terminal Cover
218
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

TOWING THE
VEHICLE
Attaching The Tow Eyes
Warning!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with
tow eyes.
Do not use a chain with a tow eye.
Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.
Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye.
Tow straps may break or become
disengaged, causing serious injury or
death.
Failure to follow proper tow eye usage
may cause components to break resulting
in serious injury or death.
Caution!
The tow eye must be used exclusively
for roadside assistance operations. Only
use the tow eye with an appropriate device
in accordance with the highway code (a
rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for
a short distance to the nearest service
location.
Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow
vehicles off the road or where there are
obstacles.
In compliance with the above
conditions, towing with a tow eye must
take place with two vehicles (one towing,
the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same center line.
Damage to your vehicle may occur if these
guidelines are not followed.
When towing, only use a facility that can
tow vehicles with low ground clearances as
extensive damage can result by using a
standard tow truck platform.
Proceed as follows:
1. Remove the towing eyelet and the
lug wrench from the luggage
compartment.
2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or
similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent
damage to a painted bumper, and open
the cap located on the front or rear
bumper. Note:
Do not use excessive force as it
may damage the cap or scratch the
painted bumper surface. Remove the
cap completely and store it so as not to
lose it.
GUID-08060203121001Front Bumper Cap Location
1— Front Bumper Cap
08060203-122-001Rear Bumper Cap Location
2— Rear Bumper Cap
220
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

3. Securely install the tow eye in front
or rear using the lug wrench or
equivalent.
4. Hook the towing rope to the tow
eye.
Caution!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to
rescue a vehicle stranded off road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or
highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle.
When using the tow eyes, always pull
the lead or chain in a straight direction
with respect to the eyelet. Never apply
a sideways force.
Note:Follow the below precautions so
as not to damage the towing eyelet and
towing hook, vehicle body, or
transmission system when towing:
Do not tow a vehicle heavier than
yours.
Do not suddenly accelerate your
vehicle as it will apply a severe shock
to the tow eye and towing hook or
rope.
Do not attach any rope other than
to the tow eye and towing hook.
Emergency Towing
Towing Description
Proper lifting and towing are necessary
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (rear wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.
When towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking brake.
Caution!
DO NOT use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a
flatbed truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, the vehicle may be towed
with all four wheels on the ground using
the towing hook at the front of the
vehicle. Only tow the vehicle on paved
surfaces for short distances at low
speeds.
Follow these instructions when towing
the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground:
1. Shift to NEUTRAL for manual
transmission or automatic transmission.
2. Place the ignition to ACC.
3. Release the parking brake.
Note:
Remember that power assist for the
brakes and steering will not be available
when the engine is not running.
08060201-121-001Installing Front Towing Eye
08060201-122-001Installing Rear Tow Eye
221