2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH Owners Manual

SAFETY SYSTEMS
Safety Systems
The vehicle has the following safety
systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Contol System (TCS)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
ABS System (Anti-lock
Braking System)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing
and reapplying that wheel's brake. The
driver will feel a slight vibration in the
brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation.
Continue to depress the brake pedal
without pumping the brakes. The
warning light turns on when the system
has a malfunction. Refer to “Warning
Lights And Messages” paragraph in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” chapter. Note:
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these
conditions because the tires will build
up a wedge of surface layer when the
wheels skid.
The sound of the ABS operating
may be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the
vehicle, however, it does not indicate a
malfunction
Warning!
The ABS contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio
transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock
braking capability. Installation of such
equipment should be performed by
qualified professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead
to a collision. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your
brake pedal when you need to slow down
or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner that could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
TCS System (Traction
Control System)
Warning!
The capability of the TCS must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction. This means that on a slick
surface, the engine adjusts
automatically to provide optimum
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power to the drive wheels, limiting
wheel spin and loss of traction.
The indicator light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages”
paragraph in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” chapter.
TCS / DSC Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the
indicator light stays on, the
TCS, DSC or the brake assist system
may have a malfunction and they may
not operate correctly. Contact an
Authorized Dealer.
Note:
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight sound will come from
the engine. This indicates that the
TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
DSC System (Dynamic
Stability Control)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and
engine torque in conjunction with
systems such as ABS and TCS to help control side slip when driving on
slippery surfaces, or during sudden or
evasive maneuvering, enhancing vehicle
safety. Refer to “ABS System (Antilock
Brake System)” and “TCS System
(Traction Control System)”.
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The indicator light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages”
paragraph in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” chapter.
Note:
The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
Use tires of the correct size
specified for your vehicle on all four
wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
Do not mix worn tires.
Note:
The DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used.
TCS / DSC Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode. It also illuminates when
the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
TCS/DSC is switched off. If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Dealer.
DSC OFF Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode. It also illuminates when
the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
TCS/DSC is switched off.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, contact
an Authorized Dealer. The DSC may
have a malfunction.
DSC OFF Switch
Pushtheswitchtoturnoffthe
TCS/DSC. The
indicator light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. Push
the switch again to turn the TCS/DSC
back on. The indicator light will turn off.
05060301-12A-001DSC OFF Switch
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SAFETY

Note:
When DSC is on and you attempt
to free the vehicle when it is stuck, or
drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the
TCS (part of the DSC system) will
activate. Depressing the accelerator
will not increase engine power and
freeing the vehicle may be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the
TCS/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the
engine is turned off, it automatically
activates when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode.
If the switch is pressed and held for
10 seconds or more, the switch
malfunction detection function
operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The indicator
light turns off while the DSC system is
operative.
Warning!
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. DSC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. DSC also
cannot prevent accidents resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an DSC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to
properly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the DSC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking
system, tire type and size or wheel size
may adversely affect DSC performance.
Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires
may also degrade DSC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle
maintenance that reduces the effectiveness
of the DSC system can increase the risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
AUXILIARY DRIVING
SYSTEMS
Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) System
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
system is designed to assist the driver
in checking the area to the rear of the
vehicle on both sides during lane
changes by alerting the driver to the
presence of vehicles approaching from
the rear in an adjacent lane.
The system detects vehicles
approaching from the rear while
traveling in the forward direction at a
speed of 18 mph (30 km/h) or faster
and turns on the warning lights
equipped on the door mirrors
depending on the conditions.
If the turn signal lever is operated to
signal a lane change in the direction in
which the warning light is illuminated,
the system warns the driver of a vehicle
in the detection area by flashing the
warning light and activating a beep
sound.
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The detection area on this system
covers the driving lanes on both sides
of the vehicle and from the rear part of
the doors to about 164 ft (50 m) behind
the vehicle.
Activation / Deactivation
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
system will operate when all of the
following conditions are met:The ignition is switched ON.
The BSM switch is pushed and the
warning light in the instrument cluster is
turned off.
The vehicle speed is about 19 mph
(30 km/h ) or faster.
The BSM system will not operate under
the following circumstances:
The vehicle speed falls below about
15 mph (25 km/h) even though the
warning light is turned off.
The gear selector is shifted to
REVERSE (R) and the vehicle is
reversing.
In the following cases, the warning light
turns on and operation of the system is
stopped.
A problem with the system including
the warning lights is detected.
A large deviation in the installation
position of a radar sensor (rear) on the
vehicle has occurred.
There is a large accumulation of
snow or ice on the rear bumper near a
radar sensor (rear). Remove any snow,
ice or mud on the rear bumper.
Driving on snow-covered roads for
long periods.
The temperature near the radar
sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot
due to driving for long periods on
slopes during the summer.
The battery voltage has decreased.
If the warning light remains illuminated,
have the vehicle inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Note:
Under the following conditions, the
radar sensors (rear) cannot detect
target objects or it may be difficult to
detect them:
A vehicle is in the detection area at
the rear in an adjacent driving lane but
it does not approach. The BSM system
determines the condition based on
radar detection data.
A vehicle is traveling alongside your
vehicle at nearly the same speed for an
extended period of time.
Vehicles approaching in the
opposite direction.
A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane
is attempting to pass your vehicle.
A vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a
road with extremely wide driving lanes.
The detection area of the radar
sensors (rear) is set at the road width
of expressways.
In the following cases, the activation of
the warning lights and the warning
beep may not occur or they may be
delayed:
A vehicle makes a lane change from
a driving lane two lanes over to an
adjacent lane.
1
GUID-0528070012A002BSM Detection
1 — Detection Area
114
SAFETY

Driving on steep slopes.
Crossing the summit of a hill or
mountain pass.
The turning radius is small (making a
sharp turn, turning at intersections).
When there is a difference in the
height between your driving lane and
the adjacent lane.
Directly after pushing the BSM
switch and the system becomes
operable.
If the road width is extremely narrow,
vehicles two lanes over may be
detected. The detection area of the
radar sensors (rear) is set according to
the road width of expressways.
The BSM warning lights may turn on in
reaction to stationary objects on the
road or the roadside such as guardrails,
tunnels, sidewalls, and parked vehicles.
A BSM warning lights may flash or the
warning beep may be activated several
times when making a turn at a city
intersection.
Turn off the BSM system while pulling a
trailer or while an accessory such as a
bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of
the vehicle. Otherwise, the radar’s
sound system waves will be blocked
causing the system to not operate
normally. In the following cases, it may be difficult
to view the illumination/flashing of the
BSM warning lights equipped on the
door mirrors:
Snow or ice is adhering to the door
mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered
in snow, frost or dirt.
The system switches to the Rear Cross
Traffic Alert function when the gear
selector is shifted to the REVERSE (R)
position.
BSM Warning Lights
The BSM warning lights are equipped
on the left and right door mirrors.
The warning lights turn on when a
vehicle approaching from the rear in an
adjacent lane is detected. When the ignition is switched ON, the
malfunction warning light turns on
momentarily and then turns off after a
few seconds.
Forward Driving (BSM System
Operation)
The BSM system detects vehicles
approaching from the rear and turns on
the warning lights equipped on the door
mirrors according to the conditions.
Additionally, while a warning light is
illuminated, if the turn signal lever is
operated to signal a turn in the direction
in which the warning light is illuminated,
the warning light flashes.
Reverse Driving (RCTA System
Operation)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
system detects vehicles approaching
from the left and right of your vehicle
and flashes the BSM warning lights.
Function For Cancelling Illumination
Dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the
orposition, the brightness of
the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning lights is dimmed. If the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights
are difficult to see due to glare from
surrounding brightness when traveling
on snow-covered roads or under foggy
conditions, push the dimmer
cancellation button to cancel the
05280701-12A-001BSM Warning Light
115

dimmer and increase the brightness of
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
lights when they turn on.
Refer to “Instrument Panel Illumination”
in “Knowing The Instrument Panel”
chapter.
BSM Warning Beep
The BSM warning beep is activated
simultaneously with the flashing of a
BSM warning light.
BSM Switch
When the BSM switch is pushed, the
BSM and RCTA systems are turned off
and the BSM off indicator light in the
instrument cluster turns on.
If the switch is pushed again, the BSM
and RCTA systems become operable
and the BSM off indicator light turns off.Note:
When the ignition is switched off,
the condition before the system was
turned off is maintained. For example,
if the ignition is switched OFF while the
BSM and RCTA systems are
operational, the BSM and RCTA
systems remain operational the next
time the ignition is switched ON.
The BSM and RCTA systems are
turned off when the battery is
disconnected such as when the
battery terminals or fuses have been
removed and reinstalled. To turn the
BSM and RCTA systems back on,
push the BSM switch.
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
Function
The RCTA system is designed to assist
the driver in checking the area to the
rear of the vehicle on both sides while
the vehicle is reversing by alerting the
driver to the presence of vehicles
approaching the rear of the vehicle.
The RCTA system detects vehicles
approaching from the left and right
sides of the vehicle while the vehicle is
reversing out of a parking space, and
notifies the driver of possible danger
using the BSM warning lights and the
warning buzzer. RCTA Operation
The RCTA system operates when the
gear selector is shifted to the Reverse
(R) position.
If there is the possibility of a collision
with an approaching vehicle, the BSM
warning light flashes and the warning
beep is activated simultaneously.
05280703-12A-001BSM Switch Location
05281200-03A-001Rear Cross Traffic Alert
1 — Your Vehicle
2 — Approaching Vehicles Left And
Right
116
SAFETY

With Rear View Monitor
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
waring indication in the rearview
monitor also synchronizes with the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
indicator light on the door mirrors.In the following cases, the BSM OFF
indicator light turns on and operation of
the system is stopped. If the BSM off
indicator light remains illuminated:
Some problem with the system
including the BSM warning lights has
occurred.
A large deviation in the installation
position of a radar sensor (rear) on the
vehicle has occurred.
There is a large accumulation of
snow or ice on the rear bumper near a
radar sensor (rear).
Driving on snow-covered roads for
long periods.
The temperature near the radar
sensors becomes extremely hot due to
driving for long periods on slopes
during the summer.
The battery voltage has decreased.
have the vehicle inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Note:
Under the following conditions, the
radar sensors (rear) cannot detect
target objects or it may be difficult to
detect them:
The vehicle speed when reversing is
about 6 mph (10 km/h ) or faster.
The radar sensor (rear) detection
area is obstructed by a nearby wall or
parked vehicle (reverse the vehicle to a
position where the radar sensor
detection area is no longer obstructed).
A vehicle is approaching directly
from the rear of your vehicle.
The vehicle is parked on a slant.
Directly after pushing the BSM
switch and the system becomes
operable.
GUID-0528140012A002RCTA Detection
05281200-03A-003Sensors Obstructed By Nearby Vehicles
117

In the following cases, it may be difficult
to view the illumination/flashing of the
BSM warning lights equipped on the
door mirrors:
Snow or ice adheres to the door
mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered
in snow, frost or dirt.
Turn off the RCTA system while pulling
a trailer or while an accessory such as a
bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of
the vehicle.
Otherwise, the sound system waves
emitted by the radar will be blocked
causing the system to not operate
normally.
TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System —
Lo/Hi Grade
The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) monitors the air pressure of all
four tires.
If the air pressure of one or more tires is
too low, the system warns the driver by
indicating the
warning light in the
instrument cluster and operating a
beep.
The system monitors the tire pressures
indirectly using the data sent from the
ABS wheel speed sensors.
To allow the system to operate
correctly, the system needs to be
initialized with the specified tire pressure
(value on the tire placard label). Follow
the procedure and perform the
initialization (refer to “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Initialization”
paragraph).
The
warning light flashes when the
system has a malfunction.
Because this system detects slight
changes in tire conditions, the timing of
the warning may be faster or slower in
the following cases:
The size, manufacturer, or the type of
tires is different from the specification.
05281200-03A-004Another Vehicle Approaching In Direct Rear Of Your Vehicle
05281200-03A-005Your Vehicle Parked On A Slant
118
SAFETY