2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH Owners Manual

Engine Oil
Warning!
Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned.
Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury.
Loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
Recommended Oil
Refer to “Fluids and Lubricants”
paragraph in “Technical Specifications”
chapter.
Inspecting engine oil level
Proceed as follows:
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least five
minutes for the oil to return to the
sump.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and reinsert it fully. 5. Pull the dipstick out again and
examine the level. The level is normal if
it is between Low and Full. If it is near
or below Low, open the engine oil
cap/filler 2 and add enough oil to bring
the level to Full.
Note:
Do not overfill the engine oil.
This may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick
is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine oil consumption
During the initial period of use the
engine oil consumption conditions
should stabilize after the first 3000 –
3500 miles (5000 – 6000 km).
Engine Coolant
Warning!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Inspecting Coolant Level
Note: Changing the coolant should be
done by your Authorized Dealer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year, at the beginning of
the winter season, and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections
of all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are worn or
deteriorated.
07030403-121-001Engine Compartment
1 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Engine Oil Cap
231

Warning!
Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than
the one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F (Full) and L
(Low) marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool.
If it is at or near L (Low), add coolant by
mixing a minimum solution of 50% Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate
for FIAT Spider. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are
anticipated. Bring the level to F (Full).
Please contact your Authorized Dealer
for assistance.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir
tank cap after adding coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, contact
your Authorized Dealer.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid
from the same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly.
It should be kept between the MAX
and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with
accumulated use, a condition
associated with wear of brake and
clutch linings. If it is excessively low,
have the brake/clutch system
inspected. Contact your Authorized
Dealer.
Warning!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master cylinder
reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling
point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
07030501-121-001Coolant Reservoir
07030601-121-002Brake Fluid Reservoir
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
Windshield And
Headlight Washer Fluid
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir, open the cap and add fluid if
necessary.
Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable. But use only washer fluid in
cold weather to prevent it from freezing.
Automatic Transmission
Control Unit
The transmission oil level should only be
checked at your Authorized Dealer.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
Keep it securely mounted.
Keep the top clean and dry.
Keep terminals and connections
clean, tight, and coated with petroleum
jelly or terminal grease.
Rinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
If the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
leads and charge the battery every six
weeks.
Battery Replacement
Contact your Authorized Dealer to
purchase a replacement battery.
Warning!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution
and can burn or even blind you. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your eyes,
skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery
when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately
with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting” in “In Case Of Emergency”
for further information.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
07030901-121-001Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
233

BATTERY
RECHARGING
BATTERY CHARGING
PROCEDURE
Warning!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution
and can burn or even blind you. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your eyes,
skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery
when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately
with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting” in “In Case Of Emergency”
for further information.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Caution!
It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the
negative cable is attached to the negative
post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight
on the terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the
battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both
vehicle battery cables before connecting
the charger to the battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Charge battery as follows:
Before recharging the battery, turn off
all accessories and turn the engine off
by placing the ignition in the OFF mode.
Disconnect the negative battery
cable.
Connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity
(+,–).
Turn on the charger.
When finished, turn the charger off
before disconnecting the battery.
Reconnect the negative battery
terminal.
MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES
The following pages contain
instructions on the required
maintenance from the technical
personnel who designed the vehicle.
In addition to these specific
maintenance instructions specified for
routine scheduled servicing, there are
other components which may require
periodic maintenance or replacement
over the vehicle’s life cycle.
Body Lubrication
Ensure that the locks and bodywork
junction points, including components
such as the seat guides, door hinges
(and rollers), trunk and hood are
periodically lubricated with lithium
based grease to ensure correct, silent
operation and to protect them from rust
and wear.
Thoroughly clean the components,
eliminating every trace of dirt and dust.
After lubricating, eliminate excess oil
and grease. Also pay particular
attention to the hood closing devices,
to ensure correct operation.
During operations on the hood, be sure
to perform with the engine cold, also
remember to check, clean and lubricate
the locking, release and safety devices.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
234
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Lubricate the external lock cylinders
twice a year. Apply a small amount of
high-quality lubricant directly into the
lock cylinder. If necessary, contact your
Authorized Dealer.
Wiper Blades
Contamination of either the windshield
or the blades with foreign matter can
reduce wiper effectiveness. Common
sources are insects, tree sap, and hot
wax treatments used by some
commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a
good cleaner or mild detergent; then
rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Repeat if necessary.
When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is placed in the
ON mode, the wipers may move
automatically in the following cases:
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object.
If the rain sensor is struck with a
hand or other object from inside the
vehicle. Note:
Hot waxes applied by automatic car
washers have been known to affect
the wiper's ability to clean windows.
To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gas, paraffin, paint
thinner, or other solvents on or near
them.
Be careful not to pinch hands or
fingers as it may cause injury, or
damage the wipers. When washing or
servicing the vehicle, make sure the
wiper lever is in the OFF position.
Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well,
the blades are probably worn or
cracked. Replace them.
When raising both windshield wiper
arms, raise the driver's side wiper arm
first.
When lowering the wiper arms, slowly
lower the wiper arm from the
passenger's side first while supporting
it with your hand. Forcefully lowering
the wiper arms could damage the wiper
arm and blade, and may scratch or
crack the windshield.
Note: To prevent damage to the wiper
arms and other components, do not try
to sweep the wiper arm by hand. Blade Replacement
Proceed as follows:
1. Raise the wiper arm.
2. Open the clip and slide the blade
assembly in the direction of the arrow.
07031101-36A-001Clip
235

3. Tilt the blade assembly and remove
it from the arm.
Warning!
To prevent damage to the windshield let
the wiper arm down easily, do not let it slap
down on the windshield.
4. Pull down the blade rubber and
slide it out of blade holder.5. Remove the metal stiffeners from
each blade rubber and install them in
the new blade.6. Carefully insert the new blade
rubber. Then install the blade assembly
in the reverse order of removal.
07031101-36A-002Blade Assembly and Arm
07031101-36A-003Blade Holder
07031101-36A-004Metal Stiffeners
07031101-36A-005Reassemble Blade
236
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

RAISING THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle needs to be raised, see an
authorized dealer which is equipped
with arm hoists or workshop lifts.
The vehicle’s lifting points are marked
on the side skirts with the
symbols.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover
aspects of the following information:
Tire Markings, Tire Identification
Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures and Tire
Loading.
Tire Markings
Note:
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is
based on U.S. design standards.
P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example:
P215/65R15 95H.
European — Metric tire sizing is
based on European design standards.
Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall
beginning with the section width. The
letter "P" is absent from this tire size
designation. Example: 215/
65R15 96H.
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing
is based on U.S. design standards.
The size designation for LT-Metric tires
is the same as for P-Metric tires except
for the letters “LT” that are molded into
the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
Temporary spare tires are designed
for temporary emergency use only.
Temporary high pressure compact
spare tires have the letter “T” or “S”
molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.
High flotation tire sizing is based on
U.S. design standards and it begins
with the tire diameter molded into the
sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
GUID-0601085395US
1 — U.S. DOT Sa-
fety Standards
Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum
Load
2 — Size Designa-
tion 5 — Maximum
Pressure
3 — Service De-
scription 6 — Treadwear,
Traction and Tem-
perature Grades
237

Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both
sides of the tire, however, the date code
may only be on one side. Tires withwhite sidewalls will have the full TIN,
including the date code, located on the
white sidewall side of the tire. Look for
the TIN on the outboard side of black
sidewall tires as mounted on thevehicle. If the TIN is not found on the
outboard side, then you will find it on
the inboard side of the tire.
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT =
Department of Transportation
– This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is
approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
– 03 means the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
– 01 means the year 2001
– Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was
manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE