
Amber Warning Lights
Warning lightWhat it means
ABS WARNING LIGHT
If the ABS warning light stays on while you're driving, when the ABS control unit has detected a
system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally as if the vehicle had no
ABS. Should this happen contact an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible.
Note:
When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven RPM occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does not
indicate an ABS malfunction. Recharge the battery.
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT
If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem. It is important to note the
driving conditions when the light illuminated and contact an Authorized Dealership.
The malfunction indicator light may illuminate in the following cases:
The engine's electrical system has a problem.
The emission control system has a problem.
The fuel tank level is very low or approaching empty.
The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.If the malfunction indicator light remains on, or it flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and contact an Authorized Dealership as soon as possible.
94
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

SEAT BELT
SYSTEMS
Buckle up even though you are an
excellent driver, even on short trips.
Someone on the road may be a poor
driver and could cause a collision that
includes you. This can happen far away
from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts
save lives, and they can reduce the
seriousness of injuries in a collision.
Some of the worst injuries happen
when people are thrown from the
vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility
of ejection and the risk of injury caused
by striking the inside of the vehicle.
Everyone in a motor vehicle should be
belted at all times.
Seat Belt Precautions
Seat belts help to decrease the
possibility of severe injury during
accidents and sudden stops. FCA
recommends that the driver and
passengers always wear seat belts.
Mexico
All the seats have lap/shoulder belts.
These belts have retractors with inertia
locks that keep them out of the way
when not in use.
The locks allow the belts to remain
comfortable on users, but they will lock
in position during a collision.Except Mexico
All of the seat belt retractors are
designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts
out of the way when not in use.
The driver's seat belt has no provisions
for child-restraint systems and has only
an emergency locking mode.
The driver may wear it comfortably, and
it will lock during a collision.
However, the passenger's seat
lap/shoulder belt retractor operates in
two modes: emergency locking mode,
and for child-restraint systems,
automatic locking mode. If you must
use the passenger seat for a child, slide
the passenger seat as far back as
possible and make sure any child
restraint system is secured properly.
Belt retraction may become difficult if
the belts and seat belt guides are
soiled, so try to keep them clean. Refer
to “Cleaning the lap/shoulder belt
webbing” in “Maintenance and care” for
further information.
Warning!
Relying on the air bags alone could lead
to more severe injuries in a collision. The air
bags work with your seat belt to restrain
you properly. In some collisions, the air
bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your
seat belt even though you have air bags.
In a collision, you and your passengers
can suffer much greater injuries if you are
not properly buckled up. You can strike the
interior of your vehicle or other passengers,
or you can be thrown out of the vehicle.
Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.
It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed.
03020100-12A-001Abarth Seat Belt Routing Guide
123

With Passenger Occupant
Classification System
To reduce the chance of injuries caused
by deployment of the passenger Air
Bag, the passenger occupant
classification sensor work as a part of
the supplementary restraint system.
This system deactivates the passenger
front and side Air Bags and also the
passenger seat belt pretensioner
system when the
OFFpassenger Air
Bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates.
When an infant or small child sits on the
passenger seat, the system shuts off
the passenger front and side Air Bags
and seat belt pretensioner system, so
make sure the
OFF passenger Air
Bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates. For more details, refer to
"Passenger occupant classification
sensor" in “Front Air Bags” for
additional information.
Note: A seat belt or child-restraint
system can become very hot in a
closed vehicle during warm weather. To
avoid burning yourself or a child, check
them before you or your child touches
them.
Warning!
Improper installation can lead to failure
of an infant or child restraint. It could come
loose in a collision. The child could be
badly injured or killed. Follow the child
restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
After a child restraint is installed in the
vehicle, do not move the vehicle seat
forward or rearward because it can loosen
the child restraint attachments. Remove
the child restraint before adjusting the
vehicle seat position. When the vehicle
seat has been adjusted, reinstall the child
restraint.
When your child restraint is not in use,
secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or
LATCH anchorages, or remove it from the
vehicle. Do not leave it loose in the vehicle.
In a sudden stop or accident, it could strike
the occupants or seatbacks and cause
serious personal injury.
Child Restraint System
Types
In this Owner Handbook, explanation of
child restraint systems secured with
seat belts is provided for the following
three types of popular child-restraint
systems: infant seat, child seat, booster
seat.
Note:
Installation position is determined
by the type of child restraint system.
Always read the manufacturer's
instructions and this Owner Handbook
carefully.
Due to variations in the design of
child restraint systems, vehicle seats
and seat belts, not all child restraint
may fit all seating positions.
Before purchasing a child-restraint
system, it should be tested in the
specific vehicle seating position (or
positions) where it is intended to be
used. If a previously purchased
child-restraint system does not fit, you
may need to purchase a different one
that will.
129

Place the child-restraint system on
the seat without putting your weight on
the seat and secure the child-restraint
system with the lap portion of the
lap/shoulder belt. See the
manufacturer's instructions on the
child-restraint system for belt routing
instructions;
To get the retractor into the
automatic locking mode, pull the
shoulder belt portion of the seat belt
until the entire length of the belt is out of
the retractor;
Push the child-restraint system firmly
into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt
retracts as snugly as possible. A
clicking noise from the retractor will be
heard during retraction if the system is
in automatic locking mode. If the belt
does not lock the seat down tight,
repeat the previous step and also this
one;
Seat your child safely in the
child-restraint system and secure the
child according to the instructions from
the child-restraint system manufacturer;
Note: Inspect this function before
each use of the child restraint system.
You should not be able to pull the
shoulder belt out of the retractor while
the system is in the automatic locking
mode. When you remove the
child-restraint system, be sure the belt
fully retracts to return the system to emergency locking mode before
occupants use the seat belts.
Place the ignition in the ON position
and make sure the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light illuminates
after installing a child restraint system
on the passenger seat. If the passenger
air bag deactivation indicator light does
not illuminate, remove the child restraint
system, place the ignition in the OFF
position, and then reinstall the child
restraint system.
Warning!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint
in front of an air bag. A deploying
passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can
cause death or serious injury to a child
12 years or younger, including a child in a
rear-facing child restraint.
Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a
vehicle with a rear seat.
An incorrectly anchored tether strap
could lead to increased head motion and
possibly injury to the child. Use only the
anchorage position directly behind the
child seat to secure a child restraint top
tether strap.
GUID-06070400567567Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Light
131

Caution!
Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also, do not
use the clutch to hold the vehicle on an hill
or grade. Riding the clutch will cause
needless clutch wear and damage.
Do not apply any excessive lateral force
to the gear selector when changing from
fifth to fourth gear. This could lead to the
accidental selection of second gear, which
could result in damage to the transmission.
Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to REVERSE
(R). Shifting to REVERSE (R) while the
vehicle is still moving may damage the
transmission.
Reverse can only be engaged when the
vehicle is completely stationary. With the
engine running, wait at least two seconds
with the clutch pedal fully pressed before
engaging reverse to prevent damage to the
gears.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED
Shift Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an
interlock system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK (P)
unless the brakes are applied. To shift
the transmission out of PARK (P), the
ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN
mode (engine running or not) and the
brake pedal must be pressed.
Warning!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and
your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle. As
with all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the park
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the ignition
is in the OFF mode, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle
unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Caution!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING

locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle
unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the park brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Caution!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must place the
ignition from the LOCK/OFF mode to the
ON/RUN mode, and also press the brake
pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear
selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
Note:
Shifting into PARK (P), NEUTRAL
(N) or REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is
moving can damage your
transmission.
Shifting into DRIVE (D) or REVERSE
(R) when the engine is running faster
than idle can damage the
transmission.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
With Parking Sensor system : when
the gear selector is shifted to the
REVERSE (R) position with the ignition
placed in the ON mode, the parking
sensor system is activated and an
audible sound is heard.
NEUTRAL (N)
In NEUTRAL (N), the wheels and
transmission are not locked. The vehicle
will roll freely even on the slightest
incline unless the parking brake or
brakes are applied.
Warning!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn
off the ignition to coast down a hill. These
are unsafe practices that limit your
response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
Note: Do not shift into NEUTRAL (N)
when driving the vehicle. Doing so
damage the transmission. Press the
parking brake or depress the brake
pedal before moving the gear selector
from NEUTRAL (N) to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
DRIVE (D)
DRIVE (D) is the normal driving position.
From a stop, the transmission will
automatically shift through all available
gears.
MANUAL (M)
MANUAL (M) is the manual shift mode
position. Gears can be shifted up or
down by operating the gear selector.
(Refer to “Manual Shift Mode”
paragraph in this section).
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STARTING AND OPERATING

Caution!
If the rear bumper receives a severe
impact, the system may no longer operate
normally. Stop the system immediately and
contact an authorized dealer.
The detection ability of the radar
sensors has limitations. In the following
cases, the detection ability may lower
and the system may not operate
normally:
The rear bumper near the radar
sensors has become deformed.
Snow, ice or mud adheres to the
radar sensors on the rear bumper.
Under bad weather conditions such
as rain, snow and fog.
Note: Under the following conditions,
the radar sensors cannot detect target
objects or it may be difficult to detect
them:
Stationary objects on a road or a
road side such as small, two-wheeled
vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians,
animals, and shopping carts.
Vehicle shapes which do not reflect
radar waves well such as empty trailers
with a low vehicle height and sports
cars. Vehicles are shipped with the direction
of the radar sensors adjusted for each
vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so
that the radar sensors detect
approaching vehicles correctly. If the
direction of the radar sensors has
changed, contact an authorized dealer.
The radar sensors are regulated by the
relevant radio wave laws of the country
in which the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is driven abroad, authorization
from the country in which the vehicle is
driven may be required.
Note:
For repairs or replacement of the
radar sensors, bumper repairs, paint
work, or replacement near the radar
sensors, consult an authorized dealer.
Turn off the system while pulling a
trailer or while an accessory such as a
bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of
the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves
emitted by the radar will be blocked
causing the system to not operate
normally.
REAR PARK ASSIST
— IF EQUIPPED
Rear Park Assist
Warning!
Do not rely completely on the parking
sensor system and be sure to confirm the
safety around your vehicle visually when
driving. This system can assist the driver in
operating the vehicle in the forward and
backward directions while parking. The
detection ranges of the sensors are limited,
therefore, driving the vehicle while relying
only on the system may cause an accident.
Always confirm the safety around your
vehicle visually when driving.
Parking and other potentially dangerous
manoeuvres are, however, always the
driver’s responsibility. When performing
these operations, always make sure that
there are no other people (especially
children) or animals on the route you want
to drive into. The parking sensors are an
aid for the driver, but the driver must never
allow their attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres, even
those executed at low speeds.
The rear park assist system uses four
ultrasonic sensors (two rear sensors
and two rear corner sensors) to detect
obstructions around the vehicle while
parking the vehicle in a garage or
during parallel parking when the gear
selector is in REVERSE (R).
161

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.
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