2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER Owners Manual

Warning!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake
failure and possibly a collision. Driving with
your foot resting or riding on the brake
pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not
have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
Driving a vehicle with the “Brake
Warning Light” on is dangerous. A
significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the
vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to
control. You could have a collision. Have
the vehicle checked immediately.
Caution!
Wear shoes appropriate for driving in order
to avoid your shoe contacting the brake
pedal when depressing the accelerator
pedal.
Parking Brake
Note: Driving with the parking brake on
will cause excessive wear of the brake
parts.
Warning!
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 gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle or in a location accessible to
children. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Be sure the park brake is fully
disengaged before driving; failure to do so
can lead to brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the park brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury. Also be certain to
leave a manual transmission in REVERSE
(R) or FIRST (1st) gear. Failure to do so may
allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage
or injury.
Setting the Parking Brake
Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully
upwards with sufficient force to hold the
vehicle in a stationary position. Releasing the Parking Brake
Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever upwards, then
press the release button. While holding
the button, lower the parking brake
lever all the way down to the released
position.
Warning Light
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.
Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become
worn, the built-in wear indicators
contact the rotors. This causes a
screeching noise to warn that the pads
05050102-12A-001Parking Brake
1 — Parking Brake Lever
2 — Parking Brake Release Button
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should be replaced. When you hear this
noise contact your Authorized Dealer as
soon as possible.
Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the
brake pedal with greater force, the
brake assist system provides braking
assistance, thus enhancing braking
performance. When the brake pedal is
depressed hard or depressed more
quickly, the brakes apply more firmly.
Note:
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
pedal will feel softer but the brakes will
apply more firmly. This is a normal
effect of the brake assist operation and
does not indicate a malfunction.
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, a
motor/pump operation noise may be
heard. This is a normal effect of the
brake assist and does not indicate a
malfunction.
The brake assist equipment does
not supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Manual Transmission
Warning!
You or others could be injured if you leave
the vehicle unattended without having the
park brake fully applied. The park brake
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
Caution!
Never drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle
on a hill with the clutch pedal partially
engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear
on the clutch.
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear selector
into the required position. The diagram
for gear engagement is shown on the
knob. Depress the clutch pedal all the way
down while shifting, then release it
slowly.
Your vehicle is equipped with a device
to prevent shifting to REVERSE (R) by
mistake. Push the gear selector
downward and shift to REVERSE (R).
A natural driving posture can be
achieved by lightly gripping the gear
selector from the side without having to
rest your elbow on the center console.
If shifting to REVERSE (R) is difficult,
shift back into neutral, release the
clutch pedal, and try again.
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 an audible
sound is heard.
05210101-12A-001Gear Selector
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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
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 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!
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.
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.
The transmission gear selector has
PARK (P), REVERSE (R), NEUTRAL (N),
153

DRIVE (D), and MANUAL (M)(+/–) shift
positions.
The transmission may be shifted freely
from REVERSE (R), to NEUTRAL (N), to
DRIVE (D), to MANUAL (M)(+/–).
Note:
Even if you intend to use the automatic
transmission functions as a traditional
automatic, you should also be aware
that you can inadvertently shift into
manual shift mode and an inappropriategear may be retained as the vehicle
speed increases. If you notice the
engine speed going higher or hear the
engine racing, confirm you have not
accidentally slipped into manual shift
mode (refer to “Manual Shift Mode”
paragraph in this section).
Shift Position Indication
The gear selector position PARK (P) is
indicated when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode.
Note:
If one of the following actions is
performed, the gear selector position is
displayed for five minutes even if the
ignition is placed in a mode other
than ON.
The ignition is placed in the OFF
mode.
The driver's door is opened.
Gear Position Indication
In MANUAL (M) shift mode, the “M” of
the shift position indication illuminates
and the number of the selected gear is
displayed.
Gear Selector Positions
The gear selector position indicator light
in the instrument cluster illuminates.
The gear selector must be in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) to operate the starter.
Park (P)
PARK (P) locks the transmission and
prevents the rear wheels from rotating.
Warning!
Never use the PARK position as a
substitute for the park brake. Always apply
the park brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
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.
GUID-05210200LHD12AT001Gear Selector And Pattern
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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 a gear or reverse when
the engine is running faster than idle
can damage the transmission. REVERSE (R)
In position REVERSE (R), the vehicle
moves only backward. You must be at
a complete stop before shifting to or
from REVERSE (R), except under rare
circumstances.
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 on.
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 can
cause transaxle damage. Apply 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 six gears
in sequence.
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).
Warning!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.
Active Adaptive Shift
(AAS)
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transmission
shift points to best suit the road
conditions and driver input. This
improves driving feel.
The transmission may switch to AAS
mode when driving up and down
slopes, cornering, driving at high
elevations, or depressing the
accelerator pedal quickly while the gear
selector is in the Drive (D) position.
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Depending on the road and driving
conditions/vehicle operations, gear
shifting could be delayed or not occur,
however, this does not indicate a
problem because the AAS mode will
maintain the optimum gear position.
Shift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of PARK (P) unless the brake pedal
is depressed.
To shift from PARK (P):
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press and hold the lock-release
button.
4. Move the gear selector.
When the ignition is placed in the ACC
mode or in the OFF mode, the gear
selector cannot be shifted from PARK
(P).
The ignition cannot be placed in the
OFF mode if the gear selector is not in
PARK (P).
Shift — Lock Override
If the gear selector will not move from
Park (P) using the proper shift
procedure, continue to press the brake
pedal.Proceed as follows:
1. Remove the shift — lock override
cover using a cloth-wrapped flat head
screwdriver.
2. Insert a screwdriver and push it
down.
3. Push and hold the lock-release
button and move the gear selector.
4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized
Dealer.
For some models
Proceed as follows:
1. Push the lock-release button while
also pushing down on the Shift - Lock
Override button.
2. Move the gear selector.3. Take the vehicle to an Authorized
Dealer.
Manual Shift Mode
The manual shift mode gives you the
feel of driving a manual transmission
vehicle by allowing you to operate the
gear selector manually.
This allows you to control engine rpm
and torque to the drive wheels much
like a manual transmission when more
control is desired.
To change to MANUAL (M) shift mode,
shift the gear selector from DRIVE (D) to
MANUAL (M). To return to automatic
shift mode, shift the gear selector from
MANUAL (M) to DRIVE (D).05210206-12A-002Shift - Lock Override Access Hole
005210206-122-001Shift - Lock Override
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Caution!
Changing to manual shift mode while
driving will not damage the transmission.
Note:
If you change to manual shift mode
when the vehicle is stopped, the gear
will shift to M1.
If you change to manual shift mode
while the vehicle is moving it will remain
in the current gear until a manual shift
request is made.
Indicators
Manual Shift Mode Indication
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the
shift position indication in the
instrument panel illuminates.
Gear Position Indication
The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates. Note:
If the gears cannot be shifted
down when driving at higher speeds, the
gear position indication will flash twice to
signal that the gears cannot be shifted
down (to protect the transmission).
Manually Shifting Up/Down
To shift up to a higher gear, tap the
gear selector back once.
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the
gear selector forward once.
Note:
When driving slowly, the gears may
not shift up. When driving at high
speeds, the gear may not shift down.
Do not drive the vehicle with the
tachometer needle in the red zone
while in manual shift mode. In addition,
manual shift mode switches to
automatic shift mode while the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. However, if the vehicle is
continuously driven at a high rpm, the
gears may automatically shift up to
protect the engine.
During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.
Second Gear Fixed Mode
When the gear selector is moved back
while the vehicle speed is about
one mph (2 km/h) or less, the
transmission is set in the second gear.
The gear is set in second for easier
acceleration from a stop and driving on
slippery roads such as snow-covered
roads.
Paddle Mode — If
Equipped
Direct mode can be used for
temporarily switching gears by
operating the steering shift switch while
the vehicle is being driven with the gear
selector in the DRIVE (D) range.
While in direct mode, the DRIVE (D) and
MANUAL (M) indication illuminate and
the gear position in use is illuminated.
05210207-12A-002Instrument Panel
1 — Manual Shift Mode Indication
2 — Gear Position Indication
157

Direct mode is cancelled (released)
under the following conditions:
The vehicle is driven for a certain
amount of time or longer (time differs
depending on the driving conditions
while operating).
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.
Note: Shifting up and down while in
direct mode may not be possible
depending on the vehicle speed. In
addition, because direct mode is
cancelled (released) depending on the
rate of acceleration or if the accelerator
is fully depressed, use of the manual
shift mode is recommended if you need
to drive the vehicle in a particular gear
for long periods.
Driving Tips
Overtaking
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, press
the accelerator fully. The transmission
will shift to a lower gear, depending on
vehicle speed.
Note:
The accelerator pedal may initially
feel heavy as it is being pressed, then
feel lighter as it is pressed further. This
change in pedal force aids the engine
control system in determining how
much the accelerator pedal has been pressed for performing kickdown, and
functions to control whether or not
kickdown should be performed.
While the gear selector is in the
MANUAL (M) position and the Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) is turned off,
manual shift mode does not switch to
automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
pressed. Operate the gear selector.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Shift to DRIVE (D) or M1, depending
on the load weight and grade
steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift
to lower gears, depending on load
weight and grade steepness.
Descend slowly, using the brakes only
occasionally to prevent them from
overheating.
ELECTRONIC SPEED
CONTROL
Electronic Speed
Control
This is an electronically controlled
driving assistance feature that allows
the desired vehicle speed to be
maintained, without having to press the
accelerator pedal.
This feature can be used at a speed
above 25 mph (40 km/h) on long
stretches of dry, straight roads with few
variations (e.g. motorways).
It is therefore not recommended to use
this feature on city roads with traffic.
Do not use it in town.
Warning!
Do not use the cruise control under the
following conditions:
hilly terrain
steep inclines
heavy or unsteady traffic
slippery or winding roads
similar restrictions that require
inconsistent speed
Using the cruise control under the following
conditions is dangerous and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
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