2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER Owners Manual

Warning!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can
result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact with
oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a
balance of many characteristics. They
should be inspected regularly for wear
and correct cold tire inflation pressures.
The manufacturer strongly recommends
that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is
needed. Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicator”. Refer to the Tire
and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire
sidewall. See the Tire Sizing Chart
example found in the “Tire Safety
Information” section of this manual for
more information relating to the Load
Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.It is recommended to replace the two
front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you
ever replace a wheel, make sure that
the wheel’s specifications match those
of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact your
authorized tire dealer or original
equipment dealer with any questions
you may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.Warning!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved
for your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load
index or capacity, other than what was
originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a
tire with a smaller load index could result in
tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can
result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Caution!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all
seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and
Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the
M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on
the tire sidewall. Use all season tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
247

Summer Or Three Season Tires
— If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both
wet and dry conditions, and are not
intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized
dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the
use of snow tires during the Winter.
Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the
tire sidewall.If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
onlyinsetsoffour;
failure to do so may
adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed
ratings than what was originally
equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds
above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve
performance on ice, skid and traction
capability on wet or dry surfaces may
be poorer than that of non-studded
tires. Some states prohibit studded
tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If
Equipped
Note:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service
Kit instead of a spare tire, please refer
to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Caution!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or
limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
spare tire and wheel equivalent in look
and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear
axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may
be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option,
refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Compact Spare Tire — If
Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a
compact spare by looking at the spare
tire description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire. Compact spare tire
descriptions begin with the letter “T” or
“S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T,S=Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt
to mount a conventional tire on the
compact spare wheel, since the wheel
is designed specifically for the compact
spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time.
Warning!
Compact and collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary
use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be
sure to follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could result in
spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
Collapsible Spare Tire — If
Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a
collapsible spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on
the driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description
example: 165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the
wheel is properly installed to the
vehicle. Inflate the collapsible tire using
the electric air pump before lowering
the vehicle. Do not install a wheel cover or attempt
to mount a conventional tire on the
collapsible spare wheel, since the wheel
is designed specifically for the
collapsible spare tire.
Warning!
Compact and Collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary
use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be
sure to follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could result in
spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary
emergency use only. This tire may look
like the originally equipped tire on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is
not. This spare tire may have limited
tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary
use full size spare tire needs to be
replaced. Since it is not the same as
your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
249

Limited Use Spare — If
Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for
temporary emergency use only. This tire
is identified by a label located on the
limited use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this
spare. This tire may look like the original
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of
your vehicle, but it is not. Installation of
this limited use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. Since it is not the same as
your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Warning!
Limited use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare
tire affects vehicle handling. With this tire,
do not drive more than the speed listed on
the limited use spare wheel. Keep inflated
to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on
your Tire and Loading Information Placard
located on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the
rear edge of the driver’s side door. Replace
(or repair) the original equipment tire at the
first opportunity and reinstall it on your
vehicle. Failure to do so could result in loss
of vehicle control.
Snow Chains
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations of
each country. In certain countries, tires
marked with code M+S (Mud and
Snow) are considered as winter
equipment; therefore their use is
equivalent to that of the snow chains.
The snow chains may be applied only
to the front wheel tires. Check the
tension of the snow chains after the first
few feet have been driven.
Warning!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can
cause unpredictable handling. You could
lose control and have a collision.
Caution!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further
use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
Observe the traction device
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a
compact spare tire.
Caution!
Using snow chains with tires with
non-original dimensions may damage the
vehicle.
Using different size or type (M+S, snow,
etc.) tires between front and rear axle may
adversely affect vehicle driveability, with the
risk of losing control of the vehicle and
resulting accidents.
250
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Rotation
Recommendations
The front and rear tires are subject to
different loads and stress due to
steering, maneuver and braking. For
this reason they are subject to uneven
wear. To resolve this problem, tires
should be rotated at the appropriate
time.
The following rotation methods must
NOT be used with one-way
unidirectional tires! This type of tires can
only be switched from the front axle to
the rear axle and vice versa, keeping
them on the same side of the vehicle.
Rotate one-way unidirectional tires
and radial tires that have an
asymmetrical tread pattern only from
front to rear, not from side to side. Tire
performance will be reduced if rotated
from side to side.
Tire rotation means moving the wheels
to a different position, with respect to
the vehicle. During rotation, inspect tires
for correct balance. The single wheel will therefore operate
on a different axle and, where possible,
on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Note:
Rotate tires periodically. Irregular tire
wear is dangerous. To equalize tread
wear for maintaining good
performance in handling and braking,
rotate the tires every 6,200 miles
(10,000 km), or sooner if irregular wear
develops.
To equalize tread wear, rotate the
tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) at
the latest or sooner if irregular wear
develops. FCA recommends to rotate
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) to help
increase tire life and distribute wear
more evenly.
Because your vehicle is not
equipped with a spare tire, you cannot
do a tire rotation safely with the jack
that may come with your vehicle if so
equipped. Contact an Authorized
Dealer for tire rotation.
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually
caused by one or a combination of the
following:
Incorrect tire pressure
Improper wheel alignment
Out-of-balance wheel
Severe braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to
specification and inspect the wheel nuts
for tightness.
With Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS)
The TPM system must be initialized
after adjusting the tire pressure, to
make the system operate normally.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Initialization” paragraph in
“Safety” chapter.
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial
tires that have an asymmetrical tread
pattern only from front to rear, not from
side to side. Tire performance will be
reduced if rotated from side to side.
07031402-FRT-001Rotation Diagram
251

DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE
QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The specific grade rating assigned by
the tire's manufacturer in each category
is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal safety requirements
in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative
rating, based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half times
as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement, as measured
under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat,
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel.Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance, which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel, than the
minimum required by law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

STORING THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle is left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be observed:
Park the vehicle in covered, dry and if
possible well-ventilated premises and
slightly open the windows.
Check that the parking brake is not
activated.
Disconnect the negative battery
terminal and check the battery charge.
Repeat this check once every three
months during storage.
If the battery is not disconnected
from the electrical system, check its
state of charge every thirty days.
Clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax.
Clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds
available commercially.
Sprinkle talcum powder on the
windshield and rear window wiper
rubber blades and lift them off the
glass.
Cover the vehicle with a fabric or
perforated plastic sheet, paying
particular care not to damage the
painted surface by dragging any dust
that may have accumulated on it. Do not use compact plastic sheets
which do not allow humidity to
evaporate from the surface of the
vehicle.
Inflate the tires at a pressure of
+7.25 psi (+0.5 bar) higher than
recommended on the tire placard and
check it periodically.
Do not drain the engine cooling
system.
Any time the vehicle is left inactive for
two weeks or more, operate the air
conditioning system with engine idling
for at least five minutes, setting external
air and with fan set to maximum speed.
This operation will ensure appropriate
lubrication for the system, thus
minimizing the possibility of damage to
the compressor when the system is
operated again.
Note: After placing the ignition in the
OFF mode and having closed the driver
side door, wait at least one minute
before disconnecting the electrical
supply from the battery. When
reconnecting the electrical supply to the
battery, make sure that the ignition in
the OFF mode and the driver side door
is closed.
BODYWORK
Protection From
Atmospheric Agents
The vehicle is equipped with the best
available technological solutions to
protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These include:
Painting products and systems
which give the vehicle resistance to
corrosion and abrasion.
Use of galvanized (or pre-treated)
steel sheets, with high resistance to
corrosion.
Spraying of plastic parts, with a
protective function in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner fender, edges,
etc.
Use of “open” boxed sections to
prevent condensation and pockets of
moisture which could favour the
formation of rust inside.
Use of special films to protect
against abrasion in exposed areas (e.g.
rear fender, doors, etc.).
Corrosion Warranty
Your vehicle is covered by Corrosion
Warranty against perforation due to rust
of any original element of the structure
or bodywork. For the general terms of
this Corrosion Warranty, refer to the
Warranty Booklet.
253

Preserving The
Paintwork
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of
washing the vehicle: the frequency
depends on the conditions and
environment in which the vehicle is
used.
For example, it is advisable to wash the
vehicle more often in areas with high
levels of atmospheric pollution or salted
roads.
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
If high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a
distance of at least 1.3 ft (40 cm) from
the bodywork to avoid damage or
alteration. Build up of water could
cause damage to the vehicle in the long
term.
Wash the vehicle using a low
pressure jet of water if possible.
Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge.
Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door
frames, hood, headlight frames, etc.)
with special care, as water may
stagnate more easily in these areas.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has been
left in the sun or with the hood hot: this
may alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned
in the same way as the rest of the
vehicle.
Note:
Avoid parking under trees; the sap
dropped by trees makes the paint
work go dull and increases the
possibility of corrosion.
Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid
they contain is particularly aggressive.
Etching caused by acid rain or
industrial fallout
Cause:
Industrial pollutants and vehicle
emissions drift into the air and mix with
rain or dew to form acids. These acids
can settle on a vehicle's finish. As the
water evaporates, the acid becomes
concentrated and can damage the finish.
The longer the acid remains on the
surface, the greater the chance is for
damage.
Prevention:
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according
to the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you suspect that acid rain has settled
on your vehicle's finish. Damage caused by bird
dropping/insects/tree sap
Problem:
Bird droppings contain acids. If these
are not removed they can eat away the
clear and color base coat of the
vehicle's paintwork.
When insects stick to the paint surface
and decompose, corrosive compounds
form. These can erode the clear and
color base coat of the vehicle's
paintwork if they are not removed.
Tree sap will harden and adhere
permanently to the paint finish. If you
scratch the sap off while it is hard,
some vehicle paint could come off with
it.
Prevention:
It is necessary to have your vehicle
washed and waxed to preserve its finish
according to the instructions in this
section. This should be done as soon
as possible.
Bird droppings can be removed with a
soft sponge and water. If you are
travelling and these are not available, a
moistened tissue may also take care of
the problem. The cleaned area should
be waxed according to the instructions
in this section. Insects and tree sap are
best removed with a soft sponge and
water or a commercially available
chemical cleaner.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE