2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER engine

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
Push the switch to turn off the
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
113

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.
114
SAFETY

EVENT DATA
RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event
data recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle,
data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed.
The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle
were operating.
Whether or not the driver and
passenger safety belts were
buckled/fastened.
How far (if at all) the driver was
pushing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal.
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
This data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in
which crashes and injuries occur. Note:
EDR data are recorded by your
vehicle only if a non-trivial crash or near
crash-like situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal
data (e.g., name, gender, age, and
crash location) are recorded. However,
other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR
data with the type of personally
identifying data routinely acquired
during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR,
special equipment is required, and
access to the vehicle or the EDR is
needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer, other parties, such as
law enforcement, that have the special
equipment, can read the information if
they have access to the vehicle or the
EDR.
FCA will not disclose any of the data
recorded in an EDR to a third party
unless:
A written agreement from the
vehicle owner or the lessee is
obtained.
Officially requested by the police or
other law enforcement authorities.
Used as a defense for FCA in a law
suit, claim, or arbitration.
Ordered by a judge or court. However, if necessary, FCA will:
Use the data for research on FCA
vehicle performance, including safety.
Disclose the data or the
summarized data to a third party for
research purposes without disclosing
vehicle or owner identification
information.
Recording Of Vehicle Data
This vehicle is equipped with a
computer which records the following
main vehicle data related to vehicle
controls, operation, and other driving
conditions.
Recorded Data
Vehicle conditions such as engine
speed and vehicle speed.
Driving operation conditions such
as accelerator and brake pedals, and
information related to the
environmental circumstances while the
vehicle is driven.
Malfunction diagnosis information
from each on-vehicle computer.
Information related to controls of
other on-vehicle computers.
The recorded data may vary depending
on the vehicle grade and optional
equipment. Voice and images are not
recorded.
146
SAFETY

STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTINGTHEENGINE .......149
BRAKE SYSTEM............150
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ......152
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ..............153
ELECTRONIC SPEED
CONTROL ................158
RADAR SENSORS —
IF EQUIPPED ..............162
REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..............163
PARKVIEW REAR BACKUP
CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED ......167
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ......173
VEHICLELOADING ..........177
TOWING TRAILERS ..........178
DRIVING TIPS ..............178
148
STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE
ENGINE
Starting The Engine
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Warning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock your
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 of a
vehicle equipped with Advanced Keyless
Entry in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat
build-up may cause serious injury or death.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
Models Equipped With A
Manual Transmission
Proceed as follows:
1. Engage the parking brake and place
the gear selector in NEUTRAL.
2. Place the start button in the ACC
mode.
3. Fully depress the clutch pedal
without touching the accelerator.
4. Place the start button in the ON
mode, push and release it as soon as
the engine starts. If the engine does not
start within 10 seconds, push the start
button to OFF mode and wait for
10-15 seconds before repeating the
starting procedure.
Models Equipped With
An Automatic
Transmission
Proceed as follows:
1. Engage the parking brake and place
the gear selector to P (PARK) or N
(NEUTRAL).
2. Fully depress the brake pedal
without touching the accelerator.
3. Place the start button in the ACC
mode. 4. Place the start button in the ON
mode, push and release it as soon as
the engine starts. If the engine does not
start within 10 seconds, push the start
button to OFF mode and wait for
10-15 seconds before repeating the
starting procedure.
Cold Weather Operation
Regarding Cold Start Disable
When the ambient temperature is
extremely low, the engine may not
crank even when the engine starting
procedure is performed. At this time,
the Cold Start Disable Indicator light in
the instrument cluster flashes. However,
this does not indicate a problem.
Perform the necessary procedures (see
“Warning lights And Messages”
paragraph in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” chapter).
Regarding Ice Breaker
When the ambient temperature is low,
the start of cranking may be delayed
after engine starting procedure is
performed. At this time, the Cold Start
Disable Indicator light in the instrument
cluster illumintes. However, this does
not indicate a problem.
Refer to your authorized dealer
regarding other related parts which are
to be input such as function name,
operating scenario (condition) of each
function, indicator operation, and user
operation/procedure information.
149

Extended Park Starting
Note:
Extended Park condition occurs when
the vehicle has not been started or
driven for at least 30 days.
1. Install a battery charger or jumper
cables to the battery to ensure a full
battery charge during the crank cycle.
2. Place the ignition in the START
mode and release it when the engine
starts.
3. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, place the ignition in the
STOP (OFF/LOCK) mode, wait five
seconds to allow the starter to cool,
then repeat the Extended Park Starting
procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight
attempts, allow the starter to cool for at
least 10 minutes, then repeat the
procedure.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
crank continuously for more than 10
seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds
before trying again.
After Starting —
Warming Up The Engine
Proceed as follows:
1. Travel slowly, letting the engine run
at a reduced RPM, without accelerating
suddenly.
2. It is recommended to wait until the
digital engine coolant temperature
indicator starts moving before
demanding full performance.
Stopping The Engine
Proceed as follows:
1. Park the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic, if
equipped with manual transmission
place gear selector in FIRST (1st) or
REVERSE (R) gear, if equipped with
automatic transmission place the gear
selector to PARK (P).
2. Push and release the ignition button
to STOP the engine.
BRAKE SYSTEM
This vehicle has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through
normal use. Should power-assist fail,
you can stop by applying greater force
than normal to the brake pedal. But the
distance required to stop will be greater
than usual.
Note:
Always depress the brake pedal with
the right foot. Applying the brakes with
the unaccustomed left foot could slow
your reaction time to an emergency
situation resulting in insufficient braking
operation.
Do not drive with your foot held on the
clutch pedal or brake pedal, or hold the
clutch pedal depressed halfway
unnecessarily. Doing so could result in
the following:
The clutch and brake parts will wear
out more quickly.
The brakes can overheat and
adversely affect brake performance.
150
STARTING AND OPERATING

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
154
STARTING AND OPERATING