2017 FIAT 500 ABARTH CABRIO transmission

Battery Charge Warning Light
Red Telltale LightWhat It Means
Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the
engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with the electri-
cal system or a related component.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies.”
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red Telltale LightWhat It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
If a problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash
depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is
safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The
light should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will
usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required
and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall
and your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first
turned to ON/RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 123

Oil Pressure Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the ve-
hicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light turns
on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
Red Warning
Light What It Means
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. As engine coolant temperatures rise and
the gauge approaches
H,this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after
reaching a set threshold.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera-
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further information.
124 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Transmission Fault Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with a message in the Instrument Cluster Display and a
buzzer) to indicate a transmission fault. This light indicates that the transmission fluid tem-
perature is running hot. This may occur with severe usage. If this light turns on, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. Then, place the transmission into NEUTRAL and run the engine
at idle speed or apply light foot pressure to increase the engine speed RPM until the Trans-
mission Temperature light turns off. Contact your authorized dealer if the message remains
after restarting the engine.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tem-
perature Warning Light illuminated will eventually
cause severe transmission damage or transmission
failure.
126 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off. For further information, refer
to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Starting And Operating.”
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 131

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ...............184
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ......184
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped . . . .184
▫ Normal Starting ..................... .184
▫ Cold Weather Operation ...............185
▫ Extended Park Starting .................185
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................186
▫ After Starting ...................... .186
▫ Turbocharger “Cool Down” .............186

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .186
▫ Five-Speed Manual Transmission .........186
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds .............188
▫ Downshifting ...................... .188
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ....................... .189
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ..............190
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . .190
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ........190
▫ Gear Ranges ....................... .191
 AUTOSTICK ........................ .195
▫ Operation ......................... .195
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ........196
▫ Acceleration ....................... .196
▫ Traction .......................... .197
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ............197
▫ Flowing/Rising Water .................197
▫ Shallow Standing Water ................198
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POWER STEERING ....................199
 PARKING BRAKE .....................200
 SPORT MODE ....................... .201
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......201
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....202
 BRAKE SYSTEM ..................... .202
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . .203
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . .203
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ..............204
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ...........204
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................205
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .........206
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light ...........209
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ............210
▫ Tire Markings ...................... .210
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........213▫
Tire Terminology And Definitions .........214
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ..........215
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION .......219
▫ Tire Pressure ...................... .219
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................220
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . .221
▫ Radial Ply Tires .....................221
▫ Tire Types ......................... .222
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ............223
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ..............224
▫ Tire Spinning ...................... .227
▫ T

read Wear Indicators .................227
▫ Life Of Tire ....................... .228
▫ Replacement Tires ....................228
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) ......230
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .230
182 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust
both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat
belts.
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 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). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in
NEUTRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless the
clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV/ACC (START)
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
184 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite
and damage the converter and vehicle.
•
To prevent damage to the starter, do not continu-
ously crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a
time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
Turbocharger “Cool Down”
This vehicle is equipped with an after-run pump to cool
the turbocharger after the engine is shut off. Depending
on the type of driving and the amount of cargo, the
pump will run for up to 10 minutes after the engine has
been shut off to circulate coolant through the turbo-
charger. Although the pump is rubber-mounted for
quiet operation, it is normal to hear it running during
this time.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
Five-Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should
always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
186 STARTING AND OPERATING