2017 FIAT 500 ABARTH CABRIO Owners Manual

IconDescription
•Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demister outlets. This setting
works best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This
setting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Climate Control OFF Button
Push and release this button to turn the Climate Control ON/OFF.
Temperature UP And DOWN Button
Provides the driver with independent temperature control. Push the UP button on the face-
plate for warmer temperature settings. Push the DOWN button on the faceplate for cooler
temperature settings.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175

CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage
to the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping paral-
lel to the heating elements. Labels can be peeled
off after soaking with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of
the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator
to manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning
system. When the air conditioning system is turned on,
cool dehumidified air will flow through the outlets into
the cabin. For improved fuel economy, push the A/C
button to turn off the air conditioning and manually
adjust the blower and airflow mode settings. Also,
make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level or Floor modes. NOTE:
•
If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed if
needed.
• If your air conditioning performance seems lower
than expected, check the front of the A/C condenser
(located in front of the radiator), for an accumulation
of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from the front of the radiator and through the
condenser.
Recirculation
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or high hu-
midity, or if rapid cooling is desired, you may wish to
recirculate interior air by pushing the Recirculation
control button. The recirculation indicator will illumi-
nate when this button is selected. Push the button a
second time to turn off the Recirculation mode and
allow outside air into the vehicle.
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:In cold weather, use of recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation
feature may be unavailable (button on the touchscreen
greyed out) if conditions exist that could create fogging
on the inside of the windshield. On systems with
Manual Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window clearing
operation. Recirculation will be disabled automatically
if this mode is selected. Attempting to use Recirculation
while in this mode will cause the LED in the control
button to blink and then turn off.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped
Automatic Operation
1. Push the AUTO button on the faceplate, or the AUTO button on the touchscreen on the Automatic Tem-
perature Control (ATC) Panel.
2. Next, adjust the temperature you would like the system to maintain by adjusting the driver and
passenger temperature control buttons. Once the
desired temperature is displayed, the system will
achieve and automatically maintain that comfort
level. 3. When the system is set up for your comfort level, it
is not necessary to change the settings. You will
experience the greatest efficiency by simply allowing
the system to function automatically.
NOTE:
• It is not necessary to move the temperature settings
for cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically
adjusts the temperature, mode, and blower speed to
provide comfort as quickly as possible.
• The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric
units by selecting the US/Metric customer-
programmable feature. Refer to the “Customer Pro-
grammable Features — Uconnect System Settings” in
this section of the manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the Auto-
matic mode during cold start-ups, the blower fan will
remain on low until the engine warms up. The blower
will increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177

Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of manual over-
ride features. The AUTO symbol in the front ATC
display will be turned off when the system is being
used in the manual mode.
NOTE:The system will not automatically sense the
presence of fog, mist or ice on the windshield. DE-
FROST mode must be manually selected to clear the
windshield and side glass.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is func-
tioning properly and the proper amount, type, and
concentration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended because it
may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C
for long periods, as fogging may occur.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow,
and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service
your A/C air filter, and to have it replaced when
needed.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179

Operating Tips Chart
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
5

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