2017 FIAT SPIDER ABARTH brakes

DEAR CUSTOMER Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing a Fiat 124 Spider.
We have written this Owner’s Manual to help you get to know all the features of your vehicle and use it in the best possible way.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your vehicle and how to achieve the best
performance from the technical features of your vehicle.
You are advised to take the time to read these publications carefully before taking to the road for the first time, to become
familiar with the controls and above all with those concerning brakes, steering and transmission; at the same time, you can
understand the vehicle behavior on different road surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care
and maintenance of your vehicle over time.
After reading it, you are advised to keep the Owner’s Manual inside the vehicle, for an easy reference and for making sure it
remains in the vehicle should it be sold.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find a description of the Services that FCA offers to its customers, and the detail
of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new vehicle and the service provided by the
people at FCA.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!
Note: This Owner’s Manual describes all models of the vehicle; please consider only the information relevant to your vehicle’s
trim level, engine and model. All data contained in this publication are purely indicative. FCA can modify the vehicle model
described in this publication at any time, for technical or commercial purposes. For further information, contact your authorized
dealer.

Red Warning Lights Warning Light What It Means
Parking Brake Warning - Warning Light Inspection/Low Brake Fluid Level Warning
Parking brake warning / Warning light inspection
The light illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched to START or
ON. It turns off when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the brake warning light remains illuminated even though the parking brake is released, the
brake fluid may be low or there could be a problem with the brake system. Park the vehicle in a
safe place immediately and contact an authorized dealer.
Note: Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an authorized dealer to
have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Driving with the brake system warning light
illuminated is dangerous. It indicates that your brakes may not work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this light remains illuminated, after checking that the parking brake
is fully released, have the brakes inspected immediately.
The effectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to push the brake pedal
more strongly than normal to stop the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an authorized dealer.
EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) System Warning
If the EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) control unit determines that some components
are operating incorrectly, the control unit may illuminate the brake system warning light and the
ABS warning light simultaneously. The problem is likely to be the electronic brake force
distribution system. Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an authorized
dealer.
Note: Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated. Contact an
authorized dealer to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Driving when the brake
system warning light and ABS warning light are illuminated simultaneously is dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an emergency
stop than under normal circumstances.
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Amber Warning Lights Warning Light What It Means
ABS Warning Light
If the ABS warning light stays on while you're driving, when the ABS control unit has detected a
system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally as if the vehicle had no
ABS. Should this happen contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Note: When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven RPM occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does not
indicate an ABS malfunction. Recharge the battery.
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
Malfunction Indicator Light
If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem. It is important to note the
driving conditions when the light illuminated and contact an authorized dealer.
The malfunction indicator light may illuminate in the following cases:
The engine's electrical system has a problem.
The emission control system has a problem.
The fuel tank level is very low or approaching empty.
The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.
If the malfunction indicator light remains on, or it flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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SAFETY SYSTEMS Safety Systems
The vehicle has the following safety
systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Contol System (TCS)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
ABS System (Anti-lock
Braking System)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing
and reapplying that wheel's brake. The
driver will feel a slight vibration in the
brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation.
Continue to depress the brake pedal
without pumping the brakes. The
warning light turns on when the system
has a malfunction. Refer to “Warning
Lights And Messages” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. Note:
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these
conditions because the tires will build
up a wedge of surface layer when the
wheels skid.
The sound of the ABS operating
may be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the
vehicle; however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
Warning!The ABS contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio
transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified
professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead to
a collision. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your
brake pedal when you need to slow down
or stop. The ABS cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner that could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
TCS System (Traction
Control System)
Warning!The capability of the TCS must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it can lower engine torque and
operate the brakes to prevent loss of
traction. This means that on a slick
surface, the engine adjusts
automatically to provide optimum
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SAFETY

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING

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” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. 05050102-12A-001AB
Parking Brake
1 — Parking Brake Lever
2 — Parking Brake Release Button
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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
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. 05987654-12A-001AB
Gear Selector
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STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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
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.
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 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 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.
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