2017 FIAT SPIDER ABARTH Owners Manual

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. 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.
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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 favor 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. 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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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. Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one
to two hours. After removing the
newspaper, rinse off the loosened
debris with water.
Water marks
Problem:
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt
and lime. If moisture containing these
minerals settles on the vehicle and
evaporates, the minerals will
concentrate and harden to form white
rings. The rings can damage your
vehicle's finish.
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 find water marks on your vehicle's
finish.
Paint chipping
Problem:
Paint chipping occurs when gravel
thrown in the air by another vehicle's
tires hits your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping:
Keeping a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead reduces the
chances of having your paint chipped
by flying gravel. Note:
The paint chipping zone varies with
the speed of the vehicle. For example,
when travelling at 55 mph (90 km/h),
the paint chipping zone is 164 ft
(50 m).
In low temperatures, a vehicle's
finish hardens. This increases the
chance of paint chipping.
Chipped paint can lead to rust
forming on your vehicle. Before this
happens, repair the damage by using
FCA touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or
polish. Read all warnings and cautions.
Maintaining The Finish
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your vehicle
thoroughly and frequently, at least once
a month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here
are some examples of how scratching
could occur:
The vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.
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The vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
The vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
Cleansers or wax containing
abrasives are used.
Note: FCA is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.
When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is placed in the
ON mode, the wipers may move
automatically in the following cases:
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Note:
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper lever is
in the AUTO position and the ignition is
placed in the ON mode as fingers
could be pinched or the wipers and
wiper blades damaged when the
wipers activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be sure
the wipers are turned off completely
(when it is most likely that the engine is
left running) this is particularly
important when clearing ice and snow. Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could
result in engine-starting problems or
damage to electrical parts.
When washing and waxing the
vehicle, be careful not to apply
excessive force to any single area of
the vehicle hood. Otherwise, you could
dent the vehicle.
Do not use automatic car washing
machines and car washing devices
using high water pressure.
Make sure that the fuel door is
closed and lock the doors. Otherwise,
the fuel door may be forcefully opened
by water pressure causing damage to
the vehicle or fuel door.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
Rinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
Rub gently when washing or drying
the vehicle.
Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
Do not use abrasive cleansers or
wax that contain abrasives. Caution!Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or
strong detergents containing highly alkaline
or caustic agents on chrome plated or
anodized aluminium parts. This may
damage the protective coating; also,
cleaners and detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material
from the underside of the fenders, and
make sure the drain holes in the lower
edges of the doors and rocker panels
are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits
can damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing
with plain water is ineffective, use a mild
soap made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots
from forming.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

body, wax the metal trim to maintain its
lustre:
Use wax which contains no
abrasives. Waxes containing abrasive
will remove paint and could damage
bright metal parts.
Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.
When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
Note: A spot remover to remove oil,
tar, and similar materials will usually also
take off the wax. Rewax these areas
even if the rest of the vehicle does not
need it.
Repairing Damage To
The Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to
major repairs.
Note: If your vehicle is damaged and
needs metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
corrosion prevention materials to all
parts, both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
Bright-Metal
Maintenance
Use tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool. To prevent corrosion on brigh-tmetal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high lustre.
During cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
Caution!Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or
strong detergents containing highly alkaline
or caustic agents on chrome plated or
anodized aluminium parts. This may result
in damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint deterioration.
Underbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice
and snow removal and solvents used
for dust control may collect on the
underbody. If not removed, they will
speed up rusting and deterioration of
such underbody parts as fuel lines,
frame, floor pan, and exhaust system,
even though these parts may be coated
with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker
panels, and frame members have drain
holes that should not be clogged.
Water trapped there will cause rusting.
Aluminium Wheel
Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over
the aluminium wheels. Special care is
needed to protect this coating.
Note: Do not use any detergent other
than mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminium wheels.
Caution!Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminium wheels. They may damage the
coating.
Note: Always use a sponge or soft
cloth to clean the wheels. Rinse the
wheels thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or salted
roads to help prevent corrosion.
259

Convertible Top
Maintenance
The convertible top is made of a special
high-grade material, but if it's not taken
good care of, hardening, staining, and
loss of lustre will result. Maintain it
under these guidelines.
Washing
Do not wait until the convertible top
gets really dirty before cleaning it. Dirt
that's there too long will cause
deterioration.
Before washing, remove dust and
coarse particulate with a soft brush.
Gently clean the convertible top with
a synthetic neutral detergent, lots of
water, and a soft brush.
Rinse it thoroughly with clean water
to remove all the soap.
Wipe it as dry as you can before the
water dries on it.
Then allow it to dry completely before
lowering it. Caution!Automatic and high-pressure car
washes are harmful to a convertible top.
Avoid them.
Do not spray water directly on the area
where the window glass and the
convertible top meet. This would probably
cause water to enter the interior.
Do not spray water directly on the seam
area of the body and the convertible top as
it could result in water penetrating the
interior.
Do not wipe the convertible top using
alcohol, chlorine bleach, or organic
solvents such as thinner, benzene, or
gasoline. Otherwise, they may cause
discoloration or stains.
Too much treatment on the convertible
top can be as damaging as too little. Follow
the manufacturer's directions. Do not over
do it!
Note:
Some leather treatment products
can ruin the convertible top's gloss. Be
careful of the one you choose.
Test on an inconspicuous, small
corner of the convertible top if you are
not sure. Do not get any car wax on the
convertible top.
If you do, remove it with a good
leather cleaner or mild detergent
(about 5% solution).
Let the convertible top dry
completely before lowering after
applying treatment or dressing.
Drain Filter Cleaning
If leaves or other matter block the drain
filter, water may enter the vehicle. Clean
the drain filter at least once a year.
Proceed as follows:
1. Check the position of the drain filter
with your hand from behind the bow. 07040110-122-001AB
Drain Filter
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

2. Remove the drain filter while
pressing the tab. 3. Remove leaves and other matter
accumulated in the drain filter.
4. Reinstall the drain filter in the reverse
order of the removal procedure.
Note: Make sure that the drain filter is
securely attached to its designated
position by pushing it until the tab
locks. Water may enter the vehicle if the
drain filter is not secured to its
designated position. For this operation
go to an authorized dealer.
Plastic Part
Maintenance
When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, paraffin,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents.
Otherwise, these chemical agents can
discolor or damage the surfaces
resulting in a significant loss in
functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately. Caution! High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure car
washer device. If the car washer nozzle is
put too close to the vehicle or aimed at one
area for an extended period of time, it
could deform plastic parts or damage the
paint.
Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in paint
damage.
In addition, do not use an electrical or air
tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the frictional
heat generated could result in deformation
of plastic parts or paint damage.07040110123001
Drain Filter Location
1 — Drain Filter
2 — Bow 07040110124001
Drain Filter Tab
261

INTERIORS Seats And Fabric Parts
Warning!Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable,
and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
Do not keep aerosol cans in the car: they
might explode. Aerosol cans must not be
exposed to a temperature exceeding
122°F (50°C). When the vehicle is exposed
to sunlight the internal temperature can
greatly exceed this value.
Caution!Direct contact of air fresheners, insect
repellents, suntan lotions, or hand
sanitizers, to the plastic, painted, or
decorated surfaces of the interior may
cause permanent damage. Wipe away
immediately.
Damage caused by these type of
products may not be covered by your New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Rubbing the interior side of the
convertible top vigorously with a stiff brush
or cloth may cause damage. Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets.
Remove fresh spots immediately with a
fabric spot cleaner.
To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.
Note: Use only recommended cleaners
and procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.
Interior Panels
When the interior panels need to be
cleaned, use soft material such as a
soft cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well and lightly wipe off dirt
from the surface.
If a panel requires further cleaning, wipe
dirt off using a soft cloth soaked in mild
detergent (about 5% solution) and wipe
off any remaining detergent using a
cloth soaked in clean water and wrung
out well. Caution!Do not wipe leather parts using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents such
as thinner, benzene, or gasoline. Otherwise,
it may cause discoloration or stains.
Note:
Scratches or nicks on the panels
and metallic trim resulting from the use
of a hard brush or cloth may not be
repairable.
Be particularly careful when
cleaning high gloss panels and metallic
trim as they can be easily scratched.
Lap / Shoulder Belt
Warning!A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a
collision and leave you with no protection.
Inspect the belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify
the system. Seat belt assemblies must be
replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.).
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE