2017 FIAT SPIDER ABARTH ABS

How To Use This Manual ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Each time directions (left/right or forward/backwards) are listed, they are determined by facing forward from the rear of the
vehicle or as from the point of view of being seated inside the car. Special cases not complying with this rule will be properly
specified in the text.
The figures in the Owner’s Manual are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do not
correspond to the actual arrangement of your vehicle. In addition, the Owner’s Manual has been conceived considering vehicles
with steering wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with steering wheel on the right side, the position of
some controls or elements is not exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner’s Manual.
Chapters can be rapidly identified by graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A key showing the order of the chapter and
the corresponding tab symbols appears on another page.
SYMBOLS
While reading this Owner’s Manual you will find a series of WARNINGS to prevent procedures that could damage your vehicle.
There are also CAUTIONS that must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle, which
could cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore, all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS must always be carefully followed.
WARNINGS and CAUTIONS are recalled in the text with the following symbols:
Personal Safety
Vehicle Safety

WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES Warning Lights And
Messages
Note:
The warning light in the instrument
panel appears together with a
dedicated message and/or acoustic
signal when applicable. These
indications are indicative and
precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained
in the Owner’s Manual, which you are
advised to read carefully in all cases.
Always refer to the information in this
chapter in the event of a failure
indication.
Failure indications displayed are
divided into two categories: serious
and less serious failures. Serious
failures are indicated by a repeated
and prolonged warning "cycle". Less
serious failures are indicated by a
warning "cycle" with a shorter duration.
The display cycle of both categories
can be interrupted. The instrument
panel warning light will stay on until the
cause of the failure is eliminated.
The warning contents can be verified
on the audio system. Proceed as follows:
1. If the warning light is turned on,
select
icon on the home screen to
display the application screen.
2. Select “ Warning Guidance ”to
display the current warnings.
3. Select the applicable warning to
view the warning details.
For the following warning/indicator
lights:
Master Warning Light
Brake System Warning Light
ABS Warning Light
Charging System Warning Light
Engine Oil Warning Light
Electric Throttle Warning Light
Cold Start Warning Light
Check Engine Warning Light
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Automatic Transmission Warning
Light
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator
Light
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light
Low Fuel Warning Light Seat Belt Warning Light
Door Ajar Warning Light
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning
Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light
KEY Warning Light
LED Headlight KEY Warning Light
BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring) OFF
Indicator Light
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
DSC OFF Indicator Light
Security Indicator Light
Indicator Light
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation
Warning Light
The light turns on when the ignition is
switched on for an operation check,
and turns off a few seconds later or
when the engine is started. If the light
does not turn on or remains turned on,
have the vehicle inspected at an
authorized dealer.
Note: Only for “Brake System Warning
Light:” the light turns on continuously
when the parking brake is applied.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
87

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.
91

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

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” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
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 your
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)” in this
chapter for further information.
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” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
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
your 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.
113

Side Air Bags
The side air bags are mounted in the
outer sides of the seat backs. When the
air bag crash sensors detect a side
impact of greater than moderate force,
the system inflates the side air bag only
on the side in which the vehicle was hit.
The side air bag inflates quickly to
reduce injury to the driver or
passenger's head and chest caused by
directly hitting interior parts such as a
door or window. For more details about
air bag deployment, refer to "SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria" in this
chapter for further information.
Warning!Occupants, including children, who are
up against or very close to SABs can be
seriously injured or killed. Occupants,
including children, should never lean on or
sleep against the door, side windows, or
area where the side air bags inflate, even if
they are in an infant or child restraint.
Seat belts (and child restraints where
appropriate) are necessary for your
protection in all collisions. They also help
keep you in position, away from an inflating
SAB. To get the best protection from the
SABs, occupants must wear their seat
belts properly and sit upright with their
backs against the seats. Children must be
properly restrained in a child restraint or
booster seat that is appropriate for the size
of the child.
With Passenger Occupant
Classification System
In addition, the passenger side bag is
designed to only deploy when the
passenger occupant classification
sensor detects a passenger sitting on
the passenger's seat. Warning! If a child restraint system, child, small
teenager or adult in the front passenger
seat is seated improperly, the occupant
may provide an output signal to the OCS
that is different from the occupant’s
properly seated weight input. This may
result in serious injury or death in a
collision.
Always wear your seat belt and sit
properly, with the seatback in an upright
position, your back against the seatback,
sitting upright, facing forward, in the center
of the seat, with your feet comfortably on
or near the floor.
Do not carry or hold any objects (e.g.,
backpacks, boxes, etc.) while seated in the
front passenger seat. Holding an object
may provide an output signal to the OCS
that is different than the occupant’s
properly seated weight input, which may
result in serious injury or death in a
collision.
Placing an object on the floor under the
front passenger seat may prevent the OCS
from working properly, which may result in
serious injury or death in a collision. Do not
place any objects on the floor under the
front passenger seat.06010205-126-123
Side Air Bags
136
SAFETY

The vehicle is moving towards a tall
or square curbstone.
An obstruction is too close to the
sensor.
The following types of obstructions
may not be detected:
Thin objects such as wire or rope.
Things which absorb sonic waves
easily such as rain or snow.
Angular shaped objects.
Very tall objects, and those which
arewideatthetop.
Small, short objects.
Obstructions under the bumper
may not be detected. Obstructions
that are lower than the bumper or thin
which may have been initially detected
but are no longer detected as the
vehicle approaches more closely.
Always have the system inspected
by an authorized dealer if any force is
applied to the bumpers, even in a
minor accident. If the sensors have
been repositioned in any way, they
cannot detect obstructions. The system may have a malfunction
if the audible signal does not operate.
Contact an authorized dealer.
The beeper which indicates a
system malfunction may not be heard
if the ambient temperature is extremely
cold, or mud, ice, or snow adheres to
the sensor area. Remove any foreign
material from the sensor area.
When installing a trailer hitch,
contact an authorized dealer.
Caution!Only have repairs on the bumper in the
area of the sensors carried out by a
authorized dealer. Repairs on the bumper
that are not carried out properly may
compromise the operation of the parking
sensors.
Only have the bumpers repainted or any
retouches to the paint work in the area of
the sensors carried out by a authorized
dealer. Incorrect paint application could
affect the operation of the parking sensors. Sensor Detection Range
The sensors detect obstructions within
the following range:
Lateral Detection Range:
19 inches (50 cm)
Rear Detection Range: 59 inches
(150 cm)
System Operation
The system is operational when the
ignition is in the ON position and the
gear selector is shifted to REVERSE.
When an audible signal sounds, the
system is enabled for use.
164
STARTING AND OPERATING