2017 FIAT SPIDER ABARTH traction control

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.
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Note:
When DSC is on and you attempt
to free the vehicle when it is stuck, or
drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the
TCS (part of the DSC system) will
activate. Depressing the accelerator
will not increase engine power and
freeing the vehicle may be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the
TCS/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the
engine is turned off, it automatically
activates when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode. Warning!Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. DSC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. DSC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an DSC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to
properly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the DSC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking
system, tire type and size or wheel size
may adversely affect DSC performance.
Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires
may also degrade DSC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle
maintenance that reduces the effectiveness
of the DSC system can increase the risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. AUXILIARY DRIVING
SYSTEMS Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) System
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
system is designed to assist the driver
during lane changes by alerting the
driver to the presence of vehicles
approaching from the rear in an
adjacent lane.
The system detects vehicles
approaching from the rear while
traveling in the forward direction at a
speed of 19 mph (30 km/h) or faster,
and will activate the BSM warning lights
equipped within the door mirrors.
If the turn signal lever is operated to
signal a lane change in the direction in
which the warning light is illuminated,
the system warns the driver of a vehicle
in the detection area by flashing the
warning light and activating an audible
alert.
The detection area on this system
covers the driving lanes on both sides
of the vehicle and from the rear part of
the doors to about 164 ft (50 m) behind
the vehicle.05060301-12A-001
DSC OFF Switch
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SAFETY

For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels.
Note: Use snow chains only on the
rear wheels.
Floor Mat Safety
Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit
the footwell of your vehicle. Use only
floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly
secured so that they cannot slip out of
position and interfere with the pedals or
impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways. Warning!An improperly attached, damaged, folded,
or stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle
control. To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or
DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attach your floor
mat using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT
install your floor mat upside down or turn
your floor mat over. Lightly pull to confirm
mat is secured using the floor mat
fasteners on a regular basis.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING
FLOOR MAT FROM THE VEHICLE
before installing any other floor mat.
NEVER install or stack an additional floor
mat on top of an existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit
your vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured
to your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year
of your vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on
the driver’s side floor area. To check for
interference, with the vehicle properly
parked with the engine off, fully depress the
accelerator, the brake, and the clutch pedal
(if present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of
any pedal, or is not secure to the floor,
remove the floor mat from the vehicle and
place the floor mat in your trunk. ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall
or slide into the driver’s side floor area
when the vehicle is moving. Objects can
become trapped under accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects
could change the position of the floor mat
and may cause interference with the
accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Rocking The Vehicle
Note: Too much rocking may cause
engine overheating, transmission failure,
and tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it
from snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
gear selector from 1 (D) to R.04090400-USA-001
Floor Mat Retention Post Location
179

Install the chains on the rear tires only.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Note:
Chains may affect handling.
Do not go faster than 30 mph
(50 km/h) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is lower.
Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Do not use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminium wheels.
Warning!Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can
cause unpredictable handling. You could
lose control and have a collision. Caution!To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further
use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
Observe the traction device
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a
compact spare tire. Driving In Flooded Area
Note: Do not drive the vehicle on
flooded roads as it could cause short
circuit of electrical/electronic parts, or
water enters the engine and causes it
to lock up (hydro-lock) and stall. If the
vehicle has been immersed in water
contact your authorized dealer.
Although your vehicle is capable of
driving through shallow standing water,
consider the following Cautions and
Warnings before doing so.
Warning! Driving through standing water limits
your vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water.
Driving through standing water limits
your vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to
you, your passengers, and others around
you.
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It is recommended you contact your
authorized tire dealer or original
equipment dealer with any questions
you may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.
Warning!Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved
for your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load
index or capacity, other than what was
originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a
tire with a smaller load index could result in
tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can
result in sudden tire failure and loss of
vehicle control. Caution!Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped All Season tires provide traction for all
seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and
Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the
M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on
the tire sidewall. Use all season tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires
— If Equipped Summer tires provide traction in both
wet and dry conditions, and are not
intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized
dealer. Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Warning!Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires Some areas of the country require the
use of snow tires during the Winter.
Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the
tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
onlyinsetsoffour;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed
ratings than what was originally
equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds
above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
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original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve
performance on ice, skid and traction
capability on wet or dry surfaces may
be poorer than that of non-studded
tires. Some states prohibit studded
tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If
Equipped
Note: For vehicles equipped with Tire
Service Kit instead of a spare tire,
please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In
Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
Caution!Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or
limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped Your vehicle may be equipped with a
spare tire and wheel equivalent in look
and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may
be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option,
refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If
Equipped The compact spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a
compact spare by looking at the spare
tire description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire. Compact spare tire
descriptions begin with the letter “T” or
“S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T,S=Te mporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt
to mount a conventional tire on the
compact spare wheel, since the wheel
is designed specifically for the compact
spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time. Warning!Compact and collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary
use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be
sure to follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could result in
spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
Collapsible Spare Tire — If
Equipped The collapsible spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a
collapsible spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on
the driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description
example: 165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the
wheel is properly installed to the
vehicle. Inflate the collapsible tire using
the electric air pump before lowering
the vehicle.
250
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Caution!To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further
use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
Observe the traction device
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a
compact spare tire. Caution!Using snow chains with tires with
non-original dimensions may damage the
vehicle.
Using different size or type (M+S, snow,
etc.) tires between front and rear axle may
adversely affect vehicle driveability, with the
risk of losing control of the vehicle and
resulting accidents.
Tire Rotation
Recommendations
The front and rear tires are subject to
different loads and stress due to
steering, maneuver and braking. For
this reason they are subject to uneven
wear. To resolve this problem, tires
should be rotated at the appropriate
time.
The following rotation methods must
NOT be used with one-way
unidirectional tires! This type of tires can
only be switched from the front axle to
the rear axle and vice versa, keeping
them on the same side of the vehicle.
Rotate one-way unidirectional tires
and radial tires that have an
asymmetrical tread pattern only from
front to rear, not from side to side. Tire
performance will be reduced if rotated
from side to side. Tire rotation means moving the wheels
to a different position, with respect to
the vehicle. During rotation, inspect tires
for correct balance.
The single wheel will therefore operate
on a different axle and, where possible,
on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Note:
Rotate tires periodically. Irregular tire
wear is dangerous. To equalize tread
wear for maintaining good
performance in handling and braking,
rotate the tires every 6,200 miles
(10,000 km), or sooner if irregular wear
develops.
To equalize tread wear, rotate the
tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) at
the latest or sooner if irregular wear
develops. FCA recommends to rotate
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) to help
increase tire life and distribute wear
more evenly. 07031402-FRT-001
Rotation Diagram
253