2018 FIAT 124 SPIDER parking brake

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 Fiat
Dealership.
Only for “Brake system warning
light”: the light turns on continuously
when the parking brake is applied.
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Automatic transmission warning light;
Power steering malfunction indicator
light;
Air Bag/Seat Belt pretensioner
system warning light;
Active bonnet warning light;
Low fuel warning light;
Seat belt warning light;
Door-ajar warning light;
Low washer fluid level warning light;
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
warning light;
KEY warning light;
LED headlight KEY warning light;
Wrench indicator light;
TCS/DSC indicator light;
DSC OFF indicator light;
Security indicator light;
Passenger Air Bag deactivation
indicator light (where provided).

WARNING LIGHTS ON 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 a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact a Fiat
Dealership 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.
IMPORTANT In addition, the effectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to
depress the brake pedal more strongly than normal to stop the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
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 a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated.
Contact a Fiat Dealership 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.
ALTERNATOR FAILURE
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the alternator or of the
charging system. Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Stop the vehicle in a
safe place immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated
because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

front bumper. In addition, it may
activate depending on the level of
impact from even a light object, small
animal, or other small object;
the system may also activate if the
lower part of the vehicle or the front
bumper receives an impact from one of
the following situations:
– the vehicle hits a curb;
– the vehicle falls into a deep ditch or
hole;
– the vehicle bounces and hits the
ground;
– the front, bottom part of the vehicle
contacts the slope of a parking
garage, the surface of an even,
undulating road, or a protruding or
fallen object on the road.
Situations in which the active
bonnet may not activate
The active bonnet may not active in the
following situations as an impact would
be difficult to detect:
the pedestrian gets hit at an angle or
by the side areas on the left and right of
the front bumper;
the vehicle hits a pedestrian who is
carrying something such as a bag
which can absorb the impact.Situations in which the system does
not activate
The active bonnet does not activate
under the following conditions:
the front bumper gets hit while the
vehicle is being driven at a speed
insufficient to activate the system;
the vehicle gets hit from the side or
the rear;
the vehicle rolls or turns over (the
active bonnet may operate depending
on the accident conditions).
WARNING
65)Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving. The ABS cannot compensate
for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow, and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
66)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on
the current road conditions.
67)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.68)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
69)Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving. The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating
(following another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
70)Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow. Driving
without proper traction devices on snow
and/or ice-covered roads is dangerous.
The Traction Control System (TCS) alone
cannot provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
71)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.
72)Do not rely on the DSC as a substitute
for safe driving: the Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of water
on the road surface). You can still have an
accident.
73)For the correct operation of the DSC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of
the same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System
initialization
(versions with conventional tires)
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that
the system operates normally:
a tire pressure is adjusted;
tire rotation is performed;
a tire or wheel is replaced;
the battery is replaced or completely
drained;
the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light is illuminated.
Initialization method
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a safe place and firmly
apply the parking brake;
let the tires cool, then adjust the tire
pressure of all four (4) tires to the
specified pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label located on the driver's
door frame (door open);
switch the ignition ON;
while the vehicle is parked, press and
hold the TPMS system set switch
fig. 60 and verify that the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light in the
instrument cluster flashes twice and a
beep sound is heard once.
IMPORTANT If the system initialization
is performed without adjusting the tire
pressure, the system cannot detect the
normal tire pressure and it may not
illuminate the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light even if a tire
pressure is low, or it may illuminate the
light even if the pressures are normal.
IMPORTANT Adjust the tire pressure on
all four tires and initialize the system
when the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light is turned on. If the
warning light turns on for a reason
other than a flat tire, the tire pressure of
all four tires may have decreased
naturally.
IMPORTANT The system initialization
will not be performed if the switch is
pressed while the vehicle is being
driven.HLA (Hill Launch Assist)
FUNCTION
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is a function
which assists the driver in accelerating
from a stop while on a slope. When the
driver releases the brake pedal and
depresses the accelerator pedal while
on a slope, the function prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the shift lever is in a position other than
the reverse (R) position.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, Hill Launch Assist
operates on a downward slope when
the selector lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when
the selector lever is in a forward gear.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate on a gentle slope. In
addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate if the parking brake is
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STARTING AND OPERATING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and our
wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE.......112
PARKING.................112
PARKING BRAKE............113
MANUAL TRANSMISSION......114
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. . . .115
CRUISE CONTROL...........118
SPEED LIMITER.............120
PARKING SENSOR SYSTEM.....121
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE.....123
REAR CAMERA (PARKVIEW REAR
BACKUP CAMERA)...........125
TOWING TRAILERS..........128
111

STARTING THE
ENGINE
130) 131) 132)
24)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
For starting procedure see “Starting the
engine” in “Getting to know your
vehicle” chapter.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic; engage
a gear (versions with manual
transmission) or position the gear lever
to P (Parking) (versions with automatic
transmission);
turn the ignition device to STOP with
the engine idling.
WARNING
130)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.131)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
132)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
24)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
PARKING
Keep away the key when leaving the
vehicle and take it with you.
When parking and leaving the vehicle,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (first gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before releasing the brake
pedal, wait for letter P to be displayed.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the vehicle
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before placing the gear
lever at P).
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STARTING AND OPERATING

PARKING BRAKE
133) 134) 135)
IMPORTANT Driving with the parking
brake on will cause excessive wear of
the brake parts.
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 1 upwards fig. 86,
then press the release button 2. While
holding the button, lower the parking
brake lever all the way down to the
released position.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.
NOTE 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.
NOTE The brake assist equipment does
not supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.
WARNING
133)In the case of parking manoeuvres on
roads on a gradient, the front wheels must
be steered towards the pavement (when
parking downhill), or in the opposite
direction if the vehicle is parked uphill. If the
vehicle is parked on a steep slope, it is
advisable to block the wheels with a wedge
or stone.
134)Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle. Keep away the key when
leaving the vehicle and take it with you.
135)Do not drive with worn disc pads.
Driving with worn disc pads is dangerous.
The brakes could fail and cause a serious
accident. As soon as you hear a
screeching noise contact a Fiat Dealership.
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MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
136) 137) 138)
25)
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever into
the required position. The diagram for
gear engagement is shown on the knob
fig. 87.
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 R (reverse) by
mistake. Push the shift lever downward
and shift to R.
A natural driving posture can be
achieved by lightly gripping the shiftlever from the side without having to
rest your elbow on the center console
box.
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.
With Parking Sensor system
When the shift lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON,
the parking sensor system is activated
and a beep sound is heard.
IMPORTANT Keep your foot off the
clutch pedal except when shifting
gears. Also, do not use the clutch to
hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Riding
the clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
IMPORTANT Do not apply any
excessive lateral force to the shift lever
when changing from 5
thto 4thgear.
This could lead to the accidental
selection of 2
ndgear, which could
result in damage to the transmission.
IMPORTANT Make sure the vehicle
comes to a complete stop before
shifting to R. Shifting to R while the
vehicle is still moving may damage the
transmission.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completely
stationary. With the engine running, waitat least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal
fully pressed before engaging reverse to
prevent damage to the gears and
grating.
WARNING
136)Depress the clutch pedal fully to
change gear correctly. Therefore, the floor
area underneath the pedal unit must not be
obstructed in any way. Ensure that the floor
mat is always laid flat and does not
interfere with use of the pedals.
137)Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high speeds.
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while driving at high
speeds causes sudden engine braking,
which is dangerous. The sudden change in
tyre speed could cause the tyres to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
138)Always leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle unattended. Otherwise
the vehicle could move and cause an
accident.
IMPORTANT
25)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even if
slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
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STARTING AND OPERATING