2018 FIAT 124 SPIDER traction control

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
TCS (Traction Contol System);
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control);
Active bonnet (active pedestrian
protection).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
ABS SYSTEM (Antilock
Brake System)
65) 66) 67) 68)
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”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
NOTE Braking distances may be longer
on loose surfaces (snow or gravel, forexample) 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.
NOTE 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.
TCS SYSTEM (Traction
Control System)
69) 70) 71)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.TCS / DSC indicator light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the
light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT In addition to the warning
light flashing, a slight labouring sound
will come from the engine. This
indicates that the TCS/DSC is
operating properly.
IMPORTANT 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)
72) 73) 74)
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 manoeuvring, enhancing vehicle
safety. Refer to “ABS system (Antilock
Brake System)” and “TCS system
(Traction Control System)”.
70
SAFETY

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.
73

208)Always use tires that are in good
condition. Driving with worn tires is
dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
209)Replace all four tires at the same time.
Replacing just one tyre is dangerous. It
could cause poor handling and poor
braking resulting in loss of vehicle control.
210)Always use wheels of the correct size
on your vehicle. Using a wrong-sized wheel
is dangerous. Braking and handling could
be affected, leading to loss of control and
an accident.
IMPORTANT
49)Road holding depends also on the
correct tire inflating pressure.
50)If the pressure is too low the tire
overheats and this can cause it serious
damage.
51)Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h
(30 mph). Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and avoid driving for long
distances on roads not covered with snow
to prevent damaging the vehicle and the
road surface.
BODYWORK
PRESERVING THE
PAINTWORK
52) 53)
7)
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
is the vehicle is washed remove the
aerial;
if high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a
distance of at least 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 bodywork 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, bonnet, headlight frames, etc.)
with special care, as water may
stagnate more easily in these areas. Do
not wash the vehicle after it has beenleft in the sun or with the bonnet 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.
IMPORTANT Avoid parking under trees;
the resin dropped by trees makes the
paintwork go opaque and increases the
possibility of corrosion.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
Paint chipping
Paint chipping occurs when gravel
thrown in the air by another vehicle's
tires hits your vehicle.
Keeping a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead reduces the
chances of having your paint chipped
by flying gravel.
IMPORTANT The paint chipping zone
varies with the speed of the vehicle. For
example, when travelling at 90 km/h,
the paint chipping zone is 50 m.
IMPORTANT In low temperatures a
vehicle's finish hardens. This increases
the chance of paint chipping.
170
MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Keyless Entry System...........9
Keys......................9
Lane change signals...........27
Load limiter (pretensioner)........82
Maintaining the finish.........171
Manual climate control system.....34
Manual transmission..........114
Message indicated on display.....68
Mirrors....................22
Multimedia.................189
Navigation................201
Occupant protection systems.....78
Odometer/Trip meter...........51
Outside mirrors...............22
Owner maintenance precautions . . .157
Paintwork (preserving).........170
Parking...................112
Parking brake...............113
Parking Sensor System.........121
Passenger Air Bag............98
Passenger occupant classification
system.................103
Performance...............185
Periodic checks (scheduled
servicing)................158
Power mirrors...............23
Power window lock switch.......39
Power windows..............38Prescriptions for handling the
vehicle at the end of its life.....188
Pretensioners................82
Radio 3”.................191
Radio 7”..................196
Read this carefully..............2
Rear camera (ParkView rear
backup camera)...........125
Rear fog lights...............26
Refuelling procedure..........123
Refuelling the vehicle..........123
Replacing a bulb.............131
Replacing a tire..............168
Replacing exterior light bulbs.....134
Replacing fuses.............139
Rims and tires..............177
Rims and tires provided........179
SBA system (Seat Belt Alert)......81
Scheduled servicing...........157
Scheduled servicing plan.......159
Seat belt precautions...........79
Seat belt pretensioner and load
limiting systems.............82
Seat Belt Pretensioners.........98
Seat belts..................79
Seat belts (fastening/unfastening)}.......................79
Seats.....................19
Seats (manual adjustment).......19
Seats and fabric parts (cleaning) . . .172Shift-lock override (automatic
gearbox)................116
Shift-lock system (automatic
gearbox)................116
Side Air Bags................98
Snow chains...............169
Speed limiter...............120
Starting the engine.........11,112
Steering wheel...............22
Supplementary restraint system
(SRS) - Air bag.............96
Symbols....................3
TCS (Traction Control System).....70
Theft deterrent system..........15
Tips, controls and general
information...............190
Tire service kit..............146
Tires rotation (recommendations) . .169
Tool storage................146
Towing the vehicle............153
Towing trailers..............128
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)..................74
Turn signals.................27
Turning the engine off...........13
Vehicle security alarm..........15
Warning lights and messages.....54
Weights..................180
Wheel and tire specifications.....177
Wheels and tires.............168
INDEX