2020 Abarth 124 Spider ABS

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Each time directions are given in the instructions (left/right or forward/backwards), these must be intended as referred to the
point of view of an occupant in the driver's seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be properly specified in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook 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 Handbook 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 Handbook.
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 Handbook you will find a series ofWARNINGSto prevent procedures that could damage your
vehicle.
There are alsoPRECAUTIONSthat must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle,
which could cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore, allWARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSmust always be carefully followed.
WARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSare recalled in the text with the following symbols:
personal
safety
vehicle
safety
environmentalprotection

WARNING
35)Any adjustment of the steering wheel
position must be carried out only with the
vehicle stationary and the engine turned
off. Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous. Moving it
can very easily cause the driver to abruptly
turn to the left or right. This can lead to loss
of control or an accident.
36)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any aftermarket operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of antitheft device) that
could adversely affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also
result in the vehicle not meeting
type-approval requirements.
37)Before exiting the vehicle, ALWAYS
engage the parking brake, steer the
wheels, engage the first gear if uphill and
the reverse if downhill. If the vehicle is
parked on a steep slope, chock the wheels
with wedges or stones. When leaving the
vehicle, always lock all the doors by
pressing the button on the key.
MIRRORS
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
38)
Driver's side wide angle mirror
(where provided)
The wide angle mirror has two
curvatures on its surface separated by
a region line 1 fig. 13 into outer and
inner regions.
The inner region is a standard convex
mirror whereas the outer region allows
for a wider range of visibility within the
same sweep. This combination allows
for better assurance when making lane
changes.
Objects appearing in the outer region
are actually further away than they are
in the inner region.
REARVIEW MIRROR
40)
Rearview mirror adjustment
Before driving, adjust the rearview
mirror fig. 14 to center on the view
through the rear window.
Reducing glare from headlights
Adjust the mirror with the antidazzle
lever in the day position.
Push the antidazzle lever 1
fig. 15 forward for day driving (A
position).
Pull it back to reduce glare of headlights
from vehicles at the rear (B position).
1304060101-12A-001AB
1404060102-ADJ-001AB
22
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The indication of the
warning light in the instrument panel is
indicative and precautionary and as
such must not be considered as
exhaustive and/or alternative to the
information contained in the Owner
Handbook, 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.
IMPORTANT The instrument panel
warning light will stay on until the cause
of the failure is eliminated.
Versions with Radio 7”
The details for some warnings can be
viewed on the centre display.
Proceed as follows:
if the warning light is turned on,
select
icon on the home screen to
display the application screen;
select “Vehicle Status Monitor”;
select “Warning Guidance”to
display the current warnings;
select the applicable warning to view
the warning details.
WARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
For the following warning/indicator
lights:
Master warning light;
Brake system warning light;
ABS warning light;
Charging system warning light;
Engine oil warning light;
Check engine light;
High engine coolant temperature
warning light;
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;
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).
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,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
Only for “Brake system warning
light”: the light turns on continuously
when the parking brake is applied.
54
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means what to do
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 Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with both the ABS
warning light and brake warning light
illuminated. Contact an Abarth 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.Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with both the ABS
warning light and brake warning light
illuminated. Contact an Abarth 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.
CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT
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 an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving when the
charging system warning light is illuminated
because the engine could stop unexpectedly.Stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving when the
charging system warning light is illuminated
because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
56
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Amber warning lights
Warning light What it means What to do
ABS WARNING LIGHT
If the ABS warning light stays on while you're
driving, 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 Abarth
Dealership 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.
NOTE The brake assist system does not
operate while the ABS warning light is
illuminated.Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
CHECK ENGINE 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 Abarth Dealership.
The check engine 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 being very low or
approaching empty;
the phonic wheel learning, following
disconnection of the battery, did not
complete successfully.
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
61

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)
66) 67) 68) 69)
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)
70) 71) 72)
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.
NOTE To turn off the TSC, press the
DSC OFF switch.
TCS / DSC indicator light
Theindicator 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 an Abarth 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)
73) 74) 75)
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)”.
73

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
66)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.
67)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.
68)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.69)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.
70)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.
71)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.
72)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.
73)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.
74)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.
76
SAFETY

Super-LSD operation
Straight ahead driving
When driving straight, the right and left
side gears rotate at the same speed,
and the pinion and side gears rotate
together with the differential gear case.
Input force from the ring gear is
transmitted to the pinion gears via the
gear case and to the drive shaft via the
side gears. Due to this, a speed
difference between right and left in the
differential does not occur.
Differential operation
If the rotation speed between the right
and left wheels becomes different
(during normal driving), the pinion gears
rotate together while revolving around
the center axle of the drive shaft,
thereby absorbing the difference in
rotation speed. This mechanism serves
as a differential.
Limited-slip operation
If the differential encounters a condition
requiring limited-slip control such as
wheel spin, thrust force acts on the side
gears due to the reaction force from the
meshing of the pinion and side gears.
This thrust force presses the side gears
against the taper ring, generating
friction between the side gear cone and
the taper ring and reducing the torque
of the slipping wheel.The reduced torque is transmitted
without change to the wheel with higher
traction, and the limited slip differential
function is provided. The torque
transmitted to the wheel with higher
traction is proportionate to the input
torque of the ring gear.
HLA (Hill Launch Assist)
FUNCTION
80)
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
applied, the vehicle has not stopped
completely, or the clutch pedal is
released.
IMPORTANT While Hill Launch Assist is
operating, the brake pedal may feel stiff
and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist does
not operate while the TCS/DSC
indicator light is illuminated. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
IMPORTANT Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
does not turn off even if the DSC OFF
switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
IMPORTANT For vehicles with an
automatic transmission although the Hill
Launch Assist does not operate during
idling stop, the vehicle roll prevention
function operates to prevent vehicle roll.
80
SAFETY