2020 Abarth 500 ABS

USE OF THE OWNER HANDBOOK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Each time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are given, these must be understood as
regarding an occupant in the driver's seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be specified as appropriate 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
or construction of some controls 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 with dedicated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A few pages further there is a key
for getting to know the chapter order and the relevant symbols in the tabs. There is in any case a textual indication of the
current chapter at the side of each even page.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
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;
environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are indicated besides the title or at the end of the line and are followed by a number.
That number recalls the corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.

6)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any
after-market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications
(e.g.: installation of anti-theft device) that
could badly affect performance and safety,
invalidate the warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the car with type-
approval requirements.FIAT CODE SYSTEM
The Fiat Code system prevents
unauthorised use of the vehicle,
disabling engine starting.
OPERATION
Each time the vehicle is started by
turning the ignition key to MAR, the Fiat
CODE system control unit sends a
recognition code to the Powertrain
Control Module to deactivate the
immobiliser.
The code is sent only if the Fiat CODE
system control unit has recognised
the code transmitted from the key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to
STOP, the Fiat CODE system
deactivates the functions of the
Powertrain Control Module.
IRREGULAR OPERATION
If, during starting, the code is not
correctly recognised, the
icon
appears on the display.
In this case, turn the key to STOP and
then to MAR-ON; if it is still locked,
try again with the other keys that come
with the car. Contact an Abarth
Dealership if you still cannot start the
engine.IMPORTANT Each key has its own
code which must be stored by the
system's control unit. Contact an
Abarth Dealership to have new keys (up
to 8) stored with a code.
If the
symbol appears, along with a
dedicated message, this means that
the system is running a self-diagnosis
(for example for a voltage drop). If
the
symbols remains on, contact an
Abarth Dealership.
13

STEERING WHEEL
The steering wheel can be adjusted
vertically.
To adjust the position bring the lever fig.
17 down to position B after which the
steering wheel can be adjusted to
the most suitable position and
subsequently locked in this position by
bringing lever to position A.
12) 13)
WARNING
12)All adjustments must be carried out
only with the car stationary and engine off.
13)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in the car not
meeting type-approval requirements.
REAR VIEW
MIRRORS
INTERIOR MIRROR
The mirror is fitted with a safety device
that causes its release in the event of
a violent impact with the passenger.
Lever 1 fig. 18 can be used to move the
mirror to two different positions: normal
or antiglare.
ELECTROCHROMIC
INTERIOR MIRROR
(where provided)
Some versions have an electrochromic
mirror with automatic antiglare function.
17AB0A0018C
18AB0A0019C
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
This section of the handbook gives you
all the information you need to
understand, interpret and use the
instrument panel correctly.CONTROL PANEL AND
ON-BOARD INSTRUMENTS ........... 41
MENU OPTIONS ............................. 43
TRIP COMPUTER ........................... 44
WARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES .................................... 47
-SEAT BELTS REMINDER.................... 47
-EBD FAILURE .................................... 48
-AIR BAG FAILURE .............................. 48
-LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE
ENGAGED........................................... 49
-“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE ............................ 49
-BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................ 50
-ESC SYSTEM .................................... 50
-INJECTION / EOBD SYSTEM
FAILURE .............................................. 51
-REAR FOG LIGHT .............................. 51
-ABS FAILURE..................................... 51
-iTPMS ................................................ 52
-SIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED BEAM
HEADLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME ..... 52
-FOG LIGHTS ...................................... 53
-LEFT DIRECTION INDICATOR ............ 53
-RIGHT DIRECTION INDICATOR ......... 53
-MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS ................ 53
-DOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT OPEN ...................... 54
-LOW BATTERY CHARGE ................... 54
-INSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE/ENGINE OIL
DETERIORATED .................................. 54
-ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
TOO HIGH........................................... 55
-ROBOTISED SEQUENTIAL
GEARBOX FAILURE ............................ 55
-SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED .................. 55-POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD .................. 56
-PARKING SENSOR FAILURE ............. 56
-SERVICE (SCHEDULED SERVICING)
EXPIRED ............................................. 56
-ASR SYSTEM .................................... 56
-HILL HOLDER FAILURE ..................... 56
-FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM.................... 56
-FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE ..... 57
-EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILURE .............. 57
-BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE ..................... 57
-FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE ........... 57
-FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE .... 58
-ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR
FAILURE INDICATOR........................... 58
-OIL CHANGE ..................................... 58
-PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO
START ................................................. 58
-FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE......... 58
-RAIN SENSOR FAILURE .................... 58
-DUSK SENSOR FAILURE ................... 58
-HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT
CORRECTOR ...................................... 59
40
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means
amberINJECTION / EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should
go off as soon as the engine is started.
The warning light remains on or switches on while driving, on some versions together with a dedicated
message on the display, if the injection system is not working properly. In particular, if the warning light
switches on continuously, it indicates a malfunction in the supply/ignition system that could cause
excessive exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high fuel consumption.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at moderate speed without demanding
excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic converter may be damaged.
If the light flashes, release the accelerator pedal to reduce engine revs until the warning light stops flashing;
continue the journey at a moderate speed, trying to avoid driving conditions that may cause further
flashing, and contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
39)
amberREAR FOG LIGHT
The warning light switches on when the rear fog light is activated.
amberABS FAILURE
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the system is
inefficient or not available. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but without the
advantage of the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
51

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The car has the following active safety
systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution);
DTC (Drag Torque Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
HH (Hill Holder);
ASR (Antislip Regulation);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
TTC (Torque Transfer Control)
For the operation of the systems, see
the following description.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
on all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking thus optimising
stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.The system also improves control and
stability of the car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
The Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD) system completes
the system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
The system prevents the drive wheels
from possibly locking, which could
happen, for example, if the accelerator
pedal is released suddenly or in the
case of a sudden downshifting in
conditions of poor grip. In these
conditions, the engine braking effect
could cause the drive wheels to slip,
resulting in a loss of car stability. In
these situations, the DTC system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
car in various driving conditions. The
ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the car. The
ESC system uses sensors installed on
the vehicle to determine the trajectory
that the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the vehicle’s effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
understeer or oversteer of the car.
Oversteer: occurs when the car is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer: occurs when the car is
turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54)
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HH (Hill Holder) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
uphill: car stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and gearbox in
neutral or gear (other than reverse)
engaged;
downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse
gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque required for starting is reached,
or in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing you to move your
right foot easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure.
During this release stage, the typical
mechanical brake release noise can be
heard, indicating that the car is about
to move.
55) 56)
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by the
engine;
if the slipping only involves one of
the drive wheels, it also intervenes
automatically, braking the wheel that is
slipping.
System intervention
This is indicated by theicon
appearing on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.
Manual engagement/
disengagement
The ASR comes on automatically
whenever the engine is started. Whilst
driving, the ASR can be switched off
and subsequently switched on again by
pressing button 1fig. 51 (TTC). When
the system is not active, the LED on the
same button turns on and, on some
versions, a message appears on the
display. If the ASR is disengaged during
driving, this is automatically reactivated
at the following car starting.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
57) 58) 59) 60) 61) 62)
PBA (Panic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
The PBA system is designed to
improve the vehicle’s braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects an emergency
braking by monitoring the speed and
strength with which the brake pedal
is pressed, thereby applying the optimal
brake pressure. This can reduce the
braking distance: the PBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
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SAFETY

Maximum assistance of the PBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly; in addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to obtain benefits
from the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
63) 64) 65) 66)
TTC (Torque Transfer
Control) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
This system improves the transfer of
drive torque to the wheels,
guaranteeing safer and more sporty
driving, especially when cornering, far
more able to prevent understeer.
Switching the system on
The system is activated by pressing the
button in the dashboard 1 fig. 51.
Activation is signalled by the LED in the
TTC button lighting up.
WARNING
40)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.
41)To obtain the maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
42)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is about to reach its limit. You
must slow down to a speed.
43)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.44)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
45)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
46)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.
47)If the space-saver wheel (where
provided) is used, the ABS system keeps
operating. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the
original wheel, provides less grip.
48)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
49)For the correct operation of the ESC
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.
50)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
51)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unfounded risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
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