2020 Abarth 500 seats

SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS
All vehicle seats are equipped with seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other
occupants of the vehicle also respect,
the local laws in force in relation to
the use of the seat belts.
The belt should be worn keeping the
torso straight and rested against the
backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the tab 1
fig. 54 and insert it into the buckle 2
fig. 54, until it clicks into place.
On removal, if the belt jams, let it rewind
for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
Press button 3 fig. 54 to release the
belt.
Guide the belt while it is rewinding to
prevent it from twisting.
The reel mechanism operates locking
the belt in the event of sharp braking or
strong deceleration due to an impact.
This allows the belt strap to slide freely
and to adapt to the body of the
occupant. In the event of an accident,
the belt will lock reducing the risk of
impact inside the passenger
compartment and of being projected
outside the car.The retractor may lock when the car is
parked on a steep slope: this is
perfectly normal. Furthermore, the reel
mechanism locks the belt if it is pulled
sharply or in the event of sudden
braking, collisions and high-speed
bends.
73) 74)
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat
belts with three anchoring points and a
retractor.
Wear the rear seat belts as shown in
fig. 55.
IMPORTANT When putting the rear
seat back to their normal position after
folding them, make sure the seat belts
are positioned so they are ready to use.
WARNING
73)Never press button 3 when travelling.
74)Remember that in the event of an
accident, the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
54AB0A0059C55AB0A0354C
67

The belt strap must not be twisted. The
upper part must pass over the shoulder
and cross the chest diagonally. The
lower part must adhere to the pelvis fig.
57, not to the abdomen of the
occupant. Never use devices (clips,
clamps, etc.) that hold the seat belt
away from your body.IMPORTANT Each seat belt must be
used by only one person. Never travel
with a child sitting on the passenger's
lap and a single belt to protect them
both fig. 58. In general, do not place
any objects between the person and
the belt.
SEAT BELTS
MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient
conditions, carefully observe the
following warnings:
always use the seat belt well
stretched and never twisted; make sure
that it is free to run without
obstructions;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
replace the belt after an accident of
a certain severity even if it does not
appear to be damaged. Always replace
the belt if the pretensioners were
deployed;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
replace the seat belt when there is
wear or cuts.
WARNING
75)The pretensioner may be used only
once. Contact an Abarth Dealership to
have it replaced after it has been deployed.
76)For maximum safety, keep the back of
your seat upright, lean back into it and
make sure the seat belt fits closely across
your chest and pelvis. Always fasten the
seat belts on both the front and the rear
seats! Travelling without wearing seat belts
will increase the risk of serious injury or
even death in the event of an accident.
77)Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by
qualified and authorised technicians.
Always contact an Abarth Dealership.
56AB0A0347C
57AB0A0348C
58AB0A0062C
69

78)If the seat belt has been subjected to a
high level of stress, for example after an
accident, it must be completely replaced
together with the anchorages, anchorage
fixing screws and pretensioner. In fact,
even if the seat belt has no visible defects,
it could have lost its resilience.
WARNING
16)Operations which lead to impacts,
vibrations or localised heating (over 100°C
for a maximum of six hours) in the area
around the pretensioner may damage or
deploy it. Contact an Abarth Dealership
should intervention be necessary on these
components.
CHILD PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
CARRYING CHILDREN
SAFELY
79) 80) 81) 82)
For optimal protection in the event of an
impact, all occupants must be seated
and wearing adequate restraint
systems, including newborn and
children!
This prescription is compulsory in all EC
countries according to EC Directive
2003/20/EC.
Children below the height of 1.50
metres and up to 12 years must be
protected with suitable restraint
systems and be seated on the rear
seats.
Statistics on accidents indicate that the
rear seats offer greater safety for
children.
Compared with an adult, a child's head
is larger and heavier in proportion to
their body and the child's muscular and
bone structures are not fully developed.
Therefore, correct restraint systems
other than adult seat belts are
necessary to reduce as much as
possible the risk of injuries in the event
of an accident, braking or a sudden
manoeuvre.Children must be seated safely and
comfortably. As far as the
characteristics of the child seats used
allow, you are advised to keep children
in rear facing child seats for as long
as possible (at least until 3–4 years old),
since this is the most protected
position in the event of an impact.
The choice of the most suitable child
restraint system depends on the weight
and size of the child. There are various
types of child restraint systems, which
can be secured to the car by means
of the seat belts or with the ISOFIX
anchorages.
It is recommended to always choose
the restraint system most suitable
for the child; for this reason always refer
to the Owner Handbook provided with
the child restraint system, to be sure
that it is of the right type for the children
it is intended for.
For correct installation on the car, some
universal child restraint systems require
an accessory (base) sold separately
by the restraint system's producer.
Therefore, FCA advises customers to
check that their chosen child restraint
system can be installed on their vehicle
by performing a trial installation, on
the vendor's premises, before
purchase.
70
SAFETY

PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON UNIVERSAL CHILD
RESTRAINT SYSTEM USE
The car complies with European Directive 2000/3/EC which governs the arrangement possibilities for child restraint systems on
the various seats of the car as shown in the following table:
Group Weight rangeFront passenger seat(*)Rear seats
Airbag enabled Airbag disabled
Group0 upto10kgXUU
Group 0+ up to 13 kgXUU
Group 1 9 - 18 kgXUU
Group 2 15 - 25 kgUUU
Group 3 22–36 kgUUU
(*) IMPORTANT: NEVER fit a rearward-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if the airbag is active. If you wish to fit a rearward-facing child seat in the front
passenger seat, first deactivate the relative airbag (see instructions in the paragraph (Supplementary protection system (SRS) – Airbag”)
X= Seat not suitable for children in this weight category
U= Suitable for child restraint systems in the "Universal" category, according to European Regulation EEC-R44 for the specified "Groups".
73

INSTALLING AN ISOFIX
CHILD CARSEAT
87) 88) 89) 90)
The car is equipped with ISOFIX
anchorages, a new standard which
makes fitting a child restraint system
quick, simple and safe.
The ISOFIX system lets you install the
ISOFIX child restraining system without
using the car seat belts but connecting
them directly to the carseat with three
anchors in the car. Traditional child
restraint systems can be fitted
alongside ISOFIX child restraint systems
on different seats in the same vehicle.
To install an ISOFIX child restraint
system, attach it to the two metal
anchor points 1 fig. 63 located where
the rear seat cushion meets the
backrest, then remove the parcel shelf
and fix the upper strap (available
together with the restraint system) to
the anchor point 2 fig. 64 located at the
bottom behind the backrest.
IMPORTANT The central rear seat is
not approved for any type of ISOFIX
child restraint system.
As an example, fig. 65 shows an
example of a Universal ISOFIX child
restraint system for weight group 1.IMPORTANT The figure is indicative and
for assembly purposes only. Fit the
child restraint system according to the
instructions, which must be included.
NOTE When a Universal ISOFIX child
restraint system is used, only ECE R44
"ISOFIX Universal" (R44/03) type-
approved child restraint systems can be
used
63AB0A0068C
64AB0A0069C65AB0A0067C
74
SAFETY

SUITABILITY OF PASSENGER SEATS FOR ISOFIX CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM USE
The table below shows the various possibilities for installing ISOFIX child restraint systems on seats fitted with specific
attachments in accordance with European standard ECE 16.
Weight groupChild restraint system
positionIsofix size class Rear side seats
Group 0 up to 10 kg Rear facing EX
Group0+0to13kgRear facing E
X
Rear facing DX
Rear facing CX
Group1from9to18kgRear facing D
X
Rear facing CX
Forward facing BIUF
Forward facing B1IUF
Forward facing AIUF (*)
X: ISOFIX position not suitable for ISOFIX child restraint systems in this group of weight and/or size class.
IUF: suitable for forward facing ISOFIX child restraint systems in the universal category and type-approved for use in the weight group.
(*) For 595C/695C versions, this ISOFIX position is not suitable for ISOFIX child restraint systems in this weight group and/or size class.
NOTE The other weight groups are covered by specific ISOFIX child restraint systems, which can be used only if specifically
tested for this vehicle (see list of vehicles provided with the child restraint system). The Universal ISOFIX "Duo Plus" child
restraint system and the special "G 0/1" (or further upgrades) system are available from Lineaccessori Abarth. Refer to the
instruction manual provided with the child restraint system for any further details on installation/use.
75

Main recommendations to carry
children safely
Install the child restraint systems on
the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of an
impact.
Keep children in rearward facing
child restraint systems for as long as
possible, ideally until they are 2 years
old.
Should a rearward facing child
restraint system be installed on the rear
seats, it is advisable to position it as
far forward as the position of the front
seat allows.
If the passenger's front airbag is
deactivated always check the
permanent switching on of the
warning light to make sure that it
has actually been deactivated.
Carefully follow the instructions
supplied with the child restraint system.
Keep the instructions in the vehicle
along with the other documents and
this handbook. Do not use second-
hand child seats without instructions.
Only one child is to be strapped into
each restraint system; never carry two
children simultaneously.
Always check that the seat belts do
not rest on the child’s neck.
Always check that the seat belt is
well fastened by pulling on it.
While travelling, do not let the child
sit incorrectly or unfasten the belts.
Never allow a child to put the belt's
diagonal section under an arm or
behind their back.
Never carry children on your lap,
even newborns. No-one can hold
a child in the case of a crash.
In the event of an accident, replace
the child restraint system with a new
one. In addition, and depending on the
type of child restraint system installed,
replace the ISOFIX anchors or the
seat belt with which the child restraint
system was connected.
The rear headrest (where provided)
can be removed if needed to install
a child restraint system. The headrest
must always be fitted in the car if the
seat is used by an adult passenger or a
child sitting in a restraint system without
a backrest.
WARNING
79)SERIOUS DANGER. When an active
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rear facing child restraint systems on
the front seat. Deployment of the airbag in
an accident could cause fatal injuries to
the child regardless of the severity of
the impact. It is advisable to always carry
children in a child restraint system on
the rear seat, which is the most protected
position in the event of a collision.
80)On the sun visor there is a label with
suitable symbols reminding the user that it
is compulsory to deactivate the airbag if
a rearward facing child restraint system is
fitted. Always comply with the instructions
on the passenger side sun visor (see the
"Front airbags" paragraph).
81)Should it be necessary to carry a child
on the passenger side front seat in a rear
facing child restraint system, the passenger
side front and side airbags must be
deactivated through the display main
menu, verifying deactivation by checking
that the warning light
located in the
central part of the dashboard has switched
on. Move the passenger's seat as far
back as possible to avoid contact between
the child seat and the dashboard.
82)Do not move the front or rear seat if a
child is seated on it or on the dedicated
child restraint system.
76
SAFETY

WARNING
91)Do not apply stickers or other objects
on the steering wheel, on the dashboard in
the passenger side airbag area, on the
side upholstery on the roof and on the
seats. Never put objects (e.g. mobile
phones) on the passenger's side
dashboard since they could interfere with
correct inflation of the airbag and also
cause serious injury to the passengers.
92)Always drive with your hands on the
rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive
bent over the steering wheel, but rather sit
upright with your back firmly resting against
the seat back.
93)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in a crash could
cause fatal injuries to the child regardless
of the severity of the collision. Therefore,
always deactivate the passenger side
airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed.94)A failure of the
warning light is
indicated by thesymbol on the display.
In this case, thewarning light may
not indicate a possible problem with the
airbag restraint system. Before driving off,
contact an Abarth Dealership to have
the system checked immediately.
95)The
warning light indicates the
passenger side airbag protection status. If
the warning light is off, passenger side
protection is active: to deactivate it, use the
Setup Menu (in this case the LED lights
up). When the vehicle is started (ignition
key turned to MAR position), the warning
light turns on for about 8 seconds,
provided that at least 5 seconds have
elapsed from when it was switched off. If
not, contact an Abarth Dealership. If the
engine is switched off/on again in less than
5 seconds the warning light may remain
off. In this case, to check correct warning
light operation, switch the engine off,
wait for at least 5 seconds and switch the
engine on again. The warning light may
light up with various intensity levels
depending on the vehicle conditions. The
intensity may also vary during the same key
cycle.
96)If, when turning the key to MAR, the
warning light does not switch on or if it
stays on when travelling, there could be
a fault in the restraint systems; in this event
airbags or pretensioners may not be
deployed in the event of impact or, in a
lower number of cases, they may deploy
accidentally. Before driving off, contact
an Abarth Dealership to have the system
checked immediately.97)In some versions, in case of a LED
failure (located on the plate of the
instrument panel), thewarning light on
the instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated.
98)Do not cover the front seat backrests
with extra covers if they are equipped
with side bags.
99)If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at an
Abarth Dealership.
100)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is in
the ignition and turned to MAR-ON or
when the engine is off, if the car is hit by
another moving vehicle. Therefore, even if
the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child. Therefore, always deactivate the
passenger side airbag when a rearward
facing child restraint system is installed on
the front passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be positioned
back as far as possible in order to prevent
the child restraint system from coming
into contact with the dashboard.
Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed. Also remember that, if
the key is turned to STOP, none of the
safety devices (airbags or pretensioners)
will be deployed in the event of collision.
Non-deployment in such cases does
not indicate a system malfunction.
82
SAFETY