2020 Abarth 500 Owner handbook (in English)

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on in the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal
when applicable. These indications are 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. In the
event of a failure indication, always refer to the contents of this chapter.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults
are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning "cycle". Less serious faults are indicated by a warning "cycle" with a shorter
duration. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the
cause of the malfunction is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Warning light What it means
redSEAT BELTS REMINDER
The warning light switches on constantly with the vehicle stationary and the driver's side or passenger side
seat belt (when the passenger is present) not fastened.
The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if the car is in motion and the front seat belts are not
correctly fastened.
For permanent deactivation of the acoustic signal (buzzer) of the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system
contact an Abarth Dealership. The system can be reactivated at any time using the Setup Menu.
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Warning light What it means
red
amber
amberEBD FAILURE
The simultaneous switching on of the warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the EBD
system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the car may
swerve when braking sharply. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.
Drive very carefully to an Abarth Dealership to have the system inspected immediately.
redAIR BAG 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 stays on constantly if there is a fault in the airbag system. On some versions the display
shows the dedicated message.34) 35)
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means
redLOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to a leak in the circuit. On some versions the display shows the dedicated message.36)
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is engaged.
On certain versions, if the car is moving the acoustic warning will also sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when travelling, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
red“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably
increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact an Abarth Dealership.
If the warning light switches on while driving (on some versions, together with a dedicated message on the
display) you may not have steering assistance. Although it will still be possible to steer the vehicle, the effort
needed to operate the steering wheel could be increased: contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as
possible.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the
warning light on the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in
motion), stop the engine for about 20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light stays on,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches
on to indicate this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to
the other or drive in a straight line for about a hundred metres.
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Warning light What it means
amberBRAKE PAD WEAR
The warning light switches on, together with a dedicated message on the display, if the front or rear brake
pads (where provided) are worn. In this case have them replaced as soon as possible.
amberESC SYSTEM
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
ESC system activation
Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the intervention of the ESC system.
ESC system failure
If the warning light does not go off or stays on together with the LED on the TTC button while driving. The
display will show a dedicated message.
Contact an Abarth Dealership.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light switches on, on some versions together with a dedicated message on the display, in the
event of a Hill Holder system fault.
In this case, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
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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.
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Warning light What it means
amberiTPMS
(where provided)
Tyre pressure low
The warning light switches to indicate that the pressure of one or more tyres is lower than the
recommended value, in order to guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption, or to indicate a slow
loss of pressure.
In this way the iTPMS warns the driver that one or more tyres may be flat and probably punctured. In this
case it is advisable to restore the correct pressure value. Once the normal operating conditions of the
vehicle are restored, carry out the Tyre reset procedure.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop
the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering.
iTPMS failure/iTPMS temporarily deactivated
The warning light flashes for about 75 seconds and then stays on constantly (along with a dedicated
message on the display) to indicate that the system is temporarily deactivated or faulty. The system goes
back to normal operation when the operating conditions allow it. If this is not the case, carry out the Tyre
reset procedure after restoring the normal operating conditions.
If the malfunction warning persists, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
Warning light What it means
greenSIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME
Side lights and dipped beam headlights
The warning light switches on when the side lights or dipped headlights are turned on.
Follow Me Home
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, when the
"Follow me home" device is used.
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Warning light What it means
greenFOG LIGHTS
The warning light comes on when the front fog lights are turned on.
greenLEFT DIRECTION INDICATOR
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator control lever is moved downwards or, together with
the right indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
greenRIGHT DIRECTION INDICATOR
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator control lever is moved upwards or, together with the
left indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
Warning light What it means
blueMAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
The warning light switches on when the main beam headlights are turned on.
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INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING SYMBOLS
Symbol What it means
red
red
redDOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN
The symbols on the display switches on, together with a dedicated message, on some versions, when one
or more doors, the tailgate or the bonnet (where provided) are not properly closed. An acoustic warning is
also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.
redLOW BATTERY CHARGE
If the warning light or the symbol on the display (together with a dedicated message on the display on
some versions) remains on, contact an Abarth Dealership immediately.
redINSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED
When the key is turned to MAR the icon appears (where present), but should disappear as soon as the
engine is started.
NOTE Where present, the warning light may be amber
Low engine oil pressure
The symbol appears continuously together with the message on the display (where present) when the
system detects that the engine oil pressure is insufficient.
37)
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