2020 FIAT 124 SPIDER engine

Warning light What it means What to do
KEY INDICATOR LIGHT
Warning light flashing
When the push button start is pressed from
ON to ACC or OFF, the warning light may flash
for approximately 30 seconds indicating that
the remaining battery power of the key is low.Replace with a new battery before the key
becomes unusable.
Blue warning light
Warning light What it means What to do
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
The warning light switches on when the main
beam headlights are turned on.
LOW ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR LIGHT
(for versions/markets where provided)
The light illuminates continuously when the
engine coolant temperature is low and turns
off after the engine is warm.
If the low engine coolant temperature indicator
light remains illuminated after the engine has
been sufficiently warmed up, the temperature
sensor could have a malfunction.Contact a Dealership as soon as possible.
67

Warning light (red color) on dashboard trim
Warning light What it means What to do
SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT
The seat belt warning light turns on if the
driver or passenger's seat is occupied and the
seat belt is not fastened with the ignition
switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h, the warning light
flashes. After a short time, the LED stops
flashing, but remains illuminated.
If a seat belt remains unfastened, the LED
flashes again for a given period of time.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened after the LED turns on, and the
vehicle speed exceeds 20 km/h, the LED
flashes again.
Passenger occupant classification
system: to allow the passenger occupant
classification sensor to function properly, do
not place and sit on an additional seat cushion
on the passenger's seat. The sensor may not
function properly because the additional seat
cushion could cause sensor interference.
Warning light (amber color) on dashboard trim
Warning light What it means What to do
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 a Fiat Dealership.
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MESSAGE INDICATED ON
DISPLAY
(versions with Radio 7”)
If a message is displayed in the center
display, take appropriate action (in a
calm manner) according to the
displayed message.
If the following messages are displayed
in the centre display, a vehicle system
may be malfunctioning:
Engine Coolant Temperature
High: displays if the engine coolant
temperature has increased excessively.
Changing System Malfunction:
displays if the charging system has a
malfunction.
Temperature Warning: the
following message is displayed when
the temperature around the centre
display is high. Lowering the
temperature in the cabin or the
temperature around the centre display
by avoiding direct sunlight is
recommended.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING SOUND IS
ACTIVATED
A warning sound is activated in
following cases:
Lights-on reminder;
Air Bag/seat belt pretensioner
system;
Active bonnet (where provided);
Ignition not switched off (STOP);
Key removed from vehicle;
Request switch inoperable (versions
with advanced keyless function);
Key left-in-boot compartment
(versions with advanced keyless
function);
Key left-in-vehicle (versions with
advanced keyless function);
Vehicle speed alarm (where
provided);
Tire inflation pressure warning beep
(where provided);
Outside temperature (where
provided);
Electronic steering lock;
Speed limiter (where provided);
120 km/h warning (where provided).
WARNING
62)Never tamper with the air
bag/pretensioner systems and always
contact a Fiat Dealership perform all
servicing and repairs. Self-servicing or
tampering with the systems is dangerous.
An air bag/pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
63)Do not drive the vehicle with the active
bonnet warning light turned on or flashing.
Driving the vehicle with the active hood
warning light turned on or flashing is
dangerous as the active hood mechanism
may not activate normally and function as
intended in the event the vehicle were to
contact a pedestrian.
64)If the TPMS warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed
immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. If the warning
light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is
dangerous to drive the vehicle at high
speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering
or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen
and result in an accident. To determine if
you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a
safe position where you can check the
visual condition of the tire and determine if
you have enough air to proceed to a place
where air may be added and the system
monitored again by Fiat Dealership or a tire
repair station.
70
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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)
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)
72) 73) 74)
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 TCS, press theDSC OFF switch (refer to “DSC OFF
switch” in this 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)
75) 76) 77)
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
73
68) 69) 70)71)

Brake System)” and “TCS system
(Traction Control System)”.
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h.
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 The DSC may not operate
correctly unless the following are
observed:
use tires of the correct size specified
for your vehicle on all four wheels;
use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels;
do not mix worn tires.
IMPORTANT The DSC may not operate
correctly when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
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. Take your vehicle to a Fiat
Dealership.DSC OFF indicator light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. It also illuminates when the DSC
OFF switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, contact a
Fiat Dealership. The DSC may have a
malfunction.
DSC OFF switch
Press the switch fig. 58 to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The
warning light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off.
IMPORTANT When DSC is on and you
attempt to free the vehicle when it is
stuck, or drive it out of freshly fallen
snow, the TCS (part of the DSCsystem) will activate. Depressing the
accelerator will not increase engine
power and freeing the vehicle may be
difficult. When this happens, turn off the
TCS/DSC.
IMPORTANT If the TCS/DSC is off
when the engine is turned off, it
automatically activates when the
ignition is switched ON.
IMPORTANT Leaving the TCS/DSC on
will provide the best traction.
IMPORTANT If the switch is pressed
and held for 10 seconds or more, the
DSC OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The DSC OFF
indicator light turns off while the DSC
system is operative.
ACTIVE BONNET
PRECAUTIONS
78)
In the unlikely event that the vehicle
were to hit a pedestrian and a certain
amount of impact is applied to the front
of the vehicle, impact to the head of the
pedestrian if it were to hit the bonnet is
lessened by the rear area of the bonnet
raising instantly to maintain a wide
space between it and the parts in the
engine compartment.
If the sensor 1 fig. 59 installed to the
5805060301-12A-987
74
SAFETY

IMPORTANT
22)To assure proper deployment of the
front air bag and to prevent damage to the
sensor in the seat cushion: do not place
sharp objects on the seat cushion or leave
heavy luggage on them. Do not spill any
liquids on the seats or under the seats.
23)To allow the sensors to function
properly, always perform the following:
adjust the seats as far back as possible
and always sit upright against the
seatbacks with seat belts worn properly. If
you place your child on the passenger seat,
secure the child-restraint system properly
and slide the passenger seat as far back as
possible within the position in which the
child-restraint system can be installed.
RECORDING OF
VEHICLE DATA
This vehicle is equipped with a
computer which records the following
main vehicle data related to vehicle
controls, operation, and other driving
conditions.
Recorded data
Vehicle conditions such as engine
speed and vehicle speed.
Driving operation conditions such as
accelerator and brake pedals, and
information related to the environmental
circumstances while the vehicle is
driven.
Malfunction diagnosis information
from each on-vehicle computer.
Information related to controls of
other on-vehicle computers.
The recorded data may vary depending
on the vehicle grade and optional
equipment. Voice and images are not
recorded.Data handling
FCA and its subcontracting parties may
obtain and use the recorded data for
vehicle malfunction diagnosis, research
and development, and quality
improvement.
FCA will not disclose or provide any of
the obtained data to a third party
unless:
an agreement from the vehicle owner
(agreements from lessor and lessee for
leased vehicle) is obtained;
officially requested by the police or
other law enforcement authorities;
for statistical processing by a
research institution after processing the
data so that identification of the owner
or the vehicle is impossible.
113

STARTING AND OPERATING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and our
wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE.......116
PARKING.................116
PARKING BRAKE............117
MANUAL TRANSMISSION......118
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. . . .119
CRUISE CONTROL...........122
SPEED LIMITER.............125
PARKING SENSOR SYSTEM.....126
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE.....128
REAR CAMERA (PARKVIEW REAR
BACKUP CAMERA)...........130
TOWING TRAILERS..........133
115

STARTING THE
ENGINE
140) 141) 142)
24)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
For starting procedure see “Starting the
engine” in “Getting to know your
vehicle” chapter.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Proceed as follows:
park the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic; engage
a gear (versions with manual
transmission) or position the gear lever
to P (Parking) (versions with automatic
transmission);
turn the ignition device to STOP with
the engine idling.
WARNING
140)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
141)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
142)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
24)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
PARKING
Keep away the key when leaving the
vehicle and take it with you.
When parking and leaving the vehicle,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (first gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before releasing the brake
pedal, wait for letter P to be displayed.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the vehicle
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with automatic
transmission, before placing the gear
lever at P).
116
STARTING AND OPERATING