IMPORTANT If the power windows do
not go down automatically, fully open
the windows or open the doors.
IMPORTANT To raise the convertible
top from inside the vehicle, use the
convertible top's handles 2 fig. 48.
sitting in a seat, grasp the convertible
top's handles 3 fig. 49, and press the
convertible top against the windscreen.
Make sure the striker 4 engages with
the anchor 5, move the top latch slowly,
and then push the top latch upward
until a latch sound is heard.
IMPORTANT Driving with the
convertible top not fully locked could
damage the convertible top. If the red
indicator is visible on the lock releasebutton , the convertible top is not
locked. After locking the convertible
top, verify that the red indicator 6
fig. 50 is not visible (7 = locked position
/ 8 = unlocked position).
IMPORTANT Do not spray water
directly near the seam of the window
and convertible top when flushing away
dirt on the soft top with water.
Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle
(see paragraph “Convertible top
maintenance” in “Maintenance and
care” chapter).
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
CONVERTIBLE TOP
PRECAUTIONS
57) 58) 59) 60) 61)
12) 13) 0) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21)
Remove leaves or other matter that
may accumulate on and around the
convertible top. If leaves or other matter
block the drain filter, water may enter
the vehicle. Clean the drain filter at least
once a year.
Before opening the convertible top,
make sure the rear window defogger
switch is turned off. Otherwise the heat
generated from the defogger could
damage the convertible top and the
internal material.
Before lowering or raising the
convertible top, stop in a safe place off
the right-of-way and park on a level
surface.
Make sure nothing is on the
convertible top or near the back
window when raising or lowering the
convertible top.
Even small objects may interfere and
cause damage.
When lowering the convertible top,
make sure objects inside the vehicle are
not blown away by the wind.
Secure all loose objects inside before
driving with the convertible top down.
To help prevent burglary or vandalism
and to ensure that the passenger
compartment stays dry, close the
convertible top and both windows
securely and lock both doors when
leaving the vehicle.
Do not drive through an automatic
car wash; it may damage the
convertible top.
Do not raise or lower the convertible
top when the temperature is below 5 °C
(41 °F); this will damage the convertible
top material.
The soft top is made of high quality
material and if it is not maintained
correctly, the material could harden,
becomes stained, or have an uneven
gloss.
Do not lower the convertible top
when it's wet. If the convertible top
dries while folded, it will deteriorate and
mold.
Lowering the convertible top while
it's wet can also cause water to drip
into the passenger compartment.
Do not raise or lower the convertible
top in a strong wind as it could damage
the convertible top or cause an
unexpected accident.
The power windows go down
automatically in conjunction with the
convertible top opening/closing.
However, this is a function for improving
the operability, and it does not mean
there is a problem. If the vehicle battery
is disconnected for vehicle maintenance
or other reasons, the power windows
will not go down automatically. If the
power windows do not go down, the
automatic open/close mechanism for
the windows must be reset.
The windblocker reduces the amount
of wind coming into the cabin from
behind when driving with the
convertible top opened.
45
WARNING
57)Before starting the vehicle make sure
the convertible top is correctly locked.
58)Sit in the seat with the seat belt
correctly fastened when the vehicle is
moving: standing in the vehicle, or sitting
on the convertible top storage area or
center console when the vehicle is moving
is a dangerous way to ride. During a
sudden manoeuvre or collision you could
be seriously injured or even killed.
59)Always keep your hands and fingers
away from the fastening mechanisms when
moving the convertible top: it is dangerous
to place your hands or fingers near the
fastening mechanisms. Your hands or
fingers could be caught and injured by the
mechanism.
60)Be careful while installing/removing the
soft top to prevent any damage or injury.
61)Keep children away from the area in
which the soft-top is folding while
installing/removing it.
IMPORTANT
12)Never open the soft top in presence of
snow or ice to prevent damage.
13)Loads may not be secured on the roof.
14)Bird droppings and plant resins must
be washed off the soft top immediately as
they can damage its fabric.
15)Never use high-pressure washing
systems.
16)When using steam washers or
high-pressure water washers, maintain a
suitable distance and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 60°C. Damage,
alterations and water infiltration may occur
if the distance is too small or if pressure is
too high.
17)If a water jet is used, direct away from
the edges of the fabric and the windscreen
surround to prevent water infiltration.
18)Never use alcohol, petrol, chemical
products, detergents, stain removers, wax,
solvents and “wash and polish” products.
19)Rinse immediately to remove soap to
prevent stains and blots. Repeat the
operation if needed.
20)Follow the instructions on the
waterproofing product container for perfect
results.
21)The rubber seals of the soft top must
be washed with water only. If you notice
that seals are dry or sticking, apply talcum
powder or products specifically for rubber
(silicone spray).
46
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
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
MESSAGE INDICATED ON
DISPLAY
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 an Abarth 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 an Abarth 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 Abarth Dealership or a
tire repair station.
65)Do not ignore the TPMS warning light.
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken care of
as soon as possible before it develops into
a more serious situation that could lead to
tire failure and a dangerous accident.
71
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
IMPORTANT Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not
operating properly.
IMPORTANT The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement oralternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
IMPORTANT To avoid false readings,
the system samples for a little while
before indicating a problem. As a result
it will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
System error activation
When the TPMS warning light flashes,
there may be a system malfunction.
Contact an Abarth Dealership.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
when there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors;
when a metallic device such as a
non-genuine navigation system is
equipped near the center of the
dashboard, which may block radio
signals from the tire pressure sensor to
the receiver unit;
when using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit: a
digital device such as a personal
computer or a current converter device
such as a DC-AC converter;
when excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels;
when the tire pressure sensor
batteries are exhausted;
when using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed;
when using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls;
when using tire chains.
Tires and wheels
IMPORTANT When inspecting or
adjusting the tire air pressures, do not
apply excessive force to the stem part
of the wheel unit. The stem part could
be damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure
sensor's unique ID signal code
whenever tires or wheels are changed,
such as changing to and from winter
tires.
IMPORTANT Each tire pressure sensor
has a unique ID signal code. The signal
code must be registered with the TPMS
before it can work. The easiest way to
do it is to have an Abarth Dealership
change your tire and complete ID signal
code registration.
When having tires changed at an
Abarth Dealership: when an Abarth
Dealership changes your vehicle's tires,
they will complete the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code registration.
78
SAFETY
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT
PRECAUTIONS
81) 82)
Seat belts help to decrease the
possibility of severe injury during
accidents and sudden stops. FCA
recommends that the driver and
passengers always wear seat belts.
All the seats have lap/shoulder belts.
These belts have retractors with inertia
locks that keep them out of the way
when not in use.
The locks allow the belts to remain
comfortable on users, but they will lock
in position during a collision.
Belt retraction may become difficult if
the belts and seat belt guides
fig. 61 are soiled, so try to keep them
clean.
Pregnant women and persons with
serious medical conditions
Pregnant women should always wear
seat belts. Ask your doctor for specific
recommendations.
The lap belt should be worn SNUGLY
AND AS LOW AS POSSIBLE OVER
THE HIPS. The shoulder belt should be
worn across your shoulder properly, but
never across the stomach area fig. 62.
Persons with serious medical
conditions also should wear seat belts.
Check with your doctor for any special
instructions regarding specific medical
conditions.
Emergency locking mode
When the seat belt is fastened, it will
always be in the emergency locking
mode.
In the emergency locking mode, the
belt remains comfortable on theoccupant and the retractor will lock in
position during a collision.
If the belt is locked and cannot be
pulled out, retract the belt once, and
then try pulling it out slowly. If this fails,
pull the belt strongly one time and
loosen, then pull it out again slowly.
USING THE SEAT BELTS
83) 84) 85) 86) 87) 88) 89)
Fastening the seat belt
1: seat belt tongue fig. 63;
2: seat belt buckle.
Position the lap belt as low as possible
1 fig. 64, not on the abdominal area 2,
then adjust the shoulder belt 3 so that it
fits snugly against your body.
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SAFETY