Fiat 500 Abarth (2016 year). Instruction — part 5

6. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by

pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt
path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm)
in any direction.

How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt:

When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child
restraint, stow all ALR seat belts that are not being used by
other occupants or being used to secure child restraints. An
unused belt could injure a child if they play with it and
accidentally lock the seat belt retractor. Before installing a
child restraint using the LATCH system, buckle the seat belt
behind the child restraint and out of the child’s reach. If the
buckled seat belt interferes with the child restraint installa-
tion, instead of buckling it behind the child restraint, route
the seat belt through the child restraint belt path and then
buckle it. Do not lock the seat belt. Remind all children in the
vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and that they should
not play with them.

WARNING!

• Improper installation of a child restraint to the

LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of the re-
straint. The child could be badly injured or killed.
Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions
exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.

• Child restraint anchorages are designed to with-

stand only those loads imposed by correctly-fitted
child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to
be used for adult seat belts, harnesses, or for
attaching other items or equipment to the vehicle.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) that is designed to keep the lap portion of the seat
belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR retractor can be
“switched” into a locked mode by pulling all of the
webbing out of the retractor and then letting the webbing
retract back into the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will
make a clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back
into the retractor. Refer to the “Automatic Locking
Mode” description under “Occupant Restraints” for ad-
ditional information on ALR.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems For Installing Child
Restraints In This Vehicle

• ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
•

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

69

What is the weight limit (child’s
weight + weight of the child re-
straint) for using the Tether Anchor
with the seat belt to attach a forward
facing child restraint?

Weight limit of the Child Restraint

Always use the tether anchor when

using the seat belt to install a for-

ward facing child restraint, up to

the recommended weight limit of

the child restraint.

Can the rear-facing child restraint

touch the back of the front passen-

ger seat?

Yes

Contact between the front passen-

ger seat and the child restraint is

allowed, if the child restraint

manufacturer also allows contact.

Can the head restraints be re-

moved?

Yes

Yes, all may be removed

Can the buckle stalk be twisted to

tighten the seat belt against the belt

path of the child restraint?

No

Do not twist the buckle stalk in a

seating position with an ALR re-

tractor.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Installing A Child Restraint With A Switchable
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating

position. For some second row seats, you may need to
recline the seat and/or raise the head restraint to get a
better fit. If the rear seat can be moved forward and
rearward in the vehicle, you may wish to move it to its
rear-most position to make room for the child seat.
You may also move the front seat forward to allow
more room for the child seat.

2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor

to pass it through the belt path of the child restraint.
Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a

“click.”

4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight

against the child seat.

5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the shoulder part of

the belt until you have pulled all the seat belt webbing
out of the retractor. Then, allow the webbing to retract
back into the retractor. As the webbing retracts, you
will hear a clicking sound. This means the seat belt is
now in the Automatic Locking mode.

6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is

locked, you should not be able to pull out any web-
bing. If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.

7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the

lap portion around the child restraint while you push
the child restraint rearward and downward into the
vehicle seat.

8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the

seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect
the tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

71

strap. See the section “Installing Child Restraints
Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for directions to
attach a tether anchor.

9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by

pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt
path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm)
in any direction.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the
belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Top Tether
Anchorage

WARNING!

Do not attach a tether strap for a rear-facing car seat
to any location in front of the car seat, including the
seat frame or a tether anchorage. Only attach the

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

tether strap of a rear-facing car seat to the tether
anchorage that is approved for that seating position,
located behind the top of the vehicle seat. See the
section “Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
(LATCH) Restraint System” for the location of ap-
proved tether anchorages in your vehicle.

1. Look behind the seating position where you plan to

install the child restraint to find the tether anchorage.
You may need to move the seat forward to provide
better access to the tether anchorage. If there is no top

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

tether anchorage for that seating position, move the
child restraint to another position in the vehicle if one
is available.

2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path

for the strap between the anchor and the child seat. If
your vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear head
restraints, raise the head restraint, and where possible,
route the tether strap under the head restraint and
between the two posts. If not possible, lower the head
restraint and pass the tether strap around the outboard
side of the head restraint.

3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to

the top tether anchorage as shown in the diagram.

4. Remove slack in the tether strap according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

Rear Seat Tether Strap Mounting

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

73

WARNING!

• An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to

increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchorage position directly
behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top
tether strap.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear seat,

make sure the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove
slack in the strap.

Transporting Pets

Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or could injure a passenger during panic braking
or in a collision.

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle.”

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as a problem.

SAFETY TIPS

Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.

WARNING!

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,

inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.

• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your

vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.

• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and

using a seat belt properly.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

75

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO),
follow these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in

confined areas any longer than needed to move
your vehicle in or out of the area.

• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/

rear doors open, make sure that all windows are
closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is
set at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation
mode.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the

engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the
blower at high speed.

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle

Seat Belts

Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.

Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat
belt or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.

Air Bag Warning Light

The Air Bag warning light

will turn on for four to

eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,

have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. This light will illuminate with a
single chime when a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light has been detected, it will stay on until the fault
is cleared. If the light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” for further information.

Defroster

Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.

Floor Mat Safety Information

Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

77

cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.

WARNING!

Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious per-
sonal injury.
• Always make sure that floor mats are properly

attached to the floor mat fasteners.

• Never place or install floor mats or other floor

coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and interfer-
ing with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.

• Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on top

of already installed floor mats. Additional floor
mats and other coverings will reduce the size of the
pedal area and interfere with the pedals.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Check mounting of mats on a regular basis. Always

properly reinstall and secure floor mats that have
been removed for cleaning.

• Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the

driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.

• If required, mounting posts must be properly in-

stalled, if not equipped from the factory.

Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of
control of the vehicle.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires for
proper cold inflation pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.

Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

79

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 POWER CONVERTIBLE TOP — IF EQUIPPED . .84

▫ Lowering The Power Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
▫ Raising The Power Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
▫ Power Convertible Top Relearn Procedure . . . . .86
▫ Wind Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

䡵 MIRRORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . .88
▫ Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
▫ Folding Mirrors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . .90
▫ Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

䡵 SEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

▫ Forward/Rearward Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .92
▫ Recline Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
▫ Seat Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
▫ EZ Entry Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
▫ Memory Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
▫ Front Non-Adjustable Head Restraints . . . . . . .95

3

䡵 TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD . . . . . . . . .98
䡵 LIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

▫ Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
▫ Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
▫ High Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
▫ Flash-To-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
▫ Parking Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
▫ Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
▫ Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
▫ Lane Change Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
▫ Follow Me Home/Headlight Delay . . . . . . . . .103
▫ Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

䡵 WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS . . . . . .105

▫ Front Windshield Wiper Operation . . . . . . . . .106
▫ Rear Windshield Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

䡵 TILT STEERING COLUMN — IF EQUIPPED . . .109
䡵 ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . .110

▫ To Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
▫ To Set A Desired Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
▫ To Deactivate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
▫ To Resume Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
▫ To Accelerate For Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

䡵 REAR PARK ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . .114

▫ Rear Park Assist Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Rear Park Assist Warning Display . . . . . . . . . .115
▫ Rear Park Assist Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
▫ Rear Park Assist Audible Alerts. . . . . . . . . . . .116
▫ Failure Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
▫ Cleaning The Rear Park Assist System . . . . . . .118
▫ Park Assist System Usage Precautions . . . . . . .119

䡵 POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . .121

▫ To Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
▫ To Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
▫ Pinch Protect Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
▫ Wind Buffeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

▫ Emergency Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
▫ Sun Shade — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

䡵 ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS . . . . . . . . . . .123
䡵 CIGAR LIGHTER — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . .126
䡵 CUPHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
䡵 STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

▫ Glove Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

䡵 CARGO AREA FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
䡵 REAR WINDOW FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

▫ Rear Window Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

83