Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (2017 year). Manual — part 14

JUMP STARTING

Preparations For Jump
Starting

If the battery is discharged, a jump
starting procedure can be performed
using the battery and the cables of
another vehicle, or using a booster
battery.
Jump starting is dangerous if done
incorrectly, so follow the procedure in
this section carefully. If you feel unsure
about jump starting, it is strongly
recommend that you have a competent
service technician do the work.
Note: When a booster battery is being
used, comply with the utilization and
precaution instructions specified by the
manufacturer.

Warning!

Do not attempt jump starting if the battery
is frozen. It could rupture or explode and
cause personal injury.

Caution!

Do not use a portable battery booster pack
or any other booster source with a system
voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to
the battery, starter motor, alternator or
electrical system may occur.

Jump-Starting
Procedure

Warning!

Failure to follow this jump-starting
procedure could result in personal injury or
property damage due to battery explosion.

Caution!

Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged
vehicle.

GUID-08030100121001

Jump Start Locations

217

To jump start the vehicle, follow this
procedure:

1. Remove the positive terminal cover.

2. Make sure the booster battery is
12 V and that the negative terminal is
grounded.

3. Turn off the engine of the vehicle
with the booster battery and all
unnecessary electrical loads in both
vehicles.

Warning!

Do not allow vehicles to touch each other
as this could establish a ground
connection and personal injury could
result.

4. Connect one end of a jumper cables
to the positive terminal on the
discharged battery.

5. Connect the other end to the
positive terminal on the booster battery.

6. Connect one end of the other
jumper cables to the negative terminal
of the booster battery.

7. Connect the other end to a good
engine ground of the vehicle with the
discharged battery (exposed metal part
of the engine) away from the battery
and the fuel injection system.

8. Start the engine of the booster
vehicle and run it a few minutes. Then
start the engine of the other vehicle.

9. Once the engine is started, remove
the jumper cables in the reverse
sequence.

10. Replace the positive terminal
cover. Make sure cover is secure.

Bump Starting

Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.

Note:

You cannot start a vehicle with an

automatic transmission by pushing it.

Do not push-start a vehicle that has

a manual transmission. It can damage
the emission control system.

STARTING A FLOODED
ENGINE

If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:

1. If the engine does not start within
5 seconds on the first try, wait
10 seconds and try again.

2. Make sure the parking brake is on.

3. Press the accelerator all the way and
hold it there.

4. Press the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(automatic transmission), then push the
push button start. If the engine starts,
release the accelerator immediately
because the engine will suddenly rev
up.

5. If the engine fails to start, crank it
without pressing the accelerator.
If the engine still does not start using
the above procedure, have your vehicle
inspected an authorized dealer.

08030100-122-001

Positive Terminal Cover

218

IN

CASE

OF

EMERGENCY

OVERHEATING

Overheating

In any of the following situations, you
can reduce the potential for overheating
by taking the appropriate action.

On the highways — slow down.

In city traffic — while stopped, place

the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do
not increase engine idle speed.

Note: There are steps that you can
take to slow down an impending
overheat condition:

If your air conditioner (A/C) is on,

turn it off. The A/C system adds heat
to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.

You can also turn the temperature

control to maximum heat, the mode
control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to
act as a supplement to the radiator
and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.

Warning!

You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.

Caution!

Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge
reads “H”, pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, turn the engine off immediately,
and call for service.

If Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment:
Do not go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine. Wait until the steam
dissipates, then open the hood and
start the engine.

If Neither Coolant Nor Steam Is
Escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.

Note:

If the cooling fan does not operate

while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and contact an authorized
dealer.

If the engine continues to overheat

or frequently overheats, have the
cooling system inspected. The engine
could be seriously damaged unless
repairs are made. Contact an
authorized dealer.

219

TOWING THE
VEHICLE

Attaching The Tow Eyes

Warning!

Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with
tow eyes.

Do not use a chain with a tow eye.

Chains may break, causing serious injury or
death.

Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye.

Tow straps may break or become
disengaged, causing serious injury or
death.

Failure to follow proper tow eye usage

may cause components to break resulting
in serious injury or death.

Caution!

The tow eye must be used exclusively

for roadside assistance operations. Only
use the tow eye with an appropriate device
in accordance with the highway code (a
rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for
a short distance to the nearest service
location.

Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow

vehicles off the road or where there are
obstacles.

In compliance with the above

conditions, towing with a tow eye must
take place with two vehicles (one towing,
the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same center line.
Damage to your vehicle may occur if these
guidelines are not followed.

When towing, only use a facility that can

tow vehicles with low ground clearances as
extensive damage can result by using a
standard tow truck platform.

Proceed as follows:

1. Remove the towing eyelet and the
lug wrench from the luggage
compartment.

2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or
similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent
damage to a painted bumper, and open
the cap located on the front or rear
bumper.

Note:

Do not use excessive force as it

may damage the cap or scratch the
painted bumper surface. Remove the
cap completely and store it so as not to
lose it.

GUID-08060203121001

Front Bumper Cap Location

1— Front Bumper Cap

08060203-122-001

Rear Bumper Cap Location

2— Rear Bumper Cap

220

IN

CASE

OF

EMERGENCY

3. Securely install the tow eye in front
or rear using the lug wrench or
equivalent.

4. Hook the towing rope to the tow
eye.

Caution!

Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to
rescue a vehicle stranded off road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or
highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle.

When using the tow eyes, always pull
the lead or chain in a straight direction
with respect to the eyelet. Never apply
a sideways force.

Note: Follow the below precautions so
as not to damage the towing eyelet and
towing hook, vehicle body, or
transmission system when towing:

Do not tow a vehicle heavier than

yours.

Do not suddenly accelerate your

vehicle as it will apply a severe shock
to the tow eye and towing hook or
rope.

Do not attach any rope other than

to the tow eye and towing hook.

Emergency Towing

Towing Description
Proper lifting and towing are necessary
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.

A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (rear wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.
When towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking brake.

Caution!

DO NOT use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a
flatbed truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.

If towing service is not available in an
emergency, the vehicle may be towed
with all four wheels on the ground using
the towing hook at the front of the
vehicle. Only tow the vehicle on paved
surfaces for short distances at low
speeds.
Follow these instructions when towing
the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground:

1. Shift to NEUTRAL for manual
transmission or automatic transmission.

2. Place the ignition to ACC.

3. Release the parking brake.

Note:

Remember that power assist for the
brakes and steering will not be available
when the engine is not running.

08060201-121-001

Installing Front Towing Eye

08060201-122-001

Installing Rear Tow Eye

221

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . .223
ENGINE COMPARTMENT . . . . . .230
BATTERY RECHARGING . . . . . . .234
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES . . .234
RAISING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . .237
WHEELS AND TIRES. . . . . . . . . .237
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES . . . . . . .251
STORING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . .252
BODYWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
INTERIORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259

222

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MAINTENANCE

INTRODUCTION

Be extremely careful and prevent injury
to yourself and others or damage to
your vehicle when using this Owner’s
Manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you are unsure about any procedure it
describes, we strongly urge you to have
a reliable and qualified service shop
perform the work, preferably at your
Authorized Dealer.
Factory-trained FCA technicians and
genuine FCA parts are best for your
vehicle. Without this expertise and the
parts that have been designed and
made especially for your vehicle,
inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient
servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an
accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service,
contact your Authorized Dealer.
To continue New Vehicle Limited
Warranty eligibility and to protect your
investment, it is your responsibility to
properly maintain your vehicle
according to factory recommended
schedules outlined in this Owner’s
Manual. As part of this you must keep
your maintenance records, receipts,
repair orders and any other documents
as evidence this maintenance was
performed. You must present these
documents, should any New Vehicle
Limited Warranty coverage
disagreement occur. Failure to do so
can result in your New Vehicle Limited

Warranty being voided either in whole
or in part.
This evidence may consist of the
following:

The FCA Scheduled Maintenance

Record, refer to the Warranty Booklet,
must be completely filled out showing
mileage, repair order number, date for
each service, and signed by a qualified
automotive service technician who
service vehicles.

Original copies of repair orders or

other receipts that include the mileage
and date the vehicle was serviced.
Each receipt should be signed by a
qualified automotive service technician.

For self maintenance, a statement

that you completed the maintenance
yourself, displaying mileage and the
date the work was performed. Also,
receipts for the replacement parts (fluid,
filters, etc.) indicating the date and
mileage must accompany this
statement.

Note:

If you elect to perform maintenance
yourself or have your vehicle serviced at
a location other than an Authorized
Dealer, FCA requires that all fluids, parts
and materials must meet FCA
standards for durability and
performance as described in this
Owner’s Manual.

Claims against the warranty resulting
from lack of maintenance, as opposed
to defective materials or authorized FCA
workmanship, will not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts
equivalent to your vehicle's original
equipment may perform maintenance.
But we recommend that it always be
done by an Authorized Dealer using
genuine FCA parts. Selecting
“Maintenance Monitor” enables the
system to notify you of your vehicle's
approaching inspection/servicing
period.

Owner Maintenance
Precautions

The owner or a qualified service
technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to
ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an
Authorized Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.

When refueling perform inspection
of:

Brake and clutch fluid level

Engine coolant level

Engine oil level

Washer fluid level

223

At least monthly perform inspection
of:

Tire inflation pressures

At least twice a year (for example,
every spring and fall) perform
inspection of:

Engine coolant

Engine oil

As explained in the “Introduction”
paragraph, several procedures can be
done only by a qualified service
technician with special tools.
For details, read the separate Warranty
Booklet provided with the vehicle. If you
are unsure about any servicing or
maintenance procedure, have it done
by an Authorized Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws
regarding the disposal of waste oil and
fluids. Please dispose of your waste
properly and with due regard to the
environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil
and fluid changes of your vehicle to an
Authorized Dealer.

Periodic Checks

Every 620 miles (1,000 km) or before
long trips check and, if necessary, top
off:

Engine coolant level.

Brake fluid level.

Windshield washer fluid level.

Tire inflation pressure and condition.

Operation of lighting system

(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.).

Operation of windshield

washer/wiper system and
positioning/wear of windshield wiper
blades.
Every 1860 miles (3,000 km) check
and top off the engine oil level if
required.

Heavy-Duty Use Of The
Vehicle

If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions:

Dusty roads.

Short, repeated trips less than 4.4 -

5 miles (7 - 8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures.

Engine idling for long periods of time

or driving long distances at low speeds
or long periods of inactivity.
The following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:

Check front disc brake pad condition

and wear.

Check cleanliness of underhood area

and all door and trunk locks, cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage.

Visually inspect conditions of the:

engine, transmission, lines and hoses

(exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and
rubber elements (hoses/belts/etc.).

Check battery charge and battery

fluid level.

Visually inspect conditions of the

accessory drive belts.

Check and, if necessary, change

engine oil and replace oil filter.

Check and, if necessary, replace

cabin air filter.

Check and, if necessary, replace air

cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a
dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only
very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.

224

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MAINTENANCE

Scheduled Servicing Plan

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

110,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Years

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers

16,000

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

112,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Check tire condition/wear
and adjust pressure, if
necessary, check TIREKIT
expiration date (if
provided).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check operation of lighting
system (headlamps,
direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, luggage
compartment, passenger
compartment, glove
compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check and, if necessary,
top up fluid levels
(brakes/hydraulic clutch,
windshield washer, battery,
engine coolant, etc.).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

225

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

110,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Years

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers

16,000

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

112,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Check engine control
system operation (via
diagnostic tool).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Visually inspect condition
of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection,
pipes and hoses (exhaust -
fuel system - brakes),
rubber elements (boots,
sleeves, bushings, etc.).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Visually inspect conditions
of steering elements and
check their operation.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check the front and rear
suspension, tie rods, CV
Joints, and replace if
necessary.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check endfloat of wheel
bearings.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

226

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MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

110,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Years

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers

16,000

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

112,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Check windshield/rear
window wiper blade
position/wear.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check operation of
windshield washer system
and adjust jets if
necessary.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check cleanliness of hood
and trunk locks and
cleanliness and lubrication
of linkages.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Check parking brake lever
travel and adjust, if
necessary.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Visually check the
condition and wear of the
front and rear brakes.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Visually inspect condition
of evaporation control
system.

•

•

•

•

•

227

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

110,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Years

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers

16,000

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

112,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Visual inspect the
condition and tensioning of
the accessory drive belt.

•

•

•

Replace the accessory
drive belt. (****)

•

Inspect and replace PCV
valve if necessary.

•

Change engine oil and
replace oil filter. (*)

In accordance with Oil Change Indicator System OR Severe Duty Mileage, whichever occurs first.

Replace spark plugs (1.4L
Turbo engine). (**)

•

•

•

•

•

Replace engine air filter. (#)

•

•

•

•

•

Replace Cabin Air Filter – If
Equipped. (***)

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Flush and replace the
engine coolant at 10 years
or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever
comes first.

•

•

228

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MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

110,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

Years

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Or Kilometers

16,000

32,000

48,000

64,000

80,000

96,000

112,000

128,000

144,000

160,000

176,000

192,000

208,000

224,000

240,000

Replace the timing belt
(1.4L Turbo Engine).

•

(#) The engine air cleaner should be inspected at every oil change if used in dusty areas.
(*) The oil and oil filter replacement must be carried out when indicated by a warning light or message on the instrument panel,
or in any case should not exceed 1 year.
(**) The spark plug change is distance based only, yearly intervals do not apply. The following are essential to ensure correct
operation and prevent serious damage to the engine:

Only use spark plugs of the same make and type which are specially certified for such engines (refer to “Engine Information”

in “Technical Data” for further information).

Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement interval given in the “Maintenance Schedule” for spark plug replacement.

Contact your Authorized Dealer if you have any questions.

(***) Replace every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 2 years. Replacement every 10,000 miles (16,000km) or 1 year in dusty
conditions or as optional/suggested replacement.
(****) Replace belt every 40,000 miles (60,000km) for use on dusty roads.

Warning!

You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right

equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance.

This could cause an accident.

229

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Checking Levels

07030300-121-003-high.jpg

1 — Window Washer Fill

4 — Engine Coolant Fill

2 — Engine Oil Dipstick

5 — Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir

3 — Engine Oil Cap

6 — Battery

230

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MAINTENANCE

Engine Oil

Warning!

Be very careful when working in the

engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned.

Do not get too close to the radiator

cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury.

Loose clothing might be pulled by

moving parts.

Recommended Oil

Refer to “Fluids and Lubricants”
paragraph in “Technical Specifications”
chapter.

Inspecting engine oil level

Proceed as follows:

1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.

2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.

3. Turn it off and wait at least five
minutes for the oil to return to the
sump.

4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and reinsert it fully.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and
examine the level. The level is normal if
it is between Low and Full. If it is near
or below Low, open the engine oil
cap/filler 2 and add enough oil to bring
the level to Full.

Note:

Do not overfill the engine oil.

This may cause engine damage.

6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick
is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.

7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.

Engine oil consumption

During the initial period of use the
engine oil consumption conditions
should stabilize after the first 3000 –
3500 miles (5000 – 6000 km).

Engine Coolant

Warning!

You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.

Inspecting Coolant Level

Note: Changing the coolant should be
done by your Authorized Dealer.

Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year, at the beginning of
the winter season, and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections
of all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are worn or
deteriorated.

07030403-121-001

Engine Compartment

1 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Engine Oil Cap

231

Warning!

Do not open hot engine cooling system.

Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.

Do not use a pressure cap other than

the one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.

The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F (Full) and L
(Low) marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool.

If it is at or near L (Low), add coolant by
mixing a minimum solution of 50%

Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate
for FIAT Spider. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are
anticipated. Bring the level to F (Full).
Please contact your Authorized Dealer
for assistance.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir
tank cap after adding coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, contact
your Authorized Dealer.

Brake/Clutch Fluid

Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level

The brakes and clutch draw fluid

from the same reservoir.

Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir

regularly.

It should be kept between the MAX

and MIN lines.

The level normally drops with

accumulated use, a condition
associated with wear of brake and
clutch linings. If it is excessively low,
have the brake/clutch system
inspected. Contact your Authorized
Dealer.

Warning!

Use only manufacturer's recommended

brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.

To avoid contamination from foreign

matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master cylinder
reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling
point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.

07030501-121-001

Coolant Reservoir

07030601-121-002

Brake Fluid Reservoir

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