Fiat 500 Abarth (2016 year). Manual — part 15

▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . .301

䡵 ADDING FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . .304

䡵 TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304
䡵 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND

MOTORHOME, ETC.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .304

228

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor.

• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or

in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

Manual Transmission — If Equipped

Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in
NEUTRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlock-
ing ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch
pedal is pressed to the floor.

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting

out of PARK.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

229

Turn the ignition switch to the AVV/ACC (START)
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15
seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

Cold Weather Operation

To prevent possible engine damage while starting at low
temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit engine cranking
when the ambient temperature is less than –22° F (–30° C)
and the oil temperature sensor reading indicates an
engine block heater has not been used. An externally-
powered electric engine block heater is available as
optional equipment or from your authorized dealer.

The message “plug in engine heater” will be displayed in
the instrument cluster when the ambient temperature is
below 5° F (–15° C) at the time the engine is shut off as a

reminder to avoid possible crank delays at the next cold
start.

CAUTION!

Use of the recommended SAE 5W-40 synthetic en-
gine oil and adhering to the prescribed oil change
intervals is important to prevent engine damage and
ensure satisfactory starting in cold conditions.

Extended Park Starting

NOTE:

Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle

has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery

to ensure a full battery charge during the crank cycle.

2. Cycle the ignition in the START position and release it

when the engine starts.

230

STARTING AND OPERATING

3. If the engine fails to start within ten seconds, cycle the

ignition to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, wait five
seconds to allow the starter to cool, then repeat the
Extended Park Starting procedure.

4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow

the starter to cool for at least 10 minutes, then repeat
the procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank con-
tinuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10
to 15 seconds before trying again.

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

CAUTION!

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite
and damage the converter and vehicle.

• To prevent damage to the starter, do not continu-

ously crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at
a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

231

After Starting

The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.

Turbocharger “Cool Down”

This vehicle is equipped with an after-run pump to cool
the turbocharger after the engine is shut off. Depending
on the type of driving and the amount of cargo, the pump
will run for up to 10 minutes after the engine has been
shut off to circulate coolant through the turbocharger.
Although the pump is rubber-mounted for quiet opera-
tion, it is normal to hear it running during this time.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.

232

STARTING AND OPERATING

Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.

Use each gear in numerical order; do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, not third, when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in third gear.

For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, fifth gear is recommended.

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
and never try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch
pedal partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear
on the clutch.

Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

NOTE:

During cold weather, until the transmission lu-

bricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transmis-
sion.

Gear Selector

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

233

Recommended Shift Speeds

To use your manual transmission for optimal fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in the following
table.

Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds

Units In mph (km/h)

Engine

Size

Accel-

era-

tion

Rate

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

1.4L

Turbo

Accel

14

(23)

23

(37)

29

(47)

38

(61)

Cruise

12

(19)

18

(29)

25

(40)

32

(52)

Downshifting

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.

CAUTION!

If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift
at too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may
cause the engine to overspeed if too low of a gear is
selected and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to
the clutch and the transmission can result from
skipping a gear while downshifting or downshifting
at too high of a vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal
is held pressed (i.e., not released).

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to second or first gear when descending a steep
grade.

234

STARTING AND OPERATING

When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after

the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-

TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

WARNING!

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL

if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always shift an
automatic transmission into PARK, or a manual

(Continued)

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

235

WARNING! (Continued)

transmission into FIRST gear or REVERSE, turn
the engine OFF, apply the parking brake, and
remove the ignition key. When the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF (key removal) position, an automatic
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-

tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission gear selector.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle

(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF (key removal) position. The key can only be re-
moved from the ignition when the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF position, and once removed, the transmis-
sion is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the gear selector in

236

STARTING AND OPERATING

PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the trans-
mission out of PARK, the ignition switch must be turned
to the ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the
brake pedal must be pressed.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector
out of PARK (Refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Inter-
lock System” in this section). To drive, move the gear
selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.

The transmission gear selector has PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick shift positions.

Gear Selector

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

237

Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further
information). Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or
rearward (+) while in the AutoStick position (beside the
DRIVE position) will manually select the transmission
gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument
cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.

NOTE:

If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,

REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed for-
ward) it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position
(beside the DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the
transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the
instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to the right
(into the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK, RE-
VERSE, and NEUTRAL.

Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi-
cult to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a

238

STARTING AND OPERATING

downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the
gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal
released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL

if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always shift an
automatic transmission into PARK, or a manual
transmission into FIRST gear or REVERSE, turn
the engine OFF, apply the parking brake, and
remove the ignition key. When the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF (key removal) position, an automatic
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted movement.

(Continued)

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

239

WARNING! (Continued)

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-

tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the gear selector.

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle

(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the gear selector out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear
selector could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:

• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the lever all the

way forward and to the left until it stops and is fully
seated.

240

STARTING AND OPERATING

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

241

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, or traveling into strong head
winds), use the AutoStick shift control (refer to AutoStick
in this section for further information) to select a lower
gear. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the transmission controller will expand the

range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is
done to prevent transmission damage due to overheat-
ing.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine coolant temperature.
Normal operation will resume once the engine tempera-
ture has risen to a suitable level.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu-
minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.

242

STARTING AND OPERATING

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no

longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

AUTOSTICK

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
and many other situations.

Operation

When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position
(beside the Drive position), it can be moved forward and
rearward. This allows the driver to manually select the
transmission gear being used. Moving the gear selector

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

243