Abarth 124 SPIDER User manual

AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
124 SPIDER

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
IMPORTANT NOTICE 5
NEW VEHICLE INFORMATION 7
FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS 11
1. EXTENT OF FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY 11
2. NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY 11
2.1. NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY PERIOD 11
2.2. NATURE AND AMBIT OF WARRANTY 12
3. 8-YEAR ANTI-PERFORATION WARRANTY 12
3.1. WARRANTY PERIOD 12
3.2. NATURE AND AMBIT OF WARRANTY 12
3.3. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 13
3.4. FOR YOUR BENEFIT 13
4. PROCEDURE FOR FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY CLAIM 13
4.1 FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY CLAIM 13
4.2 STEPS TO TAKE 13
4.3 CONTACT INFORMATION 14
5. WHAT THE FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER 14
6. WHAT THE FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY SHALL NOT ENTITLE THE
OWNER TO RECEIVE 15
7. VEHICLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE 15
8. USE OF GENUINE SPARE PARTS 16
9. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE 16
10. IMPORTANT ADVICE 18
10.1. WARNING LEGEND 20
10.2. TIMING BELT 20
10.3. GENERAL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS 20
10.4. ENGINE OIL 21
11. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE OF THE VEHICLE 21
11.1. STARTING THE ENGINE 21
11.2. WARMING THE ENGINE 21
11.3. SWITCHING OFF 21
11.4. FUEL 22
11.5. ETHANOL 22
11.6. WHY USE PETRONAS LUBRICANTS IN THE ENGINE OF YOUR VEHICLE 22
12. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 23
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
ABARTH 124 SPIDER 1.4L MULTIAIR TURBO PETROL ENGINE 24
SCHEDULED SERVICE LOG STAMPS 27
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP/ADDRESS FORMS 31
CONTENTS

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty set out below applies to all persons who purchase an Abarth 124 Spider passenger vehicle in Australia.
YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS
The benefits given to you in the FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty are in addition to, and do not detract from, any rights and remedies that
you may have under Australian consumer protection laws. Our goods come with certain guarantees that cannot be excluded under the
Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably
foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and
the failure does not amount to a major failure.
The FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty:
• is not intended to change or exclude any statutory consumer rights that cannot be lawfully changed or excluded;
• is independent of any warranty that may be provided by the seller, for which it carries sole responsibility; and
• does not affect your rights against the seller, including any mandatory statutory rights you may have against the seller under consumer
laws.

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
OWNER DETAILS
Name:
Address:
State: Postcode:
Selling Dealer’s Stamp
Selling Dealer’s Sales Manager Signature
IMPORTANT NOTICE
In the event that we need to contact you about your
vehicle, please notify us if there is any change to
name, address or ownership.
Please use the ‘Change of Ownership/Address’
form located at the end of this manual.
VEHICLE DETAILS
Model Name:
Model Type:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
Registration Number:
Vehicle Delivery Date:

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
Dear Customer,
In 1972, the Officine Abarth made the first Abarth 124. Today the new
Abarth 124 Spider is born, a brand-new spider with the attitude of the
Abarth Scorpion.
This handbook tells you everything you need to know about the Abarth
Warranty and also gives you information about services offered
exclusively to Abarth customers and tips on how to maintain your car in
its original condition.
You will discover that, from this moment on, as you continue to enjoy
your top quality car you will also be able to count on one of the most
efficient and widespread aftersales service organisations that is
permanently poised to help you out wherever you may be.
Enjoy your new Abarth.
Fully Covered
Your Abarth has the backing of a 3-Year, 150,000 kilometres Vehicle
Warranty, and an 8 Year Anti-Perforation Warranty (together the “FCAA
Manufacturer’s Warranty”). So apart from routine adjustments and
servicing items made necessary by fair wear and tear, everything from
the engine to the bodywork with the exception of specific exclusions
referred to in this handbook is guaranteed as explained in the
appropriate warranty section of this handbook. Please read this section
carefully and note the obligations and exclusions.
Thoroughly Checked
Abarth service starts even before you collect your new car. Every new
Abarth goes through a Pre-Delivery Inspection covering an extensive
range of checks, during and after road testing. So you can be confident
that from Day 1, everything has been done to provide safe and reliable
motoring.
Things to be aware of
• Vehicle operators should ensure that they are fully aware of
the contents of the vehicle handbook and have familiarised
themselves with the vehicle before driving.
• The information contained in the Owner’s Manual is for
general reference only. The routine maintenance schedule and
FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty information contained in this
handbook is created specifically for Australia and to the extent
of any inconsistencies supersedes that laid out in the Operating
Information/Owner’s Manual. All material contained in this

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
publication is based on the latest information available at the
time of publication approval. FCAA reserves the right without
notice to publish revisions at any time. After you have read
this manual, it should be stored in the vehicle for convenient
reference and remain with the vehicle when sold.
Use of Exchange Parts
Please note goods presented for repair may be replaced by Mopar
remanufactured goods of the same type rather than being repaired.
Remanufactured parts may be used to repair the goods. In the interest
of customer satisfaction, FCAA may offer an exchange service on some
vehicle parts. This service is intended to reduce the amount of time
your vehicle is not available for your use due to repairs. Parts used
in exchange service may be new, remanufactured, reconditioned, or
repaired, depending on the part involved.
All exchange parts that might be used meet FCAA‘s standards. Examples
of the kinds of parts that might be serviced in this way are:
• Engine assemblies;
• Transmission assemblies;
• Instrument cluster assemblies;
• Radios, CD players and navigation units; or
• Control modules.
FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
FIAT vehicles offer all customers the benefits of two forms of Warranty:
1. A New Vehicle Warranty which commences on the Date of Sale
(as defined in the Warranty Terms And Conditions) and continues
for a period of 3-Years or 150,000 kilometres (whichever occurs
first) for manufacturing defects, with the exception of items such
as tyres, locally supplied batteries and radio/sound equipment,
which are covered by warranties from their individual supplier.
2. An 8-Year Anti-Perforation Warranty against perforation of the
bodywork by corrosion originating inside the bodywork itself.
Please read together the FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty and the FCAA
Manufacturer’s Warranty Term and Conditions in order that you are
aware of your obligations to maintain the validity of this Warranty and
exclusions to this policy.
This FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty is provided by FCA Australia Pty
Ltd ABN 23 125 956 505 trading as FCA Australia of 437 Plummer Street
Port Melbourne VIC 3207, telephone [phone], as the authorised
importer/distributor of FIAT products in Australia (hereinafter called
“FCAA”).
Other Warranties and Conditions:
a) The benefits conferred by this FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty
are in addition to other rights and remedies of the consumer

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
under a law in relation to the product. All other conditions and
warranties expressed or implied are hereby excluded.
b) No other person or persons are authorised by FCAA to offer or
give on its behalf any other or greater warranty than that given
by FCAA under this FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty.
c) Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under
the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement
or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other
reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to
have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of
acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major
failure.
FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY TERMS AND
CONDITIONS
Please read these terms carefully and observe their conditions as they
affect the commitments of the Manufacturer, Distributor and its Dealer
Network.
FCAA as the authorised importer/distributor of Abarth products in
Australia, warrants new Abarth vehicles marketed in Australia and every
major component thereof for the duration of the FCAA Manufacturer’s
Warranty subject and according to the following terms:
1. EXTENT OF FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
The FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty extends to the original retail
purchaser of the vehicle and to any person or company who derives
title to the vehicle from any such person or company (hereinafter
called the ‘’owner’’), unless sold at auction or deemed to be a write-
off, in which case the FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty is voided. The
FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty is comprised of the following: the “New
Vehicle Warranty” and the “8 Year Anti-Perforation Warranty”.
The FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty is only available to vehicles that are
used under normal operating conditions.
2. NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY
2.1. NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY PERIOD
a) The New Vehicle Warranty applies to new vehicles
(demonstrators included) and continues for a period of 3-Years
or 150,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.
b) The New Vehicle Warranty begins on the earliest date of
occurrence of any one of the following events:
i. The date the vehicle is reported as sold, or the first
registration date of the vehicle (please note that the date
of first registration of the vehicle may be earlier than the
date of delivery to you). For example, if your vehicle was
used as a dealer demonstrator, company car or has been

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
purchased from a third party, the New Vehicle Warranty
period may have commenced and/or expired prior to
delivery. If you have any queries regarding the date of first
registration, please contact your Authorised FIAT/Abarth
Dealer; and
ii. The date of the original contract of sale or otherwise when
title in the vehicle first passed to a third party not being an
Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer in FCAA’s dealer network.
2.2. NATURE AND AMBIT OF WARRANTY
If within the Warranty period, a manufacturing defect occurs in any part
of the vehicle (other than the parts referred to in Clause 5(c) hereof)
and any such part(s) shall be found to be defective in material or
workmanship, then such part(s) shall be repaired or replaced, free of
charge by an Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer on behalf of FCAA. A part
fitted under the New Vehicle Warranty shall itself be covered under the
same until the date of expiration of the New Vehicle Warranty.
3. 8-YEAR ANTI-PERFORATION WARRANTY
3.1. WARRANTY PERIOD
The body of your vehicle is treated using special processes that are
designed to protect against corrosion. The vehicle is guaranteed
against corrosion for a period of 8 years from the start of the New
Vehicle Warranty Period. In accordance with the 8-Year Anti-Perforation
Warranty, any parts of the body where perforating corrosion appears
within a period of 8 years from the start of the New Vehicle Warranty
Period will be repaired or replaced, free of charge.
3.2. NATURE AND AMBIT OF WARRANTY
The 8-Year Anti-Perforation Warranty covers rust which has perforated
the metal and has originated from inside a cavity panel or section of
the bodywork ie: from a surface which has not been finished with a top
coat.
The 8-Year Anti-Perforation Warranty is not valid under the following
circumstances:
a) If the corrosion is caused from accidental damage to the paint
surface eg. scratch, graze, abrasion, road accident, chemical
reaction, bird lime, tree sap, salt, water etc.
b) If the customer does not have the vehicle repaired for damage
caused by foreign matter or poor maintenance of the body.
c) If the affected areas have not been repaired by any licenced Body
Repairer in the shortest possible time as per the manufacturer’s
recommended procedure using genuine replacement parts and
approved products.
d) If the customer does not adhere to the inspections at the intervals
recommended by the manufacturer or rectify all listed damages
found at such inspections and which are not attributable to the
production process.

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
e) If the customer does not immediately bring to the attention of
an Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer, any corrosion which is of a
warrantable nature as soon as it is apparent.
3.3. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
To keep the 8-Year Anti Perforation Warranty valid, the customer must
present the vehicle for no less than two mandatory inspections of the
bodywork during the 3rd and 5th years from the beginning of the New
Vehicle Warranty period, (as defined on page 11, Clause 2.1).
The inspection should be carried out by an Authorised FIAT/Abarth
Dealer, who will complete and validate the appropriate record entry on
page 27. The work is performed free of charge only when carried out
by an Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer as part of a routine service.
3.4. FOR YOUR BENEFIT
If your vehicle is operated under, or subject to harsh conditions, whilst
not a mandatory requirement, it is advisable to request your dealer to
perform an underbody inspection at 12 monthly intervals during the life
of the 8-Year Anti-Perforation Warranty.
4. PROCEDURE FOR FCAA MANUFACTURER’S
WARRANTY CLAIM
4.1 FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY CLAIM
To claim on the FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty, the vehicle and this
Service and Warranty Handbook must be delivered by the owner at
their expense to an Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer or Authorised FIAT/
Abarth Service Dealer, and delivery of the vehicle after completion of
the repair shall be taken by the owner at their expense. Please visit
our web-site at www.fiat.com.au for the address details of your nearest
Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer.
4.2 STEPS TO TAKE
A. In General
FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty problems can be resolved by your
Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer’s sales and service departments. That
is why you should always talk to your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer’s
service manager or sales manager first. But if you are not satisfied with
your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer’s response to your problem, FCAA
recommends that you do the following:
• STEP 1: Discuss your problem with the owner or general
manager of the Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer
• STEP 2: If your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer still cannot
resolve the problem, contact the FCAA Customer Care Centre.
You will find the relevant contact numbers in Section 4.3

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
B. What FCAA Will Do
Once you have followed the two steps described in Section 4.2A, a
FCAA representative will review your situation. If it is something that
FCAA can help you with, FCAA will provide your Authorised FIAT/Abarth
Dealer with all the information and assistance necessary to resolve the
problem. Even if FCAA cannot help you, FCAA will acknowledge your
contact and explain FCAA’s position.
C. Information to Provide
You will need to provide the following information at the time of making
the claim:
• Your name, address and telephone number;
• The VIN of your vehicle;
• Evidence, including receipts, of all work, including scheduled
maintenance and service work, performed on your Abarth
vehicle by persons other than an Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer;
• The nature of your claim, and all material details related to your
claim, including details of any reasonable costs and expenses
incurred by you in making the claim.
4.3 CONTACT INFORMATION
Whenever you need help, you can call the FCAA Customer Care Centre
on 1800 870 720 where our trained staff can assist.
5. WHAT THE FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
DOES NOT COVER
a) Any vehicle which has been subject to insufficient maintenance,
overloading, careless handling or accident, which has not
been periodically inspected and serviced as per specifications
provided in the Owner’s Manual.
b) Any defect due to repair or service executed to the vehicle at
a Service Workshop other than of the Authorised FIAT/Abarth
Dealer Network.
c) Any defect due to the use of a part or parts, which are not Abarth
genuine or authorised products.
d) Any defect caused by modifications or additions not previously
approved by FCAA in writing.
e) Any defect caused by use of non-approved fluids or lubricants.
f) Any insignificant defect including:
• Very small or low sound or vibration which does not
affect the operation of the vehicle or is deemed to be
within commercially acceptable tolerances, or is a normal
characteristic of operation.
• Very slight seepage of oil or the like around packing and/
or oil seals which does not decrease significantly the
quantity of the oil in various components.
• Gaps between panels not exceeding limits set by
manufacturer.
• External defects which are not easily visible.
• Any reported issue that cannot be demonstrated or
experienced.

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
g) Tyres, spark plugs, lighting globes, wiper blades, belts, air filters,
oil and fuel filters, washers, grease nipples, plus other similar
consumable items including fuels, oils and air conditioning
refrigerant.
h) Any adjustments or repairs including:
• Engine tune-up;
• Brakes and clutch components;
• Steering and suspension or re-alignment and wheel
balancing;
• Electrical system, including headlamp replacement;
• Door locks, striker plates and their lubrication;
• Paintwork or body damage due to lack of regular
maintenance, usage of incorrect cleaning materials,
stone chips, damage resulting from accident or due to
deterioration caused by environmental conditions;
• Replacement of window glass due to damage.
i) Wear and tear to trim or soft top fabric where fitted or exhaust
system, due to abnormal driving or environmental conditions.
j) Consequential damage caused by the continued use and
operation of the vehicle after a fault has become apparent.
6. WHAT THE FCAA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
SHALL NOT ENTITLE THE OWNER TO RECEIVE
• To the extent permitted by law any compensation for costs
incurred due to a vehicle failure, or any extension of the owner’s
rights under the FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty, unless such
entitlement or rights are conferred upon the owner as mentioned
in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty.
• To the extent permitted by law, any compensation for
consequential damages or loss to persons or property, or any
cost in relation to hotel expenditure, meals, telephone calls,
unauthorised towing charges and hire charges due to a vehicle
failure, or any repairs after the expiration of the stipulated FCAA
Manufacturer’s Warranty period.
7. VEHICLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To comply with the terms of the FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty you
must look after your vehicle in the following way:
• Check and clean the vehicle regularly and remove any compacted
mud or dirt for example, from inside the wheel arches etc.
• Keep the engine compartment clean.
• Do not use washing additives containing petroleum or petroleum
based-products.
• Have any damage immediately rectified in accordance with the
conditions outlined in the FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty.
• Remove any potentially damaging substance such as bird lime,
tree sap etc as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage
to the paint.

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
• Regularly maintain the paint of your vehicle with a product
purchased from the FIAT accessories range, or another quality
product.
8. USE OF GENUINE SPARE PARTS
In order to maintain your vehicle in ideal condition, as designed and
manufactured by FIAT it is strongly recommended to fit genuine parts
that are supplied exclusively in trade-marked boxes, through the official
FIAT/Abarth network of FCAA. FCAA accepts no liability for faults/
defects deriving from the installation of non-genuine spare parts or
accessories.
9. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Before being handed over to you, your vehicle has been carefully
tested and checked by the Manufacturer and Dealer, to make sure that
it reflects Abarth’s quality.
All vehicles require regular servicing. FCAA has therefore prepared a
service plan for your vehicle.
A regular oil and filter only change has been programmed for
intermediate distances of 15,000 kilometres or 12 months since the last
service, whichever occurs first. The first major maintenance service is
planned for 30,000 kilometres or two years from the date that the New
Vehicle Warranty begins, whichever occurs first.
In addition to the scheduled maintenance provided by your dealer, it
is essential to remember that the vehicle still needs routine care such
as topping up the level of fluids, checking the tyre condition for wear,
damage and pressure.
In any case, you are reminded that correct maintenance of the car
is certainly the best way to maintain its performance levels, safety
features, environment-friendliness and low running costs over the
course of time.
The service intervals recommended in this publication are predicated
on the use of approved PETRONAS fluids and lubricants. Should
alternatives be used, the service plan must be reviewed in accordance
with advice from the supplier of the fluid.
IMPORTANT
If there is a failure that can be attributed to lack of, or improper
maintenance, these costs will be the responsibility of the owner of the
vehicle.
Adequate maintenance is a determinant factor in lengthening the life
of your vehicle and keeping it in peak operating condition. FCAA has
prepared a series of checks and operations, that are described in the

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
“Scheduled Maintenance’’, which you will find in the “Owner’s Manual’’
supplied with your vehicle.
These involve a series of service operations as scheduled above. These
services will be recorded by your servicing dealer in the “Scheduled
Maintenance” section of this handbook.
The distance intervals and times quoted are maximum and vehicles
must not exceed these recommendations. Services should occur on
or before these recommended intervals or times. If the service period
is exceeded, discuss your required maintenance with your Authorised
FIAT/Abarth Dealer.
Please note that the vehicle’s service maintenance during the FCAA
Manufacturer’s Warranty period and beyond, is at the owner’s cost.
The cost for the scheduled maintenance service includes the price
of a standard service operation, lubricants and necessary materials.
Any additional or extraordinary operations will be at additional cost
(calculated in accordance with the labour rates and spare parts price
list in force at the time). However they will not be performed without first
being authorised by you.
IMPORTANT
As technologies develop, changes to the scheduled servicing intervals
may be necessary. Always consult your Authorised FIAT Dealer for the
latest servicing schedule.
These servicing operations are of a general nature and do not cover all
the services your vehicle may need. Nothing in the foregoing replaces
the need to routinely check and carry out the necessary topping up and/
or replacement operations as described in the Owner’s Manual of the
fluids and components subject to wear such as: brake discs and pads,
clutch plate, spark plugs, bulbs, windscreen wiper blades and tyres.
You should always adhere to the instructions set out in the ‘’Owner’s
Manual’’ of your vehicle.
If the checks and controls included in the servicing schedule reveal that
repairs are necessary, they will be carried out only upon your approval.
The kilometre intervals provided in the Scheduled Maintenance section
(page 17 onwards) refer to those on the vehicle’s odometer. If this has
been reset due to instrument panel replacement or any other reason,
the future programmed maintenance records will refer to the number of
kilometres the vehicle has actually travelled.
Maintaining the vehicle in accordance with the servicing schedule will
help to ensure that the vehicle remains at optimum condition. This will
also assist in maintaining the vehicle’s value, as evidenced by records
featuring the genuine FIAT/Abarth Workshop stamps.
Besides maintenance, optimum operating performance of your vehicle
also depends on other factors, such as fuel quality, correct use and
storage of the vehicle.

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
If you use your vehicle infrequently or if it lays idle for extended periods,
you should regularly check the battery condition and , if required, have
it recharged. This will help to ensure that the vehicle is always ready to
start and will also avoid advanced battery failure and electronic module
damage, which is not covered by this FCAA Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Please refer to your Authorised FIAT Dealer for advice on maintaining
the battery charge.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section provided in this handbook
from page 18 onwards.
CAUTION!
If you subject your vehicle to any ‘track events’ or any type of high
performance driving, it is recommended that you change the engine
oil immediately after the event and have your vehicle inspected by an
Authorised FIAT Dealer as soon as possible.
10. IMPORTANT ADVICE
To ensure proper operation of the vehicle and to avoid unnecessary
damage, follow these recommendations carefully:
Every 1,000 kilometres (or when refuelling) check:
• Engine oil level.
• Coolant level.
• Brake/clutch fluid level.
• Battery condition.
• Tyre pressure and condition. (Refer to Tyres on page 19).
• Fluid level in the windscreen wiper reservoir.
Engine Oil and Filter
The engine oil and filter must be replaced at the interval indicated in the
maintenance schedule or every 12 months.
Some vehicle models are equipped with an oil condition monitoring
system. When the relevant light or message (where provided) on the
instrument panel is lit, you should change the engine oil and replace the
filter as soon as possible (see section “Warning Lights & Messages” in
your Owner Manual). You may be required to replace the engine oil and
filter should this warning appear before the 12 month/kilometre limit has
been reached.
Brake Pads
Some vehicle models are equipped with a brake pad wear warning light
on the dashboard (see the Owner’s Manual). When this light is lit, you
should ensure that your brake pads are replaced as soon as possible.
For vehicles equipped with brake pad wear sensors for front brake
pads only, it is recommended that the rear brake pads are also checked

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
during any replacement.
Depending on the use of the vehicle, the rear pads may not need
immediate replacement: in this case, we recommend you be guided by
your servicing dealer’s assessment.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e., it absorbs water. To avoid ineffective
braking, replace the fluid periodically (every two years), regardless
of the mileage driven, according to the vehicle type (see Technical
Specifications) in the Owner’s Manual.
Air Conditioner
You should operate the air conditioning system regularly in the cooler
months to maintain a flow of lubricant throughout the system and avoid
the sealing rings drying out. With limited use, the system should be run
for at least 10 minutes each month. To ensure efficient operation, each
year as warm weather starts, the air conditioning refrigerant should be
checked.
The pollen filter is required to be inspected annually. If the vehicle is
used mainly in dusty environments, have the pollen filter checked more
often by your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer.
Anti-freeze
Refer to your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer before adding anti-freeze
to your vehicle. It is critical to ensure the correct PETRONAS Lubricants
International product is used.
Tyres
Tyre pressure and wear should be regularly monitored and a wheel
alignment performed if signs of irregular wear and or damage are
present.
Should you encounter a condition with your tyres which is considered
a manufacturing or material defect, and therefore warrantable, please
have this addressed by a representative of the manufacturer of the
tyre fitted to your vehicle. Your Dealer would be able to assist you with
advice on local tyre agents if required.
Special Note
Under special driving conditions such as:
• salt and/or corrosive substances,
• rough road surfaces,
• salt air environments,
• sandy or dusty environments,
it is recommended you have your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER AUSTRALIAN SERVICE & WARRANTY HANDBOOK
regularly check the boots of the axle shafts and steering system, clean
and lubricate joints, hinges, door-catches, bonnet catch, etc.
PETRONAS Lubricants International motor oil, lubricants and fluids are
highly recommended products for use in Abarth cars and carry Abarth
Approval Numbers. Always consult your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer
for advice regarding maintenance intervals and recommended fluids.
10.1. WARNING LEGEND
Below you will find symbols used throughout the owner’s on-board
documentation. It is critical that you take notice of these warnings and
follow the advice given. If you need assistance or further information,
always contact your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer.
WARNING! Ignoring these recommendations
may lead to serious injury.
WARNING! Ignoring these recommendations
may lead to serious damage being caused to
the vehicle, which, in some circumstances, may
cause forfeiture of the FCAA Manufacturer’s
Warranty cover.
WARNING! This symbol represents instructions
that must be followed to avoid potentially causing
damage to the environment.
10.2. TIMING BELT
The toothed timing belt is subject to wear and requires replacement
by your servicing dealer when it has reached the end of its useful life.
Particular attention should also be paid to the wear of the toothed
pulleys and both the fixed and moving tensioners must be checked in
these conditions and any worn components should be replaced.
Failure of the timing belt may cause extensive
damage to the engine. For further advice consult
your Authorised FIAT/Abarth Dealer.
Under normal driving conditions the timing belt should be replaced at
six years or at 120,000 kilometres. Should the vehicle be operated in
demanding conditions such as dusty areas, or spend long periods either
in idle or in stop-start driving; the timing belt should be replaced at four
years or at 60,000 kilometres.
10.3. GENERAL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS
The overall state of the vehicle is an important factor, which has a
marked influence over fuel consumption and driving comfort and on the
life span of your vehicle. For this reason, care should be taken to maintain
your vehicle by carrying out the necessary checks and adjustments in
accordance with specifications given in the “Scheduled Maintenance”
section of this handbook as well as the recommendations for use in the
Australian market.