Fiat 500 Abarth User guide

OWNER HANDBOOK

This Owner Handbook is intended to show the vehicle's operating conditions.
For the enthusiast user who wants to have insights, curiosities and detailed information about the characteristics and functions
of the vehicle, Fiat gives the opportunity to consult a dedicated section which is available in electronic format.
ONLINE VEHICLE OWNER HANDBOOK
The following symbol is reported within the text of the Owner Handbook, next to the subjects for which details are provided.
Go to the www.mopar.eu/owner website and access your personal area.
The “Maintenance and care” page includes all the information about your vehicle and the link to access eLUM, where you will find
all the details of the Owner Handbook.
Alternatively, to access this information, go to the Internet website at http://aftersales.fiat.com/elum/.
The eLUM website is free and will allow you, among many other things, to easily consult the on-board documents
of all the other vehicles of the Group.
Have a nice reading and happy motoring!

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing a Fiat .
We have written this handbook to help you get familiar with all the features of your car.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your vehicle and how to achieve the best performance
from the technical features of your Fiat .
You are advised to read it right through before taking to the road for the first time, to become familiar with the controls and above all
with those concerning brakes, steering and gearbox; at the same time, you can understand the vehicle behaviour on different road
surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care and
maintenance of your Fiat over time.
After reading it, you are advised to keep the handbook inside the vehicle, for an easy reference and for making sure it remains on
board the vehicle should it be sold.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find a description of the Services that Fiat offers to its customers, the Warranty
Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new vehicle and the service provided by the people at
Fiat.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!
WARNING
This Owner Handbook describes all versions of the Fiat , it is therefore necessary to please consider only the
information relevant to your car’s trim level, engine and version. All data contained in this publication are purely
indicative. FCA Italy S.p.A. can modify the specifications of the vehicle model described in this publication at any time, for
technical or marketing purposes. For further information, contact a Fiat Dealership.

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the European specification
EN228. Using these mixtures may cause misfiring and driving issues, as well as damage fundamental components of the supply system.
LPG engines: refuel only with LPG for motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN589. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
For further details on the use of the correct fuel see the "Refuelling the vehicle" paragraph in the "Starting and driving" chapter.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is engaged and place the gear lever in neutral. Fully press the clutch pedal, without pressing the accelerator,
then turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the warning light to turn off; turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the
engine starts.
Versions with Dualogic gearbox: make sure that the handbrake is engaged and that the gear lever is in P (Parking) or N (Neutral), fully
depress the brake pedal, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine is started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the vehicle, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact a Fiat Dealership.
They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the vehicle's electric system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.

USE OF THE OWNER HANDBOOK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Each time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are given, these must be intended as
regarding an occupant in the driver's seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be specified as appropriate in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do
not correspond to the actual arrangement of your car. In addition, the Handbook has been conceived considering vehicles with
steering wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with steering wheel on the right side, the position or
construction of some controls is not exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner Handbook.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedicated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A few pages further there is a key
for getting to know the chapter order and the relevant symbols in the tabs. There is in any case a textual indication of the
current chapter at the side of each even page.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
While reading this Owner Handbook you will find a series of WARNINGS to prevent procedures that could damage your
vehicle.
There are also PRECAUTIONS that must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle,
which could cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore all WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS must always be carefully followed.
WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS are recalled in the text with the following symbols:
personal safety;
vehicle safety;
environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are indicated besides the title or at the end of the line and are followed by a number.
That number recalls the corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.
SYMBOLS
Some car components have coloured labels whose symbols indicate precautions to be observed when using this component.
A plate summarising these symbols can also be found under the bonnet.

CHANGES/ALTERATIONS TO THE CAR
IMPORTANT Any change or alteration of the car might seriously affect its safety and road holding, thus causing accidents, in
which the occupants could even be fatally injured.

KNOWING YOUR CAR
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
SAFETY
STARTING AND DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND CARE
TECHNICAL DATA
MULTIMEDIA
INDEX
5

6

KNOWING YOUR CAR
In-depth knowledge of your new vehicle
starts here.
IThe handbook that you are reading
simply and directly explains how it
is made and how it works.
That’s why we advise you to read it
seated comfortably on board, so that
you can see immediately what is
described here for yourself.
DASHBOARD ................................. 8
KEYS .............................................. 10
IGNITION SWITCH .......................... 11
THE FIAT CODE SYSTEM ............... 12
DOORS........................................... 12
SEATS ............................................ 13
HEADRESTS................................... 15
STEERING WHEEL ......................... 16
REAR VIEW MIRRORS.................... 16
EXTERIOR LIGHTS ......................... 17
INTERIOR LIGHTS .......................... 20
WINDOW WASHING....................... 20
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ........ 23
ELECTRIC WINDOWS .................... 27
ROOF.............................................. 28
SOFT TOP ...................................... 29
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT........... 33
BONNET......................................... 34
VERSION WITH LPG SYSTEM........ 35
7

DASHBOARD
The presence, graphics and position of panels, controls, instruments and indicators may vary according to the different
versions.
A: light/direction indicator stalk – B: audio controls on steering wheel – C: instrument panel – D: headlight alignment corrector –
E: audio controls on steering wheel – F: windscreen wiper/washer and rear window wiper/washer stalk – G: Dualdrive electric
power steering (CITY function) / ECO function – H: Uconnect™ – I: central air vents – L: fog lights/rear fog lights – M:
passenger airbag – N: side air diffusers – O: glove box – P: hazard lights and switch – Q: climate control system controls – R:
right electric window – S: gear lever – T: left electric window U: ASR-OFF button – V: ignition device – W: Cruise Control/Speed
Limiter stalk – X: steering wheel adjustment lever – Z: driver airbag
1F0S0641
8
KNOWING YOUR CAR

Dashboard with Sport steering wheel
A: light/direction indicator stalk – B: audio controls on steering wheel – C: instrument panel – D: headlight alignment corrector –
E: audio controls on steering wheel – F: windscreen wiper/washer and rear window wiper/washer stalk – G: Dualdrive electric
power steering (CITY function) / ECO function – H: Uconnect™ – I: central air vents – L: fog lights/rear fog lights – M:
passenger airbag – N: side air diffusers – O: glove box – P: hazard lights and switch – Q: climate control system controls – R:
right electric window – S: gear lever – T: left electric window U: ASR-OFF button – V: ignition device – W: Cruise Control/Speed
Limiter stalk – X: steering wheel adjustment lever – Z: driver airbag
2F0S0642
9

KEYS
1)
CODE CARD
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car is delivered with two copies
of the ignition key and with the CODE
Card fig. 3 which bears the following:
A: the electronic code;
B: the mechanical key code to be given
to the Fiat Dealership when ordering
duplicate keys.
You should have the electronic code
with you at all times.
IMPORTANT All the keys and the
CODE card must be handed over to the
new owner when selling the car.
MECHANICAL KEY
The metal insert A fig. 4 operates:
the ignition device;
the doors and the tailgate locks (for
versions/markets where provided);
the locking/unlocking of the fuel cap.
KEY WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The metal insert A fig. 5 operates:
the ignition device;
the door lock;
the locking/unlocking of the fuel cap.
Pressing button B fig. 5 allows the
opening/closing of the metal insert.
1)
Unlocking the doors and the
tailgate
Briefly press button : for unlocking of
doors and tailgate, timed switching-on
of internal lights and double flashing
of direction indicators (for versions/
markets where provided).
The doors are unlocked automatically if
the fuel cut-off system intervenes.
Locking the doors and the tailgate
Brief press of the button: remote
locking of doors and tailgate,
switching-off of roof light and single
flashing of direction indicators (for
versions/markets, where provided).
If one or more door are open, the doors
will not be locked. This is indicated by
a rapid flashing of the direction
indicators (for versions/markets, where
provided).
3F0S0002
4F0S0003
5F0S0004
10
KNOWING YOUR CAR

If the luggage compartment is open,
the doors will, however, be locked.
When a speed of over 20 km/h is
reached, the doors will be automatically
locked if the specific function was set
(for versions/markets, where provided)
with the Setup menu.
Opening the tailgate by the remote
control
Press button to release (open)
the tailgate remotely.
The tailgate opening is indicated by
double flashing of direction indicators.
1)
WARNING
1) The electronic components inside the
key may be damaged if the key is
subjected to strong shocks. In order to
ensure complete efficiency of the
electronic devices inside the keys, they
should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
WARNING
1) Press button B fig. 5 only with the key
away from your body, especially your eyes
and from objects which could get
damaged (e.g. your clothes). Do not leave
the key unattended to avoid the button
being accidentally pressed while it is being
handled, e.g. by a child.
WARNING
1) Used batteries should be disposed of,
as specified by law, in the special
containers, otherwise take them to a Fiat
Dealership, which will deal with their
disposal.
IGNITION SWITCH
2) 3) 4)
The key can be turned to 3 different
positions fig. 6:
STOP: engine off, key can be
removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. sound
system, central door locking system,
etc.) can operate.
MAR: driving position. All electric
devices can operate.
AVV: engine starting.
The ignition device is fitted with a safety
system that requires the ignition key
to be turned back to STOP if the engine
does not start, before the starting
operation can be repeated.
6F0S0006
11

STEERING LOCK
5)
Engagement: when the key is in
position STOP, remove the key and turn
the steering wheel until it is locked.
Disengagement: move the steering
wheel slightly as you turn the ignition
key to MAR.
WARNING
2) If the ignition device has been tampered
with (e.g. an attempted theft), have it
checked by a Fiat Dealership before driving
again.
3) Always remove the key when you leave
your car to prevent someone from
accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake.
Engage first gear if the vehicle is parked
uphill or reverse if the vehicle is parked
downhill. Never leave children unattended
in the vehicle.
4) Never remove the key while the car is
moving. The steering wheel would
automatically lock as soon as you try to
turn it. This holds true for cars being towed
as well.
5) It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any
after-market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft device) that
could adversely affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also
result in the car not meeting type-approval
requirements.
THE FIAT CODE
SYSTEM
This is an electronic engine locking
system which increases protection
against attempted thefts of the car. It is
automatically activated when the
ignition key is removed.
Each time the vehicle is started by
turning the ignition key to MAR, the Fiat
CODE system control unit sends a
recognition code to the Powertrain
Control Module to deactivate the
immobiliser.
If, during starting, the code has not
been correctly recognised, the
warning light switches on in the
instrument panel; on some versions a
symbol is shown on the display instead.
In this case, turn the key to STOP and
then to MAR; if it is still locked, try again
with the other keys that come with the
car. Contact a Fiat Dealership if you
still cannot start the engine.
IMPORTANT Each key has its own
code which must be stored by the
system's control unit. Contact a Fiat
Dealership to have new keys (up to 8)
stored with a code.
DOORS
6)
2)
OPENING/CLOSING WITH
KEY
To open from outside (driver's side
door): rotate the key to 1 fig. 7 and
pull the handle.
On versions with central locking, when
the key is turned, the doors and the
tailgate are simultaneously unlocked.
To lock from outside: with driver's
side door completely closed, turn
the key to position 2 fig. 7.
It is possible to lock the passenger side
door only from inside bringing the
handle to position 2 fig. 8.
7F0S0099
12
KNOWING YOUR CAR

On versions with central locking, when
the key is turned, the doors and the
tailgate are simultaneously locked.
Lock / Unlock from inside: act on the
handles on the door panels fig. 8.
Position 1: the door is unlocked.
Position 2: the door is locked.
On versions with door central locking,
the driver's and passenger's side
handles lock/unlock both doors and
tailgate.
IMPORTANT The locked door condition
is indicated by the red symbol A fig. 8
on the interior door handle.
With remote control
Press the button: door locking.
Press the button: door unlocking.
WARNING
6) Before opening a door, ensure that you
can do it in conditions of safety. Open
the doors only when the vehicle is
stationary.
WARNING
2) Make sure to take the key with you once
a door or the tailgate is locked, to prevent
locking the same key inside the vehicle.
If the key is locked inside, it can only be
retrieved by using the second key
provided.
SEATS
FRONT SEATS
7) 8)
3)
Longitudinal adjustment
Lift lever A fig. 9 and push the seat
forwards or backwards: in the driving
position your arms should rest on
the steering wheel rim.
9)
8F0S0357
9F0S0013
13

Backrest angle
adjustment
Turn knob C fig. 10.
Height adjustment
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Operate lever B fig. 11 to lift or lower
the rear part of the cushion to achieve
the most comfortable driving position.
Reclining the backrest
10)
4)
To fold the backrest over, adjust lever D
fig. 12 (movement 1) and push the
backrest forwards until it locks
(movement 2).
Then release lever D and, pushing on
the backrest, slide the seat forward
(movement 3).
Driver side and passenger side,
with position memory
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To bring back the seat in its initial
position proceed as follows:
slide the seat backwards pushing on
the backrest, until the seat is locked
(movement 4);
adjust lever D fig. 12 (movement 5);
raise the backrest (movement 6) until
you hear the lock click.
IMPORTANT Using lever D fig. 12
before locking the seat in its initial
position will cause the initial seat
position to be lost. In this case the
position of the seat must be restored
through lengthwise adjustment lever A
fig. 9.
Passenger side without position
memory
To bring back the seat in its initial
position proceed as follows:
slide the seat backwards pushing on
the backrest to the desired position
(movement 4);
adjust lever D fig. 12 (movement 5);
raise the backrest (movement 6) until
you hear the lock click.
The type of reattachment manoeuvre
has been chosen to guarantee the
safety of the occupant.
If an obstacle is present (e.g. a bag)
and the seat cannot be returned to its
original position, the mechanism
reattaches the seat only positioning the
backrest to ensure that the seat is
correctly attached to its guides.
10 F0S0014
11 F0S0015
12 F0S0154
14
KNOWING YOUR CAR

WARNING
7) All adjustments must be made with the
car stationary and engine stopped.
8) If a side bag is fitted, it is dangerous to
use seat covers not available from
Lineaccessori MOPAR
®
.
9) Once you have released the adjustment
lever, always check that the seat is locked
on the guides by trying to move it back and
forth. If the seat is not locked into place, it
may unexpectedly slide and cause the
driver to lose control of the car.
10) Make sure the backrests are properly
secured at both sides to prevent them from
moving forward, in the event of sharp
braking, with possible impact with of the
passengers.
WARNING
3) The fabric upholstery of the seats has
been designed to withstand long-term
wear deriving from normal use of the car.
Some precautions are however required.
Avoid prolonged and/or excessive rubbing
against clothing accessories such as
metal buckles and Velcro strips which, by
applying a high pressure on the fabric in
a small area, could cause it to break,
thereby damaging the upholstery.
4) Before tilting the backrest, remove any
objects on the seat cushion.
HEADRESTS
11)
FRONT
Adjustment
Headrests can be adjusted in height.
Upward adjustment: raise the head
restraint until it clicks into place.
Downward adjustment: press button
A fig. 13 and lower the head restraint.
12)
REAR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Adjustment
Upward adjustment (usage
condition): raise the head restraint until
it clicks into place.
Downward adjustment:
simultaneously press the buttons A fig.
14 and B at the sides of the two
supports, and lower the head restraint.
The particular shape of the head
restraint deliberately interferes with the
correct support of the rear passenger’s
back on the backrest in order to force
them to lift the head restraint for correct
use.
IMPORTANT If the rear seats are used,
always set the head restraints in the
"completely raised" position.
Removal
To remove the rear head restraints,
simultaneously press buttons A fig. 14
and B at the sides of the two supports
and pull them upwards. The rear head
restraints must be lifted out with the
backrest released and tilted toward the
passenger compartment or with the
tailgate open.
13 F0S0033
14 F0S0034
15

WARNING
11) All adjustments must be carried out
only with the car stationary and engine off.
Head restraints must be adjusted so that
the head, rather than the neck, rests on
them. Only in this case they can protect
your head correctly.
12) To make the best use of the head
restraint's protective action, adjust the
backrest so that you are sitting upright and
keep your head as close as possible to
the head restraint.
STEERING WHEEL
13) 14)
The steering wheel can be adjusted
vertically.
To adjust, move lever A fig. 15
downwards to position 2, then adjust
the steering wheel to the most suitable
position and lock it in position by
moving lever A to position 1.
WARNING
13) All adjustments must be carried out
only with the car stationary and engine off.
14) It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in the car not
meeting type-approval requirements.
REAR VIEW
MIRRORS
INTERNAL MIRROR
The mirror is fitted with a safety device
that causes its release in the event of
a violent impact with the passenger.
Lever A fig. 16 can be used to move
the mirror to two different positions:
normal or antiglare.
ELECTROCHROMIC
INTERIOR MIRROR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Some versions have an electrochromic
mirror with automatic antiglare function.
There is an ON/OFF button on the
lower part of the mirror for
activating/deactivating the
electrochromic function. When the
function is active, a LED on the mirror is
active. When reverse gear is engaged,
the mirror is automatically set for
daytime use
15 F0S0567 16 F0S0019
16
KNOWING YOUR CAR

DOOR MIRRORS
15)
Manual adjustment
The door mirror can be adjusted from
outside by exerting a slight pressure on
the four sides of the glass.
Electric adjustment
Proceed as follows:
select the mirror using selector B fig.
17;
adjust the mirror using the joystick A
fig. 17 in the four directions.
Mirror folding
When required (for example when the
mirror causes difficulty in narrow
spaces) it is possible to fold the mirror
by moving it from position 1 (open),
to position 2 (closed) fig. 18.
WARNING
15) As door mirrors are curved, they may
slightly alter the perception of distance.
When driving the mirrors must always be in
position 1fig. 18.
EXTERIOR LIGHTS
DAYTIME RUNNING
LIGHTS (DRL)
16) 17)
For cars not provided with AUTO
function: With the key in MAR position
and the ring nut turned to Ofig. 19
position, the daytime lights switch on
automatically; the other lights and
the internal lighting remain off.
For vehicles with the AUTO function:
the daytime running lights are turned on
automatically by the dusk sensor when
the ring is in the AUTO position.
17 F0S0020
18 F0S0035
19 F0S0210
17

DIPPED BEAM
HEADLIGHTS/SIDE
LIGHTS
With the ignition key turned to MAR,
turn the ring nut to fig. 19. If dipped
headlights are activated, the daytime
running lights switch off and the side
lights and dipped headlights switch on.
The warning light switches on in
the instrument panel.
With the selector switch in the AUTO
position, the side lights and the dipped
beam headlights are controlled by
the dusk sensor.
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
With the ring in the position, push
the stalk forwards towards the
dashboard.
The warning light switches on in
the instrument panel.
For vehicles with the AUTO function:
with the ring in the AUTO position and
the dipped beam headlights on, push
the stalk forwards toward the
dashboard.
When the stalk is pulled towards the
steering wheel again, beyond the end
of travel position, the main beam
headlights deactivate, the dipped beam
headlights reactivate and the
warning light switches off.
FLASHING
To do this, pull the stalk towards the
steering wheel (unstable position)
fig. 19, regardless of the position of the
ring nut.
PARKING LIGHTS
These lights can be turned on with the
starter switch in the STOP position
or with the key removed, by moving the
left stalk ring first to the Oposition (or
the AUTO position if the vehicle does
not have a dusk sensor) and then
to position .
The warning light switches on in
the instrument panel. Repeat the same
operation to switch them off.
DIRECTION INDICATORS
Take the stalk fig. 19 to the (stable)
position:
upwards (position 1): to activate
the right direction indicator;
downwards (position 2):
activation of left direction indicator.
"Lane Change" function
Move the lever upwards or downwards
(unstable position) for less than half a
second and the direction indicator
will flash 3 times to signal a lane
change, then immediately switch off
automatically.
"FOLLOW ME HOME"
DEVICE
This function allows the space
surrounding the car to be lit up for the
set period of time.
Activation
The "Follow Me Home" device is
activated by pulling the stalk fig. 19
towards the steering wheel, in addition
to the stroke end click.
You can activate this function within 2
minutes of turning the engine off. This
function allows turning on lights and
low beams.
It is possible to set the headlights
turning on time by pulling the left lever
towards the steering wheel (unstable
position) one or more times. In this
case, you can choose between 0, 30,
60, 90 and up to a maximum of 210
seconds.
Each time the stalk is operated, the
warning light on the instrument
panel switches on. The display shows a
message and the time set for the
function. The warning light comes
on when the stalk is first operated
and stays on until the function is
automatically deactivated.
18
KNOWING YOUR CAR