This document serves as a Vehicle Instruction Card (VIC) supplement specifically for Abarth vehicles, providing essential information for drivers. It covers general instructions, safety warnings, and operational details, particularly for the Abarth 595 model.
The document begins with a general disclaimer, stating that "No responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies or misunderstanding caused by the wording of this guide. If in any doubt ask a member of staff for assistance." This emphasizes the importance of seeking clarification if any information is unclear.
Deadlocks
A section on "DEADLOCKS" explains a common message displayed on the instrument panel. It clarifies that "Deadlock / safelock messages shown on the instrument display when the engine is turned off simply indicate that once you exit the vehicle and lock the doors, they're effectively deadlocked and anyone left in the car wouldn't be able to get out in the event of an emergency. The warning is nothing to worry about and is just a standard advisory message." This reassures drivers that this message is a standard safety feature and not an indication of a malfunction.
Warning Lights and Their Meaning
The "WARNING LIGHTS AND WHAT THEY MEAN" section provides a crucial guide to interpreting dashboard warning lights. It advises, "Don't panic! Despite seeing a new light pop-up on your instrument panel, unless it is red it is likely the car is still running fine, and while there may be a problem to attend to, proceed with confidence and patience."
- RED: "Red indicates a potentially serious problem or safety issue. Attend to it! Red may also indicate an important reminder." This highlights the urgency associated with red warning lights.
- YELLOW: "Yellow/orange means something needs to be serviced or repaired soon. If it is flashing, it is important that you contact your rental agent for advice." This indicates a less immediate but still important issue, with flashing lights requiring prompt attention.
- GREEN: "Green or blue is only telling you that a system is on or operating normally." These lights are purely informational, indicating normal operation.
Vehicle Specifications and Manuals
The document notes, "Vehicle specifications are subject to change. This vehicle does not include any manufacturer handbooks or manuals." This is important for users to understand that the information provided is a supplement and not a replacement for a full manufacturer's manual, which may not be present in the vehicle.
Abarth 595 Specifics
The third page focuses on the Abarth 595, detailing controls, technical specifications, and operational procedures.
Controls Diagram
A diagram illustrates the vehicle's controls, with numbered labels:
- Heating & Ventilation
- Hazard Lights
- Starter Switch
- Headlights
- Sidelights
- Indicators
- Wipers
- Rear Screen Wipers
- Horn
- Bonnet Release
- Heated Rear Screen
- Rear Fog Lamp
- Front Fog Lamp
Tyre Pressures (Cold)
- Function: Provides guidelines for maintaining correct tyre pressure.
- Technical Specifications: "Legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm." Recommended tyre sizes are "195/45 R16" and "205/40 R17."
- Usage Features: Drivers are instructed to "Check tyre pressure regularly" and to "Consult the tyre pressure tables found on the driver's door B-pillar or inside the fuel filler cap."
- Maintenance Features: The document also addresses the absence of a spare wheel: "This vehicle may not carry a spare wheel but is supplied with a tyre repair kit. For assistance, please refer to the phone numbers shown on the tax disc holder."
Fuel
- Function: Specifies the correct fuel type and tank capacity.
- Technical Specifications: "Fuel Tank Capacity: 35.0 litres."
- Usage Features: "Ensure you use the correct fuel type. Only use unleaded petrol in petrol vehicles (see inside of filler flap)."
In Case of Breakdown
- Usage Features: "Use hazard lights. Attempt to park in a safe position. Use an emergency phone rather than a mobile as emergency services will then know the location of the vehicle." This advises on immediate actions during a breakdown.
Child Seats
- Function: Provides safety guidelines for child seat usage.
- Usage Features: "Never use a child seat in a front passenger seat which is fitted with an active airbag (SRS). Follow all fitting instructions carefully. Check seat positioning and security before use." This emphasizes critical safety precautions.
Driver's Seat
- Function: Describes adjustable features of the driver's seat.
- Usage Features: Mentions "Tilt," "Lumbar," "Legroom," and "Height" adjustments. It also notes, "Fold front seats to access rear."
This section provides detailed instructions for various vehicle operations:
- Locking the doors?
- Function: Describes the central locking system.
- Usage Features: "Key / remote control operated central dead locking. Depress the door central locking switch on the driver's door to lock the doors from the inside. Doors auto lock on vehicle motion."
- Anti-theft system?
- Function: Explains the anti-theft features.
- Usage Features: "Some models are fitted with a remote anti-theft alarm. Passive arming of immobiliser when key is removed."
- Opening the boot/tailgate?
- Function: Instructions for opening the boot.
- Usage Features: "Centrally locked. Use the remote key or internal boot release switch to unlock / open. Press the badge logo on the boot to open it."
- Adjusting door mirrors?
- Function: How to adjust side mirrors.
- Usage Features: "Internal electric adjustment via a control pad on the driver's door."
- Opening the windows?
- Function: How to operate windows.
- Usage Features: "Electric front operated via control buttons adjacent to gear shift lever. Manually operated rear."
- Operating the sunroof?
- Function: How to operate the sunroof, if fitted.
- Usage Features: "If fitted. Electric tilt / slide panoramic sunroof. Use the roof mounted switchgear to operate it."
- Starting the engine?
- Function: Step-by-step guide to starting the engine.
- Usage Features: "Ensure gear selector is in neutral (or N or P if automatic) and handbrake is on. Place ignition key into key slot and turn it to start/stop the engine. Select desired gear. Release handbrake and brake pedal and gently press the accelerator to move the vehicle. The vehicle may feature automatic engine start/stop technology - auto restart on depression of the clutch."
- Opening fuel filler cap?
- Function: How to open the fuel filler cap.
- Usage Features: "Located under flap on rear offside. Lift the edge of the flap to open it, centrally locked, twist off the cap anticlockwise."
- Releasing the bonnet?
- Function: How to open the bonnet.
- Usage Features: "Pull bonnet release lever located to the lower left of the front passenger footwell. Unhook catch under bonnet."
- Folding the rear seats?
- Function: Instructions for folding and returning rear seats.
- Usage Features: "The rear seat is divided into sections which can be folded separately. To release the seat press the seat unlocking catch and fold the seat down. To return the seat to normal use, raise the seat and push it firmly to engage the seat lock. Check it is locked before using the seat."
- How to change a tyre?
- Function: Guide to using the tyre repair kit and jack.
- Usage Features: "Lift the carpet cover over the recess inside the boot to access the tyre repair kit, tools and jack. Move the vehicle to firm / level ground. Turn the engine off, select first gear (or P if automatic). Apply the handbrake. Only use the specific reinforced jack points on the underside of the vehicle. Crank the jack to lift the vehicle. Note: this vehicle does not carry a spare wheel - follow directions on tyre repair kit or for assistance please refer to the phone numbers shown on the tax disc holder." This reiterates the absence of a spare wheel and the reliance on a repair kit.
- How to drive an automatic?
- Function: Detailed instructions for operating an automatic transmission.
- Usage Features: "To change gears press the button on the shift lever and move the lever forwards or backwards in the gear gate. Select N for neutral, P when leaving the vehicle, R for reversing (the vehicle must be at a complete standstill before this gear can be selected). For normal driving select D where the transmission will use all available forward gears automatically (a 'kickdown' facility is provided when the accelerator is pressed all the way to the floor past the normal acceleration point forcing the transmission to select a lower gear to obtain maximum acceleration. To manually select gears move the gear shift leaver into the + and - positions to change gears up or down. Release pressure on the accelerator to return to normal accelerator use). Whenever the vehicle is at a standstill apply the handbrake." This comprehensive guide covers selecting gears, understanding 'kickdown,' and manual shifting options.
Final Disclaimer
The document concludes with a repeated disclaimer: "No responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies or misunderstanding caused by the wording of this guide. If in any doubt ask a member of staff for assistance." This reinforces the importance of seeking help if any information is unclear.
Technical Specifications Summary (Abarth 595)
- Vehicle Type: 4 seats / 3 door hatchback
- Tyre Sizes: 195/45 R16, 205/40 R17
- Minimum Tread Depth: 1.6 mm
- Fuel Type: Unleaded petrol
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 35.0 litres
- Transmission: Manual (with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R gears) or Automatic (with P, R, N, D, +,- modes)
- Brake System: Electronic Parking Brake (mentioned in index)
- Safety Features: Deadlocks/Safelock, Anti-theft alarm (on some models), Immobiliser, Active Airbag (SRS) for front passenger seat (caution for child seats).
- Comfort Features: Heating & Ventilation, Electric door mirrors, Electric front windows, Manual rear windows, Electric tilt/slide panoramic sunroof (if fitted).
- Lighting: Headlights, Sidelights, Indicators, Rear Fog Lamp, Front Fog Lamp.
- Wipers: Wipers, Rear Screen Wipers.
- Other Controls: Starter Switch, Horn, Bonnet Release, Heated Rear Screen.
This document provides a concise yet comprehensive overview for operating Abarth vehicles, particularly the 595 model, with a strong emphasis on safety and proper usage.
Need help?
General
To Next Page
