2020 Fiat 124 Spider Transmission Guide

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MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

Manual Transmission

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

CAUTION
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on the clutch.

To engage the gears, press the clutch pedal fully and put the gear selector into the required position. The diagram for gear engagement is shown on the knob.

Gear Selector

Depress the clutch pedal all the way down while shifting, then release it slowly.
Your vehicle is equipped with a device t o prevent shifting to REVERSE (R) by mistake. Push the gear selector downward and shift t o REVERSE (R). A natural driving posture can be achieved by lightly gripping the gear selector from the side without having to rest your elbow on the center console. If shifting to REVERSE (R) is difficult, shift back into neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try again.

NOTE:
A certain amount of noise from the transmission is normal. This noise can be most noticeable when the vehicle is idling in NEUTRAL with the clutch engaged (clutch pedal released), but it may also be hear d when driving. The noise may also be more noticeable when the transmission is warm. This noise is normal and is not an indication of a problem with your clutch or transmission.

With Parking Sensor System
When the gear selector is shifted to the REVERSE (R) position with the ignition placed in the ON mode, the parking sensor system is activated an audible sound is heard.

CAUTION

1. Keep your foot off the clutch pedal except when shifting gears. Also, do no t use the clutch to hold the vehicle on a n hill or grade. Riding the clutch will cause needless clutch wear and damage.
2. Do not apply any excessive lateral force to the gear selector when changing from FIFTH to FOURTH gear. This could lea d to the accidental selection of SECON D gear, which could result in damage t o the transmission.
3. Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting t o REVERSE (R). Shifting to REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is still moving ma y damage the transmission.
4. Reverse can only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stationary. Wit h the engine running, wait at least two seconds with the clutch pedal full y pressed before engaging reverse t o prevent damage to the gears.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

Shift Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an interlock system that holds the transmission gear selector in PARK (P) unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not) an d the brake pedal must be pressed.

WARNING

1. 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 i n reverse. 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.
2. Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. A s with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running . Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition OFF . When the ignition is in the OFF mode , the transmission is locked in PARK , securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
3. When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the OFF mode , remove the key fob from the vehicle, an d lock the vehicle.
4. 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 parkin g brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.
5. Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed:

1. Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
2. Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
3. Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

The gear selector must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to operate the starter.
The transmission gear selector has PARK (P), REVERSE (R), NEUTRAL (N), DRIV E (D), and MANUAL (M)(+/–) shift positions.
The transmission may be shifted freely from REVERSE (R), to NEUTRAL (N), to DRIV E (D), to MANUAL (M)(+/–).

Gear Selector And Pattern

NOTE
Even if you intend to use the automatic transmission functions as a traditional automatic, you should also be aware that you ca n inadvertently shift into manual shift mode and an inappropriate gear may be retained a s the vehicle speed increases. If you notice the engine speed going higher or hear the engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (refer to “Manual Shift Mode” paragraph in this section).

Shift Position Indication
The gear selector position (PRNDM) is illuminated when the ignition is placed in the ON mode.

NOTE:
If one of the following actions is performed, the gear selector position is displayed for fiv e minutes even if the ignition is placed in a mode other than ON.

1. The ignition is placed in the OFF mode.
2. The driver’s door is opened.

Gear Position Indication
In MANUAL (M) shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication illuminates and the number of the selected gear is displayed.

Gear Selector Positions

PARK (P)
PARK (P) locks the transmission an d prevents the driveshaft from rotating.

WARNING

1. Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
2. 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 exiting the vehicle.
3. 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 i n reverse. 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.
4. Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. A s with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running . Before exiting a vehicle, always come t o a complete stop, then apply the parkin g brake, shift the transmission into PARK , turn the ignition OFF, and remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal) position (or , with pushbutton start, when the ignition is in the OFF mode), the transmission i s locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
5. When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the OFF mode , remove the key fob from the vehicle, an d lock the vehicle.
6. Never leave children alone in a vehicle , or with access to an unlocked vehicle . Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-tended is dangerous for a number o f reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parkin g brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.
7. Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible t o children), and do not leave the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with push button start) in the ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION

1. Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector could result.
2. DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage the drive-train.

NOTE:

1. Shifting into PARK (P), NEUTRAL (N) o r REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is moving can damage your transmission.
2. Shifting into DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R ) when the engine is running faster than idle can damage the transmission.

REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle back-ward. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
With Parking Sensor system: when the gear selector is shifted to the REVERSE (R) posi-tion with the ignition placed in the ON mode, the parking sensor system is activated an d an audible sound is heard.

NEUTRAL (N)
In NEUTRAL (N), the wheels and transmission are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or brakes are applied.

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

NOTE:
Do not shift into NEUTRAL (N) when driving the vehicle. Doing so will damage the trans-mission. Press the parking brake or depress the brake pedal before moving the gear selector from NEUTRAL (N) to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

DRIVE (D)
DRIVE (D) is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transmission will automatically shift through all available gears.

MANUAL (M)
MANUAL (M) is the manual shift mode position. Gears can be shifted up or down b y operating the gear selector. (Refer t o “Manual Shift Mode” paragraph in this section).

WARNING
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision o r personal injury.

Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) automatically controls the transmission shift points to best suit the road conditions and driver input. This improves driving feel.
The transmission may switch to AAS mod e when driving up and down slopes, cornering, driving at high elevations, or depressing the accelerator pedal quickly while the gear selector is in the DRIVE (D) position. Depending on the road and driving conditions/vehicle operations, gear shifting could be delayed or not occur, however, this does not indicate a problem because the AA S mode will maintain the optimum gear position.

Shift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting out o f PARK (P) unless the brake pedal i s depressed.

To shift from PARK (P):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode.
3. Press and hold the lock-release button o n the gear selector.
4. Move the gear selector.

When the ignition is in the ACC or OFF mode, the gear selector cannot be shifted fro m PARK (P).
The ignition cannot be placed in the OF F mode if the gear selector is not in PARK (P).

Shift Lock Override
If the gear selector will not move from PAR K (P) using the proper shift procedure, continue to press the brake pedal an d proceed as follows:

1. Remove the shift lock override cove r using a cloth wrapped flat head screw-driver.
2. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the Override Access Hole, and push the override button down.
   
3. Push and hold the lock release button o n the gear selector and move the gear selector.
4. Take the vehicle to an authorized dealer.

Manual Shift Mode
The manual shift mode gives you the feel o f driving a manual transmission vehicle b y allowing you to operate the gear selector manually. This allows you to control engine RPM an d torque to the drive wheels much like a manual transmission when more control is desired. To change to MANUAL (M) shift mode, shift the gear selector from DRIVE (D) to MANUA L (M). To return to automatic shift mode, shift the gear selector from MANUAL (M) t o DRIVE (D). You can shift between DRIVE (D) an d MANUAL (M) mode at any time, without taking your foot off the accelerator.

NOTE:

1. If you change to manual shift mode when the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift t o M1.
2. If you change to manual shift mode while the vehicle is moving it will remain in the current gear until a manual shift request is made.

Indicators

Manual Shift Mode Indication
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication in the instrument panel illuminates.

Gear Position Indication
The numeral for the selected gear illuminates.

Instrument Panel

1. Manual Shift Mode Indication
2. Gear Position Indication

Manually Shifting Up/Down
To shift up to a higher gear, tap the gear selector rearward once (or tap the [+] shift paddle on the steering wheel [if equipped]).
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the gear selector forward once (or tap the [-] shift paddle on the steering wheel [if equipped]).

NOTE:

1. If a requested downshift would cause the engine to over-speed, that shift will no t occur.
2. The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
3. Do not drive the vehicle with the tachometer needle in the red zone while in manual shift mode.
4. During deceleration, the transmission may automatically shift down depending on vehicle speed.
5. You can start out, from a stop, in first o r second gear. Tapping the gear selector rearward (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second gear. Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.

Paddle Mode — If Equipped
Tapping one of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles (+/-), if equipped, while the gear selector is in DRIVE (D), will activate Paddle Mode (a temporary manual mode). The current gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster, with the “M” also illuminated. The transmission will revert back t o normal operation (if the gear selector remains in DRIVE) after a period of time, depending on accelerator pedal activity.

NOTE:
Because Paddle mode is only temporary, us e of the MANUAL (M) position is recommended if you need to drive the vehicle in a particular gear for long periods.

Driving Tips

Overtaking
For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing steep grades, press the accelerator fully. The transmission will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed.

NOTE:

1. The accelerator pedal may initially feel heavy as it is being pressed, then feel lighter as it is pressed further. This change in pedal force controls whether or not kick-down should be performed.
2. While the gear selector is in the MANUAL (M) position and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is turned off, manual shift mode does not switch to automatic shift mode even if the accelerator pedal is completely pressed. Tap the gear selector forward or rearward to select the appropriate gear.

Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped position:

1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Shift to DRIVE (D) or M1, depending on the load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.

Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to lower gears, depending on load weight and grade steepness.
Descend slowly, using the brakes only occasionally to prevent them from overheating.

FAQs

Useful Links

View full PDF: 2020 Fiat 124 Spider User Manual
2020 Fiat 124 Spider Fuses and fuse box Guidelines