2003 FIAT BARCHETTA Starting

11
fig. 4
P5S00624m
THE FIAT
CODE SYSTEM
To further protect your car from at-
tempted theft, it has been fitted with
an electronic engine immobiliser sys-
tem called Fiat CODE which is auto-
matically activated when the ignition
key is removed. The ignition keys, in
fact, are fitted with an electronic de-
vice that transmits a coded signal to
the Fiat CODE unit: only if this signal
is recognised can the engine be start-
ed. The coded signal is the password
with which the control unit recognis-
es the key and enables engine ignition. KEYS fig. 4
The car comes with three types of
the keys.
– key A, with a burgundy grip, is the
“master” key. Only one of these keys
is provided, and your Fiat Dealer-
ship needs it when it has to store the
codes of new keys replacing ones that
have been lost or damaged or when
storing duplicate key codes. Given its
importance, it should be kept in a safe
place (not in the car) and only be used
when absolutely necessary.
Any repair operations to the Fi-
at CODE system and to the en-
gine control unit cannot be car-
ried out if this key is lost.– key B(supplied with a duplicate)
with the blue grip, is the key which is
normally used for: starting the engine;
the doors; the glove compartment; the
tunnel-mounted console; the lock on
the boot opening lever.
– only one key C(with the blue grip)
is provided. This key is only used to
start the engine. It can be used by
garage and workshop staff for vehicle
handling.
A CODE card fig. 5bearing the fol-
lowing data is provided together with
the keys:
A- the electronic code to be used
for emergency starting (see “Emer-
gency Start-up” in “In an emergency”);
B- the mechanical key code to be
given to the Fiat Dealershipwhen
ordering duplicate keys;
C- the spaces for any remote con-
trol stickers when the car is fitted with
the “Electronic alarm” option.
fig. 5
P5S00625m

12
U.K. Vehicle onlyAt the behest of
the motor Insurance Companies he
CODE card for the emergency start-
ing and replacement of keys are not
provided. If you need assistance please
contact your nearest Fiat Dealer-
ship, or telephone Free Phone
0800717000.
The code numbers given on the
CODE card and the key with the bur-
gundy grip should be kept in a safe
place.
You should always keep the elec-
tronic code written on the CODE
card on you in case you need to per-
form an emergency startup.”
OPERATION
Each time you remove the ignition
key from theSTOPor PARKposi-
tion, the protection system blocks the
engine.
When the key is turned to MARat
engine startup:
1) If the code is recognised, the
warning lamp ¢on the instrument
panel will flash briefly; this means that
the protection system has recognisedthe key code and disabled the engine
immobiliser; turn the key toAVVto
start.
2)If the code is not recognised, the
warning lamp ¢will remain lit to-
gether with the warning lamp
U.
Should this happen, turn the key back
to STOPand then to MAR; if the en-
gine remains immobilised, try using the
other keys supplied with the car.
If you are still unable to start the en-
gine, use the emergency starting pro-
cedure (see “In an emergency”), and
take your car immediately to the near-
est Fiat Dealership.
When travelling with the ignition key
on MAR:
1)If the warning lamp ¢lights up
while the car is moving, it means that
the system is running a self-diagnosis
(e.g. due to a voltage drop). The first
time you stop you can test the system
as follows: switch the engine off by
turning the ignition key to STOP,
then turn the key back to MAR: the
warning lamp ¢will light up and
should go out in the space of about
one second. If the warning lamp fails to go out,
leave the key at STOPfor more than
30 seconds and repeat the procedure
described previously. If the problem
persists, contact your nearest Fiat
Dealership.
2)If the warning lamp ¢flashes it
means that the car is not protected by
the immobiliser. Contact your Fiat
Dealershipimmediately and get them
to store the codes of all the keys in the
memory.
The electronic compo-
nents inside the key may
be damaged if the key is
subjected to sharp knocks.
IMPORTANT Each key given with
the car has its own code, different
from all the others, which must be
stored in the memory of the system’s
control unit.

17
HOW TO KNOW IF
THE ALARM HAS GONE OFF
If the car alarm was triggered while
you were away, led A-fig. 8on the
central tunnel will flash to identify the
reason for it:
Light on: remote control battery
flat.
1 flash: right door.
2 flashes: left door.
5 flashes: passenger compartment
sensors (movement inside the pas-
senger compartment).6 flashes: bonnet.
7 flashes: boot.
8 flashes: ignition tampered with.
9 flashes: alarm power supply cables
cut.
10 flashes: at least three different
causes.
The led will go out when the ignition
key is turned toMARor after 2 min-
utes.IGNITION SWITCH
The key can turn through four dif-
ferent positions fig. 11:
– STOP: engine off, key can be re-
moved and the steering column is
locked. Some of the electrical devices
(e.g. the radio) can be used.
– MAR: drive position. All electri-
cal devices can be used.
– AVV: starting the engine.
– PARK: engine off, parking lights
on, key can be removed and the steer-
ing column is locked. Press button A
to turn the key to the PARKposition.
fig. 11
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67
DRIVING YOUR CAR
To help you handle your Fiat barchetta in the best
and safest possible way, and above all use it to its
fullest potential, we have given you some hints in this
chapter on “what to do, what not to do and what to
avoid” when at the wheel of your Fiat barchetta.
Most of the time, these suggestions apply to other
cars as well. Sometimes, however, the tip may apply
to an exclusive Fiat barchetta feature. You are there-
fore strongly recommended to pay the closest atten-
tion to this section for helpful hints on optimum dri-
ving practices and usage of the car that will help you
get the most out of your Fiat barchetta. STARTING THE ENGINE ............................................... 68
PARKING ............................................................................ 70
GEAR USE .......................................................................... 71
SAFE DRIVING .................................................................. 71
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS
AND POLLUTION .......................................................... 76
CHEAP RUNNING THAT RESPECTS
THE ENVIRONMENT ..................................................... 78
TOWING A TRAILER ..................................................... 79
SNOW CHAINS ............................................................... 80
VEHICLE STORAGE ........................................................ 81
REPEATED CHECKS AND CHECKS
BEFORE LONG TRIPS .................................................... 82
ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY THE OWNER ..... 82
USEFUL ACCESSORIES .................................................. 82

68
If warning light ¢remains lit
together with the warning light
U
when the ignition key is at MAR,
turn the key toSTOPand then to
MAR; if the warning light still
remains lit, try with the other keys
provided with the car.
If you are still unable to start the
engine, follow the emergency startup
procedure (see “Emergency startup”
in the section “In an emergency”)
and go to the nearestFiat
Dealership immediately.
IMPORTANTDo not leave the
ignition key at MARwhen the
engine is off.
STARTING
THE ENGINE
The engine may seem noisier than
usual during the first seconds after
startup, especially after a long period
of inactivity. This phenomenon is
characteristic of hydraulic tappets,
and does not affect the functioning
and reliability of the engine: this par-
ticular timing system has been select-
ed for the Fiat barchetta engine to
reduce the number of maintenance
interventions necessary.IMPORTANT It is important that
the accelerator is never pressed until
the engine is started.
1) Make sure the handbrake is on.
2) Put the gear lever in neutral.
3) Press the clutch pedal right
down, without touching the acceler-
ator pedal.
4) Turn the ignition key to AVV
and let it go the moment the engine
starts.
If the engine does not start at the
first attempt, return the ignition key
to STOPbefore trying to start the
engine again.
It is dangerous to let the
engine run in a garage or
other closed area. The engine con-
sumes oxygen and gives off carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and oth-
er poisonous fumes.
WARNING
Never touch the high ten-
sion cables (spark plug
cables) when the engine is run-
ning.
WARNING

69
HOW TO WARM UP
THE ENGINE AFTER
IT HAS JUST STARTED
– Begin to move forward slowly, let-
ting the engine turn over at medium
revs. Do not floor the accelerator.
– Do not push the engine to its lim-
it for the first few kilometres. You are
recommended to wait until the water
temperature has reached 50° to 60°C.
EMERGENCY START-UP
If the Fiat CODE system fails to
recognise the code transmitted by
the ignition key (warning lamp ¢on
instrument panel lit with a fixed
light), you can start the engine by fol-
lowing the emergency procedure
using the code written on the CODE
card.
See the section “In an emergency”.Do not bump start by
pushing, towing or coast-
ing downhill. This way of
starting could cause a rush of fu-
el into the catalytic exhaust pipe
and damage it beyond repair.
A quick burst on the ac-
celerator before turning
off the engine serves ab-
solutely no practical purpose and
wastes fuel.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive it
is better to allow the engine to “catch
its breath” before turning it off by let-
ting it idle to allow the temperature in
the engine compartment to fall.STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP
while the engine is idling.
Remember that as long as
the engine is not running,
the power brakes and power steer-
ing do not work. You therefore have
to use considerably more effort on
both the brake pedal and the steer-
ing wheel.
WARNING

77
Electric devices
Use the electrical devices for the
necessary time only. The heated rear
window, supplementary lights, wind-
screen wipers, heating system blow-
er require large amounts of energy
and, increasing the request for pow-
er also increase fuel consumption (up
to +25% when driving in towns).
Air conditioner
The air conditioner is an additional
load which greatly affects the engine
leading to higher consumption (on av-
erage up to +20%). When the tem-
perature outside the vehicle permits
it, use the air vents.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional
extras which are not certified for
specific use on the vehicle may
reduce the aerodynamic penetration
of the car and increase consumption.STYLE OF DRIVING
Starting
Do not warm the engine when the
vehicle is stationary or at high or low
revs: in this way the engine will warm
up gradually increasing consumption
and emissions. You should drive off
slowly straight away avoiding high revs,
so that the engine will warm up more
quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving the engine when
stopped at traffic lights or before
switching off the engine and avoid dou-
bling the clutch as these actions have
no purpose on modern cars and only
increase consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the traffic and road con-
ditions allow it, shift to a higher gear.
Using a lower gear to liven up accel-
eration greatly increases consumption.
In the same way, improper use of the
higher gears will increase consump-
tion, emissions and wear and tear on
the engine.Top speeds
Fuel consumption increases consid-
erably as speed increases. For exam-
ple, when accelerating from 90 to 120
kph, fuel consumption increases by
about +30%. Your speed should be
kept as even as possible and superflu-
ous braking and acceleration avoided
as this increases both consumption
and emissions. A “soft” way of driving
should be adopted by attempting to
anticipate manoeuvres to avoid immi-
nent danger and to maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front in or-
der to avoid braking sharply.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the
revs will greatly affect consumption
and emissions: acceleration should be
gradual and should not exceed the
maximum torque.

78
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Frequent cold starting will not enable
the engine to reach optimal running
temperature. It follows therefore that
consumption will be higher (from
+15% to +30% in towns) as will the
production of toxic emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
Heavy traffic and higher consumption
are synonymous; for example, when
driving slowly with frequent use of the
lower gears or in large towns where
there are numerous traffic lights.
Winding roads, mountain roads and
bumpy roads also have a negative ef-
fect on consumption.
Enforced halts
During prolonged hold-ups (traffic
lights, level crossings) the engine
should be switched off.CHEAP RUNNING THAT RESPECTS
THE ENVIRONMENT
LOOKING AFTER EMISSION
CONTROL DEVICES
The correct use of pollution control
devices not only ensures respect for
the environment but also has an effect
on the car’s performance.
Keeping these devices in good con-
dition is therefore a fundamental rule
for driving that is easy on your pock-
et and on the environment too.
The first step to take is to follow the
Service Schedule to the letter.
Use only unleaded petrol in petrol
engines.
If you have trouble starting, do not
keep turning the ignition key for long
periods. Be especially careful to avoid
bump starting the car by pushing, tow-
ing or rolling down hill: these are all
manoeuvres that can damage the cat-
alytic exhaust. For emergency starts
use only an auxiliary battery. Environmental protection has been
one of the guiding principles in the
production of the Fiat barchetta. It is
no accident that its pollution control
equipment is much more effective than
that required by current legislation.
Nonetheless, the environment can-
not get by without a concerted effort
from everyone.
By following a few simple rules you
can avoid harming the environment
and often cut down fuel consumption
at the same time.
On this subject, a few useful tips have
been given below to supplement those
marked by symbol #, at various points
of the handbook.
You are asked to read both the for-
mer and latter carefully.