
77
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
EXTENDING THE BOOT
Partial extension (1/3 or 2/3)
The boot can be partially (1/3 or 2/3) or
totally extended splitting the rear seat.
To make use of the maximum loading vol-
ume, remove the luggage compartment
cover following the instructions given in
paragraph “Luggage compartment cover”
and lower the loading surface as described
previously.
Proceed as follows:
❒lower completely the rear seat head
restraints;
❒check that the seat belt is not twisted;
❒lift handle Aor B-fig. 98to unlock re-
spectively the left or right section of the
backrest and then guide the backrest
onto the cushion. The addition of objects
(speakers, spoilers, etc.) on the
rear shelf or boot lid, except
those envisaged by the man-
ufacturer, may prevent the gas filled
struts at the sides of the boot from
working properly.
Never travel with objects on
the rear shelf to prevent
them being thrown forwards and in-
juring passengers in case of accident
or sharp braking.
WARNING
When using the boot, make
sure the loads do not exceed
the permitted weight (see section
“Technical specifications”). Also
make sure the items in the boot are
arranged properly to prevent them
being thrown forwards and injuring
passengers should you brake sharply.
WARNING
TAILGATE EMERGENCY
OPENING fig. 97
To open the tailgate from the inside if the
battery is flat or the electric tailgate lock
is failing, proceed as follows (see “Ex-
tending the boot” in tis section):
❒lower completely the rear head re-
straints;
❒tilt rear seat cushions;
❒tilt backrests;
❒operate lever Ainside the boot to
open the tailgate.
fig. 97F0L0047m
062-098 Croma TRW GB 20-11-2006 15:01 Pagina 77

93
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
Hi-Fi system (where provided)
The system includes:
❒2 tweeters (power 40W max. each),
located on front doors;
❒2 mid-woofers (diameter 165 mm,
power 40W each), located on front
doors;
❒2 tweeters (power 40W each), locat-
ed on rear doors;
❒2 woofers (diameter 165 mm, power
40W max. each), located on rear
doors;
❒1 subwoofer (100W power), located
on the right side of the boot. Sub-
woofer is protected by 10A fuse.
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED BY THE
OWNER
If after buying the vehicle, you decide to
install electrical accessories that require a
permanent electric supply (alarm, satellite
antitheft system, etc.) or accessories that
in any case burden the electric supply,
contact Fiat Dealership, whose qualified
personnel, besides suggesting the most
suitable devices belonging to Lineaccessori
Fiat, will also evaluate the overall electric
absorption, checking whether the vehicle
electric system is able to withstand the
load required, or whether it needs to be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
INSTALLATION OF
ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed after
buying the vehicle and in after-market shall
bear the following marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installation
of transceivers, provided that installation
is workmanlike performed in compliance
with Manufacturer’s specifications at a spe-
cialised service centre.
IMPORTANT The installation of devices
involving modifications of vehicle charac-
teristics may determine the withdrawal ofthe driving licence by the appointed pub-
lic authorities and the forfeiture of the
warranty as concerns defects/failures due
to said modification or leading directly or
indirectly to it.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibility
due to damages connected with the in-
stallation of accessories/devices not sup-
plied by or recommended by Fiat Auto
S.p.A. and installed not in compliance with
the specified prescriptions.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS
AND CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Radio transceiver equipment (e.g.: e-tacs
mobile phones, HAM radio systems and
the like) shall not be used inside the ve-
hicle unless a separate aerial is mounted
on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of similar devices
inside the passenger compartment (with-
out separated aerial) produces radio-fre-
quency electromagnetic fields which, am-
plified by the resonance effects inside the
passenger compartment, may cause elec-
trical systems equipping the vehicle to mal-
function. This could compromise safety in
addition to constituting a potential hazard
for the passengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of
these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the vehicle body.
As concerns EC-approved mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS), strictly comply with
the instructions for use provided by the
mobile phone’s manufacturer.
062-098 Croma TRW GB 20-11-2006 15:01 Pagina 93

94
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)
Parking sensors are located in the rear
bumper fig. 123and their function is to
inform the driver, through an intermittent
buzzer, about the presence of obstacles
behind the car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when the reverse gear is engaged.
As the distance from the obstacle behind
the car decreases, the acoustic alarm be-
comes more frequent.
BUZZER WARNINGS
When the reverse gear is engaged an in-
termittent acoustic signal is automatically
activated.
The acoustic signal:
❒becomes louder as the reduction of
distance between the car and the ob-
stacle decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the dis-
tance between the car and the obsta-
cle is less that 30 cm and stops imme-
diately if the distance raises;
❒is constant if the distance is unvaried.
If this situation takes place for side sen-
sors, the signal is stopped after about
3 seconds to prevent sound indica-
tions when performing manoeuvres
near walls.
Direction distances
Central action radius 150 cm
Side action radius 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected, the con-
trol unit indicates the nearest one.
fig. 123F0L0143m
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of sensor failures, the driver
is warned by the turning on of warning
light
èon the instrument panel and by
the relevant message on the display (see
section “Warning lights and messages”).
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is deactivated
automatically when the trailer electric ca-
ble plug is fitted into the car tow hook
socket.
Sensors are reactivated when removing
the trailer cable plug.
In washing stations, clean sensors quickly
keeping the vapour jet/high pressure
washing nozzles at 10 cm at least from the
sensors.
062-098 Croma TRW GB 20-11-2006 15:01 Pagina 94

96
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
MULTIJET ENGINES
If the outside temperature is very low, the
diesel thickens due to the formation of
paraffins and could clog the diesel fuel fil-
ter.
In order to avoid these problems, different
types of diesel are distributed according to
the season: summer type, winter type and
arctic type (cold, mountain areas).
If refuelling with diesel fuel not suitable for
the current temperature, mix diesel fuel
with DIESEL MIX additive in the propor-
tions stated on the can, putting first the
antifreeze in the tank and then the diesel
fuel.FUEL FILLER CAP fig. 124
The fuel filler cap lock is automatically con-
trolled by the central door lock.
In an emergency (e.g.: electric system fail-
ure) it is possible to unlock it by pulling
string B. To find the string, remove the
right-hand side cover A.
To carry out fuelling, open flap C-fig. 125
and unscrew cap D; the cap is fitted with
an antiloss device Ewhich fastens it to the
flap so it cannot be mislaid.
The sealing of the tank may cause light
pressurising in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the cap, is absolutely
normal. The car must only be filled
with diesel fuel for motor ve-
hicles, in compliance with Eu-
ropean Standard EN590. The
use of other products or mixtures may
irreparably damage the engine with in-
validation of the warranty due to the
damage caused. In the event of acci-
dentally filling with another type of fu-
el, do not start the engine and empty
the tank. If the engine has been run
even for only a very short time, in ad-
dition to the tank, it is also necessary
to drain out the whole fuel circuit.
fig. 124F0L0137m
REFUELLING
To guarantee full tank filling, carry out two
refuelling operations after the first click of
the fuel delivery gun. Avoid further top-
ping up operations that could cause dam-
ages to the fuel system.
062-098 Croma TRW GB 20-11-2006 15:01 Pagina 96

Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof as soon as they are no longer
used. These accessories lower air pene-
tration and adversely affect consumption
levels. When needing to carry particular-
ly voluminous objects, preferably use a
trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside
the car permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at
a standstill or at idle or high speed: under
these conditions the engine warms up
much more slowly, increasing electrical
consumption and emissions. It is therefore
advisable to move off immediately, slow-
ly, avoiding high speeds. This way the en-
gine will warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine.
This and also double declutching is ab-
solutely pointless on modern cars and al-
so increase consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear. Using a low
gear to obtain brilliant performance in-
creases consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
car down and lower the amount of toxic
emissions released into the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4 weeks:
if the pressure is too low, consumption
levels increase as resistance to rolling is
higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.
130
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR

Traffic situations and road
conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied to
situations with heavy traffic, for example
in queues with frequent use of the lower
gears or in cities with many traffic lights.
Also winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces adversely affect consump-
tion.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g.: level
crossings) the engine should be switched
off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. Installa-
tion should be carried out by specialised
personnel who release a special document
for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-
view mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the brak-
ing spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual car loading capacity. To make
sure the maximum towable weight is not
exceeded (given in the log book) account
should be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and personal be-
longings. Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
with speed. Avoid superfluous braking and
accelerating, which cost in terms of both
fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts do
not allow the engine to reach optimum
operating temperature. This results in a
significant increase in consumption levels
(from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emission of harmful substances.
131
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR

INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel accord-
ing to any additional and/or integrative in-
formation supplied by the Manufacturer of
the device.
The towing device must meet current reg-
ulations with reference to 94/20/EC Di-
rective and subsequent amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must match the towable weight of the car
on which it is to be installed.
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used which is generally
placed on a special bracket normally fas-
tened to the towing device, and a special
ECU for external trailer light control shall
be installed on the car.
For the electrical connection, 7 or 13 pin
12VDC connection is to be used (CU-
NA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow
the instructions provided by the car man-
ufacturer and/or the tow hitch manufac-
turer.An electric brake should be supplied di-
rectly by the battery through a cable with
a cross section of no less than
2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brake or other de-
vice shall be used with running engine.
In addition to the electrical branches, the
car’s electric system can only be con-
nected to the supply cable for an electric
brake and to the cable for an internal light,
though not above 15W.
For connections use the preset control
unit with battery cable no less than 2.5
mm
2. Do not exceed the speed limits of the
country you are driving in. In any case do
not exceed 100 km/h.
It is recommended to use a proper tow-
ing stabiliser on the trailer drawbar.
132
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The ABS system with which
the car may be fitted does
not control the trailer braking system.
Drive with extreme care on slippery
roadbeds.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should the car brake system
be altered to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be
fully independent of the car hydraulic
system.
WARNING

❒clean and protect the painted parts us-
ing protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts
using special compounds readily avail-
able;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber
windscreen and rear window wiper
blades and lift them off the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perfo-
rated plastic sheet. Do not use sheets
of non-perforated plastic as they do
not allow moisture on the car body to
evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0,5 bar above the
normal specified pressure and check it
at intervals;
❒if you don’t disconnect the battery
from the electric system, check its
charge every month and recharge it if
the optical indicator shows a dark
colour without the central green area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling sys-
tem.
IMPORTANT Where relevant, switch off
the car alarm with the remote control.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if pos-
sible well-ventilated premises;
❒engage a gear (position P with auto-
matic transmission);
❒check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged;
❒disconnect battery terminals (first dis-
connect the negative terminal) and
check the battery charge. This check
is to be repeated every three months
when the car is left inactive. Recharge
if the optical indicator shows a dark
colour without the central green area;
136
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR