
88
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ESP SYSTEM
(Electronic Stability
Program)
(where provided)
The ESP system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event of
tyre grip loss.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when grip conditions of the road sur-
faces changes.
ESP SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warn-
ing light
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.
ESP SYSTEM OPERATION
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
FAILURE WARNINGS
In the event of failure, the ESP system is
automatically disconnected and the warn-
ing light
á, comes on with fixed light on
the instrument panel, together with the
message on the display (see section
“Warning lights and messages”). In this
case contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.At pickup the ESP system control unit will
keep brake force on wheels until reaching
the torque suitable for starting, or in any
case for max. 1.5 seconds in order to pass
easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
After two seconds without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by re-
leasing gradually the brake force.
At releasing, the typical brake disengage-
ment noise indicating that the car is go-
ing to move will be heard.
Failure indications
System failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning light
áon the instrument
panel (together with the message on the
multifunction display) (see section “Warn-
ing lights and messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake. Never get out of the
car without engaging the handbrake,
switching the engine off and engaging the
first gear (position P con with automatic
transmission).
Performance of the ESP sys-
tem, in terms of active safe-
ty should not induce the driver to take
pointless and unnecessary risks. The
style of driving must in any case al-
ways be adapted to the conditions of
the road surface, visibility an traffic.
Road safety is always the driver’s re-
sponsibility.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(where provided)
This system is an integral part of the ESP
system and it is provided to facilitate start-
ing on slopes.
It will activate automatically with the fol-
lowing conditions:
Uphill: car at a standstill on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
clutch and brake pedal pressed, gearbox
to neutral or engaged gear other than re-
verse.
Downhill: car at a standstill on a road with
a gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
clutch and brake pedal pressed and re-
verse gear engaged.
062-098 Croma TRW GB 20-11-2006 15:01 Pagina 88

89
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ASR SYSTEM
(AntiSlip Regulator)
(where provided)
The ASR function controls car drive and
cuts in automatically every time one or
both driving wheels slip.
According to slipping conditions, two dif-
ferent control systems are activated:
❒if slipping involves both driving wheels,
the ASR function intervenes reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
❒if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the TC (Traction Control)
function cuts in automatically braking
the wheel that is slipping.
The action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or ex-
cessive acceleration;
❒too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the condi-
tions of the road surface;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet sur-
face (aquaplaning).
SWITCHING THE ASR SYSTEM
ON/OFF fig. 122
The ASR system switches on automatically
each time the engine is started.
When travelling ASR can be switched off
and on again pressing switchAset aside
the gearshift lever.
When the ASR is switched off this is
shown by the lighting up of the led on the
switch and by the relevant message on the
display (see section “Warning lights and
messages”).
If the ASR is switched off when travelling,
it will turn on again automatically the next
time the engine is started.
During the use of the space-
saver spare wheel, the ESP
system carries on working. However,
you must remind that the space-saver
spare wheel has dimensions smaller
than the standard tyre and therefore
its grip is reduced as to the other car
tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of the
ESP system, the tyres must
absolutely be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tions and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
fig. 122F0L0052m
062-098 Croma TRW GB 20-11-2006 15:01 Pagina 89

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

95
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
GENERAL WARNINGS
❒When parking, take the utmost care
to obstacles that may be set above or
under the sensors.
❒Objects set close to the car, under
certain circumstances are not detect-
ed and could therefore cause damages
to the car or be damaged.
❒Indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposit-
ed on the sensors or by ultrasound
systems (e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes
or pneumatic hammers) set nearby the
car.
AT THE FILLING
STATION
PETROL ENGINES
Use only unleaded petrol.
To prevent errors, the diameter of the fu-
el tank filler is too small to introduce a lead
petrol pump filler. Use petrol with a rat-
ed octane number (R.O.N.) not lower
than 95.
IMPORTANT An inefficient catalyst leads
to harmful exhaust emissions, thus con-
tributing to air pollution.
IMPORTANT Never use leaded petrol,
even in small amount or in an emergency,
as this would damage the catalyst beyond
repair. For proper operation, the
parking sensors shall always
be clean from mud, dirt, snow
or ice. When cleaning the sen-
sors, take the utmost care to prevent
their damaging; do not use therefore
dry or rough clothes. Sensors shall be
washed with clean water and car de-
tergent, if required.
Parking manoeuvres howev-
er are always under the dri-
ver’s responsibility that shall always
check the absence of people (spe-
cially children) or animals in the ma-
noeuvre space. This system is just a
help for the driver but she/he shall
never reduce attention during dan-
gerous manoeuvres even if performed
at low speed.
WARNING
062-098 Croma TRW GB 20-11-2006 15:01 Pagina 95

STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒put the gear lever into neutral (posi-
tions P or N for automatic transmis-
sion);
❒press the clutch pedal (or brake ped-
al with automatic transmission) down
to the floor without pressing the ac-
celerator;
❒turn the ignition key to STARTand
let it go the moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to OFFbe-
fore repeating starting.
IMPORTANT In the event of fast engine
start-up (i.e.: fitting the ignition key and
turning it to ON), any slight jamming is to
be attributed to correct recognition of the
electronic key by the ignition switch.
ENGINE STARTING
The car is fitted with an electronic engine
lock device: if the engine fails to start, see
the paragraph “The Fiat CODE system” in
section “Dashboard and controls”.
The engine may be noisier than usual dur-
ing the first seconds of operation, espe-
cially after it has not been used for a while.
This characteristic feature of the hydraulic
tappet system does not compromise func-
tionality or reliability. This timing system
for petrol engines was adopted to limit
servicing.
120
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
We recommend that during
the initial period you do not
drive to full car performance
(e.g.: excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp brak-
ing, etc.).
When the engine is switched
off never leave the key into
the ignition switch to prevent
pointless current absorption
from draining the battery.
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely dan-
gerous. The engine consumes oxygen
and produces carbon monoxide
which is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
WARNING

IMPORTANT If it is not possible to turn
the ignition key to ON, remove the emer-
gency key, fit it into slot A-fig. 1to un-
lock the ignition switch; then, turn the key
to ONand follow the starting procedure.
Contact Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
into the ignition switch when the engine
is off. In this event, when opening the dri-
ver’s door, a buzzer will sound for about
1 second.
HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED (petrol and diesel
engines)
Proceed as follows:
❒Drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒Do not drive at full performance for
the initial kilometres. Wait until the
coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.
122
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Never bump start the engine
by pushing, towing or coasting
downhill as this could cause
fuel to flow into the catalytic
exhaust system and damage it beyond
repair.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no prac-
tical purpose, it wastes fuel
and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much ef-
fort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to OFFwhile the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the en-
gine compartment to fall.
IMPORTANT If the engine is turned off
while the car is still moving, for safety rea-
sons it will be impossible to remove the
key from the ignition switch. To remove
the key, turn it to ONand then to OFF
with the car stopped without forcing at re-
moval.

Reverse (R)
With gear lever at R, it is not possible to
start the engine.
Idle (N)
This position corresponds to the idle po-
sition of a traditional manual gearbox.
With gear lever at N, it is possible to start
the engine.
Engage idle N in case of long stops.
Drive, automatic forward gear (D)
Engage position D for urban and extra-ur-
ban use of the car. DISPLAY
The display shows:
❒selected gear (P, R, N, D) and word-
ing AUTO, in automatic mode;
❒upshifting or downshifting (through
digits) in sequential mode.
GEAR LEVER POSITIONS
Parking (P)
Select P to stop mechanically the driving
wheels.
Engage this position only with the car sta-
tionary, pull the handbrake if required.
126
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
To shift from P to whatever
position, with ignition key at
ON, press the brake pedal and
press the gear lever button.
Reverse shall only be engaged
with car stationary, engine
idling and accelerator fully re-
leased.
Shifting from R →N or D is free
whereas for shifting R →P you
have to press the gear lever
button.
To shift from N, release the ac-
celerator pedal and make sure
the engine is idling.
Shifting from N →D is free
whereas for shifting from N →R or P you have to press the
gear lever button.
Shifting the lever from P to D
(P →D), from N to D
(N →D) and from R to D (R→D) shall be only performed
with the car stationary and the engine
idling.

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