90GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
FRONT AND SIDE
AIRBAGS
FRONT AIRBAGS
Description and operation
The front airbag (driver’s and passen-
ger’s) is a safety device which comes in-
to action in the event of a head-on col-
lision.
It consists of a cushion that inflates
instantaneously contained in a special
recess:
– in the centre of the steering wheel
for the driver; fig. 137;
– in the dashboard and with a bigger
cushion for the passenger fig. 138.The front airbag (driver and passen-
ger) has been designed to protect the
occupants in the event of head-on
crashes of medium-high severity, by
placing the cushion between the oc-
cupant and the steering wheel or dash-
board.
In case of crash, an electronic con-
trol unit processes the signals from de-
celeration sensor and, when required,
triggers the inflation of the cushion.
The bag inflates instantly and acts as
a protective barrier between the front
seat passengers and the structures in
front of them that could cause injury.
The bags deflate immediately after-
wards.
fig. 137
F0D0131m
fig. 138
F0D0169m
In case of crash, a person not wear-
ing the seat belt moves forward and
may come into contact with the cush-
ion while it is still inflating. Under this
circumstance the protection offered
by the airbag is reduced.
The front airbag (driver and passen-
ger) is therefore not a replacement of
but is complementary to the use of
belts, which should always be worn, as
specified by law in Europe and most
non-European countries.
In the case of minor head-on colli-
sions, (for which the restraining action
of the seat belt is sufficient) the airbag
is not triggered.
In collisions against highly deformable
or mobile objects (such as road signs,
heaps of gravel or snow, parked vehi-
cles, etc.), in rear crashes (such as
bumps from behind by another vehi-
cle), side impacts, and in case of wedg-
ing under other vehicles or protective
barriers (for example under a truck or
guard rail), the airbag is not triggered
as it offers no additional protection
compared with the seat belts, conse-
quently, it would be pointless.
91GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Therefore, failure to come into ac-
tion in the above circumstances does
not mean that the system is not work-
ing properly.
Airbag system efficiency is constant-
ly monitored by an electronic control
unit.
If warning light
¬(A-fig. 139)
comes on when travelling (indicating a
fault), have immediately the system
checked and repaired at a Fiat Deal-
ership.FRONT AIRBAG
PASSENGER SIDE
The passenger’s front airbag has been
designed and calibrated to improve the
protection of a person wearing seat
belts.
At its maximum inflation, its volume
fills most of the space between the
dashboard and the passenger.
fig. 139
F0D0190m
SERIOUS DANGER If it is
absolutely necessary to car-
ry a child on the front pas-
senger seat with the cradle
child’s seat facing back-
wards, the front passenger’s air bag
must be deactivated using the key
switch. In this case it is absolutely
necessary to check the warning
light
F(see paragraph “Passen-
ger’s front air bag”) to make sure
that deactivation has actually tak-
en place.
WARNING
With passenger’s air bag
active, never place child’s
seats with the cradle facing back-
wards since the air bag activation
could cause to the child serious in-
juries, even mortal, regardless of the
seriousness of the crash that trig-
gered it. You are advised to carry
children always with proper re-
straint systems on the rear seats, as
this is the most protected position
in the case of a crash.
WARNING
93GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
In the event of low speed side colli-
sions (for which seat belts are suffi-
cient protection), the airbag is not trig-
gered. Also in this case, it is important
to wear seat belts at all times. This will
ensure correct positioning of the pas-
senger and prevent being projected
from the vehicle in the event of very
violent crashes.
The side bag (driver and passenger)
is therefore not a replacement of but
is complementary to the use of belts,
which should always be worn, as spec-
ified by law in Europe and most non-
European countries.GENERAL WARNINGS
The front and/or side airbags
may be deployed if the vehicle is
subject to heavy knocks or acci-
dents involving the underbody
area, such as for example violent
shocks against steps, kerbs or low
obstacles, falling of the vehicle in
big holes or sags in the road.
Triggering of the airbags re-
leases a small amount of powder.
This powder is not harmful and
does not indicate the start of fire.
The unfold cushion surface and
the vehicle interiors could be cov-
ered by dusty remains: this dust
could irritate skin and eyes. In
case of contact, wash yourself us-
ing neutral soap and water.The airbag system has a validity
of 14 years as to the pyrotechnic
charge and 10 years as to the coil
contact (see the plate set on the
left front door post near hinges).
As these dates approach, con-
tact Fiat Dealership for replace-
ment.
If an accident has triggered the
airbag, contact a Fiat Dealership
so that the whole safety device,
electronic control unit, belt, pre-
tensioners can be replaced and
have the electric system checked
over.
All control, repair and replace-
ment operations concerning the
airbags must only be carried out
at a Fiat Dealership.
If you are having the vehicle
scrapped, have the airbag system
deactivated at a Fiat Dealership
first.
95GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
The correct operation of
front and side airbags and
pretensioners is only ensured if the
vehicle is not overloaded.
WARNINGEOBD SYSTEM
(petrol versions only)
The EOBD (European On Board Di-
agnosis) system fitted on the vehicle
complies with Directive 98/69/CE
(EURO 3).
This system continuously monitors
the engine emission system compo-
nents. Furthermore, the system warns
the driver of deterioration concerning
the emission system components by
means of the Uwarning light on the
instrument panel.
The objective is to:
– monitor system efficiency;
– warn when failures can increase
emissions over the threshold estab-
lished by the European regulations;
– warn of the need to replace dete-
riorated components.
Remember that with the
key engaged and in the
MAR position, even with the en-
gine not running, the airbags may
be triggered on a stationary vehi-
cle if it is bumped by another mov-
ing vehicle. Therefore, never seat
children on the front seat even
when the vehicle is stationary. On
the other hand, remember that
with the vehicle stationary, with-
out the key engaged and turned,
the airbags are not triggered in the
event of an impact; in these cases,
failure to come into action of the
airbags cannot be considered as a
sign that the system is not working
properly.
WARNING
On vehicles equipped with
side bags, do not cover the
backrest of the front seats with
trims or covers.
WARNING
The airbag does not substi-
tute the seat belts, but on-
ly increases their effectiveness.
Moreover, since the front airbags
do not come into operation in the
event of front impact at low speed,
side collisions, bumps from behind
or overturning, in these circum-
stances the occupants would only
be protected by the seat belts which
must therefore always be fastened.
WARNING
Do not wash the seat back
in vehicles with side bags
with pressurised steam or water in
automatic seat washing station.
WARNING
120GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
BEFORE GETTING BEHIND
THE WHEEL
– Make sure all light, including the
headlights, are working properly;
– adjust the position of seats and dri-
ving and door mirrors properly for the
best driving position;
– make sure that nothing (mats, etc.)
gets in the way of the pedals when
they are pushed down;
– make sure that any child restraint
systems (child seats, cradles, etc.) are
properly fixed;
– place any objects in the load com-
partment in such a way that they can-
not be thrown forwards in the event
of an accident;
– light eating will help keep your re-
flexes prompt. Above all, do not have
anything alcoholic to drink.
Remember to periodically check:
– tyre pressure,
– engine oil level,
– engine coolant level and cooling
system conditions,– brake fluid level,
– windscreen washer fluid level.
WHEN TRAVELLING
– The first rule of safe driving is pru-
dence;
– prudence also means putting your-
self into a position where you can pre-
dict wrong or imprudent behaviour
from other drivers;
– stick closely to the rules of the
road in the particular country where
the vehicle is being driven and, above
all, do not exceed speed limits;
– ensure that, besides yourself, all the
other passengers in the vehicle have
their seat belts fastened, that children
are sitting in the appropriate child
seats and any animals in the vehicle are
placed in suitable compartment;
– you should be physically fit and
mentally alert before setting out on
long journeys.
Always fasten both front
and back seat belts
(Panorama, Minibus, Combi and
Crew Cab versions). Travelling with
the seat belts unfastened increas-
es the risk of injury or death if you
are in a collision.
WARNING
Driving while drunk or un-
der the influence of drugs
or certain medicines is dangerous
for both you and other road users.
WARNING
161IN AN EMERGENCY
FIRST-AID KIT
It is a good idea to keep a fire extin-
guisher and blanket in the vehicle in
addition to the first-aid kit. IF ANYONE IS INJURED
– Never leave the injured person
alone. The obligation to provide as-
sistance exists even for those not di-
rectly involved in the accident;
– Do not congregate around the in-
jured person.
– Reassure the injured person that
help is on its way and will arrive soon.
Stay close by to calm him/her down in
case of panic.
– Unfasten or cut seat belts holding
injured parties.
– Do not give an injured person any-
thing to drink.
– Do not move an injured person un-
less the following situations arise.
– Pull the injured person from the ve-
hicle only if it risks catching fire, it is
sinking in water or is likely to fall over
a cliff or similar.Do not pull his/her
arms or legs, do not bend the head
and, as far as possible, keep the body
horizontal.
163VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
SERVICE SCHEDULE
thousands of kilometres
Check tyre conditions and wear and adjust pressure, if required
Check lighting system operation (headlights, direction indicators, hazard lights,
load compartment light, ceiling lights, warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper/washer operation, adjust nozzles
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear
Check front and rear (where fitted) disc brake pad conditions and wear
Check rear drum brake linings conditions and wear (where fitted)
Inspect conditions and soundness of:
– outer bodywork and underbody protection;
– piping (exhaust - fuel feed and brakes)
– rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushings, etc.)
– fuel feed and braking system hosing
Check tension and conditions of various control belts and adjust, if required
(excluding engines with automatic belt tighteners)
Check accelerator pedal stroke and adjust, if required
Check handbrake lever stroke and adjust, if required
Check tappet clearance and adjust, if required (2.8 JTD version)
Check tappet clearance and adjust, if required (petrol versions)
Check exhaust emissions
30 60 90 120 150 180
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164VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
thousands of kilometres
Replace fuel filter cartridge (Diesel versions)
Replace air cleaner cartridge (Diesel versions)
Replace air cleaner cartridge (petrol versions)
Replace spark plugs (petrol versions)
Top up fluids (engine coolant, brakes, power steering,
battery, windscreen washer, etc.)
Check timing belt conditions (***)
Replace timing belt and various control belts
(or every 48 months) (*)
Check engine control systems via diagnostic socket
Change gearbox - transmission - rear axle oil (4WD version)
Check gearbox/differential oil level (automatic transmission)
Change engine oil (**)
Replace engine oil filter (**)
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)
Replace pollen filter (or every 12 months)
(*) Replace every 240,000 km or every 60 months for 2.3 JTD versions.
(**) Change/replace engine oil filter and oil every 40,000 km for 2.3 JTD versions
(***) Every 120,000 km for 2.3 JTD versions
30 60 90 120 150 180
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