101
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED BY THE
OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to install
electrical accessories that require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, satellite an-
titheft system, etc.) or accessories that in
any case burden the electric supply, con-
tact Fiat Dealership, whose qualified per-
sonnel, besides suggesting the most suit-
able devices belonging to Lineaccessori Fi-
at, will also evaluate the overall electric ab-
sorption, checking whether the car’s elec-
tric system is able to withstand the load
required, or whether it needs to be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
INSTALLATION OF
ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed after
buying the car or in aftermarket shall bear
the and marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installation
of transceivers provided that installation
is carried out at a specialized shop, work-
manlike performed and in compliance with
manufacturer's specifications.
IMPORTANT Installation of devices re-
sulting in modifications of car characteris-
tics may cause driving license seizing by
traffic agents and also the lapse of the war-
ranty as concerns defects due to the
abovementioned modification or traceable
back to it directly or indirectly.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibility
for damages caused by the installation of
non-genuine accessories or not recom-
mended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and installed
not in compliance with the specified re-
quirements.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS
AND CELLULAR
TELEPHONES
Mobile phones and other radio transceiv-
er equipment (e.g.: HAM radio systems
and the like) shall not be used inside the
car unless a separate aerial is mounted.
IMPORTANT The use of mobile phones,
HAM radio systems or other similar de-
vices inside the passenger compartment
(without separate aerial) may cause elec-
tronic systems equipping the car 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 car body.
As concerns the use of mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS) with homolo-
gation, keep strictly to the mobile phone
manufacturer's specifications.
Take care when fitting addi-
tional spoilers, alloy rims and
non-standard wheel caps: they might
reduce ventilation of the brakes, thus
their efficiency, during abrupt and re-
peated braking, or long downhill
slopes. Make sure that nothing (mats,
etc.) gets in the way of the pedals
when they are pushed down.
WARNING
102
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
The car is provided with the electrically
controlled power steering system called
“Dualdrive” working only with ignition key
at MARand engine running, that can be
customised by the driver according to the
driving conditions.
IMPORTANT When turning quickly the
ignition key, power steering full operation
is obtained after 1-2 seconds.ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
(CITY function)
To connect/disconnect the CITY function,
push the button A-fig. 125located on the
central tunnel on the side of the gearbox
control lever.
Connection of this function is reported by
the word CITY on the “Multifunction dis-
play”.
When the CITY function is on the steer-
ing wheel effort is lighter and thus parking
operations are easier: therefore this func-
tion is particularly useful for driving in city
centres.FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure is indicated by warning light
gcoming on (together with the message on
the display) (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
In the event of electric power steering sys-
tem failure, the car can be driven with me-
chanical steering.
IMPORTANT Under certain circum-
stances, factors independent from the
electric power steering could cause the il-
lumination of the warning light
gon the
instrument panel. We suggest to stop im-
mediately the car, turn off the engine for
about 20 seconds and then re-start the
car. If the warning light
gstays on (to-
gether with the message on the display),
contact Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT The steering may become
slightly stiff following parking manoeuvres
including a great deal of steering. This is
normal and caused by a system to prevent
motor overheating. No servicing is re-
quired. The electrical power steering sys-
tem will return to normal operation the
next time the car is used.
fig. 125F0C0065m
103
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. 126(saloon versions) and
fig. 127 (Multi Wagon versions) and their
function is to inform the driver, through
an intermittent buzzer, about the pres-
ence of obstacles behind the car.
ACTIVATION
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 dis-
tance between the car and the obstacle
decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the distance
between the car and the obstacle is less
that 30 cm and stops immediately 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 indications
when performing manoeuvres near
walls.
It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out whatever after-
market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifica-
tions (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect per-
formance and safety, cause the lapse
of warranty and also result in non-
compliance of the car with homolo-
gation requirements.
WARNING
Always switch the engine off,
remove the key from the
starting device and actuate the steer-
ing lock before carrying out any main-
tenance operation, especially when
the wheels are raised from the
ground. In case this is not possible
(e.g. when the key must be in MAR
position or the engine running), re-
move the electric power steering
main fuse before carrying out any
maintenance operation.
WARNING
fig. 126F0C0301m
fig. 127F0C0364m
126
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
FRONT AIR BAGS
The car is fitted with front multistage air
bags (“Smart bag”) for driver and passen-
ger, front side bags (where provided), rear
side bags (where provided) and window
bags (where provided).
“SMART BAG” SYSTEM (FRONT
MULTISTAGE AIR BAGS)
The front air bag (driver and passenger)
has been designed to protect the occu-
pants in the event of head-on crashes of
medium-high severity, by placing the cush-
ion between the occupant and the steer-
ing wheel or dashboard.
Front air bags are designed to protect
car’s occupants in front crashes and there-
fore non-activation in other types of col-
lisions (side collisions, rear shunts, roll-
overs, etc.) is not a system malfunction.In case of front crash, an electronic con-
trol unit, when required, triggers the in-
flation of the cushion according to the
severity of the collision.
The cushion immediately inflates, placing
itself as a protection between the body
of the front occupants and the structure
that could cause injuries. Immediately af-
ter, the cushion deflates.
The front air bag (driver and passenger) is
not a replacement of but complementary
to the use of belts, which should always
be worn, as specified by law in Europe and
most non-European countries.
In case of crash, a person not wearing the
seat belt moves forward and may come in-
to contact with the cushion while it is still
inflating. Under this circumstance the pro-
tection offered by the air bag is reduced.
Do not apply stickers or oth-
er objects to the steering
wheel or to the air bag cover on the
passenger’s side or on the side roof
lining. Do not put objects on the
dashboard on passenger side (e.g. mo-
bile phones) since they could interfere
with proper passenger air bag infla-
tion and cause injuries to the car’s
passengers.
WARNING
Front air bag may not be activated in the
following situations:
❒in collisions against highly deformable
objects not affecting the car front sur-
face (e.g. bumper collision against guard
rail);
❒car wedging under other vehicles or
protective barriers (for example under
a truck or guard rail);
as it offers no additional protection com-
pared with the seat belts, consequently,
it would be pointless. Therefore, failure to
come into action in the above circum-
stances does not mean that the system is
not working properly.
127
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
DRIVER’S FRONT AIR BAG fig. 21
It consists of an instant-inflating cushion
contained in a special recess in the cen-
tre of the steering wheel.PASSENGER’S FRONT AIR BAG
fig. 22
It consists of an instant-inflating cushion
contained into a special recess in the
dashboard, this cushion has a volume big-
ger than that of the driver.
The driver’s and passenger’s front air bags
have been designed and calibrated to im-
prove the protection of a person wear-
ing seat belts.
At their maximum inflation, their volume
fills most of the space between the dash-
board and the passenger.
fig. 21F0C0051mfig. 22F0C0112m
SERIOUS DANGER: With
passenger’s air bag active,
never place child’s seats with
the cradle facing backwards
since the air bag activation
could cause to the child serious in-
juries, even mortal. In the case of
need, always deactivate the passen-
ger’s air bag when a child’s seat is
placed on the front seat. The front
passenger’s seat shall be adjusted in
the most backward position to pre-
vent any contact between child’s seat
and dashboard. Even if not compul-
sory by law, you are recommended to
reactivate the air bag immediately as
soon as child transport is no longer
necessary.
WARNING
133
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
Remember that with the key
engaged and at MAR, even
with the engine not running, the air
bags may be triggered on a stationary
car if it is bumped by another moving
car. Therefore, never seat children on
the front seat even when the car is
stationary. On the other hand, re-
member that with the key at STOP
no safety system (air bags or preten-
sioners) is triggered in the event of an
impact; in this case, failure to come
into action cannot be considered as a
sign that the system is not working
properly.
WARNINGGENERAL WARNINGS
If when turning the ignition
key to MAR, the warning
light ¬does not turn on or if it stays
on when travelling (together with the
message on the display) there could
be a failure in safety systems; in this
event air bags or pretensioners could
not trigger in case of impact or, in a
minor number of cases, they could
trigger accidentally. Contact Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the
system checked.
WARNING
Do not cover the backrest of
front and rear seats with
trims or covers that are not suitable
to be used with side bags.
WARNING
Never travel with objects on
your lap, in front of your
chest or with a pipe, pencil, etc. be-
tween your lips; injury may result in
the event of the air bag being trig-
gered.
WARNING
Always keep your hands on
the steering wheel rim when
driving, so that if the air bag is trig-
gered, it can inflate without meeting
any obstacles which could cause seri-
ous harm to you. Do not drive with
the body bent forwards, keep the seat
back rest in the erect position and
lean your back well against it.
WARNING
If the car has been stolen or
an attempt to steal it has
been made, if it has been subjected to
vandals or floods, have the air bag
system checked by Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
138
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
EMERGENCY START-UP
If the instrument panel warning light
Ystays on with fixed light, contact Fiat Deal-
ership.
139
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒ Stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒Engage a gear (first if the car is faced up-
hill or reverse if it is faced downhill) and
leave the wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope. Do
not leave the ignition key at MARto pre-
vent draining the battery. Always remove
the key when you leave the car.HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Pull the handbrake lever upwards until the
car cannot be moved.
Four or five clicks are generally enough
when the car is on level ground while nine
or ten may be required if the car is on a
steep slope or laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, con-
tact Fiat Dealership to have the handbrake
adjusted.
In cars fitted with front armrest, lift the
latter so that it does not hinder the hand-
brake engaging procedure.When the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is at MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
xwill turn
on.
To release the handbrake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A-fig. 1;
❒keep button Apressed and lower the
lever. Warning light xwill turn off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
fig. 1F0C0059m
Never leave children unat-
tended in the car. Always re-
move the ignition key when leaving
the car and take it out with you.
WARNING