2007 FIAT 600 Owners Manual

72DRIVING YOUR CAR
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is between the
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. IMPORTANTIf this is not the
case, go to a Fiat Dealership to
have the handbrake adjusted.
Instrument panel warning light x
will come on when the handbrake
lever is pulled up and the ignition key
is at MAR.
To release the handbrake:
1)Slightly lift the hand brake and
press release button A-fig. 1;
2)keep the button pressed in and
lower the lever. Warning light xwill
go out;
3)to prevent accidental movement
of the car, this procedure should be
carried out with the brake pedal
pressed down.
STEERING LOCK LEVER
Use the brake pedal to lock the bot-
tom end. HOW TO USE
THE GEARS
The lever positions for the different
gears are shown in fig. 2(this diagram
is also on the gear knob).
Press the clutch fully.
To put the car in reverse (R), wait
until the car has stopped and, from
neutral: move the lever to the right
and back.
fig. 1
P4Q00078
fig. 2
P4Q00079
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 72

73DRIVING YOUR CAR
IMPORTANT Reverse gear can
only be engaged when the car is com-
pletely stationary. With the engine
running, before engaging the reverse
gear, wait for at least two seconds
with the clutch pedal pressed fully
down to avoid damaging or grating the
gears.
To change the gear
properly (with mechani-
cal clutch) you must push
the clutch pedal fully down. It is
therefore essential that there is
nothing under the pedals. Make
sure mats are lying flat and do
not get in the way of the pedals.CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
AND POLLUTION
Some suggestions which may help
you to keep the running costs of the
vehicle down and lower the amount
of toxic emissions released into the
atmosphere are given below.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
The overall state of the car is an im-
portant factor which has a marked in-
fluence over fuel consumption and
driving comfort and on the life span of
your car. For this reason care should
be taken to maintain your car by car-
rying out the necessary checks and
regulations in accordance with the
specifications given in the
SERVICE
SCHEDULE
(see sections: SPARK PLUGS,
IDLING, AIR CLEANERS, TIMING). Tyres
Tyre pressure should be checked at
least once every four weeks: if the
pressure is too low fuel consumption
increases as the resistance to the
rolling movement of the tyre is
greater. In this state, tyre wear is in-
creased and vehicle handling suffers
which will effect safety.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the
vehicle and its trim greatly effects con-
sumption and stability.
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 73

74DRIVING YOUR CAR
Climate control system
The climate control system is a fur-
ther drag on the engine causing higher
fuel consumption (on average, up to
20%). When outside temperatures
permit, use the vents.
Aerodynamic accessories
The use of aerodynamic accessories
not certified for that specific purpose
can diminish the car’s aerodynamic
penetration and increase consump-
tion.BEHIND THE WHEEL
Starting-up
Do not warm up the engine when
the car is stationary, neither by idling
nor revving up. If you do, the engine
will warm up much more slowly and
increase fuel consumption and emis-
sions. It is therefore better to start
slowly and to keep the engine speed
down.
Unnecessary manoeuvres
Do not give quick bursts on the ac-
celerator when waiting at the traffic
lights or before turning off the engine.
This type of action, like the “double
clutch” are absolutely useless on mod-
ern cars. They only increase fuel con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as traffic conditions allow,
shift up to a higher gear. Using a low
gear to have a sharp acceleration in-
creases the consumption. Likewise,
using a high gear when this is not
called for increases consumption,
emissions and wear on the engine. Roof rack/ski rack
Remove roof racks and ski racks
from the roof of the car as soon as
they are no longer needed. These ac-
cessories reduce the aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and will in-
crease consumption. When having to
transport particularly large loads it is
better to use a trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices for the neces-
sary time only. The heated rear win-
dow, fog lights, windscreen wipers,
heating system blower require large
amounts of electricity, and as a con-
sequence, the fuel consumption in-
creases (up to +25% in town).
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 74

75DRIVING YOUR CAR
Top speed
As speed increases, so does the fuel
consumption: note that passing from
90 to 120 km/h increases consump-
tion by about +30%. Keep your speed
as steady as possible and avoid un-
necessary braking and accelerations
that cost fuel and increase emissions
considerably. It is better to drive
“smoothly” trying to foresee the ma-
noeuvres to avoid imminent dangers
and always respect the safety distance
to avoid the need to slow down sud-
denly.
Acceleration
Sudden and sharp accelerations
revving up the engine increase con-
sumption and emissions; accelerate
gradually and do not exceed the max-
imum torque.USE
Cold start
Short journeys and frequent cold
start-ups do not allow the engine to
reach the best running temperature.
As a result, consumption rises (from
+15 to +30% in town) and so do the
harmful emissions.
Traffic situations and road
conditions
Consumption rises in heavy traffic, in
traffic jams where it is constantly nec-
essary to shift to low gears or in big
cities with many traffic lights.
Also twisting roads, mountain roads
and rough road surfaces pay a heavy
toll on consumption.
Hold-ups in traffic
During hold-ups (e.g.: level crossings)
switch off the engine.CHEAP RUNNING
THAT RESPECTS
THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental protection has been
one of the guiding principles in the
production of Fiat 600. It is no acci-
dent that its pollution control equip-
ment 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 the latter carefully.
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 75

76DRIVING YOUR CAR
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 condition is
therefore a fundamental rule for dri-
ving that is easy on your pocket and
on the environment too.
The first step to take is to follow the
Service Schedule to the letter.
If your car has a petrol engine use
only unleaded petrol.
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.If the engine begins to “lose its
smoothness” when travelling, con-
tinue your journey but reduce the de-
mands you are making on the engine
and go to a Fiat Dealershipas soon
as you can.
When the instrument panel fuel re-
serve warning light comes on, fill up as
soon as possible. A low level of fuel
can cause an uneven supply of fuel to
the engine with the inevitable increase
in the temperature of the exhaust gas
and serious damage to the catalytic
converter.
Never run the engine with one or
more spark plugs disconnected, even
for testing purposes.
Do not warm up the engine by let-
ting it idle for a while before moving
off unless the outside temperature is
very low and, even in this case, only
do so for less than 30 seconds.Do not install other heat shields
and do not remove those already fit-
ted to the catalytic converter and
exhaust pipe.
When functioning nor-
mally the catalytic con-
verter reaches high tem-
peratures. For this reason do not
park the car over flammable ma-
terial (grass, dry leaves, pine nee-
dles etc.): fire hazard.
Ignoring the above rules
may lead to fire.
Do not allow anything to
be sprayed onto the cat-
alytic converter, Lambda
sensor or exhaust pipe.
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 76

77DRIVING YOUR CAR
TOWING
A TRAILER
IMPORTANTThe car must be fit-
ted with a homologated tow hitch and
suitable electrical system for towing a
caravan or trailer.
Installation must be carried out by
skilled personnel who will provide
specific documentation for authoris-
ing use on roads.
Fit special wing mirrors in accor-
dance with the highway code.
Remember that towing a trailer
makes it harder for the car to climb
the maximum gradients specified.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill rather than constantly brak-
ing.
The weight that the trailer exerts on
the car tow hitch coupling reduces the
car carrying capacity by the same
amount. To ensure you do not exceed the
maximum towable weight (indicated
in the log book) you have to take into
account the trailer’s weight fully laden
including the accessories and personal
luggage.
Respect the speed limits enforced in
the country where you are towing the
trailer.TOW HITCH INSTALLATION
The tow hitch must be fixed to the
body by an expert in accordance with
the following instructions and re-
specting the additional and/or integra-
tive information provided by the tow
hitch manufacturer. The tow hitch to
be fitted must comply with the cur-
rent regulations in force with refer-
ence to Directive 94/20/EEC and
amendments. Use a tow hitch suited
for the maximum towable load of the
car version on which the tow hitch is
to be fitted.
Use a unified coupling for the elec-
trical connections. The coupling is
generally fitted on a specific mount
fastened to the tow hitch. The ABS system, if fit-
ted on the car, does not
control the trailer brak-
ing system. Therefore be extra
careful on slippery surfaces.
Under no circumstances
modify the car braking
system for trailer braking
control. The trailer’s braking sys-
tem must be completely inde-
pendent of the car’s hydraulic
system.
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 77

78DRIVING YOUR CAR
For electrical connection, a 7 or 13
pole 12VDC coupling must be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN standards).
Follow the instructions provided by
the manufacturer of the car and/or
the tow hitch.The electrical brake (where relevant)
or other devices (electrical winch,
etc.) must be powered directly from
the battery by means of a lead with a
cross-section area no smaller than
2.5 mm
2. In addition to the electrical
connections, only the power wire foran additional electrical brake and for
internal trailer lighting with a power
not exceeding 15W can be connected
to the car’s electrical system.
The coupling electrical connections
are shown in fig. 4.
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM fig. 3
The trailer tow hitch is to be fixed in
the points indicated Øusing 8 M8
screws and 4 M10 screws.
All anchorage points (1) are to have
’20 x 4.5 spacers.
The internal counterplates (2) are to
be at least 4 mm thick.
The internal counterplates (3) are to
be at least 5 mm thick.
43,5 43,5
15
≥65
3108
152
587110
10 157
43,5 43,5
1
1
87
33
287
33
2
900
fig. 3
P4Q00220
Rear wheel axle
Load 385 ±35
Reference hole
’25 existing
Standard tow ball
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 78

79DRIVING YOUR CAR
Fasten the tow hitch to the body
without drilling or trimming the rear
bumper that would be visible when
the tow hitch is removed.
IMPORTANT A clearly visible
plate of a suitable size and made of
suitable material bearing the following:
MAX LOAD ON BALL COUPLING
70 kg.
After assembly, seal the
holes to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the
vehicle.
E
DCA
B
1
2
3
4 5 6
7
M
N
V
G
R
AN
fig. 4
P4Q00178
A=light blue - G=yellow - M=brown N=black - R=red - V=green
WIRING DIAGRAM fig. 4
A- Seven pole coupling on tow hitch
B- Rear earth wire connection
C- Taillight power connection
D- Rear foglight, brake light and direction indicator connection
E- Electromagnetic brake power connection.
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 79