
56GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Warning light >alone,
with the engine running,
normally indicates a fault
in the ABS system only. In this
case, the braking system is still
efficient, though without the
anti-locking device. Under these
conditions, performance of the
EBD system may be reduced.
Also in this case, you are advised
to go immediately to the nearest
Fiat Dealership, driving in such a
way to avoid sharp braking to
have the system checked. FRONT AIRBAGS
The car is fitted with front air bags
(for versions/markets where applica-
ble) for the driver and the passenger.
FRONT AIR BAGS fig. 80
The front air bag (driver and pas-
senger) 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.
Front air bags are designed to pro-
tect car’s occupants in front crashes
and therefore non-activation in other
types of collision (side collisions, rear
shunts, roll-overs, etc.) is not a system
malfunction.In case of front crash, an electronic
control unit, when required, triggers
the inflation of the cushion.
The cushion immediately inflates,
placing itself as a protection between
the body of the front occupants and
the structure that could cause injuries.
Immediately after, the cushion deflates.
The front air bag (driver and pas-
senger) is not a replacement of but
complementary to the use of belts,
which should always be worn, as spec-
ified by law in Europe and most non-
European countries.
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 air bag is reduced.
Front air bag can be activated in the
following situations:
– in collisions against highly
deformable objects not affecting
the vehicle front surface (e.g.
bumper collision against guard
rail); If the xbrake fluid low
warning light comes on,
stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and contact the nearest
Fiat Dealership. Fluid leaks from
the hydraulic system, in fact, can
compromise brake system oper-
ation, both traditional systems
and systems with ABS.
fig. 80
P4Q00074
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:49 Pagina 56

57GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Do not apply stickers or
other objects to the
steering wheel or to the
passenger's air bag cover or on
the side roof lining. Never apply
objects on the dashboard on pas-
senger side (e.g. mobile phones)
since they could interfere with
proper passenger air bag inflation
and cause severe injuries. – car wedging under other vehicles
or protective barriers (for
example under a truck or guard
rail);
as it offers no additional protection
compared with the seat belts, conse-
quently, it would be pointless. There-
fore, failure to come into action in the
above circumstances does not mean
that the system is not working prop-
erly.FRONT AIRBAG
PASSENGER SIDEThe passenger side airbag was de-
signed and calibrated to protect a per-
son wearing seat belts.
When fully inflated, the bag will fill
most of the space between the dash-
board and the passenger.
Manual deactivation
The passenger side airbag can be de-
activated if it is absolutely necessary
to carry a child in the front passenger
seat.
Turn the specific control switch un-
der the middle of the dashboard be-
tween the sound system compart-
ment and the oddment compartment
fig. 81with the ignition key to deac-
tivate the airbag. SERIOUS DAN-
GER: Never place
cradle child’s seats
on the front passenger seat of
cars fitted with passenger air bag.
Air bag activation could cause se-
rious injuries, even mortal. In the
case of need, always deactivate
the passenger’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 prevent any
contact between child’s seat and
dashboard. Even if not compul-
sory by law, you are recom-
mended to reactivate the air bag
immediately as soon as child
transport is no longer necessary.
fig. 81
P4Q00183
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:49 Pagina 57

62GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
The system is programmed at the
factory to ensure variable degrees of
assistance according to the require-
ments. In other words, power is in-
creased for parking and reduced as
the car’s speed increases.
The EPAS system only works when
the engine is running to avoid deploy-
ing the battery accidentally. Further-
more, it is equipped with a self-test
function to detect faults and incorrect
signals.
IMPORTANTThe steering wheel
may stiffen slightly in parking manoeu-
vres requiring a great deal of steering:
this is normal and caused by the
power steering motor overheat pro-
tection system tripping. The problem
does not require servicing and the
electric power steering system will
work normally the next time the car
is used.If the warning light comes on, see
chapter
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR,
paragraph
WARNING LIGHTS.
FIAT 600 VAN
The version herein illustrated differs
from Fiat 600 saloon described in this
handbook for the different size of the
boot and the availability of two front
seats only.
Load recommendations
Fiat 600 Van has been designed and
approved on the basis of several set
maximum values:
– kerb weight
– payload
– gross vehicle weight
– total weight on the front axle
– total weight on the rear axle
– towable weight.
Each of these limits must be borne
in mind and must never be exceeded
under any circumstances. It is absolutely forbidden
to carry out whatever af-
ter-market operation in-
volving steering system or steer-
ing column modifications (e.g.: in-
stallation of anti-theft Device)
that could badly affect perfor-
mance and safety, cause the lapse
of warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the car with
homologation requirements.
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 62

64GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
AERIAL
To install:
1)Remove the plastic cap A-fig. 85
screwed onto the car roof.
2)Screw in the aerial. SOUND SYSTEMSTANDARD SYSTEM
Standard equipment includes car ra-
dio supply cables, car radio housing
and front loudspeaker housing.
The car radio must be installed
on specific housing occupied by the
glove compartment that is removed
by pressing on the two retaining tabs
A-fig. 84.
Here, supply cables are available and,
in case of car radio option provision,
the loudspeaker and aerial connec-
tions as well. Contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship if you want to install
a sound system after pur-
chasing your car. Their staff will
advise you on how to safeguard
the life of the battery. Excessive
idle intake can damage the bat-
tery and invalid the battery war-
ranty as well.
Large oddments compartments in
the dashboard making the passenger
compartment even more comfortable
are found in cars not equipped with a
SOUND SYSTEM SET-UP.
A specific
SOUND SYSTEM SET-UPkit
can be found in the Lineaccessori Fiat
range.
fig. 84
P4Q00128
fig. 85
P4Q00075
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 64

66GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SPEAKERS
Use the speaker housings on the
two sides of the dashboard.
– fig. 87 left speaker
– fig. 88 right speaker.
1)Unscrew the four screws Band
remove the supporting grid. SET-UP SYSTEM
The vehicle is equipped with the fol-
lowing devices along with the standard
system:
– 2 front speakers;
– an aerial to be applied to the roof.
SOUND SYSTEM
The complete system consists of the
following:
– system provisions (see previous
paragraph);
– stereo radio and cassette player
with removable front control panel
(for features and operation, see spe-
cific instruction booklet).
fig. 88
P4Q00130
fig. 87
P4Q00129
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED BY THE
OWNER
If after buying the vehicle, you decide
to install electrical accessories that re-
quire 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 sug-
gesting the most suitable devices be-
longing to Lineaccessori Fiat, will also
evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle electric
system is able to withstand the load re-
quired, or whether it needs to be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Take care when fitting
additional spoilers, alloy
rims and non-standard
wheel caps: they might reduce
ventilation of the brakes, thus
their efficiency, during abrupt
and repeated braking, or long
downhill slopes. Make sure that
nothing (mats, etc.) gets in the
way of the pedals when they are
pushed down.
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 66

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).
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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

92IN AN EMERGENCY
3)fit a new bulb, making the tabs
E-fig. 14 on the metal part coincide
with the specific housings on the
headlight dish;
4)refasten the clip, refit the rubber
guard and refit the connector.
IF AN EXTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT
MAIN BEAM AND DIPPED
BEAM HEADLIGHTS
To replace a halogen bulb:
1)take out the connector A-fig. 12
then the rubber protection B;
2)release the fastening clip C-fig. 13
and remove the bulb D;
fig. 12
P4Q01023
fig. 14
P4Q01025
Modifications or repairs
to the electrical system
carried out incorrectly
and without bearing the features
of the system in mind can cause
malfunctions with the risk of fire.
For bulb type and respective power,
see
IF A BULB BURNS OUT.
fig. 13
P4Q01024
083-104 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 92