2007 FIAT 600 engine

59GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
If the ¬warning light
does not turn on when
turning the ignition key
to MAR or if it stays on when
travelling, this could indicate a
failure in safety retaining sys-
tems; under this condition air
bags or pretensioners could not
trigger in the event of collision
or, in a restricted number of
cases, they could trigger acci-
dentally. Stop the car and con-
tact Fiat Dealership to have the
system checked immediately.
Do not travel with ob-
jects on your lap or in
front of you. Do not hold
a pipe, a pencil or similar be-
tween your lips. You could seri-
ously hurt yourself if the airbag
inflates in a collision. The warning light Fshould come on for ap-
proximately four seconds
and then flash for other four sec-
onds when the passenger side
airbag deactivation switch is
turned to ON and the ignition
key is turned to MAR to remind
you that the passenger side
airbag will be fired in the event of
an accident. The warning light
should then go out.
Always drive with both
hands on the rims of the
steering wheel so that the
airbag is free to inflate during a
head-on collision and protection
yourself from serious injury. Do
not drive with your body bending
towards the steering wheel but
sit in an upright position with
your back resting against the
seat. If an attempt has been
made to steal the car or if
it has actually been stolen
or vandalised in any way or sub-
jected to flooding, have the
airbag system checked at a Fiat
Dealership.
Please note that airbags
can be triggered when
the engine is running also
if the car is stationary and an-
other vehicle crashes into it at
suitably high speed. As a conse-
quence, never sit children in the
front seat, also when the car is
still. On the other hand, the
airbags will not be fired if the car
is stationary and the key is not
turned. Missed operation in these
circumstances does not indicate
a fault.
The failure of the ¬
warning light is also indi-
cated by the flashing for
more than the normal 4 seconds
of the passenger’s front air bag
deactivated warning light
F. In
addition the air bag system will
deactivate automatically the pas-
senger’s air bags (front and side
where provided). In this event,
warning light
¬could not indi-
cate safety systems failures. Con-
tact Fiat Dealership immediately
to have the system checked.
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:49 Pagina 59

60GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Correct operation of
the front airbags and the
pretensioners is guaran-
teed as long as the car is not
overloaded.
The airbag does not re-
place seat belts but
rather increases their ef-
fectiveness. Furthermore, the
front airbag is not fired in the
event of low speed front colli-
sions, side collisions, rear-end
shunts and roll-overs. In these
cases, the passengers are only
protected by the seat belts which
for this reason must be fastened
at all times. EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD (European On Board Di-
agnosis) system continuously monitors
the car emission system components.
Furthermore, the system warns the
driver of deterioration concerning the
emission system components by
means of the Uwarning light on the
instrument panelThe 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.
Furthermore, the system is equipped
with a connector for interfacing with
specific tools used to read the error
codes stored in the control unit mem-
ory along with a set of diagnostic and
engine specific parameters. This check can also be performed by
traffic controller agents.
Contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship as soon as possible if
the Uwarning light ei-
ther does not come on when the
key is turned to MAR or comes
on, with fixed or flashing light,
when travelling.
IMPORTANTAfter eliminating
the problem, your Fiat Dealership
will run a bench test to fully check the
system. In some cases, a long road
test may be required.
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:49 Pagina 60

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

70DRIVING YOUR CAR
STARTING
THE ENGINE1)Ensure that the handbrake is up.
2)Put the gear lever into neutral.
3)Press the clutch pedal fully down,
without pressing the accelerator.
4) Turn the ignition key to AVV and
let it go the moment the engine starts.
If warning lights ¢stay on when the
key is turned to MARturn the key to
STOPand then back to MAR. If the
light does not go off, try with the
other keys.If you are still unable to start the en-
gine, perform the emergency start-up
procedure (see
IN AN EMERGENCY) and
call your Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANTDo not leave the ig-
nition key at MARwhen the engine is
off.
HOW TO WARM UP
THE ENGINE AFTER IT
HAS JUST STARTED
– Begin to move forward slowly let-
ting the engine turn at medium revs.
Do not accelerate abruptly.
– Do not push the engine to its limit
for the first few kilometres.
D D
R R
I I
V V
I I
N N
G G
Y Y
O O
U U
R R
C C
A A
R R
It is dangerous to let the
engine run in a garage or
other closed area. The
engine consumes oxygen and
gives off carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other poisonous
fumes.
Do not touch the high
voltage cables (spark plug
leads) when the engine is
running.
IMPORTANT Do not press down
the accelerator before starting the en-
gine.
070-082 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:50 Pagina 70

71DRIVING YOUR CAR
EMERGENCY START-UP
If the Fiat CODE system fails to
recognise that code transmitted by
the ignition key (instrument panel
warning light ¢on) the emergency
start-up can be performed by using
the CODE card code.
See the
IN AN EMERGENCY. A quick burst on the ac-
celerator before turning
off the engine serves ab-
solutely no practical purpose and
wastes fuel.
IMPORTANTAfter a taxing drive
it is better to allow the engine to
“catch its breath” before turning it off,
by letting it idle to allow the temper-
ature in the engine compartment to
fall.
PARKING
Switch off the engine, pull up the
handbrake and put the car in 1st gear
if the car is pointing uphill, reverse if
downhill.
If the car is parked on a steep gradi-
ent it is a good idea to use a stone or
wedge to block the wheels.
Do not leave the ignition key at
MARbecause it drains the battery.
Always remove the key when you
leave the car. Bump starting by push-
ing, towing or rolling
downhill must be avoided
at all costs. This way of starting
could cause a rush of fuel into the
catalytic exhaust pipe and dam-
age it beyond repair.
Remember that as long
as the engine is not run-
ning, the power brakes
and power steering do not work.
You therefore have to use con-
siderably more effort on both the
brake pedal and the steering
wheel. SWITCHING OFF
THE ENGINE
Turn the key to STOPwhile the
engine is idling.
Never leave unsuper-
vised children in the car.
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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