25GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
PASSENGER SIDE
AIRBAG OFF
(amber)
The warning light will come on when
the passenger side airbag is switched
off.
The light will flash when the engine
is started: this signals the airbag is be-
ing activated and not a fault.
F
Warning light Findi-
cates also warning light
¬failure. This is indi-
cated by intermittent flashing,
over 4 seconds, of warning light
F. In this event, warning light
¬could be not up to indicate re-
straint system failures, if any.
Stop the car and contact Fiat
Dealership to have the system
checked.1. Fixed light- warning of a fuel
feed/ignition system failure which may
increase emissions in exhaust or cause
possible drops in performance, poor
handling and high consumption.
In such conditions, you can continue
driving but you should not tax the en-
gine and you should moderate the
speed. Prolonged use with the warn-
ing light on can cause damage. Con-
tact a Fiat Dealershipas soon as
possible.
The warning light will go out when
the failure disappears. In any case, the
system will store the error.
2. Flashing- warning that the catal-
yser can be damaged (see
EOBD SYSTEM
in this chapter).
If the warning light starts flashing, re-
lease the accelerator pedal and slow
the engine until the warning light stops
flashing. Continue driving at moderate
speed, preventing the warning light
from coming on again. Contact a Fiat
Dealershipas soon as possible. ENGINE CONTROL
SYSTEM FAILURE
(EOBD) (amber)
In normal conditions, the warning
light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to MARand should go
out as soon as the engine is started.
The initial lighting up shows that the
warning light is working properly.
If the warning light either stays on or
comes on while travelling:
U
001-069 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:49 Pagina 25
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
136TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CO2EMISSIONS
The fuel consumption values shown
in the table below were defined ac-
cording to the type-approval specifi-
cations in European Directives.
Consumption values are defined by
means of the following procedures:
– an urban cycle: consisting of a
cold start and a simulated drive in city
streets;
– an extra-urban cycle: consisting
in frequent accelerations, in all gears,
simulating normal conditions of use.
Speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h;
– average combined cyclecon-
sisting of 37% urban cycle and 63% ex-
tra-urban cycle.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
IMPORTANT Road and traffic
conditions, weather, general con-
ditions of the car, driving style,
fittings and accessories, use of
the climate control system, load,
roof racks and other situations
penalising aerodynamic penetra-
tion and effecting rolling resis-
tance will influence fuel con-
sumption rates which can be dif-
ferent from the values shown in
the table (see
CHEAP RUNNING
THAT RESPECTS THE ENVIRONMENT
in DRIVING YOUR CARchapter).
The maximum CO2emission values
shown in the following table refer to
the average combined cycle.
Consumption in accordance with Directive 1999/100/EC (litres x 100 km)
S - Active
Urban8.3
Extra-urban4.7
Combined6.0
CO2emission in
Versionsaccordance with
Directive 1999/100/EC
(g/km)
S - Active143
124-136 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:51 Pagina 136
138INDEX
– front bulb replacement ..... 93
– rear bulb replacement ....... 95
– side bulb replacement ....... 94
Display of fuel cut
off activated .............................. 22
Doors ........................................... 45
Driving style ................................ 74
Economical driving .................. 75
Electric power assisted
steering ...................................... 61
Electric windows ........................ 46
Electronic control units ............ 116
Engine
Engine compartment
(washing) ................................... 122
Engine coolant level ................. 111
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption ............ 111
Engine oil level ............................ 110
– consumption ......................... 111
– level check ............................. 110
– Technical specifications ...... 125
– cooling .................................... 111
– features .................................. 126
– fluid level check .................... 110
– identification code ............... 124
– on/power supply .................. 127
EOBD (System) ........................... 60
EOBD system ............................. 60
Fiat Code (The system) ......... 4
Fiat CODE system ..................... 4
Filling the tank ............................ 68
Fog lights
– control .................................... 40
– direction ................................. 54
Front air bags ............................ 56
– front air bags ......................... 56
– general information ............. 58
– passenger front air bag ....... 57
Front fog lights
– bulb replacement ................ 94
– on/off button ......................... 40
Fuel ................................................ 68
– consumption ......................... 136
– fuel cut off switch ............... 41
– gauge ....................................... 21
Fuel consumption ...................... 136
Fuel cut off switch .............. 22-41
Fuel gauge .................................... 21
Fuses ............................................. 100
Gearbox
– type ......................................... 127
– use of the gearbox ............... 72
Government homologation
(remote control) ............... 9-139
Handbrake ......................... 72-126
Hazard warning lights
– controls .................................. 40
Head restraints ........................... 30
Headlights
– angle compensation ............. 53
– light beam direction ............ 53
Heated rear window ................. 40
Heater controls .......................... 33
Heating ......................................... 33
Horn ............................................. 41
Identification data .................... 124
Ignition switch ............................ 18
In an emergency ......................... 83
Instrument panel ........................ 20
Jack
– usage ................................ 87-102
– warnings ................................. 86
Keys ........................................... 4
– duplication ............................. 7
Knowing your car ....................... 6
Lubricants (specifications) .... 136
Luggage compartment .............. 47
137-144 Seicento GB 28-11-2007 9:38 Pagina 138