95
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
The performance of the sys-
tem, in terms of active safe-
ty should not induce the driver to take
pointless and unnecessary risks. The
style of driving must in any case al-
ways be adapted to the conditions of
the road surface, visibility an traffic.
Road safety is always the driver’s re-
sponsibility.
WARNING
For correct operation of the ASR system,
the tyres must absolutely be of the same
brand and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of malfunctioning, the ASR
system is automatically disconnected and
the warning light
áwill come with fixed
light on the instrument panel together
with the message on the multifunction dis-
play, where provided, (see section “Warn-
ing lights and messages”). In this case con-
tact Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuous diagnosis of
the components of the car correlated with
emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
warning light
Uon the instrument pan-
el (together with relevant message on the
multifunction display, where provided)
(see section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”), when these conditions are no
longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
❒to keep the system efficiency under con-
trol;
❒warn when a fault causes emissions lev-
els to increase;
❒warn of the need to replace deteriorat-
ed components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropriate
tools, which makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a series of specific parameters
for engine operation and diagnosis. This
check can also be carried out by the traf-
fic police.IMPORTANT After eliminating the incon-
venience, to check the system completely,
Fiat Dealerships are obliged to run a bench
test and, if necessary, road tests which may
also call for a long journey.
If turning the ignition key to
MAR, the warning light
Udoes not turn on or if, while
travelling it turns on glowing
steadily or flashing (together with the
message on the multifunction display,
where provided), contact Fiat Dealer-
ship as soon as possible. Warning light
Uoperation can be checked by means
of special equipment by traffic agents.
Always comply with the traffic regula-
tions in force in the country where you
are travelling.
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:41 Pagina 95
97
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure is indicated by instrument pan-
el warning light
gcoming on together
with the message on the multifunction dis-
play (where provided) (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 In some circumstances, fac-
tors independent from the electric pow-
er steering could cause the illumination of
the warning light
gon the instrument
panel.
We suggest to stop immediately the car,
turn off the engine for about 20 seconds
and then re-start the car. If the warning
light
gstays on together with the mes-
sage on the multifunction display (where
provided), 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 electric power steering sys-
tem will return to normal operation the
next time the car is used.
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
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 97
102
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
GENERAL WARNINGS
❒ When parking, take the utmost care to
obstacles that may be set above or un-
der the sensors.
❒Objects set close to the car, under cer-
tain circumstances are not detected and
could therefore cause damages to the
car or be damaged.
❒Indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposited
on the sensors or by ultrasound systems
(e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes or pneu-
matic hammers) set nearby the car.
For proper operation, the
parking sensors shall always
be clean from mud, dirt, snow
or ice. When cleaning the sen-
sors, take the utmost care to prevent
their damaging; do not use therefore
dry or rough clothes. Sensors shall be
washed with clean water and car de-
tergent, if required.
Parking manoeuvres howev-
er are always under the dri-
ver’s responsibility that shall always
check the absence of people (spe-
cially children) or animals in the ma-
noeuvre space. This system is just a
help for the driver but she/he shall
never reduce attention during dan-
gerous manoeuvres even if performed
at low speed.
WARNINGOPERATION WITH
TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is deactivated
automatically when the trailer electric ca-
ble plug is fitted into the car tow hook
socket.
Sensors are reactivated when removing
the trailer cable plug.
In washing stations, clean sensors quickly
keeping the vapour jet/high pressure
washing nozzles at 10 cm at least from the
sensors.
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 102
107
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FUEL FILLER CAP fig. 117
To carry out fuelling, open lid Aand un-
screw cap B; the cap is fitted with an an-
tiloss device Cwhich fastens it to the lid
so it cannot be mislaid.
On certain versions cap B is provided with
a key-lock, to open it, open lid A, then
turn the ignition key counter-clockwise
and slacken the cap.
The sealing of the tank may cause light
pressurising in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the cap, is absolutely
normal.
When refuelling, position the cap on the
device inside the lid as shown in fig. 117.
PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
The devices for curtailing petrol engine
emissions are the following:
❒ three-way catalytic converter;
❒Lambda sensor;
❒fuel evaporation system.
In addition, do not let the engine run, even
for a test, with one or more spark plugs
disconnected.
The devices for curtailing diesel fuel en-
gine emissions are the following:
❒oxidising catalytic converter;
❒ exhaust gas recirculation system
(E.G.R.);
❒diesel particulate filter (DPF) (where
provided).
fig. 117F0M0138m
Do not put naked flames or
lighted cigarettes near the
fuel filler hole as there is a danger of
fire. Do not bend too close to the hole
either so as not to breathe in harmful
vapours.
WARNING
Refuelling
To guarantee full tank filling, carry out two
refuelling operations after the first click of
the fuel delivery gun. Avoid further top-
ping up operations that could cause dam-
ages to the fuel system.
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 107
HOW TO KEEP THE SEAT
BELTS ALWAYS IN EFFICIENT
CONDITIONS
Observe the following:
❒always use the belt with the tap taut and
never twisted; make sure that it is free
to run without impediments;
❒after a serious accident, replace the belt
being worn at that time, even if it does
not appear damaged. Always replace
the seat belts if pretensioners have
been activated;
❒to clean the belts, wash by hand with
neutral soap, rinse and leave to dry in
the shade. Never use strong deter-
gents, bleach or dyes or other chemi-
cal substance that might weaken the fi-
bres;
❒prevent the reels from getting wet:
their correct operation is only guaran-
teed if water does not get inside;
❒replace the seat belt when showing sig-
nificant wear or cut signs.For optimal protection in the event of a
crash, all passengers must be seated and
wearing adequate restraint systems.
This is even more important for children.
This prescription is compulsory in all EC
countries according to EC Directive
2003/20/EC.
Compared with adults, their head is pro-
portionally larger and heavier than the rest
of the body, while the muscles and bone
structure are not completely developed.
Therefore, correct restraint systems are
necessary, other than adult seat belts. The
results of research on the best child re-
straint systems are contained in the Euro-
pean Standard EEC-R44. This Standard en-
forces the use of restraint systems classi-
fied in five groups:Group 0 - 0-10 kg in weight
Group 0+ - 0-13 kg in weight
Group 1 9-18 kg in weight
Group 2 15-25 kg in weight
Group 3 22-36 kg in weight
As it may be noted, the groups overlap
partly and in fact, in commerce it is pos-
sible to find devices that cover more than
one weight group.
All restraint devices must bear the certi-
fication data, together with the control
brand, on a solidly fixed label which must
absolutely never be removed.
115
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
109-126 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 115
116
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
With passenger’s air bag ac-
tive, never place child’s seats
with the cradle facing backwards since
the air bag activation could cause to
the child serious injuries, even mortal,
regardless of the seriousness of the
crash that triggered it. You are advised
to carry children always with proper
restraint systems on the rear seats, as
this is the most protected position in
the case of a crash.
WARNING
SERIOUS DANGER Should
it be absolutely necessary to
carry a baby on the front
passenger seat with a child's
seat with the cradle facing
backwards, deactivate the
passenger's front and side bags (for
chest and pelvis protection, where
provided) using the set up menu and
then check warning light Fon the
cluster to make sure that deactivation
has actually took place. The front
passenger's seat shall be adjusted in
the most backward position to pre-
vent any contact between child's seat
and dashboard.
WARNINGOver 1.50 m in height, from the point of
view of restraint systems, children are
considered as adults and wear the seat
belts normally.
Lineaccessori Fiat offers seats for each
weight group, which are the recommend-
ed choice, as they have been designed and
experimented specifically for Fiat cars.
109-126 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 116
123
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
DRIVER’S KNEES AIR BAG
(where provided) fig. 16
Knees air bag consists of an instant-inflat-
ing cushion housed into a special com-
partment provided for the purpose under
the steering wheel at driver’s knees lev-
el, designed to give further protection in
the event of frontal crash.MANUAL DEACTIVATION OF
PASSENGER’S FRONT AIR BAG
AND SIDE BAG (where provided)
Should it be absolutely necessary to car-
ry a child on the front seat, the passenger’s
front air bag and the Side Bag (where pro-
vided) can be deactivated.
The instrument panel warning light
Fwill
stay on glowing steadily until reactivating
the passenger’s front air bag and the Side
Bag (where provided).
SERIOUS DANGER: With
passenger’s air bag active
(ON), never place child’s
seats with the cradle facing
backwards since the air bag
activation could cause to
the child serious 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 ad-
justed in the most backward position
to prevent any contact between
child’s seat and dashboard. Even if
not compulsory by law, you are rec-
ommended to reactivate the air bag
immediately as soon as child trans-
port is no longer necessary.
WARNING
fig. 16F0M0054m
To deactivate the passen-
ger’s front air bag and the
Side Bag (where provided), refer to
paragraphs “Digital display” and
“Multifunction display” in section
“Dashboard and controls”.
WARNING
109-126 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 123
128
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ENGINE
STARTING
The car is fitted with an electronic engine
lock device: if the engine fails to start, see
the paragraph “The Fiat CODE system” in
section “Dashboard and controls”.
The engine may be noisier than usual dur-
ing the first seconds of operation, espe-
cially after it has not been used for a while.
This characteristic feature does not com-
promise functionality or reliability of the
hydraulic tappets: the timing system de-
vised to limit servicing.
We recommend that during
the initial period you do not
drive to full car performance
(e.g.: excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp brak-
ing, etc.).
When the engine is switched
off never leave the key into
the ignition switch to prevent
pointless current absorption
from draining the battery.
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely dan-
gerous. The engine consumes oxygen
and produces carbon monoxide
which is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
WARNING
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
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒ press the clutch pedal down to the
floor without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVVand let
it go the moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
127-138 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 128