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
98
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
TYRE PRESSURE
MONITORING
SYSTEM - T.P.M.S.
(where provided)
The car can be equipped with the T.P.M.S.
(Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). This
system consists of a radio-frequency sen-
sor, installed on each wheel (on the rim
inside the tyre) that sends pressure infor-
mation to the control unit.IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT
THE T.P.M.S. SYSTEM
Failure indications will not be stored and
therefore will not be displayed when turn-
ing the engine off and on again. If failure
persists, the control unit will send warn-
ing indications to the instrument panel on-
ly after a few seconds when the car is
moving.
IMPORTANT Strong radio- frequency
noises could inhibit regular operation of
the T.P.M.S. system. This condition is in-
dicated by a dedicated message on the dis-
play that will disappear automatically as
soon as radio-frequency noises will stop
to disturb the system.
Pay the utmost attention
when checking or inflating
tyres. Excessive pressure impairs road
holding, increases suspension and
wheel stress and causes abnormal
tyre wear.
WARNING
Tyre pressure should be
checked with tyres rested
and cold. Should it become necessary
for whatever reason to check pressure
with hot tyres, do not reduce pressure
although it is higher than the pre-
scribed value but repeat the check
when tyres are cold.
WARNING
The T.P.M.S. system helps
the driver to monitor tyre
pressure since the driver is the always
responsible for proper inflation pres-
sure of tyres and spare wheel (see
paragraph “Wheels” in section “Car
Maintenance”).
WARNING
T.P.M.S. system cannot indi-
cate sudden tyre pressure
drops (e.g.: tyre burst). In this event,
brake the car cautiously and avoid
sudden steering.
WARNING
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 98
99
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
Replacing standard tyres
with winter tyres and vice
versa involves T.P.M.S. system set-up
that shall be performed at Fiat Deal-
erships only.
WARNING
The T.P.M.S. system requires
special equipment. Consult
Fiat Dealership to know what type of
accessories are compatible with the
system (wheels, wheel caps, etc.). Us-
ing other accessories could cause sys-
tem malfunctioning.
WARNING
Tyre pressure could change
according to outside tem-
perature. For this reason the T.P.M.S.
system could temporarily indicate low
tyre pressure. In this event check pres-
sure with cold tyres and restore prop-
er inflation values if required.
WARNING
If the car is fitted with
T.P.M.S. system, tyre and/or
rim removal and refitting operations
involve special precautions; to pre-
vent damages or wrong sensor refit-
ting, contact Fiat Dealership to have
tyre and/or rim changed.
WARNING
If the car is fitted with
T.P.M.S. system, when
changing a tyre, change also the rub-
ber seal of the valve. Contact a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
Strong radio-frequency nois-
es could inhibit the regular
operation of the T.P.M.S. system.
This condition will be indicated by a
message on the multfunction display
(where provided).
The warning message will go off au-
tomatically as soon as the radio-fre-
quency noise will stop to disturb the
system.
WARNING
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 99
101
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)
Parking sensors are located in the rear
bumper fig. 115and their function is to
inform the driver, through an intermittent
buzzer, about the presence of obstacles
behind the car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when the reverse gear is engaged.
As the distance from the obstacle behind
the car decreases, the acoustic alarm be-
comes more frequent. BUZZER WARNINGS
When the reverse gear is engaged an in-
termittent acoustic signal is automatically
activated.
The acoustic signal:
❒ becomes louder as the reduction of dis-
tance between the car and the obsta-
cle decreases;
❒ becomes continuous when the distance
between the car and the obstacle is less
that 30 cm and stops immediately if the
distance raises;
❒is constant if the distance is unvaried;
if this situation concerns the side sen-
sors, the buzzer will stop after about
3 seconds to avoid, for example, warn-
ing indications in the event of manoeu-
vres along walls.Detection distances
Central action radius 150 cm
Side action radius 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected, the con-
trol unit indicates the nearest one.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be in-
dicated when engaging reverse by the
turning on of the instrument panel warn-
ing light
ttogether with the message on
the multifunction display, where provided
(see section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”).
fig. 115F0M0359m
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 101
108
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER
(DPF) (where provided)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechan-
ical filter, integral with the exhaust system,
that physically traps particulates present
in the exhaust gases of Diesel engines.
The diesel particular filter has been adopt-
ed to eliminate almost totally particulates
in compliance with current / future law
regulations.
During normal use of the car, the engine
control unit records a set of data (e.g.:
travel time, type of route, temperatures,
etc.) and it will then calculate how much
particulates has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particulates,
it shall be cleaned (reclaimed) at regular
intervals by burning carbon particles.
Reclaiming procedure is controlled auto-
matically by the engine control unit ac-
cording to the filter conditions and the
conditions of use of the car.During reclaiming the following phenom-
ena could take place: idling slight increase,
fan activation, slight smoke increase, high
exhaust temperatures. These situations
shall not be considered as faults and they
do not affect car performance and envi-
ronment.
If the dedicated message is displayed, re-
fer to section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”.
During normal service the
diesel particulate filter (DPF)
reaches high temperatures. Do not
therefore park the car over inflam-
mable materials (grass, dry leaves, pine
needles, etc.): fire hazard.
WARNING
During normal service the
catalyst reaches high tem-
peratures. Do not therefore park the
car over inflammable materials (grass,
dry leaves, pine needles, etc.): fire
hazard.
WARNING
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 108
111
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
IMPORTANT Correct backrest fastening
is guaranteed when the “red band” on the
backrest folding levers is no longer visible.
The “red band” actually indicates that the
backrest is not properly secured. Make
sure the backrest is properly repositioned,
you should hear the locking click.
IMPORTANT After putting the seats back
to their travelling position, restore the
seat belt position to make them ready for
use.
S.B.R. SYSTEM
The car is fitted with the S.B.R. system
(Seat Belt Reminder), consisting of a
buzzer which, together with the turning
on of warning light
belt.
The buzzer can be deactivated (until the
next engine stop) as follows:
❒ fasten the driver’s and passenger’s seat
belt;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR;
❒wait for over 20 seconds and then re-
lease one of the seat belts.
For permanent deactivation, contact Fiat
Dealership.
With digital display, the S.B.R. system can
only be reset at Fiat Dealership.
With multifunction display, the S.B.R. sys-
tem can also be reset through the set-up
menu.
fig. 3F0M0042m
Remember that in the event
of a violent collision, back
seat passengers not wearing seat belts
also represent a serious danger for
the front seat passengers.
WARNING
Make sure the backrest is
properly secured at both
sides to prevent it moves forward in
the event of sharp braking causing in-
juries to passengers.
WARNING
109-126 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 111
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
125
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
IMPORTANT The front air bags and/or
side bags may be deployed if the car is sub-
ject to heavy knocks or accidents involv-
ing the underbody area, such as for ex-
ample violent shocks, against steps, kerbs
or low obstacles, falling of the car in big
holes or sags in the road.
IMPORTANT When the airbag inflates it
emits a small amount of dusts. These dusts
are harmless and is not the beginning of
a fire; then the unfold cushion surface and
the car interiors can be covered by a dusty
remains: this dust can irritate skin and
eyes. In case of contact, wash yourself us-
ing neutral soap and water.
Expiration dates of pyrotechnic charge and
coil contact are indicated on the label in-
side the glovebox. As these dates ap-
proach, contact Fiat Dealership to have
them replaced.
IMPORTANT Should an accident occur in
which any of the safety devices is activat-
ed, take the car to a Fiat Dealership to
have the devices activated replaced and to
have the system checked.
Every control, repair and replacement op-
erations concerning the air bags must on-
ly be carried out c/o Fiat Dealership.If you are having the car scrapped, have
the air bag system deactivated at a Fiat
Dealership first. If the car changes own-
ership, the new owner must be informed
of the method of use of air bags and the
above warnings and also be given this
“Owner Handbook”.
IMPORTANT The triggering of preten-
sioners, front air bags and side bags is de-
cided in a differentiated manner by the
electronic control unit, depending on the
type of crash. The failure to deploy one or
more of them does not mean that the sys-
tem is not working properly.
Never rest head, arms and
elbows on the door, on the
windows and in the window bag area
to prevent possible injuries during in-
flation phase.
WARNING
Never lean head, arms and
elbows out of window.
WARNING
GENERAL WARNINGS
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or if it stays on when
travelling (together with the message
on the multifunction display, where
provided) there could be a failure in
safety systems; in this event air bags
or pretensioners could not trigger in
case of impact or, in a minor num-
ber of cases, they could trigger acci-
dentally. Contact Fiat Dealership im-
mediately to have the system
checked.
WARNING
Do not cover the backrest of
front and rear seats with
trims or covers that are not suitable
to be used with side bags.
WARNING
Never travel with objects on
your lap, in front of your
chest or with a pipe, pencil, etc. be-
tween your lips; injury may result in
the event of the air bag being trig-
gered.
WARNING
109-126 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 125