119
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
Below is a summary of the rules of
safety to be followed for carrying
children:
1) The recommended position for in-
stalling child’s seat is on the rear seat, as
it is the most protected in the case of a
crash.
2) If the passenger’s air bag is deactivat-
ed always check the amber warning light
on the cluster to make sure that it has ac-
tually been deactivated.
3) Attain to the instructions for fastening
the specific child restraint system which
you are using. These instructions must be
provided by the manufacturer. Keep the
child restraint system installation instruc-
tions with the car documents and this
Handbook. Never use a child restraint sys-
tem without installation instructions.4) Always check the seat belt is well fas-
tened by pulling the webbing.
5) Only one child is to be strapped to
each retaining system.
6) Always check the seat belts do not fit
around the child’s throat.
7) While travelling, do not let the child
sit incorrectly or release the belts.
8) Passengers should never carry children
on their laps. No-one, however strong
they are, can hold a child in the event of
a crash.
9) In case of an accident, replace the
child’s seat with a new one.
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 seri-
ousness of the crash that triggered it.
You are advised to carry children al-
ways with proper restraint systems on
the rear seats, as this is the most pro-
tected position in the case of a crash.
WARNING
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120
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
PRESETTING FOR
MOUNTING THE
“UNIVERSAL ISOFIX”
CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
This car is preset for mounting the Uni-
versal Isofix child restraint system, a new
European standardised system for carry-
ing children safely.
Fig. 11shows an example of child's re-
straint system.
The Universal Isofix child’s seat covers
weight group: 1.
Due to its different anchoring system, the
Universal Isofix child's seat shall be an-
chored to the proper lower metal rings
A-fig. 12, set between rear seat back and
cushion. The upper belt (provided with
the child's seat) shall be then secured to
ring B-fig. 13set at the back of seat back
rest at child's seat level.
It is possible to mount at the same time
both the traditional restraint system and
the “Universal Isofix” one.
Remember that in case of “Universal
Isofix” child's seat, you can only use all
those seats approved with the marking
ECE R44/03 “Universal Isofix”.
fig. 12F0M0050m
fig. 11F0M0253mfig. 13F0M0051m
Mount the child restraint
system only with the car sta-
tionary. The Isofix child restraint sys-
tem is properly anchored to the
mounting brackets when clicks are
heard. In any case, keep to the in-
stallation instructions that must be
provided by the child restraint system
Manufacturer.
WARNING"Universal Isofix" “Duo Plus” child's seat
is available at Lineaccessori Fiat.
For any further installation/use detail, re-
fer to the “Instructions Manual” that must
be provided by the child restraint system
Manufacturer.
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121
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
FRONT AIR BAGS
The car is fitted with front air bags for the
driver, for the passenger and with driver’s
knees air bag (where provided).
The front driver / passenger air bags and
the driver’s knees air bag (where provid-
ed) have been designed to protect the oc-
cupants in the event of head-on crashes of
medium-high severity, by placing the cush-
ion between the occupant and the steer-
ing wheel or dashboard.
Front air bags are designed to protect
car’s occupants in front crashes and there-
fore non-activation in other types of col-
lisions (side collisions, rear shunts, roll-
overs, etc.) is not a system malfunction.
In case of 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 struc-
ture that could cause injuries. Immediate-
ly after, the cushion deflates.
The front driver / passenger air bags and
the driver’s knees air bag (where provid-
ed) are not a replacement of but comple-
mentary to the use of belts, which should
always be worn, as specified by law in Eu-
rope and most non European countries. Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing forwards
Facing forwards
Facing forwards
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IUF
IUF
IUFE
E
D
C
D
C
B
B1
A
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON
ISOFIX UNIVERSAL CHILD’S SEAT USE
The table below, according to ECE 16 European Directive, shows the different instal-
lation possibilities of Isofix restraint systems on seats fitted with Isofix Universal fas-
teners.
Range of weight Child’s seat IsofixIsofix position
direction size group side rear
Group 0 - 0 to 10 kg
Group 0+ - 0 to 13 kg
Group I - 9 to 18 kg
IUF: suitable for Isofix child restraint systems to be set facing forwards, universal
class (fitted with third upper fastener), approved for the weight group.
IL: suitable for Isofix Type child restraint systems, specific and approved for this type
of car. The child's seat can be installed by moving forward the front seat.
109-126 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:42 Pagina 121
SIDE AIR BAGS
The car is fitted with front side bags for
driver and passenger (where provided) for
protecting the chest and window bags
(where provided) for protecting front and
rear passengers’ head.
Side bags (where provided) protect car
occupants from side crashes of medium-
high severity, by placing the cushion be-
tween the occupant and the internal parts
of the side structure of the car.
Non-activation of side bags in other types
of collisions (front collisions, rear shunts,
roll-overs, etc...) is not a system malfunc-
tion.
In case of side crash, an electronic control
unit, when required triggers the inflation
of the cushion. The cushion immediately
inflates, placing itself as a protection, be-
tween the occupant’s body and the struc-
ture that could cause injuries. Immediate-
ly after, the cushion deflates.
Side bags (where provided) are not a re-
placement of but complementary to the
belts, which you are recommended to al-
ways wear, as specified by law in Europe
and most non-European countries.FRONT SIDE BAGS - CHEST
AND PELVIS ZONE
PROTECTION fig. 17
(where provided)
Front side bags are housed in the seat back
rests, they consist of an instant inflation
cushion designed to increase protection
of the occupants’ chest and pelvis zone in
the event of a side crash of medium-high
severity.SIDE WINDOW BAGS - HEAD
PROTECTION fig. 18
(where provided)
They consist of two “curtain” cushions,
one on the right and the other on the left
side of the car, located behind the side
coverings of the roof and covered by
proper finishing.
Window bags have been designed for pro-
tecting the head of front and rear occu-
pants in the event of side crash, thanks to
the wide cushion inflation surface.
IMPORTANT In the event of side crash,
you can obtain the best protection by the
system keeping a correct position on the
seat, allowing thus a correct window bag
unfolding.
124
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
fig. 17F0M0140mfig. 18F0M0141m
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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
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof as soon as they are no longer
used. These accessories lower air pene-
tration and adversely affect consumption
levels. When needing to carry particular-
ly voluminous objects, preferably use a
trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside
the car permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at
a standstill or at idle or high speed: under
these conditions the engine warms up
much more slowly, increasing electrical
consumption and emissions. It is therefore
advisable to move off immediately, slow-
ly, avoiding high speeds. This way the en-
gine will warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine.
This and also double declutching is ab-
solutely pointless on modern cars and al-
so increase consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear. Using a low
gear to obtain brilliant performance in-
creases consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
car down and lower the amount of toxic
emissions released into the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4 weeks:
if the pressure is too low, consumption
levels increase as resistance to rolling is
higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts do
not allow the engine to reach optimum op-
erating temperature. This results in a sig-
nificant increase in consumption levels
(from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emission of harmful substances.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied to
situations with heavy traffic, for example
in queues with frequent use of the lower
gears or in cities with many traffic lights.
Also winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces adversely affect consump-
tion.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings)
the engine should be switched off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. Installa-
tion should be carried out by specialised
personnel who release a special document
for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-
view mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the brak-
ing spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual car loading capacity. To make
sure the maximum towable weight is not
exceeded (given in the log book) account
should be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and personal be-
longings. Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
with speed. Avoid superfluous braking and
accelerating, which cost in terms of both
fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Assembly diagram fig. 3
The tow hook structure must be fastened
in the points shown by the symbol
Øus-
ing a total of 6 M10 screws.
The internal counterplates are to be at
least 6 mm thick.
The hook should be fastened to the body
avoiding any type of drilling and trimming
of the rear bumpers that remains visible
when the hook is removed.
IMPORTANT It is compulsory to fasten a
label (plainly visible) of suitable size and
material with the following wording:
MAX LOAD ON BALL 60 kg
After fitting, screw holes
shall be sealed to prevent ex-
haust gas inlet.
WARNING
fig. 3F0M0143m
Existing
hole
Existing
screw
Existing
screw
Existing
holeExisting
hole
Existing hole
Standard tow ball
Full load
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