13
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
IGNITION DEVICE
The key can be turned to 3 different po-
sitions fig. 9:
❒STOP: engine off, key can be removed,
steering column locked. Certain elec-
trical devices (e.g.: sound system, pow-
er windows…) can work.
❒MAR: driving position. All electrical de-
vices are powered.
❒AVV: engine starting (unstable posi-
tion).
The ignition switch is fitted with an elec-
tronic safety system that, in the event the
engine is not started, turns back the igni-
tion key to STOPbefore repeating the
starting operation.STEERING COLUMN LOCK
Engaging
When the key is at STOP, remove the
key and turn the steering wheel until it
locks.
Disengaging
Rock the steering wheel slightly as you
turn the ignition key to MAR.
If the ignition device is tam-
pered with (e.g.: attempted
theft), have it checked over by a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
WARNING
When getting out of the car,
always remove the key to
prevent any occupants from acci-
dentally activating the controls. Re-
member to engage the handbrake
and if the car is parked on uphill slope
to engage the first gear. If the car is
facing downhill, engage the reverse
gear. Never leave unsupervised chil-
dren in the car.
WARNING
fig. 9F0M0015m
Never remove the ignition
key while the car is moving.
The steering wheel would automati-
cally lock as soon as you try to turn
it. This also applies when the car is
being towed.
WARNING
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
001-036 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:40 Pagina 13
17
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE fig. 15
This shows the amount of fuel left in the
fuel tank.
Etank empty.
Ffull tank.
The reserve warning light Aturns on to
indicate that approximately 7 litres of fu-
el are left in the tank.
Do not travel with the fuel tank almost
empty: the gaps in fuel delivery could dam-
age the catalyst.
See the indications given in paragraph
“At the filling station”.
IMPORTANT The needle sets to Ewith
warning light Aflashing to indicate that the
system is failing. In this event contact Fiat
Dealership to have the system checked.ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE fig. 16
This shows the temperature of the engine
coolant fluid and begins working when the
fluid temperature exceeds approx. 50°C.
Under normal conditions, the needle
should hover around the middle of the
scale according to the working conditions.
CLow engine coolant temperature.
HHigh engine coolant temperature.The turning on of the warning light B(on
certain versions with a message on the
multifunction display) indicates that the
coolant fluid temperature is too high; in
this case, stop the engine and contact a Fi-
at Dealership.
fig. 15F0M0023mfig. 16F0M0024mIf the needle reaches the red
area, stop the engine imme-
diately and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
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63
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
REAR WINDOW WASHER/WIPER
fig. 45
The device can only work when the igni-
tion key is at MAR.
Operation will stop when releasing the
stalk.
Turning the knurled ring from Oto
'will
operate the rear window wiper as follows:
❒intermittent operation if the wind-
screen wiper is off;
❒synchronised with the windscreen
wiper (but with half stroke frequency);
❒continuous operation with reverse en-
gaged and windscreen wiper on .HEADLIGHT WASHER
(where provided) fig. 46
Headlight washers are “retractable”, i.e.:
they are located inside the front bumpers
and they are activated when (with dipped
beams on) the windscreen washer is op-
erated.
IMPORTANT Check at regular intervals
correct operation and cleanness of noz-
zles.
fig. 46F0M0356m
Never use the rear window
wiper to remove ice or snow
from the rear window. In these
conditions, the wiper is sub-
mitted to excessive effort that results in
motor protection cutting in and wiper
operation inhibition for few seconds as
a consequence. If operation is not re-
stored contact Fiat Dealership.
With windscreen wiper on and reverse
gear engaged, rear window wiping will be
continuous.
Pushing the stalk towards the dashboard
(unstable position) will activate the rear
window washer.
Keeping the stalk pushed for over half a
second will activate also the rear window
wiper.
Releasing the stalk will activate the smart
washing function as described for the
windscreen wiper.
fig. 45F0M0218m
037-088 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:41 Pagina 63
88
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
For safety reasons the bon-
net must be closed properly
to avoid its opening while the car is
travelling. Therefore, always check it
is properly closed and the catch en-
gaged. Should you notice that the
catch is not perfectly engaged when
travelling, stop the car immediately
and close the bonnet.
WARNING
If the supporting rod is not
positioned correctly the bon-
net may fall violently.
WARNING
Carry out operations only
when the car is stationary.
WARNING
ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
3-door versions
Front couplings are set at points A-fig.
109.
Front couplings are set at points Bnear
the silk-screen printing (
O) on rear side
windows.
5-door versions
Front couplings are set at points A-fig.
109.
Rear couplings are set at points Band are
identified by a slot on the upper door
opening.IMPORTANT Strictly follow the installa-
tion instructions contained in the kit. In-
stallation hall be carried out by skilled per-
sonnel.
fig. 109F0M0102m
After travelling a few kilo-
metres, check that the cou-
pling fastening screws are tight.
WARNING
Strictly comply with current
law regulations concerning
max. overall dimensions.
Distribute the load evenly
and when driving, bear in
mind the increased sensitivity of the
car to side wind.
WARNING
Never exceed the permitted
weight (see section “Techni-
cal specifications”).
037-088 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:41 Pagina 88
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance
integral with ESP)
(where provided)
The system, which cannot be cut out, rec-
ognizes emergency braking (on the ground
of the brake pedal operation speed) and
considerably increases the pressure in the
brake circuit thus supporting the driver to
obtain prompt and effective braking.
Brake Assist is deactivated on the versions
equipped with ESP, in the event of ESP sys-
tem failure (indicated by warning light
áswitching on together with the message
on the multifunction display, where pro-
vided).
ESP SYSTEM
(Electronic Stability
Program)
(where provided)
The ESP system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event of
tyre grip loss.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when grip conditions of the road sur-
faces changes.
In addition to the ESP system, ASR system
and Hill Holder, (where provided) also the
MSR system (adjusting the engine braking
torque) and the HBA system (improving
the braking force during emergency brak-
ing) are provided.
ABS SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warn-
ing light
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep it pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of space
possible under the current road con-
ditions.
WARNING
92
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
EBD failure
EBD failure is indicated by the turning on
of warning lights
>and xon the in-
strument panel together with the dedi-
cated message on the multifunction dis-
play (where provided), (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
In this case with sharp braking the rear
wheels might lock too early, with the pos-
sibility of skidding. Drive extremely care-
fully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have
the system checked.
If warning light xalone
comes on (together with the
message on the multifunction display,
where provided), stop the car imme-
diately and contact the nearest Fiat
Dealership. Fluid leaks from the hy-
draulic system, in fact, can compro-
mise the braking system, both tradi-
tional systems and systems with ABS.
WARNING
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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
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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
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126
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
Always keep your hands on
the steering wheel rim when
driving, so that if the air bag is trig-
gered, it can inflate without meeting
any obstacles which could cause seri-
ous harm to you. Do not drive with
the body bent forwards, keep the seat
back rest in the erect position and
lean your back well against it.
WARNING
Remember that with the key
engaged and at MAR, even if
the engine is not running, the air bags
may be triggered on a stationary car
if it is bumped by another moving car.
Therefore, never seat children on the
front seat even when the car is sta-
tionary. On the other hand remember
that if the key is at STOP, no safety
system (air bags or pretensioners) is
triggered in the event of an impact; in
this case, failure to come into action
cannot be considered as a sign that
the system is not working properly.
WARNING
Do not wash the seat back
rest with pressurised water
or steam (by hand or at automatic
seat washing stations).
WARNING
The front air bag is triggered
for shocks greater in magni-
tude that the pretensioners. For im-
pacts between these two thresholds,
it is therefore normal that only the
pretensioners are triggered.
WARNING
Do not hook rigid objects to
the coat hooks and to the
support handles.
WARNING
The air bag does not substi-
tute the seat belts, but only
increases their effectiveness. More-
over, since the front air bags do not
come into operation in the event of
front impact at low speed, side colli-
sions, bumps from behind or over-
turning, in these circumstances the
occupants would only be protected
by the seat belts which must therefore
always be fastened.
WARNING
When the ignition key is
turned to MAR, the warning
light F(with passenger’s front air
bag active) turns on and flashes for
few seconds to remind that passen-
ger’s air bag will be deployed in a
crash, after which it should go off.
WARNING
If the car has been stolen or
an attempt to steal it has
been made, if it has been subjected to
vandals or floods, have the air bag
system checked by Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
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