7
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
Special coloured labels have been attached
near or actually on some of the compo-
nents of your Fiat Punto. These labels bear
symbols that remind you of the precau-
tions to be taken as regards that particu-
lar component.
The plate summarising the symbols used
can be found under the bonnet fig. 2.
THE FIAT CODE SYSTEM
To further protect you car from theft, it
has been fitted with an engine immobilis-
ing system. This system is automatically ac-
tivated when the ignition key is removed.
An electronic device, in fact, is fitted in
each ignition key grip. The device trans-
mits a radio-frequency signal when the en-
gine is started through a special aerial built
into the ignition switch. The modulate sig-
nal, which changes each time the engine is
started, is the “password”, by means of
which the control unit recognises the key
and enables to start the engine.
OPERATION
Each time the car is started turning the ig-
nition key to MAR, the Fiat CODE sys-
tem control unit sends a recognition code
to the engine control unit to deactivate
the inhibitor.
The code is sent only if the Fiat CODE
system control unit has recognised the
code transmitted from the key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to
STOP, the Fiat CODE system deactivates
the functions of the engine electronic con-
trol unit.If the code has not been recognised cor-
rectly, the warning light
Yturns on (see
section “Warning lights and messages”).
In this case, the key should be moved to
the STOPposition and then back to
MAR; if the lock continues, possibly try
again with the other key provided with the
car. If it is still not possible to start the car,
contact Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Every key has its own code,
which must be memorised by the system
control unit. To memorise new keys, up
to a maximum of eight, apply to Fiat Deal-
ership.
Warning light
Ycoming on when driving
❒If the warning light Yturns on, this
means that the system is running a self-
test (for example for a voltage drop).
❒If the warning light Ystays on, con-
tact a Fiat Dealership.
fig. 2F0M0005m
The electronic components
inside the key may be dam-
aged if the key is submitted to
sharp knocks.
SYMBOLS
001-036 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:40 Pagina 7
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
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40
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
REARVIEW MIRRORS
DRIVING MIRROR fig. 34/a
The mirror is fitted with a safety device
that causes it to be released in the event
of a violent crash.
STEERING WHEEL
The driver can adjust the steering wheel
position both axially and in height.
Proceed as follows:
❒release the lever A-fig. 33pushing it
forwards (position 1);
❒ adjust the steering wheel as required;
❒lock the lever Apulling it towards the
steering wheel (position 2).fig. 33F0M0354m
Any adjustment of the steer-
ing wheel position must be
carried out only with the car station-
ary and the engine turned off.
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
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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
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105
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND
CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Radio transceiver equipment (e.g.: e-tacs
mobile phones, HAM radio systems and
the like) shall not be used inside the car
unless a separate aerial is mounted on the
roof.
IMPORTANT The use of similar devices
inside the passenger compartment (with-
out separated aerial) produces radio-fre-
quency electromagnetic fields which, am-
plified by the resonance effects inside the
passenger compartment, may cause elec-
trical systems equipping the car to mal-
function. This could compromise safety in
addition to constituting a potential hazard
for the passengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of
these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the car body.
As concerns EC-approved mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS), strictly comply with
the instructions for use provided by the
mobile phone’s manufacturer.ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to install
electrical accessories that require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, satellite an-
titheft system, etc.) or accessories that in
any case burden the electric supply, con-
tact Fiat Dealership, whose qualified per-
sonnel, besides suggesting the most suit-
able devices belonging to Lineaccessori Fi-
at, will also evaluate the overall electric ab-
sorption, checking whether the car’s elec-
tric system is able to withstand the load
required, or whether it needs to be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Take care when fitting addi-
tional spoilers, alloy rims and
non-standard wheel caps: they might
reduce ventilation of the brakes, thus
their efficiency, during abrupt and re-
peated braking, or long downhill
slopes. Make sure that nothing (mats,
etc.) gets in the way of the pedals
when they are pushed down.
WARNING
INSTALLATION OF
ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed after
buying the vehicle and in after-market shall
bear the following marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installation
of transceivers, provided that installation
is workmanlike performed in compliance
with Manufacturer’s specifications at a spe-
cialised service centre.
IMPORTANT The installation of devices
involving modifications of vehicle charac-
teristics may determine the withdrawal of
the driving licence by the appointed pub-
lic authorities and the forfeiture of the
warranty as concerns defects/failures due
to said modification or leading directly or
indirectly to it.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibility
due to damages connected with the in-
stallation of accessories/devices not sup-
plied by or recommended by Fiat Auto
S.p.A. and installed not in compliance with
the specified prescriptions.
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