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
62
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
RAIN SENSOR (where provided)
The rain sensor is located behind the dri-
ving mirror in contact with the windscreen
and has the purpose of automatically ad-
just, during the intermittent operation, the
frequency of the windscreen wiper
strokes as to the rain intensity.
IMPORTANT Keep clean the glass in the
sensor area.
Activation
Move the right-hand stalk knurled ring to
≤fig. 44.
The activation of the rain sensor is sig-
nalled by a control acquisition “stroke”.
Through the set up menu it is possible to
increase the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
The increase of the sensitivity of the rain
sensor is signalled by a control and acqui-
sition “stroke”.
Operating the windscreen washer with
the rain sensor activated the normal wash-
ing cycle is performed at the end of which
the rain sensor resumes its normal auto-
matic function.Deactivation
Change the stalk knurled ring position
from
≤fig. 44or turn the ignition key
to STOP.
At next engine starting (key at MAR), the
sensor will not be reactivated even if the
knurled ring is still at
≤fig. 44. To ac-
tivate the rain sensor you have to move
the knurled ring from
≤to another po-
sition and then again to
≤.
Rain sensor activation will be indicated by
at least one wiper “stroke” even if the
windscreen is dry.
The rain sensor is able to recognize and
automatically adjust itself in the presence
of the following particular conditions:
❒ impurities on the controlled surface
(salt, dirt, etc.);
❒difference between day and night.
IMPORTANT Streaks of water may cause
unrequired blade moving. “Smart washing” function
Pulling the stalk towards the steering wheel
(unstable position) operates the wind-
screen washer.
Keeping the stalk pulled for more than half
a second, with just one movement it is
possible to operate the washer jet and the
wiper at the same time.
The wiper stops working three strokes af-
ter releasing the stalk.
A further stroke after 6 seconds com-
pletes the wiping operation.
037-088 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:41 Pagina 62
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
089-108 Punto GDX GB 20-07-2007 9:41 Pagina 92
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
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