TAILGATE CLOSING
First lower the tailgate using the appropriate handles, as shown in the
figure, and then push the tailgate until it clicks into place.
IMPORTANT If option “Independent boot” is on, before closing the boot
check whether you have with you the ignition key since the boot will be
locked automatically.
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F0H0105m
The addition of objects (speakers, spoilers, etc.) on the rear shelf or boot lid, except those
envisaged by the manufacturer, may prevent the gas filled struts at the sides of the boot from
working properly.
WARNING
WARNINGWhen using the boot, make sure the loads do not exceed the permitted weight (see
“Technical specifications” chapter). Also make sure the items in the boot are
arranged properly to prevent them being thrown forwards and injuring passengers
should you brake sharply.
Never travel with objects on the rear shelf to prevent them being thrown forwards
and injuring passengers in case of accident or sharp braking.
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ABS SYSTEM
If this is the first car with ABS you drive, get familiar
with it by some preliminary “driving tests” on poor
grip roadbeds, obviously under safety conditions and in
compliance with the traffic regulations of the Country
you are driving in. Read carefully the following
instructions.
The car is fitted with an ABS braking system, which
prevents the wheels from locking when braking, makes
the most of road grip and gives the best control when
emergency braking under difficult road conditions.
System is completed by EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), which distributes the braking action
between front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To have the maximum efficiency of the
braking system, it is necessary a setting period of
about 500 km: during this period it is better to avoid
sharp, repeated and prolonged brakes.ABS INTERVENTION
The driver can tell the ABS system has come into
action because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: it means that the car speed should
be altered to fit the type of road surface.
If the ABS system cuts in, it is a sign that the grip
between tyre and the road surface has reached the
limit: you must slow down to match the speed to the
road grip available.
FAILURE WARNINGS
ABS failure
If there is a fault, the instrument panel warning light
>
will come on together with the message (where
provided) on the reconfigurable multifunction display
(see the “Warning lights” chapter).
In this case the braking system is still efficient, though
without the aid of the ABS system. Drive carefully to
the closest Fiat Dealership to have the system
checked.
If the ABS system cuts in, it is a sign that the grip between tyre and the road
surface has reached the limit: you must slow down to match the speed to the road
grip available.WARNING
The ABS exploits the tyre-road grip at the best, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when driving on slippery surfaces without taking
unnecessary risks.WARNING
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EBD failure
It is signalled by lighting up of instrument panel
warning lights
>and xtogether with the message
(where provided) on the reconfigurable multifunction
display (see the “Warning lights” chapter).In this case with sharp braking the rear wheels might
lock too early, with the possibility of skidding. Drive
extremely carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to
have the system checked.
WARNINGIf brake fluid low warning light xlights up on the instrument panel (together, where
provided, with the message on the reconfigurable multifunction display), stop
immediately the car and contact the closest Fiat Dealership. Fluid leaks from the
hydraulic system, in fact, can compromise the braking system, both traditional
systems and systems with ABS.
When the ABS cuts in, and you feel the brake pedal pulsating, 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 conditions.WARNING
ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY
THE OWNER
If, after buying the car, you decide to install electrical
accessories that require a permanent electric supply
(alarm, satellite antitheft system, etc.) or accessories that
in any case burden the electric supply, contact Fiat
Dealership, whose qualified personnel, besides suggesting
the most suitable devices belonging to Lineaccessori Fiat,
will also evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle electric system is able to
withstand the load required, or whether it needs to be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC/
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed after buying the car
or in aftermarket shall bear the and marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installation of
transceivers provided that installation is carried out at
a specialized shop, workmanlike performed and in
compliance with manufacturer's specifications.
IMPORTANT Installation of devices resulting in
modifications of car characteristics may cause driving
license seizing by traffic agents and also the lapse of
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WARNINGBe careful when mounting additional spoilers, alloy rims and non original wheel
caps: they may reduce the brake ventilation and efficiency during sharp and
repeated braking or sloping downhill. Also make sure that nothing (over-carpeting,
etc.) interferes with the pedal stroke.
the warranty as concerns defects due to the
abovementioned modification or traceable back to it
directly or indirectly.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibility for damages
caused by the installation of non-genuine accessories
or not recommended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and installed
not in compliance with the specified requirements.
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 vehicle unless a separate aerial is
mounted on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of similar devices inside the
passenger compartment (without separated aerial)
produces radio-frequency electromagnetic fields
which, amplified by the resonance effects inside the
passenger compartment, may cause electrical systems
equipping the vehicle to malfunction. 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
vehicle body.
As concerns EC-approved mobile phones (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), strictly comply with the instructions for
use provided by the mobile phone’s manufacturer.
FAILURE WARNINGS
See the “Warning lights and messages” chapter.
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
The system is preset for deactivating automatically
when the trailer electric cable plug is fitted into the car
tow hook socket.
Sensors are reactivated when removing the trailer
cable plug.GENERAL WARNINGS
❒When parking, take the utmost care to obstacles
set above or under the sensors.
❒Objects set close to car rear part, under certain
circumstances are not detected and could
therefore cause damages to the car.
❒Indications sent by the sensor can be altered by
dirt, snow or ice deposited on the sensors or by
ultrasound systems (e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes or
pneumatic hammers) set nearby the car.
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For proper operation, the parking sensors set on the bumpers shall be clean from mud, dirt, snow or
ice. When cleaning the sensors, take the utmost care to prevent their damaging; do not use therefore
dry or rough clothes. Sensors shall be washed with clean water and car detergent, if required. In wash-
ing stations, clean sensors quickly keeping the vapour jet/high pressure washing nozzles at 10 cm at least from
the sensors.
WARNINGParking manoeuvres however are always under the driver’s responsibility that shall
always check the absence of people, animals or objects in the manoeuvre space.
This system is just a help for the driver but he shall never reduce important during
dangerous manoeuvres even if performed at low speed.
SEAT BELTS
USING THE FRONT AND
REAR SIDE SEAT BELTS
The belt should be worn keeping the chest straight and rested against the
seat back.
To fasten the belt, take hold the tongue (A) and insert it into the buckle
(B), until hearing the locking click.
At removal, if it jams, let it rewind for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
To unfasten the seat belts, press button (C). Guide the seat belt with
your hand while it is rewinding, to prevent it from twisting.
Through the reel, the belt automatically adapts to the body of the
passenger wearing it, allowing freedom of movement.
When the car is parked on a steep slope the reel mechanism may block;
this is normal. The reel mechanism prevents the webbing coming out
when it is jerked or if the car brakes sharply, in a collision or when
cornering at high speed.
The rear seat is fitted with inertial seat belts with three anchor points
and reel.
Rear seat belts shall be worn as shown in diagram (D) (5-seat versions)
or as shown in diagram (E) (4-seat versions).
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F0H0126m
WARNINGDo not press button (C) during travelling.
F0H0309m
F0H0348m
ENGINE STARTING
The car is fitted with an electronic engine lock device.
If the engine fails to start, see paragraph “Fiat CODE
system” in section “Dashboard and controls”.
The engine may be noisier than usual during the first
seconds of operation, especially after it has not been
used for a while. This characteristic feature of the
hydraulic tappet system does not compromise
functionality or reliability. The system devised for the
Fiat Idea was designed to limit maintenance
interventions.STARTING PROCEDURE FOR PETROL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒Put the gear lever into neutral;
❒Press the clutch pedal down to the floor without
touching the accelerator;
❒Turn the ignition key to AVV and let it go the
moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first attempt, return
the ignition key to STOP before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is on MAR, warning light
Y
remains lit together with warning light U, turn the
key to STOP and then back to MAR; if the warning
light remains on, try with the other keys provided with
the car.
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We recommend that during the initial period you do not drive to full vehicle performance (e.g.:
excessive acceleration, long journeys at top speed, sharp braking, etc.).
When the engine is switched off never leave the ignition key in the MAR position to prevent
pointless current absorption from draining the battery.
WARNINGRunning the engine in confined areas is extremely dangerous. The engine consumes
oxygen and produces carbon monoxide which is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
If you are still unable to start the engine, perform the
emergency start-up procedure (see “Emergency start-
up” in section “In an emergency”) and contact Fiat
Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key at MAR
when the engine is off.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR MULTIJET
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒Put the gear lever into neutral;
❒Turn the ignition key to MAR: the warning lights
m, Uand Ywill light up on the instrument
panel;
❒Wait for the warning lights
Yand m. The
hotter the engine is, the quicker this will happen;
❒Press the clutch pedal down to the floor without
touching the accelerator;❒Turn the ignition key to AVV as soon as warning
light
mgoes out. If you wait too long you will
lose the benefit of the work done by the glow
plugs. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
IMPORTANT With cold engine, the accelerator pedal
shall be completely released while turning the ignition
key to AVV.
If the engine does not start at the first attempt, return
the ignition key to STOP before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is on MAR, warning light Y
remains lit, turn the key to STOP and then back to
MAR; if the warning light remains on, try with the
other keys provided with the car.
If you still cannot start the engine, contact Fiat
Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key at MAR
when the engine is off.
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The warning light mwill flash for 60 seconds at start-up or during prolonged cranking to signal a
fault in the glow plug heating system. You can use the car as usual if the engine starts but you should
contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.