Page 130 of 314

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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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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ROOF RACKS (where fitted)
IMPORTANT You are recommended to use the roof racks available
from Lineaccesori Fiat. Always attain to the installation instructions
provided with the kit and have the roof racks installed by skilled
personnel.
IMPORTANT Never exceed the max. permissible loads (see section
“Technical specifications”).
After few kilometers, check that fastening screws are firmly tightened.
HEADLIGHTS
ADJUSTING THE HEADLIGHT BEAM
Proper adjustment of the headlight beams is of vital importance for your
safety and comfort and also for the other road users. To ensure you and
other drivers have the best visibility conditions when travelling with the
headlights on, the headlights must be set properly. Contact Fiat
Dealership to have the headlights properly adjusted.
Headlight aiming device
The device can be operated with the ignition key at MAR and dipped
beam headlights on. When the car is loaded, it slopes backwards. This
means that the headlight beam rises. In this case, it is necessary to return
it to the correct position.
F0H0116m F0H0248m
Never activate the sunroof with roof racks mounted.
Page 141 of 314

EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis)
allows continuos diagnosis of the components of the
car correlated with emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the warning light
Uon the instrument panel (together, where
provided, with the message on the reconfigurable
multifunction display - see the “Warning lights”
chapter) when these components are no longer in
peak conditions.
The objective is:
❒to keep system efficiency under control;
❒to warn when a fault causes emission levels to
increase;
❒to warn of the need to replace deteriorated
components.The system also has a diagnostic connector that can be
interfaced with appropriate tools, which makes it
possible to read the error codes stored in the control
unit, together with a series of specific parameters for
engine operation and diagnosis. This check can also be
carried out by the traffic police.
IMPORTANT After eliminating the inconvenience, to
check the system completely, Fiat Dealerships are
obliged to run a bench test and, if necessary, road
tests which may also call for a long journey.
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If turning the ignition key to MAR, the warning light Udoes not turn on or if, while travelling, it turns
on glowing steadily or flashing, (on some versions together with the message on the reconfigurable
multifunction display), contact Fiat Dealership as soon as possible. The operation of warning light U
can be checked by the traffic police. Attain to the rules enforced in the country where the car is being used.
Page 145 of 314

“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an electrically controlled power steering called
“Dualdrive”. It only works when the ignition key is at MAR and the
engine is running and it can be customised by the driver according to the
driving conditions.
ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION (CITY function)
To turn this function on/off, press the CITY button located in the middle
of the instrument panel.
On some versions the activation of this function is signalled by the
lighting up of the CITY warning light on the instrument panel, on others
by the lighting up of CITY on the reconfigurable multifunction display.
With the CITY function, the steering wheel will be lighter and require
less effort for parking. This operating strategy is suitable for driving in
cities.
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WARNINGIt is absolutely forbidden to carry out whatever after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column modifications (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect performance and safety, cause the lapse of
warranty and result in car non-compliance with the regulations in force.
Page 154 of 314

S.B.R. system
The car is fitted with the S.B.R. system (Seat Belt
Reminder), consisting of a buzzer which, together with
the flashing of warning light
warns the driver to fasten the seat belts.
The buzzer can be deactivated (until the the next
engine stop) as follows:
❒fasten the driver’s seat belt.
❒turn the ignition key to MAR
❒wait for over 20 seconds and then release at least
one of the seat belts.
For permanent deactivation, contact Fiat Dealership.
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Remember that in the event of a violent collision, back seat passengers not
wearing seat belts also represent a serious danger for the front seat passengers.WARNING
On versions fitted with reconfigurable multifunction
display (Comfort) it is possible to reset the S.B.R.
system only through the set-up menu (see “Warning
lights and messages” section at paragraph “Unfastened
seat belts”).
For the other versions system can be reset only by
Fiat Dealership.
Page 173 of 314

MANUALLY DEACTIVATING PASSENGER’S
AIR BAG (Front and Side bag) (where required)
Should it be absolutely necessary to carry a child on the front seat, the
passenger’s air bag on the car can be deactivated.
Deactivation/activation takes place with ignition key at STOP and
operating it in the special key switch on the right-hand side of the
dashboard.
IMPORTANT Operate the switch only when the engine is not running
and the ignition key is removed.
The key-operated switch has two positions:
❒passenger’s air bag (Front and Side bag) activated (ON position P):
warning light Fon instrument cluster off; it is absolutely prohibited
to carry a child on the front seat.
❒passenger’s front air bag (Front and Side bag) deactivated (OFF
position F): warning light Fon instrument cluster on; it is
possible to carry a child protected by special restraint system on the
front seat.
The warning light Fon the cluster stays on permanently until the
passenger’s air bag is reactivated (Front and Side bag).
The key can be removed when in both positions.
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WARNING
WARNINGWhen the ignition key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light F(with
passenger’s front air bag deactivation (where required) switch in the ON position)
turns on and flashes for few seconds to remind that passenger’s air bag will be
deployed in a crash, after which it should go off.
Do not wash the seat back rest with pressurised water or steam (by hand or at
automatic seat washing stations).
Never travel with objects on your lap, in front of your chest or with a pipe, pencil,
etc. between your lips; injury may result in the event of the air bag being triggered.WARNING
The front air bag is triggered for shocks greater in magnitude than the
pretensioners. For impacts between these two thresholds, it is therefore normal
that only the pretensioners are triggered.WARNING
WARNINGThe air bag does not substitute the seat belts, but only increases their
effectiveness. Moreover, since the front air bags do not come into operation in
the event of front impact at low speed, side collisions, bumps from behind or
overturning, in these circumstances the occupants would only be protected by
the seat belts which must therefore always be fastened.
WARNINGDo not hook rigid objects to the coat hooks and to the support handles.
Page 179 of 314

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.