59
START
This is the position for starting the engine
using the starter motor. The key should
be released from this position as soon as
the engine starts.
Ignition key reminder (if equipped)
A buzzer sounds intermittently to remind
you to remove the ignition key if it is in
the ignition switch when the driver’s door
is opened.
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 ve-
hicle, always remove the key
to prevent any occupants from acci-
dentally activating the controls. Re-
member to engage the handbrake
and if the vehicle is parked on uphill
slope to engage the first gear. If the
vehicle is facing downhill, engage the
reverse gear. Never leave unsuper-
vised children in the vehicle.
WARNING
Never remove the ignition
key while the vehicle is mov-
ing. The steering wheel would auto-
matically lock as soon as you try to
turn it. This also applies when the ve-
hicle 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 vehicle with ho-
mologation requirements.
WARNING
057-068 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:25 Pagina 59
72
The light should go out after starting the
engine and fully releasing the parking
brake, if the fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir is adequate.
The light also comes on together with the
ABS warning light when the rear brake
force control function (Proportioning
valve function) of the ABS system fails.
If the brake system warning light comes
on while you are driving the vehicle, it may
mean that there is something wrong with
the vehicle’s brake system. If this happens,
you should:
❒Pull off the road and stop carefully.
❒Test the brakes by carefully starting and
stopping at the side of the road.
– If you determine that it is safe, drive
carefully at low speed to the near-
est dealer for repairs, or
WARNING AND
INDICATOR LIGHTS
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING
LIGHT
65D477
For working check of this light, there are
following three different type operations
depending on the vehicle’s specification.
❒The light comes on briefly when the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “ON”
and/or “START” position.
❒The light comes on when the parking
brake is engaged with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position.
❒The light comes on when under either
or both of above two conditions.
The light also comes on when the fluid in
the brake fluid reservoir falls below the
specified level.
Remember that stopping dis-
tance may be longer, you
may have to push harder on the ped-
al, and the pedal may go down far-
ther than normal.
WARNING
If any of the following con-
ditions occur, you should im-
mediately ask your Fiat Dealership to
inspect the brake system.
If the brake system warning light does
not go out after the engine has been
started and the parking brake has
been fully released.
If the brake system warning light does
not come on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” or “START”
position.
If the brake system warning light
comes on at any time during vehicle
operation.
WARNING
– Have the vehicle towed to the nearest
dealer for repairs.
NOTE Because the disc brake system is
selfadjusting, the fluid level will drop as the
brake pads become worn. Replenishing
the brake fluid reservoir is considered
normal periodic maintenance.
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:26 Pagina 72
73
tion) and there may be something wrong
with both the rear brake force control
function and anti-lock function of the ABS
system.
If one of these happens, have the system
inspected by your Fiat Dealership.
If the ABS becomes inoperative, the brake
system will function as an ordinary brake
system that does not have this ABS sys-
tem. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) WARNING LIGHT
65D529
66J033
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the light comes on briefly
so you can check that the light is working.
If the light stays on, or comes on when dri-
ving, there may be something wrong with
the ABS.
If this happens:
❒Pull off the road and stop carefully.
❒Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
and then start the engine again.
If the warning light comes on briefly then
turns off, the system is normal. If the warn-
ing light still stays on, the system will be
something wrong.
If the light and the brake system warning
light stay on, or come on simultaneously
when driving, your ABS system is
equipped with the rear brake force con-
trol function (Proportioning valve func-SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT
(if equipped)
ESP
®is a registered trademark of Daim-
lerChrysler AG.
This light blinks 5 times per second when
one of the ESP
®systems other than ABS
is activated. If this light blinks, drive care-
fully.When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the light comes on briefly
so you can check that the light is working.
If the light stays on, or comes on when dri-
ving and remains on, there may be some-
thing wrong with the ESP
®systems (other
than ABS). You should have the system in-
spected by an authorized FIAT dealer.
NOTE When you disconnect and re- con-
nect the battery, ESP
®system functions
other than ABS will be deactivated and the
slip indicator light will blink 1 time per sec-
ond. For details on how to reactive the
ESP
®systems, refer to “SLIP Indicator
Light” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHI-
CLE” section.
For details of the ESP
®systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
The ESP®systems cannot
prevent accidents. Always
drive carefully.
WARNING
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:26 Pagina 73
129
O O
T T
H H
E E
R R
C C
O O
N N
T T
R R
O O
L L
S S
A A
N N
D D
E E
Q Q
U U
I I
P P
M M
E E E
N N
T T
60G407
PARKING BRAKE LEVER .................................................. 130
PEDAL .................................................................................... 131
GEARSHIFT LEVER .............................................................. 132
FUEL FILLER CAP ................................................................ 132
FOLDING REAR SEATS ..................................................... 134
SUN VISOR ........................................................................... 137
INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH ............................................. 138
SPOT LIGHT (if equipped) ................................................. 138
FRONT SEAT HEATER (if equipped) .............................. 139
ASSIST GRIPS (if equipped) ................................................ 140
ENGINE HOOD .................................................................. 140
CUP HOLDER AND STORAGE AREA
(if equipped) ........................................................................... 142
FRAME HOOKS ................................................................... 143
TIRE CHANGING TOOL ................................................. 144
FRONT SEAT BACK POCKET (if equipped) ................ 145
LUGGAGE RESTRAINT LOOPS (if equipped)................. 145
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER (if equipped).... 146
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT LIGHT ............................ 146
RADIO ANTENNA (if equipped) ..................................... 147
ROOF RAILS OR ROOF RACK ANCHORS
(if equipped)........................................................................... 147
4
129-148 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:27 Pagina 129
130
PARKING BRAKE
LEVER
1.To set
2.To release
3.To release
The parking brake lever is located be-
tween the seats. To set the parking brake,
hold the brake pedal down and pull the
parking brake lever all the way up. To re-
lease the parking brake, hold the brake
pedal down, pull up slightly on the parking
brake lever, push the button on the end
of the lever with your thumb, and lower
the lever to its original position.(2)
(3)(1)
54G039
Never drive your vehicle with
the parking brake on: rear
brake effectiveness can be reduced
from overheating, brake life may be
shortened, or permanent brake dam-
age may result.
If the parking brake does not hold
the vehicle securely or does not ful-
ly release, have your vehicle in-
spected immediately by an autho-
rized Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake
fully before leaving your ve-
hicle or it may move, causing injury
or damage. When parking, make sure
the gearshift lever for manual
transaxle vehicles is in 1st gear or “R”
(Reverse) and the gearshift lever for
automatic transaxle vehicles is in “P”
(Park). Remember, even though the
transaxle is in gear or in Park, you
must set the parking brake fully.
WARNING
129-148 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:27 Pagina 130
131
PEDAL
Clutch Pedal (1)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the en-
gine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages the
clutch.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with your
foot resting on the clutch pedal. It could
result in excessive clutch wear, clutch
damage, or unexpected loss of engine
braking.
Brake Pedal (2)
Your Fiat vehicle is equipped with either
front and rear disc brakes or front disc
brakes and rear drum brakes. Depress-
ing the brake pedal applies both sets of
brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.Accelerator Pedal (3)
This pedal controls the speed of the en-
gine. Depressing the accelerator pedal in-
creases power output and speed.
When parking the vehicle in
extremely cold weather, the
following procedure should be used:
1) Set the parking brake.
2) Shift the manual transaxle into re-
verse or first gear, or the automatic
transaxle into “P” (Park).
3) With the engine off, get out of the
vehicle and put chocks under the
wheels.
4) Release the parking brake.
When you return to your vehicle,
you must remember to first set the
parking brake, then remove the
wheel chocks.
WARNING
(1) (2) (3)
79J072
If brake squeal is excessive
and occurs each time the
brakes are applied, you should have
the brakes checked by your Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
Do not “ride” the brakes by
applying them continuously
or resting your foot on the pedal. This
will result in overheating of the brakes
which could cause unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or permanent brake damage.
WARNING
129-148 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:27 Pagina 131
150
DAILY INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
BEFORE DRIVING
❒Make sure that windows, mirrors,
lights, and reflectors are clean and un-
obstructed.
❒Visually check the tires for the fol-
lowing points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel bolts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
❒Look for fluid and oil leaks.
NOTE It is normal for water to drip from
the air conditioning system after use.
❒Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
❒Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper oper-
ation.
EXHAUST GAS
WARNING
52D147
Avoid breathing exhaust gas-
es. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal
gas that is colorless and odorless.
Since carbon monoxide is difficult to
detect by itself, be sure to take the
following precautions to help prevent
carbon monoxide from entering your
vehicle.
Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
Do not park with the engine running
for a long period of time, even in an
open area. If it is necessary to sit for
a short time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running, make sure the air
intake selector is set to “FRESH AIR”
and the fan is at high speed.
Avoid operating the vehicle with the
tail gate or trunk open. If it is neces-
sary to operate the vehicle with the
tail gate or trunk open, make sure the
sunroof (if equipped) and all windows
are closed, and the blower is at high
speed with the air intake selector set
to “FRESH AIR”.
WARNING
To allow proper operation
of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the air inlet grille in
front of the windshield clear of snow,
leaves, or other obstructions at all
times.
Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust gases
under the vehicle. This is particular-
ly important when parked in blizzard
conditions.
Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be re-
paired immediately.
WARNING
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:27 Pagina 150
151
Once a week, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, perform the following under-
hood checks:
❒Engine oil level
❒Coolant level
❒Brake fluid level
❒Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
❒Windshield washer fluid level
❒Battery solution level
❒Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without re-
leasing the secondary latch. Be sure to
close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See “All
latches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS
AND BODY” in the “Periodic Main-
tenance Schedule” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section
for lubrication schedule.Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.❒Adjust the seat and adjustable head re-
straint (if equipped).
❒Check the brake pedal and the park-
ing brake lever.
❒Adjust the mirrors.
❒Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
❒Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
❒Check all gauges.
❒Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
60A187S
Make sure the hood is fully
closed and latched before
driving. If it is not, it can fly up un-
expectedly during driving, obstructing
your view and resulting in an acci-
dent.
WARNING
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 27-11-2007 11:27 Pagina 151