41GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
HORN
Press one of the two area on the
steering wheel shown in fig. 48.FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH
This is a safety cut-off switch which
comes into operation in the case of an
accident to block the supply of fuel
thereby stopping the engine.
If, after a crash, you can
smell fuel or see leaks
from the fuel system , no
not reset the switch to avoid fire
risk.
fig. 48
P4Q01057
If you cannot see any fuel leaks and
the car is in a fit state to continue its
journey, press button A-fig. 49lo-
cated in the engine compartment on
the dashboard bulkhead to reactivate
the fuel supply system, as illustrated.
Remember to turn the key to
STOPto avoid deploying the battery.
fig. 49
P4Q00176
48GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
EXTENSION
How to extend the boot:
1)Remove the rear window shelf by
releasing the two tie rod tips A-
fig. 67 from their housings B. Pull the shelf outwards to release the
pins A-fig. 68.
The rear window shelf can be posi-
tioned behind the rear seat backs
while not in use.
2)Grip the back of the cushion and
tilt it forward against the seat backs of
the front seats fig. 69.
3)Raise the levers A-fig. 70(two,
on the outer side of the seat back)
and tilt the seat back forward moving
aside the side seat belt devices.
fig. 68
P4Q00068
fig. 67
P4Q00067
fig. 69
P4Q01014
Adding things on the
rear window shelf or the
tailgate (speakers, spoiler,
etc.) can interfere with the cor-
rect operation of the tailgate side
gas-struts.
Follow the laws in force
if you are travelling in ar-
eas where refuelling is dif-
ficult and you want to carry a can
of petrol. Use a homologated can
only and secure it to the load an-
choring hooks. Even given these
precautions, the risk of fire in the
event of an accident is increased.
67GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
AT THE FILLING
STATION
The Fiat 600’s pollution control de-
vices make it essential to use unleaded
petrol only.
However, to avoid mistakes, the fuel
filler is too small for the leaded petrol
pump. Octane rating (R.O.N.) must
not be lower than 95.
fig. 89
P4Q01020
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 in-
stallation of transceivers provided that
installation is carried out at a special-
ized shop, workmanlike performed
and in compliance with manufacturer’s
specifications.
IMPORTANTInstallation of de-
vices resulting in modifications of car
characteristics may cause driving li-
cense seizing by traffic agents and al-
so the lapse of the warranty as con-
cerns defects due to the abovemen-
tioned modification or traceable back
to it directly or indirectly.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all respon-
sibility for damages caused by the in-
stallation 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
Mobile phones and other radio trans-
ceiver equipment (e.g.: HAM radio sys-
tems and the like) shall not be used in-
side the car unless a separate aerial is
mounted.
IMPORTANTThe use of mobile
phones, HAM radio systems or other
similar devices inside the passenger
compartment (without separate aeri-
al) may cause electronic systems
equipping the car to malfunction. This
could compromise safety in addition
to constituting a potential hazard for
the passengers.
In addition, transmission and recep-
tion 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.
68GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
IMPORTANTThe hermetic clo-
sure may cause a slight pressure in the
tank: a slight hissing when turning the
cap is quite normal.
To close:
1)the cap coupling is “bayonet”
type. Insert the cap (with the key) and
turn it clockwise until it clicks;
2)keeping the cap still, turn the key
clockwise and remove it; close the
flap.
fig. 92
P4Q01051
Never pour even the
tiniest amount of leaded
petrol in the tank, not
even in an emergency; this would
damage the catalytic exhaust be-
yond repair. FUEL TANK CAP
The fuel filler cap is fitted with a lock.
To open:
1)press on the point indicated and
open the flap fig. 90;
2) holding the cap still, turn the key
anticlockwise fig. 91;
3) turn the cap anticlockwise by
about one fourth of a turn and re-
move it.
The cap is provided with a strap A-
fig. 92fastening it to the flap so that
is cannot be lost.
fig. 90
P4Q00076
fig. 91
P4Q01050
An inefficient catalytic
exhaust causes harmful
emissions with conse-
quent environmental pollution.
REFUELLING
To guarantee full tank filling, carry
out two refuelling operations after the
first click of the fuel delivery gun.
Avoid further topping up operations
that could cause damages to the fuel
system.
69GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
IMPORTANTIf required, replace
the fuel cap with another genuine cap
to avoid affecting the efficiency of the
fuel vapour recovery system. PROTECTING
THE ENVIRONMENT
Protecting the environment has been
the guiding principle in the design of
the Fiat 600 right from the start. The
result is the use of materials and cre-
ation of devices that can reduce or
considerably curtail harmful influences
on the environment.
Keep naked flames or
lighted cigarettes away
from the fuel filler hole as
there is a danger of fire. Do not
bend too close to the hole either
so as not to breathe in harmful
vapours.
The devices for curtailing petrol en-
gine emissions are:
– a three-way catalytic converter;
– a lambda sensor;
– a fuel evaporation system.
Consequently, the Fiat 600 is ready
to travel well ahead of the most strin-
gent international pollution control
standards.
71DRIVING YOUR CAR
EMERGENCY START-UP
If the Fiat CODE system fails to
recognise that code transmitted by
the ignition key (instrument panel
warning light ¢on) the emergency
start-up can be performed by using
the CODE card code.
See the
INANEMERGENCY. A quick burst on the ac-
celerator before turning
off the engine serves ab-
solutely no practical purpose and
wastes fuel.
IMPORTANTAfter a taxing drive
it is better to allow the engine to
“catch its breath” before turning it off,
by letting it idle to allow the temper-
ature in the engine compartment to
fall.
PARKING
Switch off the engine, pull up the
handbrake and put the car in 1st gear
if the car is pointing uphill, reverse if
downhill.
If the car is parked on a steep gradi-
ent it is a good idea to use a stone or
wedge to block the wheels.
Do not leave the ignition key at
MARbecause it drains the battery.
Always remove the key when you
leave the car. Bump starting by push-
ing, towing or rolling
downhill must be avoided
at all costs. This way of starting
could cause a rush of fuel into the
catalytic exhaust pipe and dam-
age it beyond repair.
Remember that as long
as the engine is not run-
ning, the power brakes
and power steering do not work.
You therefore have to use con-
siderably more effort on both the
brake pedal and the steering
wheel. SWITCHING OFF
THE ENGINE
Turn the key to STOPwhile the
engine is idling.
Never leave unsuper-
vised children in the car.
77DRIVING YOUR CAR
– do not remain stationary in deep
snow with the engine running: the
snow could deviate the exhaust gas
into the passenger compartment.
DRIVING WITH ABS
ABS is a braking system that essen-
tially offers two advantages:
1)it prevents wheel lock-up and
consequent skidding in emergency
stops, particularly when the road does
not offer much grip;
2)it makes it possible to brake and
steer at the same time so you can
avoid unexpected obstacles and direct
the car where you want while braking.
The extent to which this can be done
will depend on the physical limits of
the tyre’s sideways grip.To get the most out of ABS:
– during emergency conditions or
when grip conditions are poor, you
will feel a slight pulsation on the brake
pedal. This is the sign that the ABS is
working. Do not release the brake
pedal but continue to press so as not
to interrupt the braking action;
– ABS prevents the wheels from
locking, but it does not increase actual
grip conditions between tyre and
road. Therefore, even if your car is fit-
ted with ABS, respect the safety dis-
tance from the car in front of you and
keep your speed down when driving
into bends;
– ABS serves to increase the con-
trollability of the car, not to enable
you to go faster.CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
AND POLLUTION
Some suggestions which may help
you to keep the running costs of the
vehicle down and lower the amount
of toxic emissions released into the
atmosphere are given below.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
The overall state of the car is an im-
portant factor which has a marked in-
fluence over fuel consumption and
driving comfort and on the life span of
your car. For this reason care should
be taken to maintain your car by car-
rying out the necessary checks and
regulations in accordance with the
specifications given in the
SERVICE
SCHEDULE
(see sections: SPARK PLUGS,
IDLING, AIR CLEANERS, TIMING).
78DRIVING YOUR CAR
Tyres
Tyre pressure should be checked at
least once every four weeks: if the
pressure is too low fuel consumption
increases as the resistance to the
rolling movement of the tyre is
greater. In this state, tyre wear is in-
creased and vehicle handling suffers
which will effect safety.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the
vehicle and its trim greatly effects con-
sumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove roof racks and ski racks
from the roof of the car as soon as
they are no longer needed. These ac-
cessories reduce the aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and will in-
crease consumption. When having to
transport particularly large loads it is
better to use a trailer.Electric devices
Use electric devices for the neces-
sary time only. The heated rear win-
dow, fog lights, windscreen wipers,
heating system blower require large
amounts of electricity, and as a con-
sequence, the fuel consumption in-
creases (up to +25% in town).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a fur-
ther drag on the engine causing higher
fuel consumption (on average, up to
20%). When outside temperatures
permit, use the vents.
Aerodynamic accessories
The use of aerodynamic accessories
not certified for that specific purpose
can diminish the car’s aerodynamic
penetration and increase consump-
tion.BEHIND THE WHEEL
Starting-up
Do not warm up the engine when
the car is stationary, neither by idling
nor revving up. If you do, the engine
will warm up much more slowly and
increase fuel consumption and emis-
sions. It is therefore better to start
slowly and to keep the engine speed
down.
Unnecessary manoeuvres
Do not give quick bursts on the ac-
celerator when waiting at the traffic
lights or before turning off the engine.
This type of action, like the “double
clutch” are absolutely useless on mod-
ern cars. They only increase fuel con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as traffic conditions allow,
shift up to a higher gear. Using a low
gear to have a sharp acceleration in-
creases the consumption. Likewise,
using a high gear when this is not
called for increases consumption,
emissions and wear on the engine.