2007 FIAT ULYSSE light

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
Protecting the environment has been
a constant guiding factor of the
Ulysse’s design and manufacture at
every stage. The result of this atten-
tion is to be seen in the choice of ma-
terials and installation of devices able
to drastically limit or reduce harmful
influences on the environment.
Devices for reducing emissions from
JTD engines are:
– oxidising catalytic converter;
– exhaust gas recirculation system
(E.G.R.);
– particulate filter (where fitted): its
purpose is to trap and burn particulate
(unburnt particles) to reduce harmful
exhaust emissions.
The vehicle, therefore, has great ad-
vantages with respect to the strictest
international anti-pollution directives. Do not put open flames
or lighted cigarettes near
the fuel filler hole as there
is a danger of fire. Do not lean out
too close to the hole either so as
not to breathe in harmful
vapours.
Where necessary, to
avoid compromising the
efficiency of the fuel
vapour recovery system, replace
the fuel cap with another genuine
spare part.
IMPORTANTThe waterproof fu-
el filler cap lock may be slightly pres-
surised. Therefore, do not worry if
some air comes out when the cap is
released.
After filling, drive in the cap by turn-
ing it clockwise until it clicks twice or
thrice, then turn the key clockwise and
remove it. Close the flap.

DRIVING YOUR CAR
137
5)Wait for the warning light mto
go out. The hotter the engine is, the
quicker this will happen.
6)Turn the ignition key to Dimme-
diately after the mwarning light
goes out. If you wait too long, you will
lose the benefit of the work done by
the glow plugs. PROCEDURE FOR STARTING
1)Make sure the handbrake is up.
2)Put the gear lever in neutral.
3) Press down the clutch pedal.
4)Turn the ignition key to Mand in-
strument panel warning light mwill
come on.High current absorption electric de-
vices (climate control system, rear
heated window, etc.) are automatical-
ly deactivated during start-up.
If the engine does not start at the
first attempt, return the ignition key
to Sand then again to M. If it is still
impossible to start the engine, try with
the other key provided with the car.
If you are still unable to start the en-
gine, contact a Fiat Dealership.

DRIVING YOUR CAR
140
BEFORE GETTING BEHIND
THE WHEEL
The main suggestions are the fol-
lowing:
– make sure all lights including the
headlights are working properly;
– adjust the position of the seat,
steering wheel, driving and door mir-
rors properly for the best driving po-
sition;
– adjust the head restraints careful-
ly so that they support the head and
not the neck;
– make sure that nothing (mats, etc.)
gets in the way of the pedals when
they are pushed down;
– make sure that any child restraint
systems (child seats, carriers, etc.) are
properly fixed, preferably on the back
seat as this is the safest place in the
event of an accident;– make sure that objects being trans-
ported are carefully arranged so they
will not fly forward if you have to
brake sharply;
– do not eat a heavy meal before
travelling. Light eating will help keep
your reflexes prompt. Above all, do
not have anything alcoholic to drink.
Using certain prescription drugs can
reduce your ability to drive: read in-
structions for use carefully.
Periodically, remember to check:
– tyre pressure and conditions;
– engine oil level;
– coolant level and conditions of the
system;
– brake fluid level;
– power steering fluid level;
– windscreen washer liquid level.WHEN TRAVELLING
The main suggestions are the fol-
lowing:
– the first rule of safe driving is pru-
dence. Prudence also means putting
yourself into a position where you can
predict wrong or imprudent behaviour
from other drivers;
– stick closely to the rules of the
road in the particular country where
the vehicle is being driven and, above
all, do not exceed speed limits;
– ensure that, besides yourself, all the
other passengers in the vehicle have
their seat belts fastened, that children
are sitting in the appropriate child
seats and any animals in the car are
placed in suitable compartments;
– you should be physically fit and
mentally alert before setting out on
long journeys;

DRIVING YOUR CAR
141
Be careful when fitting
additional spoilers, light
alloy rims and optional
wheel caps: these devices could
reduce brake ventilation and ef-
ficiency in the event of repeated
and sudden braking or long
downhill drives.Never drive with objects
on the floor in front of the
driver’s seat. The objects
could get jammed under the ped-
als making braking or accelerat-
ing impossible.
Driving while drunk or
under the influence of
drugs or certain medi-
cines is dangerous for both you
and other road users.Pay attention to mats: if
you note even a small
problem in braking, the
pedal stroke may need to be ad-
justed.
Always fasten both front
and back seat belts, in-
cluding child restraint sys-
tems. Travelling with the seat
belts unfastened increases the
risk of injury or death if you are
in a collision.
Water, ice and road salt
may deposit on brake
discs making it difficult to
brake the first time this is neces-
sary.– do not drive too many hours at a
time but stop at intervals to stretch
your legs and recoup your energies;
– make sure the air in the vehicle is
being changed continuously;
– never coast downhill (i.e. with the
engine off): if you do, you lose the aid
of the engine brake, power brakes and
power steering, so that braking and
steering require greater effort.

DRIVING YOUR CAR
142
– only use full-beam headlights when
you are driving outside the city and
when you are sure they do not annoy
other drivers;
– if the headlights are on full, dip
them when you meet cars going in the
other direction and pass them with the
headlights dipped;
– keep all lights clean;
– be careful of animals crossing the
road when driving in the country.
DRIVING IN THE RAIN
Rain and wet road surfaces spell dan-
ger.
All manoeuvres are more difficult on
a wet road because the friction of the
wheels on the tarmac is greatly re-
duced. This is why braking distances
are much longer and roadholding on
bends is lower.
The main suggestions are the fol-
lowing:
– reduce speed and keep a greater
safety distance from the cars in front;– if it is raining particularly heavily,
visibility is also reduced. In these cas-
es, switch on the dipped headlights
even if it is still daylight, to make your-
self easier to be seen;
– do not drive through puddles at
speed and hold on tightly to the wheel:
the loss of grip caused by taking a pud-
dle at speed can make you lose con-
trol of the vehicle (“aquaplaning”);
– move the ventilation controls to
the position for demisting the win-
dows (see the section “Getting to
know your car”), to avoid visibility
problems;
– periodically check the condition of
the windscreen wiper blades. DRIVING AT NIGHT
The main suggestions are the fol-
lowing:
– drive especially carefully: it is hard-
er to drive at night;
– slow down especially if the road is
not lit;
– at the first signs of sleepiness, stop:
continuing would be a risk to yourself
and everybody else. Only start driving
again when you have had enough rest;
– keep a greater safety distance from
the cars in front of you than during
daylight hours: it is hard to judge how
fast other cars are going when all you
can see are their lights;
– make sure the headlight beams are
properly positioned: if they are too
low, they reduce visibility and are hard
on the eyes. If they are too high they
can dazzle other drivers;

DRIVING YOUR CAR
143
Remember that fog also means the
tarmac is wet and therefore manoeu-
vres of all kinds are more difficult and
stopping distances are longer:
– keep a good distance from the cars
in front of you;
– when possible, avoid spurts of
speed or sudden deceleration;
– do not overtake other vehicles if
you can help it;
– if you are forced to stop your ve-
hicle (breakdown, limited visibility,
etc.), first try to stop off the road.
Then turn on the hazard lights and, if
possible, the dipped headlights;
– rhythmically sound the horn if you
realise another vehicle is approaching.DRIVING IN
THE MOUNTAINS
The main suggestions are the fol-
lowing:
– when driving downhill use the en-
gine brake by engaging a low gear so
as not to overheat the brakes;
– under no circumstances should you
drive downhill with the engine off or
with the vehicle in neutral, let alone
with the ignition key out;
– drive at moderate speed without
“cutting” corners;
– remember that overtaking while
going uphill is slower and therefore re-
quires more clear road. If you are be-
ing overtaken while driving uphill,
make it easier for the other vehicle
to pass. DRIVING IN FOG
If the fog is thick, do not start out on
a journey unless you absolutely have to.
If driving in mist, blanket fog or when
there is the danger of fog patches:
– keep your speed down;
– turn on the dipped headlights, rear
fog lights and front fog lights, if fitted,
even during the day. Do not drive with
your headlights at full-beam.
IMPORTANTOn stretches of
road with good visibility, switch off
your rear foglights; the brightness of
these lights could annoy the people
travelling in the cars behind.

DRIVING YOUR CAR
144
DRIVING WITH ABS
ABS is a part of the braking system
offering 2 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 sudden objects on the road and
direct the vehicle where you want
while braking; this compatibly with the
physical limits of overall tyre grip.To get the most out of ABS:
– during emergency stops or when
grip conditions are poor, you will feel
a slight pulsation on the brake pedal.
This is the sign that the ABS is in ac-
tion. Do not release the brake pedal
but continue to press so as not to in-
terrupt the braking action;
– ABS prevents the wheels from
locking but it does not increase actu-
al grip conditions between tyre and
road. Therefore, even if your vehicle
is fitted with ABS, respect the safety
distance from the vehicle in front of
you and keep your speed down when
driving into bends.
ABS serves to increase the control-
lability of the vehicle, not to enable you
to go faster. DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE
The main suggestions are the fol-
lowing:
– keep you speed down;
– keep a good distance from the cars
in front of you;
– use chains if the roads are covered
in snow. See “Snow chains” in this
chapter;
– do not keep the engine running for
long periods in deep snow as the snow
could push exhaust gases into the pas-
senger compartment;
– mainly use the engine brake and un-
der all circumstances avoid braking
sharply;
– do not accelerate suddenly and
avoid swerving;
– in the winter, even apparently dry
roads may have icy patches. Be care-
ful therefore when driving over
stretches that do not get much expo-
sure to the sun or that are lined by
trees and rocks, where ice might not
have melted.

DRIVING YOUR CAR
145
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS
AND POLLUTION
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 (especially when driving in the
city) and its trim greatly effects con-
sumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof/ski rack from the
roof when no longer necessary. These
accessories reduce the vehicle’s aero-
dynamic penetration, which affects
consumption. Use a trailer, if particu-
larly heavy objects are to be trans-
ported. Some suggestions which may help
you to keep the running costs of the
car down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere are given below.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
The overall state of the vehicle is an
important factor that has a marked in-
fluence over fuel consumption, driving
comfort and on the life span of your
vehicle. For this reason, care should
be taken to maintain your vehicle by
carrying out the necessary checks and
observing regulations in accordance
with the specifications given in the
Scheduled Maintenance Programme
(see section, idling, air cleaners, tim-
ing).Electrical devices
Use electric devices for the neces-
sary time only. The heated rear win-
dow, supplementary lights, windscreen
wipers, heating system blower require
large amounts of electricity; this means
an increase in the request for power
and consequently an increase in fuel
consumption (up to +25% when dri-
ving in built-up areas).
Climate control system
The climate control unit is an addi-
tional load that greatly affects the en-
gine leading to higher consumption (on
average +20%). When the tempera-
ture outside allows it, use the air
vents.
Spoilers
The use of optional extras which are
not certified for specific use on the car
may reduce the aerodynamic pene-
tration of the car and increase con-
sumption.