2008 Abarth Grande Punto brake

ESP SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of failure, the ESP system is
automatically disconnected, the warning
light
á, comes on with fixed light on the
instrument panel, together with the mes-
sage on the multifunction display (where
provided) (see section “Warning lights and
messages”) and with the button led ASR
OFF. In this case contact a Abarth Deal-
ership as soon as possible.
Performance of the ESP sys-
tem, in terms of active safe-
ty should not induce the driver to take
pointless and unnecessary risks. The
style of driving must in any case al-
ways be adapted to the conditions of
the road surface, visibility and traffic.
Road safety is always the driver’s re-
sponsibility.
WARNING
79
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESP
system and it is provided to facilitate start-
ing on slopes.
It will activate automatically with the fol-
lowing conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with
a gradient of more than 5%, engine run-
ning, brake pressed and gearbox in neu-
tral or gear other than reverse engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse gear
engaged.

80
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FAILURE INDICATIONS
System failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning light *on the instrument
panel with digital display and warning light
áon the instrument panel with multi-
function display (where provided) (see
section “Warning lights and messages”).
IMPORANT The Hill Holder system is not
a parking brake therefore, never leave the
car without having engaged the handbrake,
turned the engine off and engaged the first
speed.
For correct operation of the
ESP and ASR systems, the
tyres must absolutely be of the same
brand and type on all wheels, in per-
fect conditions and, above all, of
type, brand and size specified.
WARNINGAt pickup the ESP system control unit will
keep brake force on wheels until reaching
the torque suitable for starting, or in any
case for max. 2 seconds in order to pass
easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
After two seconds without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by re-
leasing gradually the brake force.
At releasing, the typical brake disengage-
ment noise indicating that the car is go-
ing to move will be heard.

84
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
TYRE PRESSURE
MONITORING
SYSTEM - T.P.M.S.
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
The car can be equipped with the T.P.M.S.
(Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). This
system consists of a radio-frequency sen-
sor, installed on each wheel (on the rim
inside the tyre) that sends pressure infor-
mation to the control unit.IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT
THE T.P.M.S. SYSTEM
Failure indications will not be stored and
therefore will not be displayed when turn-
ing the engine off and on again. If failure
persists, the control unit will send warn-
ing indications to the instrument panel on-
ly after a few seconds when the car is
moving.
IMPORTANT Strong radio- frequency
noises could inhibit regular operation of
the T.P.M.S. system. This condition is in-
dicated by a dedicated message on the dis-
play that will disappear automatically as
soon as radio-frequency noises will stop
to disturb the system.
Pay the utmost attention
when checking or inflating
tyres. Excessive pressure impairs road
holding, increases suspension and
wheel stress and causes abnormal
tyre wear.
WARNING
Tyre pressure should be
checked with tyres rested
and cold. Should it become necessary
for whatever reason to check pressure
with hot tyres, do not reduce pressure
although it is higher than the pre-
scribed value but repeat the check
when tyres are cold.
WARNING
The T.P.M.S. system helps
the driver to monitor tyre
pressure since the driver is the always
responsible for proper inflation pres-
sure of tyres and spare wheel (see
paragraph “Wheels” in section “Car
Maintenance”).
WARNING
T.P.M.S. system cannot indi-
cate sudden tyre pressure
drops (e.g.: tyre burst). In this event,
brake the car cautiously and avoid
sudden steering.
WARNING

ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to install
electrical accessories that require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, satellite an-
titheft system, etc.) or accessories that in
any case burden the electric supply, con-
tact Abarth Dealership, whose qualified
personnel, besides suggesting the most
suitable devices belonging to Lineaccessori
Abarth, will also evaluate the overall elec-
tric absorption, checking whether the car’s
electric system is able to withstand the
load required, or whether it needs to be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
Take care when fitting addi-
tional spoilers, alloy rims and
non-standard wheel caps: they might
reduce ventilation of the brakes, thus
their efficiency, during abrupt and re-
peated braking, or long downhill
slopes. Make sure that nothing (mats,
etc.) gets in the way of the pedals
when they are pushed down.
WARNING
INSTALLATION OF
ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed after
buying the vehicle and in after-market shall
bear the following marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installation
of transceivers, provided that installation
is workmanlike performed in compliance
with Manufacturer’s specifications at a spe-
cialised service centre.
IMPORTANT The installation of devices
involving modifications of vehicle charac-
teristics may determine the withdrawal of
the driving licence by the appointed pub-
lic authorities and the forfeiture of the
warranty as concerns defects/failures due
to said modification or leading directly or
indirectly to it.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibility
due to damages connected with the in-
stallation of accessories/devices not sup-
plied by or recommended by Fiat Auto
S.p.A. and installed not in compliance with
the specified prescriptions.
88
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
fig. 99/aF0M0431m
WIRING FOR
NAVIGATION SYSTEM
(MY PORT)
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
Some versions have wiring for the navi-
gation system available from the Lineac-
cessori Fiat.
Insert the Navigation system into the
housing shown in fig. 99/a.

92
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
When the car is parked on a steep slope
the reel mechanism may block; this is nor-
mal. 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 speeds.
The rear seat is fitted with inertial seat
belts with three anchor points and reel.Rear seat belts shall be worn as shown in
fig. 2.
SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS fig. 1
The belt should be worn keeping the chest
straight and rested against the seat back.
To fasten the seat belts, take hold the
tongue Aand 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 with-
out 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 wear-
ing it, allowing freedom of movement.
Never press button C-fig. 1
when travelling.
WARNING
fig. 1F0M0040mfig. 2F0M025Ab

110
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ENGINE STARTING
The car is fitted with an electronic engine
lock device: if the engine fails to start, see
the paragraph “The Fiat CODE system” in
section “Dashboard and controls”.
The engine may be noisier than usual dur-
ing the first seconds of operation, espe-
cially after it has not been used for a while.
This characteristic feature does not com-
promise functionality or reliability of the
hydraulic tappets: the timing system de-
vised to limit servicing.
We recommend that during
the initial period you do not
drive to full car performance
(e.g.: excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp brak-
ing, etc.).
When the engine is switched
off never leave the key into
the ignition switch to prevent
pointless current absorption
from draining the battery.
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely dan-
gerous. The engine consumes oxygen
and produces carbon monoxide
which is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
WARNING
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much ef-
fort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
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 AVVand let
it go the moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR, warn-
ing light
Yremains lit together with
warning light Uturn the key to STOP
STOP and then back to MAR; if the warn-
ing light remains on, try with the other
keys provided with the car.
IMPORTANT If the instrument panel
warning light Ystays on glowing steadi-
ly, contact immediately Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
to MARwhen the engine is off.

111
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the en-
gine compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒ Drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒Do not drive at full performance for the
initial kilometres. Wait until the coolant
temperature gauge starts moving.
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering are
not operational until the en-
gine has been started, there-
fore much effort than usual is required
on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Never bump start the engine
by pushing, towing or coast-
ing downhill as this could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic exhaust system and damage
it beyond repair.

112
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARHANDBRAKE fig. 1
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Pull the handbrake lever upwards until the
car cannot be moved. Four or five clicks
are generally enough when the car is on
level ground while nine or ten may be re-
quired if the car is on a steep slope or
laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, con-
tact Abarth Dealership to have the hand-
brake adjusted.
When the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is at MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
xwill turn
on.
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒ Stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒Engage a gear (on a slope, engage first
gear if the car is faced uphill or reverse
if it is faced downhill) and leave the
wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope. Do
not leave the key in the ignition switch to
prevent draining the battery. Always re-
move the key when you leave the car.
Never leave children unat-
tended in the car. Always re-
move the ignition key when leaving
the car and take it out with you.
WARNING
To release the handbrake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A;
❒keep button Apressed and lower the
lever. Warning light xwill turn off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
fig. 1
A
F0M034Ab