
94
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FRONT FOG LIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
Contact Fiat Dealership to have the head-
lights properly adjusted.HEADLIGHT BEAM
ADJUSTMENT ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the
car is marketed. In countries with oppo-
site circulation, to avoid glaring oncom-
ing vehicles, it is necessary to cover the
areas of the headlight using a special stick-
er tape provided for the purpose and avail-
able at Lineaccessori Fiat. Contact Fiat
Dealership.ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes the most of road
grip and gives the best control when emer-
gency braking under difficulty road condi-
tions.
System is completed by EBD (Electronic
Braking Force Distribution), which dis-
tributes the braking action between front
and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To have the maximum ef-
ficiency of the braking system, it is neces-
sary a setting period of about 500 km
(with new car after replacing brake
pads/discs): during this period it is better
to avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
brakes.
ESP SYSTEM INTERVENTION
When the ABS cuts in, you will feel the
brake pedal pulsating slightly and the sys-
tem get noisier: it means that the speed
should be altered to fit the type of road sur-
face.
If the ABS system cuts in, it is a sign that
the grip between tyre and the road sur-
face has reached the limit: you must slow
down to match the speed to the road grip
available.
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95
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FAILURE WARNINGS
ABS failure
ABS failure is indicated by the turning on
of warning light
>on the instrument pan-
el together with the dedicated message on
the display (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
In this case the braking system is still effi-
cient, though without the aid of the ABS
system. Drive carefully to the closest Fiat
Dealership to have the system checked.EBD failure
EBD failure is indicated by the turning on
of warning lights
>and xon the in-
strument panel together with the dedi-
cated message on the display (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
In this case with sharp braking the rear
wheels might lock too early, with the pos-
sibility of skidding. Drive extremely care-
fully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have
the system checked.
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
(where provided)
The system, which cannot be cut out, rec-
ognizes emergency braking (on the ground
of the brake pedal operation speed) and
considerably increases the pressure in the
brake circuit.
During emergency braking, the emergency
lights turn on automatically; when accel-
erating the lights turn off automatically.
Brake Assist is deactivated on the versions
equipped with ESP, in the event of ESP sys-
tem failure (indicated by warning light
áswitching on together with the message
on the display).
If the ABS system cuts in, it
is a sign that the grip be-
tween tyre and the road surface has
reached the limit: you must slow
down to match the speed to the road
grip available.
WARNING
The ABS exploits the tyre-
road grip at the best, but it
cannot improve it; you should there-
fore take every care when driving on
slippery surfaces without taking un-
necessary risks.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep it pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of space
possible under the current road con-
ditions.
WARNING
If the brake fluid low warn-
ing light xcomes on (to-
gether with the message on the dis-
play), stop the car immediately and
contact the nearest Fiat Dealership.
Fluid leaks from the hydraulic system,
in fact, can compromise the braking
system, both traditional systems and
systems with ABS.
WARNING
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96
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ESP SYSTEM
(Electronic Stability
Program)
(where provided)
The ESP system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event of
tyre grip loss.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when grip conditions of the road sur-
faces changes.
ESP SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warn-
ing light
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.
ESP SYSTEM OPERATION
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
FAILURE WARNINGS
In the event of failure, the ESP system is
automatically disconnected and the warn-
ing light
á, comes on with fixed light on
the instrument panel, together with the
message on the display (see section
“Warning lights and messages”). In this
case contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.At 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. 1.5 seconds in order to pass
easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
After 1,5 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.
Failure indications
System failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning light
áon the instrument
panel (together with the message on the
multifunction display) (see section “Warn-
ing lights and messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake. Never get out of the
car without engaging the handbrake,
switching the engine off and engaging the
first gear (position P con with automatic
transmission).
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 an traffic.
Road safety is always the driver’s re-
sponsibility.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(where provided)
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: car at a standstill on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
clutch and brake pedal pressed, gearbox
to neutral or engaged gear other than re-
verse.
Downhill: car at a standstill on a road with
a gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
clutch and brake pedal pressed and re-
verse gear engaged.
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97
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ASR SYSTEM
(AntiSlip Regulator)
(where provided)
The ASR function controls car drive and
cuts in automatically every time one or
both driving wheels slip.
According to slipping conditions, two dif-
ferent control systems are activated:
❒if slipping involves both driving wheels,
the ASR function intervenes reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
❒if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the TC (Traction Control)
function cuts in automatically braking
the wheel that is slipping.
The action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or ex-
cessive acceleration;
❒too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the condi-
tions of the road surface;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet sur-
face (aquaplaning).
SWITCHING THE ASR SYSTEM
ON/OFF fig. 125
The ASR system switches on
automatically each time the engine is
started.
When travelling ASR can be switched off
and on again pressing switchAset aside
the gearshift lever.
When the ASR is switched off this is
shown by the lighting up of the led on the
switch and by the relevant message on the
display (see section “Warning lights and
messages”).
If the ASR is switched off when travelling,
it will turn on again automatically the next
time the engine is started.
During the use of the space-
saver spare wheel, the ESP
system carries on working. However,
you must remind that the space-saver
spare wheel has dimensions smaller
than the standard tyre and therefore
its grip is reduced as to the other car
tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of the
ESP system, the tyres must
absolutely be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tions and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
fig. 125F0L0052m
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102
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)
Parking sensors are located in the rear
bumper fig. 127and their function is to
inform the driver, through an intermittent
buzzer, about the presence of obstacles
behind the car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when the reverse gear is engaged.
As the distance from the obstacle behind
the car decreases, the acoustic alarm be-
comes more frequent.
BUZZER WARNINGS
When the reverse gear is engaged an in-
termittent acoustic signal is automatically
activated.
The acoustic signal:
❒becomes louder as the reduction of
distance between the car and the ob-
stacle decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the dis-
tance between the car and the obsta-
cle is less that 30 cm and stops imme-
diately if the distance raises;
❒is constant if the distance is unvaried.
If this situation takes place for side sen-
sors, the signal is stopped after about
3 seconds to prevent sound indica-
tions when performing manoeuvres
near walls.
Direction distances
Central action radius 150 cm
Side action radius 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected, the con-
trol unit indicates the nearest one.
fig. 127F0L0391m
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.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS
AND CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Radio transceiver equipment (e.g.: mobile
phones, HAM radio systems and the like)
shall not be used inside the vehicle unless
a separate aerial is mounted on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of similar devices
inside the passenger compartment (with-
out separated aerial) produces radio-fre-
quency electromagnetic fields which, am-
plified by the resonance effects inside the
passenger compartment, may cause elec-
trical systems equipping the vehicle to mal-
function. This could compromise safety in
addition to constituting a potential hazard
for the passengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of
these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the vehicle body.
As concerns , approved mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS), strictly comply with
the instructions for use provided by the
mobile phone’s manufacturer.
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103
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
GENERAL WARNINGS
❒When parking, take the utmost care
to obstacles that may be set above or
under the sensors.
❒Objects set close to the car, under
certain circumstances are not detect-
ed and could therefore cause damages
to the car or be damaged.
❒Indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposit-
ed on the sensors or by ultrasound
systems (e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes
or pneumatic hammers) set nearby the
car. For proper operation, the
parking sensors shall always
be clean from mud, dirt, snow
or ice. When cleaning the sen-
sors, take the utmost care to prevent
their damaging; do not use therefore
dry or rough clothes. Sensors shall be
washed with clean water and car de-
tergent, if required.
Parking manoeuvres howev-
er are always under the dri-
ver’s responsibility that shall always
check the absence of people (spe-
cially children) or animals in the ma-
noeuvre space. This system is just a
help for the driver but she/he shall
never reduce attention during dan-
gerous manoeuvres even if performed
at low speed.
WARNING
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of sensor failures, the driver
is warned by the turning on of warning
light
èon the instrument panel and by
the relevant message on the display (see
section “Warning lights and messages”).
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is deactivated
automatically when the trailer electric ca-
ble plug is fitted into the car tow hook
socket.
Sensors are reactivated when removing
the trailer cable plug.
In washing stations, clean sensors quickly
keeping the vapour jet/high pressure
washing nozzles at 10 cm at least from the
sensors.
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STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒put the gear lever into neutral (posi-
tions P or N for automatic transmis-
sion);
❒press the clutch pedal (or brake ped-
al with automatic transmission) down
to the floor without pressing the ac-
celerator;
❒turn the ignition key to STARTand
let it go the moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to OFFbe-
fore repeating starting.
IMPORTANT In the event of fast engine
start-up (i.e.: fitting the ignition key and
turning it to ON), any slight jamming is to
be attributed to correct recognition of the
electronic key by the ignition switch.
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 of the hydraulic
tappet system does not compromise func-
tionality or reliability. This timing system
for petrol engines was adopted to limit
servicing.
128
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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
127-144 Croma TRW GB 28-05-2008 16:32 Pagina 128

HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED (petrol and diesel
engines)
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.
130
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Never bump start the engine
by pushing, towing or coasting
downhill as this could cause
fuel to flow into the catalytic
exhaust system and damage it beyond
repair.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no prac-
tical purpose, it wastes fuel
and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
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
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to OFFwhile the
engine 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.
IMPORTANT If the engine is turned off
while the car is still moving, for safety rea-
sons it will be impossible to remove the
key from the ignition switch. To remove
the key, turn it to ONand then to OFF
with the car stopped without forcing at re-
moval.
127-144 Croma TRW GB 28-05-2008 16:32 Pagina 130