
83
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
fig. 96F0M0095m
BOOT
OPENING THE TAILGATE
The tailgate can be opened at any time
from the passenger’s compartment by
pressing button A-fig. 94.
The tailgate can be opened from the out-
side by pressing the remote control but-
ton
R, fig. 93.
Tailgate opening is indicated by double
flashing of direction indicators.TAILGATE CLOSING
Lower the tailgate until hearing the lock-
ing click fig. 95.
TAILGATE EMERGENCY
OPENING fig. 96
To open the tailgate from the passenger’s
compartment if the car battery is flat or
the electric tailgate lock is faulty, proceed
as follows:
❒tilt the rear seats (see paragraph “Ex-
tending the boot” in this section);
❒press lever Bin the boot.
fig. 94F0M0093m
fig. 95F0M0094m
The addition of objects
(speakers, spoilers, etc.) on
the rear shelf or boot lid, ex-
cept those envisaged by the
manufacturer, may prevent the gas
filled struts at the sides of the boot
from working properly.
When using the boot, make
sure the loads do not exceed
the permitted weight (see “Technical
specifications” chapter). Also make
sure the items in the boot are
arranged properly to prevent them
being thrown forwards and injuring
passengers should you brake sharply.
WARNING
Never travel with objects on
the rear shelf to prevent
them being thrown forwards and in-
juring passengers in case of accident
or sharp braking.
WARNING
fig. 93F0M0425m
037-087 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:25 Pagina 83

90
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ABS SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can tell the ABS system has
come into action because the brake pedal
pulsates slightly and the system gets noisi-
er: it means that the car speed should be
altered to fit the type of road surface.
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
ABS SYSTEM
If this is the first car with ABS you drive, get
familiar with it by some preliminary “driving
tests” on poor grip roadbeds, obviously un-
der safety conditions and in compliance
with the traffic regulations of the Country
you are driving in. Read carefully the fol-
lowing instructions.
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.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.
WARNINGFAILURE INDICATIONS
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 multifunction display (where provid-
ed), (see section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”).
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.
088-108 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:26 Pagina 90

91
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IIN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance
integral with ESP)
(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 thus supporting the driver to
obtain prompt and effective braking.
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 multifunction display, where pro-
vided).
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.
In addition to the ESP system, ASR system
and Hill Holder, (where provided) also the
MSR system (adjusting the engine braking
torque) and the HBA system (improving
the braking force during emergency brak-
ing) are provided.
ABS 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.
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
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 multifunction dis-
play (where provided), (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.
If warning light xalone
comes on (together with the
message on the multifunction display,
where provided), stop the car imme-
diately and contact the nearest Fiat
Dealership. Fluid leaks from the hy-
draulic system, in fact, can compro-
mise the braking system, both tradi-
tional systems and systems with ABS.
WARNING
088-108 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:26 Pagina 91

110
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.
fig. 1F0M0040mfig. 2F0M0041m
Never press button C-fig. 1
when travelling.
WARNING
109-126 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:26 Pagina 110

134
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts do
not allow the engine to reach optimum op-
erating temperature. This results in a sig-
nificant increase in consumption levels
(from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emission of harmful substances.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied to
situations with heavy traffic, for example
in queues with frequent use of the lower
gears or in cities with many traffic lights.
Also winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces adversely affect consump-
tion.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings)
the engine should be switched off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. Installa-
tion should be carried out by specialised
personnel who release a special document
for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-
view mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the brak-
ing spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual car loading capacity. To make
sure the maximum towable weight is not
exceeded (given in the log book) account
should be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and personal be-
longings. Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
with speed. Avoid superfluous braking and
accelerating, which cost in terms of both
fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
127-138 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:27 Pagina 134

138
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒ park the car in covered, dry and if pos-
sible well-ventilated premises;
❒ engage a gear;
❒ check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged;
❒disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal and check the battery charge. This
check is to be repeated every three
months. Recharge if the optical indica-
tor shows a dark colour without the
central green area;
❒ clean and protect the painted parts us-
ing protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts
using special compounds readily avail-
able;
❒ sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber
windscreen and rear window wiper
blades and lift them off the glass;
❒ slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforat-
ed plastic sheet. Do not use sheets of
non-perforated plastic as they do not
allow moisture on the car body to
evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the nor-
mal specified pressure and check it at
intervals;
❒ if you don’t disconnect the battery from
the electric system, check its charge
every month and recharge it if the op-
tical indicator shows a dark colour
without the central green area;
❒ do not drain the engine cooling system.
IMPORTANT Where relevant, switch off
the car alarm with the remote control.
Keep your speed down when
snow chains are fitted. Do
not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pave-
ments and avoid also to dri-
ve for long distances on
roads not covered with snow to pre-
vent damaging the car and the
roadbed.
WARNING
Tyres 195/55 R16 87H and
205/45 R17 88V cannot be
fitted with snow chains.
WARNING
127-138 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:27 Pagina 138

139
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
GENERAL WARNINGS ..................................................... 140
LOW BRAKE FLUID............................................................ 140
HANDBRAKE ON................................................................ 140
AIR BAG FAILURE................................................................ 141
ENGINE COOLANT HIGH TEMPERATURE................ 141
LOW BATTERY CHARGE................................................. 142
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE.......................................... 142
EXHAUSTED OIL ................................................................ 142
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE............................................................. 142
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING.................................... 143
LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................................................ 143
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED.......................................... 143
EBD SYSTEM FAILURE........................................................ 143
INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE
(DIESEL VERSIONS) ............................................................ 144
ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE (EOBD)
(PETROL VERSIONS) ......................................................... 144
FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATED.......... 145
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE......................................................... 145
FUEL RESERVE....................................................................... 145
GLOW PLUG WARMING ................................................ 146
GLOW PLUG WARMING FAILURE............................... 146
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER..................................... 146CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAILURE
FIAT CODE ........................................................................... 146
EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE........................................... 147
REAR FOGLIGHTS............................................................... 147
GENERIC FAILURE INDICATION ................................. 147
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER CLOGGED
(Multijet versions).................................................................. 148
ESP SYSTEM FAILURE ........................................................ 148
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................................ 148
HILL HOLDER FAILURE .................................................... 148
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE .................................................. 149
LOW TYRE PRESSURE ...................................................... 149
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR SPEED ................ 150
SIDELIGHTS AND LOW BEAMS..................................... 150
FOLLOW ME HOME........................................................... 150
FRONT FOG LIGHTS.......................................................... 151
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR........................ 151
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR.................... 151
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ..........151
CRUISE CONTROL ............................................................ 151
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS............................................... 151
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROAD ........... 152
LIMITED RANGE ................................................................. 152
ASR SYSTEM ......................................................................... 152
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED .................................................. 152
WW W
A A
R R
N N
I I
N N
G G
L L
I I
G G
H H
T T
S S
A A
N N
D D
M M
E E
S S
S S
A A
G G
E E
S S
139-152 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:27 Pagina 139

147
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
GENERIC FAILURE
INDICATION
(amber)
The warning light turns on in the follow-
ing circumstances.
Engine oil pressure
sensor failure
The warning light comes on when the en-
gine oil pressure sensor is faulty. Contact
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
External lights failure
See what described for warning light
6.
Inertial fuel cut-off switch
intervened
The warning light comes on when the in-
ertial fuel cut-off switch is triggered.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
è
EXTERNAL LIGHT
FAILURE (amber)
The warning light turns on
when one of the following lights
is failing:
– sidelights
– brake lights
– rear fog guards
– direction indicators
– number plate lights.
The failure referring to these lights could
be: one or more blown bulbs, a blown
protection fuse or an electric connection
cut-off.
On certain versions warning light èturns
on as an alternative.
On certain versions the dedicated message
is displayed.
W
REAR FOG LIGHTS
(amber)
The warning light turns on
when the rear fog lights are turned on.
4
Rain sensor failure
The warning light on the dial turns on
when the rain sensor is faulty. Contact Fi-
at Dealership.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
Parking sensor failure
(where provided)
The warning light turns on when failure
is detected in parking sensors. Contact Fi-
at Dealership. On certain versions the
dedicated message is displayed.
Tyre pressure monitoring system
failure (where provided)
The warning light turns on when a failure
is detected in the T.P.M.S. system (where
provided).
Contact Fiat Dealership as soon as possi-
ble.
Should one or more wheels without sen-
sor be fitted, the instrument panel warn-
ing light will come on and stay on until
restoring initial conditions.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
139-152 Punto GDX GB 31-07-2008 17:27 Pagina 147