77
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
EMERGENCY OPENING OF
TAILGATE
To succeed in opening the tailgate from
the inside, should the car battery be flat,
or because of a defect of the electric lock
of the tailgate, proceed as follows (refer
to “Extending the boot” in this section):
❒remove the rear head restraints;
❒tilt seat backrests to “table” configu-
ration;
❒tilt cushion / backrest completely.
❒operate lever B-fig. 112, to obtain
tailgate mechanical release, operating
from the inside of the boot.
REMOVING THE REAR PARCEL
SHELF
To remove the rear parcel shelf in order
to extend the boot, proceed as follows:
❒Front parcel shelf: release and turn
the parcel shelf from its seat and
release the two pins from the side
seats fig. 113.
❒Rear parcel shelf: release the two
pins from the side seatsEXTENDING THE BOOT
WITH SLIDING SEAT
Before extending the boot, release the
seat belt buckle (with black button, if fas-
tened) and accompany the webbing in the
reel to prevent it from twisting; insert the
tongues, overlapping them, in the retain-
ing system A-fig. 114inside the reel com-
partment.
Moving the seat backwards
or forwards
The rear seat is of the double-seat type. It
is possible to move the rear seat back-
wards or forwards from the boot using
handles Bor C-fig. 115; pull the handle
and at the same time move the seats for-
wards. This makes it possible to extend
the boot capacity.
fig. 112F0H0338mfig. 113F0H0108m
fig. 114F0H0132m
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SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
If, after buying the car, you decide to in-
stall electrical accessories that require a
permanent electric supply (alarm, satellite
antitheft system, etc.) or accessories that
in any case burden the electric supply,
contact Fiat Dealership, whose qualified
personnel, besides suggesting the most
suitable devices belonging to Lineaccessori
Fiat, will also evaluate the overall electric
absorption, checking whether the vehicle
electric system is able to withstand the
load required, or whether it needs to be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
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 installation
of transceivers provided that installation
is carried out at a specialized shop, work-
manlike performed and in compliance with
manufacturer's specifications.IMPORTANT Installation of devices re-
sulting in modifications of car characteris-
tics may cause driving license seizing by
traffic agents and also the lapse of the war-
ranty as concerns defects due to the
abovementioned modification or traceable
back to it directly or indirectly.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibility
for damages caused by the installation of
non-genuine accessories or not recom-
mended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and installed
not in compliance with the specified re-
quirements.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND
CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Radio transceiver equipment (e.g.: e-tacs
mobile phones, HAM radio systems and
the like) shall not be used inside the ve-
hicle 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 EC-approved mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS), strictly comply with
the instructions for use provided by the
mobile phone’s manufacturer.
Be careful when mounting
additional spoilers, alloy rims
and non original wheel caps: they
may reduce the brake ventilation and
efficiency during sharp and repeat-
ed braking or sloping downhill. Also
make sure that nothing (over-carpet-
ing, etc.) interferes with the pedal
stroke.
WARNING
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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
paragraph “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. The system devised
for the Fiat Idea was designed to limit
maintenance interventions.
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR PETROL VERSIONS
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 accelera-
tor;
❒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 on MAR, warn-
ing light
Yremains lit together with
warning light U, turn the key to STOP
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.
WARNINGand then back to MAR; if the warning light
remains on, try with the other keys pro-
vided with the car.
If you are still unable to start the engine,
perform the emergency start-up proce-
dure (see “Emergency start-up” in section
“In an emergency”) and contact Fiat Deal-
ership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
at MARwhen the engine is off.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
Multijet VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒Put the gear lever into neutral;
❒Turn the ignition key to MAR: the
warning lights m, Uand
Ywill
light up on the instrument panel;
❒Wait for the warning lights Yand
m. The hotter the engine is, the
quicker this will happen;
❒Press the clutch pedal down to the
floor without touching the accelera-
tor; We recommend that during
the initial period you do not
drive to full vehicle perfor-
mance (e.g.: excessive accel-
eration, long journeys at top speed,
sharp braking, etc.).
When the engine is switched
off never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position to
prevent pointless current ab-
sorption from draining the battery.
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114
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
PARKING
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. Avoid
leaving the car parked with a wheel on the
sidewalk or steered against the kerb. Do
not leave the ignition key at MARto pre-
vent draining the battery. Always remove
the key when you leave the car.
HANDBRAKE
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 required if the car is on a
steep slope or laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, con-
tact Fiat Dealership to have the handbrake
adjusted.When the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is at MARthe panel
warning light
xwill come on.
To release the handbrake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A-fig. 1;
❒keep button Apressed in and lower
the lever. Warning light xwill go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
IMPORTANT If the handbrake lever tends
to approach the end of stroke (slot on
central console), contact Fiat Dealership
to have the handbrake adjusted.
fig. 1F0H0149m
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
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Do not exceed the speed limits of the
country you are driving in. In any case do
not exceed 100 km/h.
The ABS system with which
the car may be fitted does
not control the trailer braking system.
Great care should therefore be taken
when driving on slippery road sur-
faces.
Under no circumstances
should the vehicle brake sys-
tem be altered to control the trailer
brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent of the ve-
hicle’s hydraulic system.
WARNING
WARNING
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel ac-
cording to any additional and/or integra-
tive information supplied by the Manufac-
turer of the device.
The towing device must meet current reg-
ulations with reference to 94/20/EC Di-
rective and subsequent amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must match the towable weight of the ve-
hicle on which it is to be installed.
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used which is generally
placed on a special bracket normally fas-
tened to the towing device, and a special
ECU for external trailer light control shall
be installed on the car. For the electrical connection 7 or 13 pins
12VDC connection is to be used (CU-
NA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow
the instructions provided by the car man-
ufacturer and/or the tow hitch manufac-
turer.
An electric brake should be supplied di-
rectly by the battery through a cable with
a cross section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brake or other de-
vice shall be used with running engine.
In addition to the electrical branches, the
car’s electric system can only be con-
nected to the supply cable for an electric
brake and to the cable for an internal light,
though not above 15W.
For connections use a preset control unit
with battery cable no less than 2.5 mm
2.
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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 battery terminals (first dis-
connect the negative terminal) and
check the battery charge. This check
is to be repeated every three months
when the car is left inactive. Recharge
if the optical indicator 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 readi-
ly available;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rub-
ber windscreen and rear window
wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perfo-
rated 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
normal 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 optical indicator shows a dark
colour without the central green area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling sys-
tem.
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123
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
GENERAL WARNINGS ...................................................... 124
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL .............................................. 124
HANDBRAKE ON ............................................................... 124
AIRBAG FAILURE ................................................................. 124
HOT ENGINE COOLANT ................................................ 125
LOW BATTERY CHARGE................................................. 125
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE ......................................... 126
EXHAUSTED OIL ................................................................. 126
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE............................................................. 126
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING ................................... 126
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED ......................................... 126
EBD FAILURE......................................................................... 127
INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE ......................................... 127
EOBD ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE ........... 127
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED .................... 128
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE ........................................................ 128
FUEL RESERVE....................................................................... 128
GLOW PLUG HEATING.................................................... 129
GLOW PLUG HEATING FAILURE.................................. 129
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER ..................................... 129
CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAULT - FIAT CODE .. 129
REAR FOG LIGHTS ............................................................. 129
GENERAL FAILURE INDICATION ................................. 130
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 E
S S
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................................. 131
PARTICULATE FILTER CLOGGED................................. 131
SIDE/TAIL LIGHTS AND LOW BEAMS ......................... 131
FOLLOW ME HOME ......................................................... 131
FRONT FOG LIGHTS ......................................................... 131
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ....................... 132
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ................... 132
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
ACTIVATION ........................................................................ 132
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM ............................................ 132
MAIN BEAMS ......................................................................... 132
POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD.................................................. 132
LIMITED RANGE .................................................................. 132
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light
¬does not turn on or stays on during
car travel (together with the message
on the multifunctional display, where
provided), a failure may have oc-
curred in the restraint systems. In this
case the airbags or pretensioners may
not be deployed after an impact or,
in a minor number of cases, they may
be deployed accidentally. Contact Fi-
at Dealership immediately to have
the system checked immediately.
WARNING
The failure of the warning
light
¬is indicated by the
warning light flashing longer than the
expected 4 seconds
“thus signalling
that the front passenger airbag is de-
activated. In addition, the airbag sys-
tem automatically disables the airbag
on the passenger’s side (both front
and side airbags, where provided). In
this case, the warning light
¬does
not necessarily indicate a failure in
the restraining systems. Contact Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the
system checked.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE
COOLANT (red)
When the ignition key is
moved to MAR, the warning
light turns on and should go off after a few
seconds.
The warning light turns on when the en-
gine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as
follows:
❒during normal travel: stop the car,
stop the engine and check that the wa-
ter level in the vessel is not under the
MINline. If this is the case, wait for a
few minutes for the engine to cool
down. Then, slowly and carefully open
the cap, top-up with coolant and check
that the level is between the MINand
MAXreference lines on the vessel. Al-
so check for leakages. Should the warn-
ing light turn on again at the next start-
up, contact Fiat Dealership.
u
❒If the vehicle is used under severe
conditions(e.g. towing of trailers up-
hill or fully loaded vehicle): slow down
and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with
the engine running and slightly accel-
erated to favour better coolant circu-
lation. Then stop the engine. Check
correct fluid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly accel-
erated for a few minutes before switching
it off.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
When the ignition key is
moved to MAR, the warning
light turns on and should go out as soon
as the engine is started (with the engine
running at idle speed a brief delay in go-
ing out is allowed). If the warning light
stays on, immediately contact Fiat Deal-
ership.
w
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