46
The pretensioner is located in each front
seat belt retractor. The pretensioner tight-
ens the seat belt so the belt fits the oc-
cupant’s body more snugly in the event of
a frontal crash. The retractors will remain
locked after the pretensioners are acti-
vated. Upon activation, some noise will oc-
cur and some smoke may be released.
These conditions are not harmful and do
not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
The driver and all passengers must be
properly restrained by wearing seat belts
at all times, whether or not a pretension-
er is equipped at their seating position, to
minimize the risk of severe injury or death
in the event of a crash.
Sit fully back in the seat; sit up straight; do
not lean forward or sideways. Adjust the
belt so the lap portion of the belt is worn
low across the pelvis, not across the waist.
Please refer to the “Seat Adjustment” sec-
tion and the instructions and precautions
about the seat belts in this “Seat Belts and
Child Restraint Systems” section for de-
tails on proper seat and seat belt adjust-
ments.
Service on or around the
pretensioner system compo-
nents or wiring must be performed
only by an authorized Fiat Dealership
who is specially trained. Improper ser-
vice could result in unintended acti-
vation of pretensioners or could ren-
der the pretensioner inoperative. Ei-
ther of these two conditions may re-
sult in personal injury.
WARNING
To prevent damage or unintended activa-
tion of the pretensioners, be sure the bat-
tery is disconnected and the ignition switch
has been in the “LOCK” position for at
least 90 seconds before performing any
electrical service work on your Fiat.
Do not touch pretensioner system com-
ponents or wiring. The wires are wrapped
with yellow tape or yellow tubing, and the
couplers are yellow. When scrapping your
Fiat, ask your Fiat Dealership, body repair
shop, or scrap yard for assistance. Please note that the pretensioners along
with the air bags will activate only in se-
vere frontal collisions. They are not de-
signed to activate in rear impacts, side im-
pacts, rollovers, or minor frontal colli-
sions. The pretensioners can be activat-
ed only once. If the pretensioners are ac-
tivated (that is, if the air bags are activat-
ed), have the pretensioner system ser-
viced by an authorized Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
If the “AIR BAG” light on the instrument
cluster does not blink or come on briefly
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, stays on for more than 10
seconds, or comes on while driving, the
pretensioner system or the air bag system
may not work properly. Have both sys-
tems inspected by an authorized Fiat Deal-
ership as soon as possible.
009-056 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:40 Pagina 46
53
54G535
Air bags must inflate quickly and forceful-
ly in order to reduce the chance of seri-
ous or fatal injuries. However, an un-
avoidable consequence of the quick infla-
tion is that the air bag may irritate bare
skin, such as the facial area against a front
air bag. Also, upon inflation, a loud noise
will occur and some powder and smoke
will be released. These conditions are not
harmful and do not indicate a fire in the
car. Be aware, however, that some air bag
components may be hot for a while after
inflation.
The driver should not lean
over the steering wheel. The
front passenger should not rest his or
her body against the dashboard, or
otherwise get too close to the dash-
board. For vehicles with side air bags
and side curtain air bag, occupants
should not lean on or sleep against
the door. In these situations, the out-
of- position occupant would be too
close to an inflating air bag, and may
suffer severe injury.
Do not attach any objects to, or place
any objects over, the steering wheel
or dashboard. Do not place any ob-
jects between the air bag and the dri-
ver or front passenger. These objects
may interfere with air bag operation
or may be propelled by the air bag
in the event of a crash. Either of these
conditions may cause severe injury.
For vehicles with side air bags, do not
place seat covers on the front seats,
because seat covers could restrict the
air bag’s inflation. Also, do not place
any cup holders on the door, as the
cup holder could be propelled by the
air bag in the event of a crash. Either
of these conditions may cause severe
injury.
WARNING
A seat belt helps keep you in the proper
position for maximum protection when an
air bag inflates. Adjust your seat as far back
as possible while still maintaining control
of the vehicle. Sit fully back in your seat;
sit up straight; do not lean over the steer-
ing wheel or dashboard. Front occupants
should not lean on or sleep against the
door. Please refer to the “Seat Adjust-
ment” section and the “Seat Belts and
Child Restraint Systems” section in the
“BEFORE DRIVING” section for details
on proper seat and seat belt adjustments.
009-056 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:41 Pagina 53
54
Note that even though your vehicle may
be moderately damaged in a collision, the
collision may not have been severe enough
to trigger the front or side air bags to in-
flate. If your vehicle sustains ANY front-
end or side damage, have the air bag sys-
tem inspected by an authorized Fiat Deal-
ership to ensure it is in proper working
order.
Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic
module which records information about
the air bag system if the air bags deploy
in a crash. The module records informa-
tion about overall system status, which
sensors activated the deployment.Servicing the air bag system
If the air bags inflate, have the air bags and
related components replaced by an au-
thorized Fiat Dealership as soon as pos-
sible.
If your vehicle ever gets in deep water and
the driver’s floor is submerged, the air bag
controller could be damaged. If it does,
have the air bag system inspected by the
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
Special procedures are required for ser-
vicing or replacing an air bag. For that rea-
son, only an authorized Fiat Dealership
should be allowed to service or replace
your air bags. Please remind anyone who
services your Fiat that it has air bags.Service on or around air bag components
or wiring must be performed only by an
authorized Fiat Dealership. Improper ser-
vice could result in unintended air bag de-
ployment or could render the air bag in-
operative. Either of these two conditions
may result in severe injury.
To prevent damage or unintended infla-
tion of the air bag system, be sure the bat-
tery is disconnected and the ignition
switch has been in the “LOCK” position
for at least 90 seconds before perform-
ing any electrical service work on your Fi-
at. Do not touch air bag system compo-
nents or wires. The wires are wrapped
with yellow tape or yellow tubing, and the
couplers are yellow for easy identification.
Scrapping a vehicle that has an uninflated
air bag can be hazardous. Ask your Fiat
Dealership, body repair shop or scrap
yard for help with disposal.
009-056 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:41 Pagina 54
65
If the lever is equipped with the “INT
TIME” control, turn the control forward
or rearward to adjust the intermittent
wiper operation to the desired interval.WINDSHIELD WASHER
To spray windshield washer fluid, pull the
lever toward you. The windshield wipers
will automatically turn on at low speed if
they are not already on and the “INT” po-
sition is equipped.
WINDSHIELD WIPER
AND WASHER LEVER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
To turn the windshield wipers on, move
the lever down to one of the three op-
erating positions. In the “INT” position
(if equipped), the wipers operate inter-
mittently. The “INT” position is very con-
venient for driving in mist or light rain. In
the “LO” position, the wipers operate at
a steady low speed. In the “HI” position,
the wipers operate at a steady high speed.
To turn off the wipers, move the lever
back to the “OFF” position.
Move the lever up and hold it to the
“MIST” position, the windshield wipers
will turn on continuously at low speed.
IMPORTANT Never use the window
wiper to remove ice or snow from the
windscreen. In these conditions, the wiper
is submitted to excessive effort that re-
sults in motor protection cutting in and
wiper operation inhibition for few seconds
as a consequence. If operation is not re-
stored (also after restarting the vehicle by
the ignition key) contact Fiat Dealership.
MIST
OFF
INT
LO
HI
63J301
63J302
63J303
To prevent windshield icing in
cold weather, turn on the de-
froster to heat the windshield before
and during windshield washer use.
Do not use radiator antifreeze in the
windshield washer reservoir. It can se-
verely impair visibility when sprayed
on the windshield, and can also dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
WARNING
057-068 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:13 Pagina 65
69
I I
N N
S S
T T
R R
U U
M M
E E
N N
T T
P P
A A
N N
E E
L L
60G406
INSTRUMENT PANEL ........................................................ 70
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ................................................... 71
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS ...................... 72
SPEEDOMETER/ ODOMETER/ TRIP METER/
METER ILLUMINATION CONTROL ............................. 81
TACHOMETER .................................................................... 83
FUEL GAUGE ....................................................................... 84
TEMPERATURE GAUGE/OVERHEAT INDICATOR
LIGHT (for diesel engine model) ...................................... 84HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ...................................... 85
“ESP OFF” SWITCH (if equipped)................................... 85
2WD/ 4WD SWITCH (if equipped) ................................ 86
HEADLIGHT LEVELING SWITCH (if equipped) .........87
HEATED REAR WINDOW AND HEATED OUTSIDE
REARVIEW MIRRORS (if equipped)SWITCH .............. 88
ILLUMINATION CANCEL SWITCH (if equipped) ..... 89
FRONT FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if equipped) ................ 89
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND ASHTRAY (if equipped) .. 90
GLOVE BOX ......................................................................... 91
INFORMATION DISPLAY (Type I) (if equipped) ......... 91
INFORMATION DISPLAY (Type II) (if equipped) ........ 94
CLOCK (if equipped) .......................................................... 98
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ....... 99
MANUAL HEATING AND
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ..................................... 100
AUTOMATIC HEATING AND
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM....................................... 104
AUDIO SYSTEMS ................................................................ 109
MP3/WMA PLAYER (if equipped).................................... 120
3
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:19 Pagina 69
72
The light should go out after starting the
engine and fully releasing the parking
brake, if the fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir is adequate.
The light also comes on together with the
ABS warning light when the rear brake
force control function (Proportioning
valve function) of the ABS system fails.
If the brake system warning light comes
on while you are driving the vehicle, it may
mean that there is something wrong with
the vehicle’s brake system. If this happens,
you should:
❒Pull off the road and stop carefully.
❒Test the brakes by carefully starting and
stopping at the side of the road.
– If you determine that it is safe, drive
carefully at low speed to the near-
est dealer for repairs, or
WARNING AND
INDICATOR LIGHTS
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING
LIGHT
65D477
For working check of this light, there are
following three different type operations
depending on the vehicle’s specification.
❒The light comes on briefly when the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “ON”
and/or “START” position.
❒The light comes on when the parking
brake is engaged with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position.
❒The light comes on when under either
or both of above two conditions.
The light also comes on when the fluid in
the brake fluid reservoir falls below the
specified level.
Remember that stopping dis-
tance may be longer, you
may have to push harder on the ped-
al, and the pedal may go down far-
ther than normal.
WARNING
If any of the following con-
ditions occur, you should im-
mediately ask your Fiat Dealership to
inspect the brake system.
If the brake system warning light does
not go out after the engine has been
started and the parking brake has
been fully released.
If the brake system warning light does
not come on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” or “START”
position.
If the brake system warning light
comes on at any time during vehicle
operation.
WARNING
– Have the vehicle towed to the nearest
dealer for repairs.
NOTE Because the disc brake system is
selfadjusting, the fluid level will drop as the
brake pads become worn. Replenishing
the brake fluid reservoir is considered
normal periodic maintenance.
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:19 Pagina 72
99
HEATING AND AIR
CONDITIONING
SYSTEM
There are two types of heating and air
conditioning systems as follows:
❒manual Heating and Air Conditioning
System
❒automatic Heating and Air Condition-
ing System (Climate Control)
AIR OUTLET
1.Windshield defroster outlet
2.Side defroster outlet
3.Side outlet
4.Center outlet
5.Floor outlet
1
1
2
2 3 3
5 5
5 54
2 2
79J064
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:20 Pagina 99
100
MANUAL HEATING AND
AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
Temperature selector (1)
This is used to select the temperature by
turning the selector.
Blower speed selector (2)
This is used to turn on the blower and to
select blower speed by turning the selec-
tor.
Air flow selector (3)
This is used to select one of the functions
described below. SIDE OUTLET
When “Open”, air comes out regardless
of the air flow selector position.
63J045
79J103
63J048
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