131
PEDAL
Clutch Pedal (1)
The clutch pedal is used to disengage the
drive to the wheels when starting the en-
gine, stopping, or shifting the gearshift
lever. Depressing the pedal disengages the
clutch.
IMPORTANT Do not drive with your
foot resting on the clutch pedal. It could
result in excessive clutch wear, clutch
damage, or unexpected loss of engine
braking.
Brake Pedal (2)
Your Fiat vehicle is equipped with either
front and rear disc brakes or front disc
brakes and rear drum brakes. Depress-
ing the brake pedal applies both sets of
brakes.
You may hear occasional brake squeal
when you apply the brakes. This is a nor-
mal condition caused by environmental
factors such as cold, wet, snow, etc.Accelerator Pedal (3)
This pedal controls the speed of the en-
gine. Depressing the accelerator pedal in-
creases power output and speed.
When parking the vehicle in
extremely cold weather, the
following procedure should be used:
1) Set the parking brake.
2) Shift the manual transaxle into re-
verse or first gear, or the automatic
transaxle into “P” (Park).
3) With the engine off, get out of the
vehicle and put chocks under the
wheels.
4) Release the parking brake.
When you return to your vehicle,
you must remember to first set the
parking brake, then remove the
wheel chocks.
WARNING
(1) (2) (3)
79J072
If brake squeal is excessive
and occurs each time the
brakes are applied, you should have
the brakes checked by your Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
Do not “ride” the brakes by
applying them continuously
or resting your foot on the pedal. This
will result in overheating of the brakes
which could cause unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or permanent brake damage.
WARNING
129-148 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:16 Pagina 131
132
FUEL FILLER CAP
The fuel filler cap is located on the left rear
side of the vehicle. The fuel filler lid can be
unlocked by pulling up the opener lever lo-
cated on the outboard side of the driver’s
seat and locked by simply closing the lid.
GEARSHIFT LEVER
Your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transaxle. The gearshift lever is shown. For
details on how to use the transaxle, re-
fer to “Using the Transaxle” in the “OP-
ERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
63J051
Remove the fuel filler cap
slowly. The fuel may be un-
der pressure and may spray out, caus-
ing injury.
WARNING
Gasoline is extremely flam-
mable. Do not smoke when
refueling, and make sure there are no
open flames or sparks in the area.
WARNING
To change gears properly
you must push the clutch
pedal fully down. It is therefore es-
sential that there is nothing under the
pedals: make sure the mats are lying
flat and do not get in the way of the
pedals.
WARNING
IMPORTANT Do not drive with your
hand resting on the gear lever as the force
exerted, even if slight, could lead over time
to premature wear on the gearbox inter-
nal components.
129-148 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:16 Pagina 132
152
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per
1000 km (1 Qt. per 600 miles)
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to accurately
judge the true oil level.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for re-
peated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more of dri-
ving. This is because the oil is gradually be-
coming diluted with fuel or moisture, mak-
ing it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
You should also be aware that the dilut-
ing ingredients evaporate out when the ve-
hicle is subsequently driven at high speeds,
such as on an expressway, making it ap-
pear that oil is excessively consumed af-
ter high- speed driving.STARTING THE ENGINE
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
❒Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
❒Shift into “N” (Neutral) and depress the
clutch pedal all the way to the floor.
Hold it while starting the engine.
ENGINE OIL
CONSUMPTION
It is normal for the engine to consume
some engine oil during normal vehicle op-
eration.
The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the qual-
ity of the oil and the conditions the vehi-
cle is driven under.
More oil is consumed during high- speed
driving and when there is frequent accel-
eration and deceleration. Under high
loads, your engine also will consume more
oil.
A new engine also consumes more oil,
since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder
walls have not yet become conditioned.
New engines reach the normal level of oil
consumption only after approximately
5000 km (3000 miles) driving.
Make sure that the parking
brake is set fully and the
transaxle is in Neutral before at-
tempting to start the engine.
WARNING
IMPORTANT We recommend that dur-
ing the initial period you do not drive to
full vehicle performance (e.g.: excessive ac-
celeration, long journeys at top speed,
sharp braking, etc.).
IMPORTANT When the engine is
switched off never leave the key into the
ignition switch to prevent pointless cur-
rent absorption from draining the battery.
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:15 Pagina 152
156
779J002
Reduce your speed and
downshift to a lower gear
before going down a long or steep hill.
A lower gear will allow the engine to
provide braking. Avoid riding the
brakes or they may overheat, result-
ing in brake failure.
When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before downshift-
ing. Excessive and or sudden changes
in engine speed may cause loss of
traction, which could cause you to
lose control.
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before you shift in-
to reverse.
WARNING
79J140
Reverse engagement
Petrol versions: from neutral (N) press the
gear lever down and at the same time
move it rightwards and backwards.
Diesel versions: raise the ring and at the
same time move the gear lever rightwards
and backwards.
To change gears properly
you must push the clutch
pedal fully down. It is therefore es-
sential that there is nothing under the
pedals: make sure the mats are lying
flat and do not get in the way of the
pedals.
WARNING
USING THE
TRANSAXLE
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Starting off
To start off, push in the clutch pedal and
shift into 1st gear. After releasing the park-
ing brake, gradually release the clutch.
When you hear a change in the engine’s
sound, slowly press the accelerator while
continuing to gradually release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet, easy shifting. Always
push in the clutch pedal fully before shift-
ing gears.
For vehicle with tachometer
Keep the engine speed so it does not get
into the red zone of tachometer.
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:15 Pagina 156
157
IMPORTANT Do not drive with your
hand resting on the gear lever as the force
exerted, even if slight, could lead over time
to premature wear on the gearbox inter-
nal components.
IMPORTANT
❒To help avoid clutch damage, do not
use the clutch pedal as a footrest while
driving or use the clutch to keep the ve-
hicle stationary on a hill. Depress the
clutch fully when shifting.
❒When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine can
shorten engine life and prevent smooth
shifting.
USING THE 2WD/
4WD SWITCH
(if equipped)
This 4WD system enables you to select the
driving mode according to the driving con-
ditions by operating the 2WD/4WD
switch. With this feature, you can select 3
mode positions, “2WD”, “4WD AUTO”
and “4WD LOCK” by operating the 2WD/
4WD switch even when the vehicle is mov-
ing, provided the front wheels are in the
straight ahead position.
DESCRIPTION OF TRANSFER
CASE POSITIONS
2WD
In this position, engine power is supplied
to the front axle only. Use this position
for normal driving (on dry, hard surfaces).
4WD AUTO
In this position, engine power is supplied
to the front and rear axles at normal
speed, providing greater traction than 2-
wheel drive. Use this position for driving
on paved roads or on slippery roads (icy,
snow- covered, muddy, etc.).In the AUTO mode, the 4WD controller
judges the driving conditions using signals
from sensors.
When slipping of the front wheels is de-
tected, the electronically controlled cou-
pling supplies optimum driving force to the
rear wheels. This function improves dri-
ving stability and running through perfor-
mance on rough roads and stabilizes dri-
ving performance even on a snow covered
up- hill road or the like.
Also, during normal driving on paved
roads, torque distribution to the rear
wheels is reduced to achieve the nearly
front wheel drive condition, thereby fuel
consumption is improved.
79J042
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:15 Pagina 157
176
– Avoid “riding” the brakes.
This could cause the brakes
to overheat resulting in reduced brak-
ing efficiency. Use engine braking as
much as possible.
– Because of the added trailer weight,
your engine may overheat on hot
days when going up long or steep
hills. Pay attention to your engine
temperature gauge. If it indicates
overheating, pull off the road and
stop in a safe place. Refer to “If the
Engine Overheats” in “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section.
WARNING
60A186
When parking your vehicle
and connected trailer, al-
ways use the following procedure:
– Apply the vehicle’s brakes firmly.
– Have another person place wheel
chocks under the wheels of the vehi-
cle and the trailer while you are hold-
ing the brakes.
– Slowly release the brakes until the
wheel chocks absorb the load.
– Fully engage the parking brake.
– Manual Transaxle – Shift into Re-
verse or first gear and turn off the en-
gine.
WARNING
When starting out after
parking:
– Depress the clutch and start the en-
gine.
– Shift into gear, release the parking
brake, and slowly pull away from the
chocks.
– Stop, apply the brakes firmly and
hold them.
– Have another person remove the
chocks.
WARNING
171-180 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:42 Pagina 176
181
I I
N N
S S
P P
E E
C C
T T
I I
O O
N N
A A
N N
D D
M M
A A
I I
N N
T T
E E
N N
A A
N N
C C
E E E
60G410
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................... 183
MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDED UNDER SEVERE
DRIVING CONDITIONS .................................................... 188
DRIVE BELT .......................................................................... 189
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER ................................................ 189
GEAR OIL .............................................................................. 193
ENGINE COOLANT .......................................................... 195
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID ...................................... 198
AIR CLEANER ...................................................................... 198
SPARK PLUGS (Petrol engine).......................................... 199
FUEL FILTER (Diesel engine)............................................. 201
BRAKES .................................................................................. 202
STEERING .............................................................................. 204
CLUTCH PEDAL ................................................................. 205
TIRES ....................................................................................... 205
BATTERY ............................................................................... 210
FUSES ...................................................................................... 212
BULB REPLACEMENT ........................................................ 218
WINDSCREEN - REAR WINDOW WASHER /
WIPERS .................................................................................. 223
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ....................................... 224
8
181-224 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:17 Pagina 181
184
15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●● ●●●●
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●●
●●
●●●●●●●●●●●●
●● ●●●●
SERVICE SCHEDULE PETROL VERSIONS
Service coupons shall be carried out every 15,000 km
Thousands of km
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure if required
Check electric system operation headlights,
direction indicators, hazard lights, passenger compartment/
boot light, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper operation, adjust nozzles if required
Check windscreen blade position/wear
Check front disk brake pad wear conditions and brake
pad wear indicator operation
Check rear disk brake pad or shoes conditions and wear
Sight inspect conditions and integrity of: bodywork and
underbody protection, pipes (exhaust, fuel, brakes),
rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.), brake and
fuel system hoses, axles and axle shafts
Top up fluids (engine coolant, brakes, clutch, battery,
windscreen washer, etc.)
Sight inspect accessory drive belt conditions
Check antievaporation system
Check and adjust handbrake lever stroke, if required
Check and adjust tappet clearance, if required
181-224 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:17 Pagina 184