2008 FIAT SEDICI parking brake

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.
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129
O O
T T
H H
E E
R R
C C
O O
N N
T T
R R
O O
L L
S S
A A
N N
D D
E E
Q Q
U U
I I
P P
M M
E E E
N N
T T
60G407
PARKING BRAKE LEVER .................................................. 130
PEDAL .................................................................................... 131
GEARSHIFT LEVER .............................................................. 132
FUEL FILLER CAP ................................................................ 132
FOLDING REAR SEATS ..................................................... 134
SUN VISOR ........................................................................... 137
INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH ............................................. 138
SPOT LIGHT (if equipped) ................................................. 138
FRONT SEAT HEATER (if equipped) .............................. 139
ASSIST GRIPS (if equipped) ................................................ 140
ENGINE HOOD .................................................................. 140
CUP HOLDER AND STORAGE AREA
(if equipped) ........................................................................... 142
FRAME HOOKS ................................................................... 143
TIRE CHANGING TOOL ................................................. 144
FRONT SEAT BACK POCKET (if equipped) ................ 145
LUGGAGE RESTRAINT LOOPS (if equipped)................. 145
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER (if equipped).... 146
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT LIGHT ............................ 146
RADIO ANTENNA (if equipped) ..................................... 147
ROOF RAILS OR ROOF RACK ANCHORS
(if equipped)........................................................................... 147
4
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130
PARKING BRAKE
LEVER
1.To set
2.To release
3.To release
The parking brake lever is located be-
tween the seats. To set the parking brake,
hold the brake pedal down and pull the
parking brake lever all the way up. To re-
lease the parking brake, hold the brake
pedal down, pull up slightly on the parking
brake lever, push the button on the end
of the lever with your thumb, and lower
the lever to its original position.(2)
(3)(1)
54G039
Never drive your vehicle with
the parking brake on: rear
brake effectiveness can be reduced
from overheating, brake life may be
shortened, or permanent brake dam-
age may result.
If the parking brake does not hold
the vehicle securely or does not ful-
ly release, have your vehicle in-
spected immediately by an autho-
rized Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake
fully before leaving your ve-
hicle or it may move, causing injury
or damage. When parking, make sure
the gearshift lever for manual
transaxle vehicles is in 1st gear or “R”
(Reverse) and the gearshift lever for
automatic transaxle vehicles is in “P”
(Park). Remember, even though the
transaxle is in gear or in Park, you
must set the parking brake fully.
WARNING
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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
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151
Once a week, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, perform the following under-
hood checks:
❒Engine oil level
❒Coolant level
❒Brake fluid level
❒Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
❒Windshield washer fluid level
❒Battery solution level
❒Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without re-
leasing the secondary latch. Be sure to
close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See “All
latches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS
AND BODY” in the “Periodic Main-
tenance Schedule” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section
for lubrication schedule.Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.❒Adjust the seat and adjustable head re-
straint (if equipped).
❒Check the brake pedal and the park-
ing brake lever.
❒Adjust the mirrors.
❒Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
❒Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
❒Check all gauges.
❒Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
60A187S
Make sure the hood is fully
closed and latched before
driving. If it is not, it can fly up un-
expectedly during driving, obstructing
your view and resulting in an acci-
dent.
WARNING
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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.
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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
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178
A: 2WD VEHICLES WITH
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
❒Secure the front wheels on a towing
dolly according to the instructions pro-
vided by the dolly manufacturer.
❒Release the parking brake.
75J019
TOWING METHOD A
FROM THE FRONT:
FRONT WHEELS ON A DOLLY
AND REAR WHEELS ON THE GROUND
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