2009 FIAT IDEA warning light

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USING THE GEARBOX
To engage the gears, press the clutch pe-
dal fully and shift the gear lever into one
of the required positions (the diagram is
shown on the knob).
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be enga-
ged when the car is at a standstill. With
the engine running, wait for at least 2 se-
conds with the clutch pedal fully pressed
before engaging reverse to prevent da-
mage to the gears and grating.
To engage 6th gear (where provided),
operate the lever by pressing it towards
the right in order to avoid engaging 4th
gear by mistake. The same applies to shif-
ting from 6th to 5th gear.
To engage reverse Rfrom idle position,
lift the sliding ring A-fig. 2-3under the
knob and at the same time shift the lever
rightwards and then backwards (petrol
versions only).
For Multijet versions, simply move the le-
ver rightwards and then backwards.
fig. 2F0H0150mfig. 3F0H0353m
Press the clutch pedal fully
to change gears correctly.
For this reason, there must be no ob-
stacles on the floor under the pedals:
ensure that rubber mats (if any) are
correctly positioned, not interfering
with the pedals.
WARNINGDo not drive with your hand
resting on the gear lever, be-
cause this pressure, even if li-
ght, over time can wear out
the gearbox inner components.

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CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
vehicle down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the atmo-
sphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedu-
le”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least on-
ce every four weeks: excessively low pres-
sure will increase fuel consumption be-
cause rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof after use. These accessories de-
crease aerodynamic penetration of the car
and have a negative effect on consumption.
It is better to use a trailer to transport
particularly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The climate control system requires hi-
gher fuel consumption (up to +20% in ave-
rage): use the air vents when the exter-
nal temperature allows to.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car
standing: the engine warms up very slowly
in these conditions, increasing fuel con-
sumption and emissions. It is advisable to
start off immediately and slowly keeping
the engine speed down: the engine will
warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine. The
latter action, like doubling the clutch, is un-
necessary and causes increase of con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and
road conditions allow. Using a low gear
for faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.

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Average speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
as speed increases. Keep your speed as
even as possible, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration, which cause ex-
cessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative
effect on fuel consumption and emissions:
accelerate gradually and do not go over
the maximum torque ratio.OPERATING METHOD
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-
ups will prevent the engine from reaching
optimal running temperature. Conse-
quently, both consumption (from +15 to
+30% on urban cycle ) and emissions will
increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Quite high consumption is caused by
heavy traffic, for instance when travelling
in a queue with frequent use of low gears
or in cities with many traffic lights. Moun-
tain and rough roads also have a negative
effect on fuel consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level cros-
sings) the engine should be switched off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The car must be provided with a type-ap-
proved tow hitch and adequate electrical
system to tow caravans or trailers. Instal-
lation must be performed by specialised
personnel who will issue the required pa-
pers for travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-
view mirrors as specified by the Highway
Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the braking
spaces increase and overtaking takes lon-
ger depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the car’s tow
hitch will reduce the loading capacity of
the car by the same amount. Consider the
weight of the vehicle fully laden, including
accessories and luggage to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable wei-
ght (shown on the log book).

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Respect the speed limits specific for each
country for vehicles towing trailers. In all
cases, the top speed must not exceed 100
km/h.
The ABS with which the car
may be equipped will not
control the braking system of the trai-
ler. Particular caution is required on
slippery roads.
Never modify the braking sy-
stem of the car to control
the trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the car.
WARNING
WARNING
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel accor-
ding to any additional and/or integrative
information supplied by the Manufacturer
of the device.
The towing device must meet current re-
gulations 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 car
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 fa-
stened to the towing device, and a spe-
cial ECU for external trailer light control
shall be installed on the car. For the electrical connection, 7 or 13 pin
12VDC connection is to be used (CU-
NA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow
the instructions provided by the car ma-
nufacturer 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 mm2,5.
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 connec-
ted to the supply cable for an electric
brake and to the cable for an internal li-
ght, though not above 15W.
For connections use the preset control
unit with battery cable no less than 2.5
mm
2.

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F0H0151m
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM fig. 4
The tow hook structure must be fastened
in the points shown by the symbol
Øusing
a total of 4 M10 screws, 2 M10 screws and
2 M12 screws.
The hook should be fastened to the body
avoiding any type of drilling and trimming
of the rear bumpers that remains visible
when the hook is removed.
IMPORTANT It is compulsory to fasten a
label (plainly visible) of suitable size and
material with the following wording:
MAX LOAD ON BALL 60 kg
After fitting, the bolt holes
must be sealed to prevent
exhaust gas leaks.
WARNING
fig. 4
Existing holes
Standard ball
Existing holes
loaded
Existing holes

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SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided with the car.
Fiat Dealership will be happy to provide
advice concerning the most suitable type
of tyre for the customer’s requirements.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of snow
tyres, follow the instructions given in pa-
ragraph “Wheels” in section “Technical
specifications”.
The performance of these tyres is consi-
derably reduced when the tread depth is
less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
Due to their specific features, the perfor-
mance of snow tyres is much lower than
that of standard tyres in normal conditions
or long motorway stretches. Limit perfor-
mance according the use for which they
were approved.IMPORTANT When snow tyres are used
with a max speed index below the one
that can be reached by the car (increased
by 5%), place a notice in the passenger’s
compartment, plainly in the driver’s view
which states the max permissible speed of
the snow tyres (as per EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand
and track) to ensure greater safety when
driving and braking and better driveability.
Remember that it is inappropriate to chan-
ge the direction of rotation of tyres.The top speed of a “T” type
snow tyre is 190 km/h. Re-
spect the highway code in all cases.
WARNING

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SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in com-
pliance with local regulations.
Snow chains may be only be fitted to the
front wheel tyres (drive wheels). Use of
Lineaccessori Fiat snow chains is recom-
mended.
Check the tension of the chains after the
first few metres have been driven.IMPORTANT Snow chains cannot be fit-
ted on the space saver wheel. In case of
puncture to a front tyre, replace a rear
wheel using the space saver spare and fit
the normal size wheel on the front axle.
In this way, you can fit snow chains on the
two front wheels.
Chains cannot be fitted on 205/50 R16
87V tyres.
Versions
ACTIVE
DYNAMIC
EMOTIONTyres suitable for fitting snow
chains
185/65 R14 86T
195/60 R15 88T
195/60 R15 88T
195/60 R15 88TType of snow chains to be used
Normal size snow chains
with maximum protrusion beyond tyre profile equal to 12 mm.
Keep your speed down when snow chains are fitted. Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and also avoid driving long distances on roads not covered with snow in order to prevent da-
maging the car and the roadbed.
The tyres which are suitable
for fitting snow chains and the
type of chain which can be
used are shown in the table
above. Follow indications carefully.

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STORING THE CAR
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 enga-
ged;
❒disconnect the negative battery ter-
minal and check battery charge. Re-
peat this check once every three
months during storage. Recharge the
battery if the indicator is dark and the
middle area is not green;
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts
using special compounds readily avai-
lable;
❒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 fabric or perfo-
rated plastic terrapin. Do not use
compact plastic sheets which do not
allow humidity to evaporate from the
surface of the car.
❒inflate tyres to a pressure of +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 co-
lour without the central green area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling sy-
stem.