2009 FIAT IDEA brake

83
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ABS SYSTEM
If you have never driven a vehicle with
ABS before, it is advisable to perform a
few tests on slippery ground, naturally in
conditions of safety and respecting the
Highway Code of the country where you
are driving. Read the following informa-
tion carefully.
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes the most of road
grip and gives the best control when
emergency braking under difficulty road
conditions.
System is completed by EBD (Electronic
Braking force Distribution), which dis-
tributes the braking action between front
and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT The braking system needs
to settle for approximately 500 km: dur-
ing this time, avoid sudden, repeated and
prolonged braking.ABS SYSTEM INTERVENTION
Intervention of the ABS is detected by a
slight pulsing of the brake pedal accom-
panied by noise: such an event indicates
that you need to adjust your speed to the
type of road on which you are travelling.
When the ABS intervenes it means that
you are approaching the grip limit be-
tween tyres and road: slow down to ex-
ploit all the available grip.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
ABS failure
ABS failure is indicated by the turning on
of warning light
>on the instrument pan-
el together with the dedicated message on
the multifunctional display (where pro-
vided), (see section “Warning lights and
messages”). In the case, the braking sys-
tem will work as normal without the ex-
tra potentials offered by the ABS system.
Drive carefully to the nearest Fiat Deal-
ership to have the system checked.EBD failure
ABS failure is indicated by the turning on
of warning light >and xon the instru-
ment panel together with the dedicated
message on the multifunctional display
(where provided), (see section “Warning
lights and messages”). In this case, the rear
wheels may suddenly lock and the vehi-
cle may swerve when braking sharply. Dri-
ve carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership
to have the system checked.
When the ABS intervenes it
means that you are ap-
proaching the grip limit between tyres
and road: slow down to exploit all the
available grip.
WARNING
The ABS exploits the tyre-
road grip at the best, but it
cannot improve it; you should there-
fore take every care when driving on
slippery surfaces without taking un-
necessary risks.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep it pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of space
possible under the current road con-
ditions.
WARNING

86
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED BY THE
OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to install
electrical accessories that require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, satellite an-
titheft system, etc.) or accessories that in
any case burden the electric supply, con-
tact Fiat Dealership, whose qualified per-
sonnel, besides suggesting the most suit-
able devices belonging to Lineaccessori Fi-
at, will also evaluate the overall electric
consumption, checking whether the car’s
electric system is able to withstand the
load required, or whether it needs to be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
INSTALLING
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Electrical and electronic devices installed
after buying the car by after-market ser-
vice must carry the following label:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorises the installation
of transceiving devices provided that they
are installed by a specialised centre ac-
cording to rules of good engineering prac-
tice in compliance with the manufacturer’s
indications.IMPORTANT Traffic police may not allow
the car on the road in the event of as-
sembly of devices which imply modifica-
tions to the features of the car. This may
also cause lapse of warranty in relation to
faults caused by the change or either di-
rectly or indirectly related to it.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. shall not be liable for dam-
age caused by the installation of acces-
sories either not supplied or recom-
mended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and/or not in-
stalled in compliance with the provided in-
structions.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND
CELLULAR PHONES
Radio transceiver equipment (e.g.: e-tacs
mobile phones, HAM radio systems and
the like) shall not be used inside the car
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 car 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 car 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 very careful when fitting
non-standard additional
spoilers, light alloy wheels or wheel
caps: they could reduce brake venti-
lation and consequently brake effi-
ciency in the case of repeated, violent
braking or on long downhill roads.
Make sure that nothing obstructs the
pedal stroke (mats, etc.)
WARNING

89
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FAILURE INDICATIONS
See the “Warning lights and messages”
chapter.
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
The system is deactivated automatically
when the trailer electric cable plug is fit-
ted into the car tow hook socket.
The sensors are automatically enabled
again when the trailer cable plug is re-
moved.It is vital that the sensors are
always clean in order for the
system to work properly.
Take great care when clean-
ing the sensors not to scratch or dam-
age them; avoid using dry, rough or
hard cloths. Clean the sensors with
clean water with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. In washing sta-
tions, clean the sensors quickly, keep-
ing the steam jet/high pressure wash-
ing nozzles at least 10 cm away from
the sensors.
The ultimate responsibility
when parking and carrying
out other dangerous manoeuvres still
rests with the driver. Always make
sure that there are no people, ani-
mals or objects in the way when car-
rying out these manoeuvres. Parking
sensors are designed to assist drivers:
in all cases, you must always pay the
utmost attention during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even when
these are carried out a low speed.
WARNING
GENERAL WARNINGS
❒When parking, take the utmost care
to obstacles that may be set above or
under the sensors.
❒Objects set close to the car, under
certain circumstances are not detect-
ed and could therefore cause damages
to the car or be damaged.
❒indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposit-
ed on the sensors or by ultrasound
systems (e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes
or pneumatic hammers) set nearby the
car.

112
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE
The car is provided with an electronic en-
gine lock device: refer to “The Fiat CO-
DE system” paragraph in “Dashboard and
controls” if you cannot start the engine.
The engine may be noisier during the fir-
st seconds of operation, particularly after
a long period of inactivity. This is charac-
teristic of hydraulic tappets, the timing sy-
stem chosen for petrol engine versions to
reduce the number of servicing interven-
tions and does effects neither functiona-
lity nor reliability.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒apply the handbrake;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒press the clutch pedal all the way
down without touching the accelera-
tor;
❒turn the ignition key to AVVand let
it go the moment the engine starts.
It is dangerous to run the en-
gine in closed environments.
The engine consumes oxygen and en-
gine exhaust contains carbon dioxi-
de, carbon oxide and other toxic gas-
ses.
WARNINGIf 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 at MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
Yremains
lit together with warning light Uturn the
key to STOPand then back to MAR; if
the warning light remains on, try with the
other keys provided with the car.
If you still cannot start the engine, use the
emergency procedure (see “Emergency
starting” in the “In an emergency” chap-
ter) and go to a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
to MARwhen the engine is off.
PROCEDURE FOR MULTIJET
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒apply the handbrake;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR; instru-
ment panel warning lights m,
Uand
Ywill light up;
❒Wait for the warning lights Yand
mto turn off. The hotter the engi-
ne is, the quicker this will happen;
❒press the clutch pedal all the way
down without touching the accelera-
tor; It is advisable not to demand
maximum performance from
your car (e.g. excessive acce-
lerations, long distances at
top rpm, excessive intense braking,
etc.) as soon as the engine is started.
Do not leave the key in the
ignition switch in the MAR
position with the engine off to
avoid unnecessary consump-
tion of electricity which could drain the
battery.

113
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
❒turn the ignition key to AVVas soon
as the warning light mturns off.
Waiting too long will waste the work
done by the heater plugs. Release the
key as soon as the engine starts.
IMPORTANT With the engine cold, the
accelerator must be entirely released
when turning the ignition key to position
AVV.
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 at MAR, the
instrument panel warning light
Yre-
mains lit, turn the key to STOPand then
back to MAR; if the warning lights remain
on, try with the other keys provided with
the car.
Contact a Fiat Dealership if you still can-
not start the engine.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
to MARwhen the engine is off. Warning light
mwill blink
for 60 seconds after starting
or during prolonged cranking
to indicate a fault to the glow
plug heating system. Use the car nor-
mally if the engine starts and go to a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED (petrol and Multijet
engines)
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium speed. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performan-
ce for the first few kilometres. Wait
until the engine coolant gauge starts
moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the engi-
ne compartment to fall. Never jump start the engine
by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. This could cause a
flow of fuel into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond re-
pair.
A quick burst on the accele-
rator before turning off the
engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
Remember that the brake
booster and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much
effort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING

114
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
PARKING THE VEHICLE
Proceed as follows:
❒Stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒Engage a gear (on a slope, engage fir-
st gear if the vehicle is faced uphill or
reverse if it is faced downhill) and lea-
ve the wheels steered.
If the car is parked on a steep slope, it is
further advisable to block the wheels with
a wedge or stone. Avoid parking for a long
time with one wheel on the pavement or
steered against the kerb. Do not leave the
key in the ignition switch at MARto pre-
vent draining the battery. Always remo-
ve the key when you leave the car.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to operate the
handbrake.
Four or five notches are normally suffi-
cient to lock the car on flat terrain, while
nine or ten may be necessary on a steep
slope with the car loaded.
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 MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
xwill turn
on.
Proceed as follows to release the hand-
brake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A-fig. 1;
❒hold the button Apressed and lower
the lever; the warning light
xon the
instrument panel will 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 reach end of stroke (groove on the
central tunnel), go to a Fiat dealership to
have the handbrake adjusted correctly.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

117
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
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).

118
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
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.