2009 FIAT PANDA Owners Manual

HEADLIGHTSHEADLIGHT BEAM AIMING
The correct aiming of the headlights is important for the
comfort and safety of not only the driver but all other road
users. This is also covered by a specific rule of the high-
way code. The headlights must be correctly aimed to get
the best visibility conditions for all drivers while travel-
ling with headlights on. Contact a Fiat Dealership to have
the headlights properly adjusted. Check headlight beam
aiming every time the load or its distribution change.
SLANT COMPENSATION fig. 83
The car is fitted with electric adjustment of the beams, op-
erating with ignition key at MAR and dipped headlights on.
When the car is loaded, it slopes backwards. This means
the headlight beam rises.
In this case, repeat beams aiming by buttons + and −.The display provides a visual indication of the positions
during adjustment.
Correct positions depending on the load
Position 0 – one or two passengers on front seats.
Position 1 – four passengers.
Position 2 – four passengers + load in the boot.
Position 3 – driver + maximum permitted load in the boot.
fig. 84
F0Z0076m
fig. 83
F0Z0141m
72
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 72

FRONT FOG LIGHT AIMING fig. 84
(for versions/markets where provided)
Contact a Fiat Dealership to have the fog lights properly
adjusted.ADJUSTING THE HEADLIGHTS WHEN
ABROAD fig. 85
Dipped headlights are adjusted to drive in the country
where the vehicle was originally purchased. When trav-
elling in countries with opposite driving direction, to avoid
blinding the drivers on the other side of the road, you need
to cover the headlight areas depending on the Highway
code of the country you are travelling in.
This is done using non-transparent sticker tape on
the headlights as shown in the figure. The figure show how
to change from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.
fig. 85
F0Z0691m
73KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 73

When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not raise foot,
but keep it pressed; in doing so you will stop in the
shortest amount of space possible depending on
the current road conditions.
WARNING
If the ABS system cuts in, it means that the
grip between the tyre and the road surface
is close to its limit: you must slow down to match
the speed to the road grip available.
WARNING
The ABS make the best use of the avail-
able grip but cannot increase it. You
should always drive carefully on slippery surfaces
and avoid any unnecessary risks.
WARNING
ABS SYSTEM (for versions/markets, where provided)
This system, which is an integral part of the braking sys-
tem, prevents one or more wheels from locking and slip-
ping in all road surface conditions, irrespective of the
intensity of the braking action, ensuring that the vehicle can
be controlled even during emergency braking.
The EBD system (Electronic Braking Force Distribution)
completes the system allowing the brake force to be dis-
tributed between the front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To get the maximum efficiency of the brak-
ing system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km is need-
ed: during this period it is better to avoid sharp, repeat-
ed and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can feel the ABS system has come into action
because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the system gets
noisier: it means that the car speed should be altered to suit
the type of road surface.
74
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 74

If only the
x
warning light on the instru-
ment panel lights up – together with
a message in the reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play (for versions/markets, where provided) – stop
the car immediately and contact the nearest
Fiat Dealership. Leakage of hydraulic fluid from
the braking system will compromise the operation
of the braking system, whether it is of the con-
ventional type or with ABS.WARNING
FAILURE WARNING
ABS failure fig. 86
It is indicated by the
>
warning light on the instrument
panel - together with the dedicated message in the re-
configurable multifunction display (for versions/markets,
where provided) - coming on (see “Warning lights
and messages” chapter).
In this case, the braking system will still be effective, al-
though without the extra capacity offered by the ABS sys-
tem. Drive carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have
the system checked.
EBD failure fig. 87
It is indicated by the
>
and
x
warning lights on the in-
strument panel - together with the dedicated message
in the multifunction display (for versions/markets, where
provided) - coming on (see “Warning lights and messages”
chapter).In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the ve-
hicle may swerve when braking sharply. Drive carefully
to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have the system checked.
fig. 87
F0Z0159m
fig. 86
F0Z0158m
75KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 75

Do not take unnecessary risks, even if your
vehicle is fitted with an ESP system. Your
driving style must always be suited to the road
conditions, visibility and traffic. The driver is ulti-
mately responsible for road safety.
WARNING
Failure indications
In the event of a failure, the ESP system will be automati-
cally switched off and warning light
á
will appear on
the instrument panel along with a message on the recon-
figurable multifunction display (where provided). The LED
on the button ASR OFF will light up (see “Warning lights
and messages”) In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system is integral part of the ESP system and it is pro-
vided to facilitate starting on slopes. It is automatically ac-
tivated in the following conditions:
❒
uphill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient high-
er than 2%, engine running, clutch and brake pedal
pressed, gearbox in neutral or engaged gear other than
reverse.
ESP SYSTEM
(Electronic Stability Program) (for versions/markets where provided)
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is an electronic system controlling car stability in
the event of tyre grip loss, helping to maintain direction-
al control.
The ESP system is therefore particularly useful when grip
conditions of road surfaces change.
Besides the ESP, the car is provided with ASR (traction
control with interventions on brakes and engine), HILL
HOLDER (device for start on gradient without using
the brakes), MSR (control of engine braking torque when
shifting gear down) and HBA (automatic increase of brak-
ing pressure in case of emergency braking).
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warning light
á
on the
instrument panel, to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
System engagement
The ESP system comes on automatically when the vehi-
cle is started and cannot be turned off.
76
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 76

If the space-saver wheel is used, the ESP
system keeps operating. Always remind
that the space-saver wheel, being smaller than
the original wheel provides less grip.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must absolutely be
the same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and, above all, of the type, make
and size specified.
WARNING
ASR SYSTEM (Antislip Regulation)
This is integral part of the ESP system and controls the car,
intervening automatically automatically every time one or
both driving wheels slip.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different con-
trol systems are activated:❒
if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR func-
tion intervenes by reducing the power transmitted by the
engine;
❒
if the slipping involves only one driving wheel, the ASR
system cuts in automatically braking the wheel that is
slipping.
❒
downhill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient
higher than 2%, engine running, clutch and brake pedal
pressed and reverse gear engaged.
At pickup, the ESP system control unit will keep braking
pressure on the wheels until reaching the required torque
for starting or, in any case, for a maximum of 2 seconds
in order to move easily the right foot from the brake ped-
al to the accelerator pedal.
When two seconds have elapsed, without starting, the sys-
tem is automatically deactivated, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release stage, the typical me-
chanical brake release noise can be heard, indicating that
the car is about to move.
Failure indications
A possible system failure is indicated by the *warning
light on the instrument panel – together with the dedicated
message in the reconfigurable multifunction display
(for versions/markets, where provided) – coming on
(see “Warning lights and messages” chapter).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the car without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off and engaged
first gear.
77KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 77

F0Z0267m
fig. 88
When the ASR is switched off whilst driving, the next time
the car is started up the ASR is automatically switched
on by the system. When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn the ASR off: in fact,
in these conditions, slipping of the drive wheels when mov-
ing off makes it possible to obtain better traction. The action of the ASR system is particularly helpful in
the following circumstances:
❒
slipping of the inner wheel when cornering due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or excessive accelera-
tion;
❒
too much power transmitted to the wheels also in re-
lation to the conditions of the road surface;
❒
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy surfaces;
❒
in the event of loss of grip on a wet surface
(aquaplaning).
MSR system (engine drive regulation)
This is integral part of the ASR system that, in the event
of a sudden gear downshifting, cuts in and provides torque
to the engine thus preventing excessive drive wheel dri-
ve which, especially in poor grip conditions, can lead to
loss of stability.
Switching the ASR system on/off fig. 88
The ASR system switches on automatically each time
the engine is started. Whilst driving, the ASR can be
switched off and subsequently switched on again by press-
ing the C ASR OFF button. When the system is switched
on, this is signalled by a message on the reconfigurable mul-
tifunction display (where provided).
When the system is switched off, this is signalled by
the LED on the ASR OFF button lighting up and by a mes-
sage on the reconfigurable multifunction display (for ver-
sions/markets where provided).
Do not take unnecessary risks, even if your
vehicle is fitted with this system. Your dri-
ving style must always be suited to the road con-
ditions, visibility and traffic. The driver is ulti-
mately responsible for road safety.
WARNING
78
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 78

The system also has a diagnosis connector that can be in-
terfaced to suitable instruments, to read the error codes
stored in the control unit together with a series of specific
parameters for engine operation and diagnosis.
This check can also be carried out by traffic control
authorities.
IMPORTANT After eliminating the failure, to check the sys-
tem completely, Fiat Dealerships run a bench test and, if
necessary, road tests which may also call for a long journey.
EOBD SYSTEM (petrol versions)The EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis)
achieves a continuous diagnosis of the components of the
car correlated with emissions. It also alerts the driver, by
turning on the warning light
U
fig. 89 on the instrument
panel – together with relevant message in the reconfig-
urable multifunction display (for versions/markets, where
provided) – when these components are no longer in peak
condition (see “Warning lights and messages” chapter).
The goal of the system is to:
❒
keep the system efficiency under control;
❒
warn when a failure causes emissions levels to increase;
❒
warn of the need to replace deteriorated components.
If, when the ignition key is turned to the
MAR position, the
U
warning light either
does not come on or, when driving, it
comes on constantly or flashing – along with a
message in the reconfigurable multifunction display
(for versions/markets where provided) – contact a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible. The operation of
the
U
warning light may be checked by the traffic
control authorities using specific devices. Always
comply with the traffic regulations in force in the
country where you are driving.
fig. 89
F0Z0161m
79KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 79