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.
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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
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065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 78
F0Z0145m
fig. 90
F0Z0162m
fig. 91
When the CITY function is on, the steering wheel effort
is lighter and thus parking operations are easier: there-
fore this function is particularly useful for driving in city
centres.
FAILURE INDICATIONS fig. 92
Possible power steering system failures are indicated by
the
g
warning light on the instrument panel – together
with the dedicated message in the reconfigurable multi-
function display (for versions/markets, where provided)
– coming on (see “Warning lights and messages” chapter).
In the event of electric power steering system failure,
the car can be driven with mechanical steering.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent
of the electric power steering could cause the warning light
g
on the instrument panel to come on.
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING SYSTEM (for versions/markets, where provided)
Some versions feature an electric power steering system
which only works with the key at MAR and the engine run-
ning; this system, system called “Dualdrive” can be cus-
tomised by the driver according to the driving conditions.
IMPORTANT When turning quickly the ignition key,
power steering full functionality can be achieved after
1-2 seconds.
ENGAGEMENT/RELEASE OF CITY
function fig. 90 and 91
Press button A to engage/release the function.
When the function is engaged, the warning light CITY on
the instrument panel comes on.
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WARNING LIGHTS
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91KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETYCORRECT USE
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WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
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SAFETY
F0Z0053m
fig. 98
The reel may lock when the car is parked on a steep slope:
this is perfectly normal. Furthermore, the reel mechanism
locks the belt if it is pulled and in the event of sudden brak-
ing, collisions and on high speed bends.
The rear side seats have inertia reel seat belts with three
anchor points. Upon demand (optional for 5-seat approved
cars) the central seat belt can be supplied with three an-
chor points reel belt or static two-point lap belt (for ver-
sions/markets where provided).
IMPORTANT Remember that in the event of a violent col-
lision, back seat passengers not wearing seat belts also
represent a serious danger for the front seat passengers.
SAFETY BELTSUSING THE SEAT BELTS fig. 98
The belt should be worn keeping the chest straight and
rested against the backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the tongue A and insert it in-
to the buckle B, until hearing the locking click. On removal,
if it jams, let it rewind for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
To unfasten seat belts, press button C. Guide the belt while
it is rewinding to prevent it from twisting. Through the
reel, the belt automatically adapts to the body of the pas-
senger wearing it, allowing freedom of movement.
Never press button C when travelling.
WARNING
S.B.R. SYSTEMThe car is equipped with an S.B.R. system (Seat Belt Re-
minder) made up of a buzzer which, together with the seat
belt warning light
<
on the instrument panel switching
on, warns the driver that the seat belt is not fastened.
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 91
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F0Z0054m
fig. 99
F0Z0195m
fig. 100
SEAT BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
(for versions/markets where provided)
Four different adjustments in height are provided.
To adjust, press button A-fig. 99 and lower or raise the
grip B.
Always adjust the height of the seat belt to fit the person
wearing it: this precaution could greatly reduce the risk of
injury in case of collision.
Correct adjustment is obtained when the belt passes ap-
proximately half way between the shoulder and the neck.
See texts and figures in paragraph “General instructions
for using the seat belts” in this section.
Make height adjustment of the seat belts
when the car is stationary.
WARNING
After adjustment, always check that the
slider to which the ring is fastened is locked
in one of the set positions. To do this, with the
button A released, exert a further pressure to al-
low the anchor device to catch if release did not
take place at one of the preset positions.
WARNING
For some versions, front seat belts have just one fixed
anchor point C-fig. 100 on the door post.
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 92
93KNOW YOUR
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WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0Z0224m
fig. 101
F0Z0241m
fig. 102
Seat lap reel belt with three anchor points fig. 102
(for versions/markets where provided)
The seat belt is provided with a double buckle and fastening
tab.
To use the seat belts, take the tongues out of the reel com-
partment and pull the belt, guide the belt to prevent it from
twisting then secure tongue G into buckle L with the black
button M.
To use the belt, make the webbing run further and insert
the fastening tab I in the seat of the buckle N. USING THE CENTRAL SEAT BELT
Static lap belt with two anchor points fig. 101
(for versions/markets where provided)
To fasten the seat belt, fit the tongue A into the buckle
B, until hearing the locking click.
To unfasten the seat belt: press the button C.
To adjust the belt: run the tape in the buckle D, pulling the
end E to tighten and section F to loosen.
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 93
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PRETENSIONERSTo increase the efficiency of seat belts, the car is fitted with
pretensioners which, in the case of a violent fontal impact,
rewind the belt a few centimetres ensuring that it adheres
perfectly to the wearer before the restraining action
begins.
The seat belt locks to indicate that the device has inter-
vened; the seat belt cannot be drawn back up even when
guiding it manually.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest degree of protection
from the action of the pretensioning device, wear the seat
belt keeping it firmly close to the chest and pelvis.
A slight discharge of smoke may be produced during the
activation of the pretensioner which is not in harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any maintenance or lu-
brication. Anything that modifies its original conditions in-
validates its efficiency. If unusual natural events (e.g. floods,
sea storms, etc.) have caused the device to be contami-
nated by water and mud, it must be replaced. To unfasten the belt: press the button O and guide the belt
to prevent it from twisting.
In case of boot extension: unfasten the belt through
the black button M and guide the belt to prevent it from
twisting; overlap tongues I and G, on the catch H in the
reel compartment.
IMPORTANT After repositioning the seats, restore proper belt
conditions.
Remember that in the event of a violent
collision, back seat passengers not wear-
ing seat belts also represent a serious danger to
the passengers in the front.
WARNING
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 94
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IN
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F0Z0060m
fig. 117
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOXTo engage the gears, press the clutch pedal fully and shift
the gearshifting lever into one of the required positions
(the diagram for gear engagement is shown on the knob,
fig. 117).
IMPORTANT The car can only be put into reverse gear
when it has stopped moving completely. With the engine
running, wait for at least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal
fully pressed before engaging reverse to prevent damage
to the gears and grating.
To engage reverse R from neutral, lift the sliding ring A un-
der the knob and shift the lever to the right and back. Four or five clicks are generally enough when the car is on
level ground while nine or ten may be required if the car
is on a steep slope or laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, contact a Fiat
Dealership to have the handbrake adjusted.
When the handbrake lever is pulled up and the ignition key
is at MAR, the instrument panel warning light
x
will
turn on.
Proceed as follows to release the handbrake:
❒
slightly lift the handbrake and press the release button
A;
❒
keep button A pressed and lower the lever. The warn-
ing light
x
on the instrument panel will turn off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out this operation
to prevent the car from moving accidentally.
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