9KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0Z0683m
fig. 8
F0Z0684m
fig. 9
REPLACING THE BATTERY
OF THE KEY WITH REMOTE CONTROL
To replace the battery, proceed as follows:❒
open the snap-fitted lid A-fig. 8 as shown by the
arrow;
❒
remove the used battery and replace it making sure that
the polarity matches (positive pole + up);
❒
the new battery shall be fitted under the catch C-fig. 9;
then refit the lid and press it down until hearing the lock-
ing click.IGNITION SWITCH fig. 10
The key can be turned to 3 different positions:
❒
STOP: engine off, key can be removed, steering column
locked. Some electrical devices (e.g. sound system, cen-
tral door locking system, etc.) may work.
❒
MAR: driving position. All electrical devices may work.
❒
AVV: engine starting.
The ignition switch is fitted with a safety mechanisms that, in
the event the engine is not started, requires the ignition key
to be returned to STOP before repeating the starting
operation.
Used batteries are harmful to the environ-
ment. They should be disposed of, as spec-
ified by law, in the special containers pro-
vided, otherwise take them to the Fiat Dealership,
which will deal with their disposal.
001-030 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:39 Pagina 9
F0Z0069m
fig. 56
F0Z0035m
fig. 57
GLOVEBOX ON PASSENGER’S SIDE
DASHBOARD fig. 57
Open the glovebox as indicated by the arrow.
On the dashboard, above the glovebox, there is an
oddment compartment for small objects.
On some versions, the glovebox has been replaced with
an open oddment compartment. The ashtray can be removed and can be placed into the
glass holder to be used also by rear passengers.
Do not use the ashtray as waste paper basket: it might
set on fire in contact with cigarette stubs.
SUN VISORS fig. 56
They are located at the sides of the driving rear view
mirror.
They can be adjusted forwards and sideways.
A courtesy mirror is applied to the back of the passenger’s
side sun visor, while a pocket is applied to the back of
the driver’s side sun visor. On certain versions the cour-
tesy mirror is fitted also on the driver’s sun visor.
56
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Do not travel with the gloveboxes open: risk
of passenger’s injury in case of accident.
WARNING
031-064 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:43 Pagina 56
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
94
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
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
95KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETYCORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0Z0046m
fig. 103
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
The driver must comply with (and have all car passengers
follow) any local regulations in force concerning the use
of seat belts. Always fasten the seat belts before starting.
Seat belts are also to be worn by expectant mothers: the
risk of injury in the case of accident is greatly reduced for
them and the unborn child if they are wearing a seat belt.
Expectant mothers must position the lower part of the
belt very low down so that it passes under the abdomen
(see fig. 103).
The pretensioner can only be used once.
After a collision that has triggered it, have
it replaced at a Fiat Dealership. Pretensioner va-
lidity is written on the label set on the door con-
tour sheet metal. Pretensioners should be replaced
at Fiat Dealership as this date approaches.
WARNING
Operations which lead to knocks, vibrations
or localised heating (over 100 °C for a max-
imum of 6 hours) in the area around the
pretensioners may cause damage or trigger them.
These devices are not affected by vibrations caused
by irregularities of the road surface or low obsta-
cles such as kerbs, etc. Contact a Fiat Dealership
for any assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger’s safety, the front seat belt reels
contain a load limiter which allows controlled sag in such
a way as to dose the force acting on the chest and shoul-
ders during the belt restraining action in case of front
collisions.
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 95
97KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETYCORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
SEAT BELTS MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient conditions, observe
the following:❒
always use the belts with the tap well stretched and nev-
er twisted; make sure that it is free to run without im-
pediments;
❒
after a serious accident, replace the belt even if it does
not appear damaged. Always replace the belt if the pre-
tensioners were deployed;
❒
to clean the belts, wash by hand with water and mild
soap, rinse and leave to dry in the shade. Never use
strong detergents, bleach, paints or any other substance
which could damage the belt fibres;
❒
prevent the reels from getting wet: their correct op-
eration is only guaranteed if water does not get inside;
❒
replace the seat belt when showing significant wear or
cut signs.
If the belt has been subjected to heavy
stress, for example after an accident, it
should be changed completely together with the
anchors, anchor fastening screws and pretension-
er. In fact, even if the belt has no visible defects,
it could have lost its resilience.
WARNING
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 97
102
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Below is a summary of the safety rules to be followed for
carrying children.❒
Install the child seats on the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of an accident.
❒
If the passenger’s air bag is deactivated always check the
amber warning light
F
on the instrument panel to
make sure that it has actually been deactivated.
❒
Carefully follow the instructions supplied with the child
restraint system which are mandatory by law. Keep the
instructions in the car along with the other papers and
this handbook. Do not use second-hand child seats with-
out instructions.
❒
Always check the seat belt is well fastened by pulling the
webbing.
❒
Only one child is to be strapped to each retaining system.
❒
Always check the seat belts do not fit around the child’s
throat.
❒
While travelling, do not let the child sit incorrectly or
release the belts.
❒
Never carry children on your lap, even newborns. No-one
can hold a child in the event of an accident.
❒
In case of an accident, replace the child seat with a new
one.
In cars fitted with passenger’s air bag nev-
er place child restraint systems on the front
seat, since children must never travel on the
front seat.
WARNING
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 102
104
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
AIR BAGThe car is fitted with front air bags (for versions/markets
where provided) for the driver and the passenger and front
side bags (side bag – window bag).
FRONT AIR BAGS
The front driver/passenger air bags have been designed to
protect the occupants in the event of head-on crashes of
medium-high severity, by placing the cushion between the
occupant and the steering wheel or dashboard.
Front air bags are designed to protect car’s passengers in
head-on crashes and therefore non-activation in other
types of collisions (side collisions, rear shunts, roll-overs,
etc.) is not a system malfunction.
An electronic control unit will make the bag inflate in the
event of a front crash.
The bag will inflate instantaneously placing itself between
the front passengers’ body and the structures which could
cause injury. It will deflate immediately afterwards.
Driver and passenger front airbags are not a replacement
of but complementary to the seat belts, which should al-
ways be worn, as specified by law in Europe and most non-
European countries.
In the event of an impact, those not wearing a seat belt will
move forward and come into contact with the bag which
is still inflating. The protection offered by the air bag cush-
ion is reduced in such a case.Front air bags may not be activated in the following situ-
ations:
❒
in collisions against highly deformable objects not af-
fecting the car front surface (e.g. bumper collision against
guard rail, etc.);
❒
car wedging under other vehicles or protective barri-
ers (e.g. trucks or guard rails);
they could not provide any additional protection compared
with seat belts, so their activation would be improper.
Therefore, failure to come into action in the above cir-
cumstances does not mean that the system is not work-
ing properly.
Do not apply stickers or other objects to
the steering wheel, to the passenger’s side
air bag cover side or on the side roof lining. Nev-
er put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the pas-
senger’s side dashboard since they could interfere
with proper air bag inflation and also cause seri-
ous injury to the passengers.
WARNING
091-110 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:46 Pagina 104