
RAPID PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
HEATING
For the rapid heating of the passenger compartment, pro-
ceed as follows:
❒turn knob A to red section;
❒turn air recirculation on by pressing button D (button
LED on);
❒turn knob C to
©;
❒rotate knob B to 4
-(max. fan speed).
Then use the controls to keep the required comfort con-
ditions and press button D to turn air recirculation off (but-
ton LED off).
IMPORTANT With the engine cold you have to wait for
a few minutes to let the system fluid reach the optimum
operating temperature.
FRONT WINDOWS FAST
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING
(WINDSCREEN AND SIDE WINDOWS)
Proceed as follows:
❒turn knob A to red section;
❒rotate knob B to 4
-(max. fan speed);
❒turn knob C to
-;
❒turn air recirculation off by pressing button D so the
button LED goes out.After demisting/defrosting, operate the controls to restore
the required comfort conditions.
IMPORTANT The climate control system is very useful
for faster demisting because it dries the air. Adjust the con-
trols as described above and press button E to switch the
climate control system on; the LED on the button will light
up.
Window demisting
In the event of considerable external moisture and/or rain
and/or large differences in temperature inside and outside
the passenger compartment, perform the following pre-
ventive window demisting procedure:
❒turn knob A to red section;
❒turn air recirculation off by pressing button D so the
button LED goes out;
❒turn knob C to
-or to position ®if the windows
do not demist;
❒turn knob B to 2nd speed.
IMPORTANT The climate control system is very useful to
prevent the windows misting up in the presence of high
humidity since it dries the air introduced into the passen-
ger compartment.
54
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
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The system uses R134a refrigerant fluid
which does not harm the environment in
the event of accidental leakage. Never use
R12 fluid which is not compatible with the system
components.
HEATED REAR
WINDSCREEN AND WING MIRRORS
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING fig. 47
(for versions/markets where provided)
Press the button A to activate this function; once enabled,
the light on the button comes on.
This function is timed and will turn off automatically af-
ter 20 minutes. Press button A again to switch the func-
tion off.
IMPORTANT Do not apply stickers on the inside of the
rear window over the heating filaments to avoid damage
that might cause it to stop working properly.INTERNAL AIR INTERNAL RECIRCULATION
ACTIVATION
Press
•so that the button LED is on.
It is advisable to switch the internal air internal recircula-
tion on while standing in queues or in tunnels to prevent
the introduction of polluted air. Do not use the function
for a long time, particularly if there are many passengers
on board, to prevent the windows from misting up.
IMPORTANT The air recirculation system makes it pos-
sible to reach the required heating or cooling conditions
faster.
Do not use the air internal recirculation function on
rainy/cold days as it would considerably increase the pos-
sibility of the windows misting up.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Run the climate control system for at least 10 minutes
every month during the winter. Have the system inspect-
ed at a Fiat Dealership before the summer.
fig. 47F0U0040m
55
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
037-081 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:39 Pagina 55

These functions are:
❒climate control compressor engagement (with an out-
side temperature above 4°C);
❒switching off, if previously on, of the interior air recir-
culation (the LED on button
Tshould be off);
❒switching on of heated rear windscreen (the LED on
button
-should be on) and wing mirror heater coils;
❒setting maximum air temperature;
❒activation of air flow.
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING OF HEATED REAR
WINDSCREEN AND WING MIRRORS
Press button (to activate; when this function is on, the
button LED lights up.
This function is timed and will turn off automatically after
20 minutes. Press (again to disable the function in ad-
vance.
IMPORTANT Do not apply stickers on the inside of the
rear window over the heating filaments to avoid damage
that might cause it to stop working properly.
IMPORTANT Press
Tto introduce air from the out-
side (in this case the LED on the button should be off).ACTIVATION OF INTERIOR AIR
RECIRCULATION AND ENABLEMENT
OF AQS FUNCTION (Air Quality System)
Press button
T.
Air recirculation is carried out according to three possi-
ble operating modes:
❒automatic control, signalled by the AQS sign on the dis-
play and the LED on button
Tbeing off;
❒permanently off (air recirculation always off with intro-
duction of external air), indicated by the LED on but-
ton
Tbeing off;
❒permanently on (air recirculation always on), signalled
by the LED on button
Tbeing lit up.
When OFF is pressed, the climate control system automatically
activates air recirculation (the LED on button
Tshould be
on). It is still possible to activate outside air recirculation (LED on
the button is off) and vice versa, by pressing button
T.
With the OFF button pressed (LED on the button is lit
up), it is not possible to enable the AQS (Air Quality Sys-
tem) function.
IMPORTANT The air recirculation system makes it pos-
sible to reach the required heating or cooling conditions
faster. It is not advisable to switch the air recirculation
on when it is rainy/cold or the windows might mist up, es-
pecially if the climate control is not turned on. It is advis-
able to switch the internal air internal recirculation on
while standing in queues or in tunnels to prevent the in-
troduction of polluted air. Do not use the function for
a long time, particularly if there are many passengers on
board, to prevent the windows from misting up.
58
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
037-081 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:39 Pagina 58

110
F0U0107mfig. 117
When the CITY function is on, the steering wheel effort
is lighter, making parking easier: therefore, this function
is particularly useful for driving in city centres.
For the Sport version, this function guarantees improved
driving comfort because the accelerator pedal is better cal-
ibrated for gradual acceleration/deceleration.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure of the electric power steering system is indicat-
ed by instrument panel warning light
gcoming on together
with a message on the multifunction display (for ver-
sions/markets where provided) (see “Warning lights and
messages”). 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
gwarning
light on the instrument panel to come on.
In this case, stop the car immediately, switch off the en-
gine for about 20 seconds and then restart the car. If the
warning light
gis still on, along with the message on the
multifunction display (for versions/markets where provid-
ed), contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT During parking manoeuvres requiring a lot
of steering, the steering may become harder; this is nor-
mal and is due to the intervention of the system that pro-
tects the electric steering motor from overheating, so no
intervention is required. The power steering system will
start working properly again the next time the car is used.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
The car is equipped with an electrically controlled power
steering system called “Dualdrive”, working only with the
ignition key at MAR and the engine running, that cus-
tomises steering force according to the driving conditions.
ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
(CITY function)
To activate/deactivate the function, press the button on
the dashboard.
Activation is indicated by:
❒the word CITY on the instrument panel (for versions
with multifunction display);
❒the word CITY lit up on the button after it has been
pressed fig. 117.
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131
CONOSCENZA
DELLA
VETTURA
AVVIAMENTO
E GUIDA
SPIE E
MESSAGGI
IN EMERGENZA
MANUTENZIONE
E CURA
DATI TECNICI
INDICE
PRETENSIONERS
To increase the efficiency of the seat belts, the car is fit-
ted with front pretensioners. These devices, in the event
of a violent crash, rewind the seat belts by a few cen-
timetres. In this way, they ensure that the seat belt adheres
perfectly to the wearer before the restraining action be-
gins.
The seat belt reel locks to indicate that the pretension-
ers have intervened; the seat belt cannot be drawn back
up even when guiding it manually.
This car is equipped with a second pretensioner (in the
kick plate area). Its activation is signalled by the shorten-
ing of the metal cable.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest degree of protection
from the action of the pretensioning device, wear the seat
so it fits snugly over the chest and hips.
A slight amount of smoke may be detected during opera-
tion of the pretensioners. This smoke is not harmful and
does not indicate a fire.
The pretensioner does not require any maintenance or lu-
brication.
Anything that modifies its original conditions invalidates its
efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods, sea storms, etc.),
the device has been affected by water and mud, it must
be replaced.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The pretensioner can be used only once.
Go to a Fiat Dealership to have it replaced
after it has been deployed. Consult the label in
the glove box to check the status of the preten-
sioners. Go to a Fiat Dealership to have the de-
vice replaced when the expiration date ap-
proaches.
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 safety, the front seat belt reels con-
tain a load limiter which controls the force acting on the
chest and shoulders during the belt restraining action in
the event of a head-on collision.
129-148 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:39 Pagina 131

150
If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the instrument panel
warning light
Yremains on together with warning light
U, turn the key to STOP and then back to MAR; if the
warning light remains on, try with the other keys provid-
ed with the car.
IMPORTANT If the instrument panel warning light
Ystays on permanently, contact a Fiat Dealership immedi-
ately.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key at MAR when
the engine is off.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTSSTARTING PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ensure that the handbrake is on;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR: the warning lights mand
Yon the instrument panel will turn on;
❒wait for the warning lights Yand m to turn off. The
hotter the engine is, the quicker this will happen;
❒fully depress the clutch pedal without touching the ac-
celerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV as soon as warning light
m goes out. If you wait too long, you will lose the ben-
efit of the heating work done by the glow plugs. Release
the key as soon as the engine starts.If the engine does not start at the first attempt, return
the ignition key to STOP before repeating the procedure.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the instrument panel
warning light
Yremains on together with warning light
m, turn the key to STOP and then back to MAR; if the
warning lights remain on, try with the other keys provid-
ed with the car.
IMPORTANT If the instrument panel warning light
Ystays on permanently, contact a Fiat Dealership immedi-
ately.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key at MAR when
the engine is off.
Warning light m will blink for 60 seconds af-
ter starting or during prolonged cranking to
indicate a fault with the glow plug system.
Use the car as normal if the engine starts, but go to
a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
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167
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
FUEL RESERVE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates
the warning light, but it will switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light turns on when about 7 litres of fuel are
left in the tank.
IMPORTANT The warning light will blink to indicate a sys-
tem failure. If this happens, go to a Fiat Dealership to have
the system checked.
Warning light “indicates a failure of warn-
ing light ¬. This condition is indicated by
intermittent blinking of warning light “for longer
than 4 seconds. In this case, warning light ¬may
not be indicating that there is a fault in the restraint
systems. Before driving off, contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship to have the system checked immediately.
WARNING
ç
ABS SYSTEM FAULT (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates
the warning light, but it will switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light comes on when the system is either not
working properly or not available. Under these circum-
stances, the braking system will work as normal but without
the extra performance offered by the ABS system. Drive
carefully and go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
On some versions the display shows the associated message.
>
GLOW PLUG PREHEATING
(Multijet versions – amber)
GLOW PLUG PREHEATING FAULT
(Multijet versions – amber)
Glow plugs
This warning light comes on when the key is turned to
MAR. It will go out as soon as the glow plugs have reached
a preset temperature. Start the engine as soon as the
warning light goes out.
IMPORTANT When it is particularly warm outside, the
warning light stays on for an extremely short time.
Glow plug preheating fault
The warning light flashes if there is a fault in the preheat-
ing system. Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
m
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172
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more
flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop the car,
avoiding harsh braking or steering manoeuvres. Replace
the wheel immediately with the small spare wheel (for ver-
sions/markets where provided) or carry out a repair us-
ing the dedicated kit (see “Changing a wheel” in the “In
an emergency” section) and contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
Tyre pressure unsuitable for speed
Should you need to travel at a speed higher than 160 km/h,
inflate the tyres to the pressures specified in “Tyre pres-
sures”.
If the TPMS system (for versions/markets where provid-
ed) detects that the pressure of one or more tyres is un-
suitable for the current speed, the warning light will turn
on (together with the message on the display) (see “Tyre
pressure low” in this section) and it will stay on until the
car slows down to a speed below the preset threshold.
IMPORTANT In this case, slow down immediately because
tyre overheating could damage tyre performance and dura-
bility beyond repair, and may even make the tyre explode. CHECK TYRE PRESSURE
(amber)
TYRE PRESSURE LOW (amber)
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR
SPEED
(amber)
(for versions/markets where provided)
When the ignition key is moved to MAR position, the
warnintg light turns on but should go off after a few sec-
onds.
Check tyre pressures
The warning light turns on to indicate the flat tyre. Should
two or more tyres be flat, the display will show the indi-
cations corresponding to each tyre in sequence.
Restore correct tyre pressures as soon as possible (see
“Cold tyre pressures” in the “Technical specifications” sec-
tion).
Tyre pressure low
The warning light on the panel comes on when the pres-
sure of one or more tyres falls below a preset level. In this
way, the TPMS system warns the driver that one or more
tyres may be dangerously flat and probably punctured.
n
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