“Smart washing” function
Pull the stalk towards the steering wheel (temporary po-
sition) to operate the windscreen washer.
Keeping the stalk pulled for more than half a second, with
just one movement it is possible to operate the washer jet
and the wiper at the same time.
The wiper stops working three strokes after releasing the
stalk. A further stroke 6 seconds later completes the wip-
ing operation.RAIN SENSOR
(for versions/markets where provided)
The rain sensor is located behind the rear-view mirror in
contact with the windscreen and has the purpose of au-
tomatically adjusting the frequency of the windscreen wiper
strokes depending on the intensity of the rain during in-
termittent operation.
IMPORTANT Keep the glass in the sensor area clean.
Activation
Move the twist switch on the right-hand stalk to
≤fig.
51. The activation of the sensor is signalled by a wiper
stroke. Through the setup menu it is possible to increase
the sensitivity of the rain sensor. The increasing of the rain
sensor sensitivity is also signalled by a stroke of the wipers.
If the windscreen washer is used with the rain sensor ac-
tivated, the normal washing cycle is performed, after which
the rain sensor resumes its normal automatic operation.
Deactivation
Move the stalk twist switch away from
≤fig. 51 or turn
the ignition key to STOP. When the engine is next start-
ed (key at MAR), the sensor will not be reactivated even
if the twist switch is still at
≤fig. 51. To activate the rain
sensor, you have to move the twist switch from
≤to an-
other position and then back to
≤. Rain sensor activa-
tion will be indicated by at least one wiper stroke, even if
the windscreen is dry.
64
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Do not use the windscreen wipers to re-
move layers of snow or ice from the wind-
screen. In such conditions, the windscreen
wipers may be subjected to excessive stress,
prompting intervention from the motor protection
which prevents operation for a few seconds. If op-
eration is not restored, even after turning the key
and restarting the engine, go to a Fiat Dealership.
When released, the stalk returns to its default position and
the wipers automatically switch off.
With the twist switch at
≤, the windscreen wiper will
automatically adapt to the speed of the car.
IMPORTANT Replace the wiper blades as specified in the
“Maintenance and care” section.
037-081 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:39 Pagina 64
75
F0U0060mfig. 66
F0U0061mfig. 67
SIDE ODDMENTS COMPARTMENT
Storage compartment A-fig. 67 is located to the left of the
steering wheel.
It is built into the dashboard.
To open and close the compartment, use handle B locat-
ed on the flap fig. 66.KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
F0U0062mfig. 68
COMPARTMENT IN CENTRAL CONSOLE
Compartment A-fig. 68 is located on the central console
in front of the handbrake.
037-081 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:39 Pagina 75
103
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can tell the ABS system has come into action
because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: it means that the vehicle speed should be al-
tered to suit the type of road surface.ABS SYSTEM
If you have never driven a vehicle with ABS before, it is ad-
visable to perform a few tests on slippery ground, always
in safe conditions and respecting the highway code of the
country where you are driving. Read the following infor-
mation carefully.
This system, which is an integral part of the braking sys-
tem, prevents one or more wheels from locking and skid-
ding on all road surface conditions, irrespective of the in-
tensity of the braking action, ensuring that the vehicle can
be controlled even during emergency braking.
The system is completed by EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), which distributes the braking action between
the front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT For the maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km is needed (for
a new vehicle or after having replaced the brake
pads/discs): during this period it is better to avoid sharp,
repeated and prolonged braking.
The ABS system gets the most out of the
available grip but it cannot improve it.
Therefore, you should take great care when
driving on slippery surfaces: don’t take unneces-
sary risks.
WARNING
If the ABS cuts in, it is a sign that the grip
between tyre and the road surface has
reached the limit: you must slow down to match
the speed to the road grip available.
WARNING
FAILURE INDICATIONS
ABS failure
ABS failure is indicated by warning light >coming on on
the instrument panel together with the dedicated message
on the multifunction display (where provided), (see “Warn-
ing lights and messages”).
In this case, the braking system will work as normal, but
without the extra capacity offered by the ABS system. Dri-
ve carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have the sys-
tem checked.
EBD failure
EBD failure is indicated by warning lights >and xcom-
ing on on the instrument panel together with the dedicated
message on the multifunction display (where provided),
(see section “Warning lights and messages”).
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 103
106
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
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 al-
ways ultimately responsible for road safety.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESP system and it
facilitates hill starts.
It is automatically activated in the following conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient high-
er than 5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and
gearbox in neutral or gear other than reverse;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and
reverse gear engaged.During start-up, the ESP system control unit maintains the
braking pressure at the wheels until the engine torque
required for departure is reached, or for a maximum of
1 second, allowing your right foot to be moved easily from
the brake pedal to the accelerator.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the system
will deactivate automatically by gradually releasing the
brake force.
At release, the typical brake disengagement noise indicat-
ing that the car is going to move will be heard.
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 106
107
❒if only one of the drive wheels skids, the system inter-
venes by automatically braking the wheel that is
skidding.
The action of the ASR system is especially useful in the fol-
lowing conditions:
❒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 case of loss of grip on a wet surface (aquaplaning). Failure indications
System failure is indicated by warning light *lighting up
on the instrument panel with digital display and warning
light álighting up on the instrument panel with multi-
function display (where provided) (see section “Warn-
ing lights and messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off and select-
ed first gear.KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the type, make and size recom-
mended.
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
condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size specified.
WARNING
ASR SYSTEM (Anti-slip Regulator)
This function controls car drive and cuts in automatically
every time one or both driving wheels skid.
Depending on how skiddy the road is, two different con-
trol systems are activated:
❒if both drive wheels skid, the ASR function intervenes
by reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 107
108
F0U0106mfig. 116
When travelling on snowy roads with snow chains, it may be
helpful to turn the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions, if the dri-
ve wheels skid when moving off, you get better traction. MSR system (engine drive regulation)
This is an integral part of the ASR system that, in the event of
sudden gear shifting on hills, cuts in to provide torque to the en-
gine, thus preventing excessive driving wheel drag that, espe-
cially in poor grip conditions, can lead to loss of stability.
Switching the systemon/off fig. 116
The ASR system switches on automatically each time the engine
is started.
When travelling, the ASR can be switched off and on again by
pressing button located on the dashboard fig. 116.
When the ASR is switched off, this is shown by the LED on the
button coming on and by the relevant message appearing on the
multifunction display, where provided.
If you switch off the ASR during a journey, it will come back on
automatically when the engine is next started.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
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 always
ultimately responsible for road safety.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ASR system, the tyres
must absolutely be the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size specified.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of a failure, the ASR will be automatically
switched off and warning light áwill appear permanent-
ly on the instrument panel along with a message on the
multifunction display, where provided (see “Warning lights
and messages”). In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 108
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.
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 110
111
TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
(for versions/markets where provided)
The car may be equipped with a tyre pressure monitor-
ing system. This system comprises a radio frequency trans-
mitter fitted to each wheel (on the rim inside the tyre),
which is able to send information on the pressure of each
tyre to the control unit.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any
after-market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications (e.g. in-
stallaing an anti-theft device). This could badly af-
fect performance and safety, invalidate the war-
ranty and also result in the non-compliance of the
car with regulations.
WARNING
Take the greatest of care when checking
or topping up the tyre pressures. If the
pressure is too high, road hold is compromised,
there is more demand on the suspension and
wheels, and the tyres wear abnormally.
WARNING
Tyre pressure should be checked when the
tyres are rested and cold; if, for whatever
reason, you check the pressure when the tyres are
hot, do not reduce the pressure even if it is high-
er than the recommended value, but check again
when the tyres are cold.
WARNING
Before carrying out any maintenance op-
eration, switch off the engine and remove
the ignition key to activate the steering lock. This
is particularly important if the vehicle’s wheels are
raised from the ground. If this is not possible (for
example if the key needs to be turned to MAR or
the engine must be running), remove the main fuse
that protects the electric power steering.
WARNING
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 111