
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel the car with unleaded
petrol with an octane rating (RON) of no less than 95
conforming to the European specification EN 228.
The use of petrol that does not conform to the above-
mentioned specification may cause the EOBD warning light
to switch on and the irregular operation of the engine.
Diesel engines: only refuel the car using diesel fuel that
conforms to European specification EN590.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is properly applied; place the
gear lever in neutral; fully depress the clutch pedal, with-
out pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to
the MAR position and wait for the
Yand mwarning
lights to switch off (diesel versions); turn the ignition key to
the AVV position and release it as soon as the engine starts.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter reaches high temperatures dur-
ing operation. Do not park the on grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or other flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that carries out a con-
tinuous diagnosis of the emission-related components
in order to help protect the environment.ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the car, you decide to add electrical ac-
cessories (with the risk of gradually draining the bat-
tery), visit a Fiat Dealership. They can calculate the over-
all electrical requirement and check that the car’s elec-
trical system can support the required load.
CODE card
Keep this in a safe place, not in the car. You should have
the electronic code from the CODE card with you at
all times.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring it
stays in tip-top condition and safeguards its safety features,
its environmental friendliness and low running costs for
a long time to come.
THE OWNER’S HANDBOOK CONTAINS…
... information, tips and important warnings on the cor-
rect use and maintenance of your car over time as
well as safe driving tips. Pay special attention to the sym-
bols
"(personal safety) #(environmental protection)
!(the car’s wellbeing).
READ THIS CAREFULLY!
K
001-036 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 10-12-2009 15:54 Pagina 2

Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorises the installation of transceiving
devices provided that they are installed by a specialised
centre according to rules of good engineering practice in
compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not allow the car on the
road if devices have been installed which modify the features
of the car. This may also cause invalidation of warranty in
relation to faults caused by the change or either directly
or indirectly related to it.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. shall not be liable for damage caused by
the installation of accessories either not supplied or rec-
ommended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and/or not installed in com-
pliance with the provided instructions.
RADIOTRANSMITTERS AND MOBILE
PHONES
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle mobile phones, CB
radios, amateur radio etc.) shall not be used inside the
car unless a separate aerial is mounted on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices inside the pas-
senger compartment (without a separate aerial) may cause
the vehicle electrical systems to malfunction. This could
compromise safety in addition to constituting a potential
hazard for passengers’ health.
In addition, transmission and reception of these devices
may be affected by the shielding effect of the car body.
As far as the use of EC-approved mobile phones is con-
cerned (GSM, GPRS, UMTS), follow the instructions for
use provided by the mobile phone manufacturer.
125
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
REFUELLING THE CAR
PETROL ENGINES
Use only unleaded petrol.
To avoid mistakes, the diameter of the fuel tank opening is
too small to insert the nozzle of a leaded petrol pump. The
petrol octane rating (RON) must not be lower than 95.
IMPORTANT An inefficient catalytic converter leads to
harmful exhaust emissions, thus contributing to air pol-
lution.
IMPORTANT Never use leaded petrol, even in small
amounts or in an emergency, as this would damage the
catalytic converter beyond repair.
DIESEL ENGINES
If the outside temperature is very low, the diesel thick-
ens due to the formation of paraffin clots and could clog
the diesel filter. In order to avoid these problems, differ-
ent types of diesel are distributed according to the season:
summer type, winter type and arctic type (cold, moun-
tainous areas).
If refuelling with diesel fuel whose specifications are not
suitable for the usage temperature, it is advisable to mix
TUTELA DIESEL ART additive in the proportions shown
on the container with the fuel. Pour the additive into the
tank before the fuel.
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127
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The devices for reducing petrol engine emissions are the
following:
❒three-way catalytic converter;
❒Lambda sensors;
❒fuel evaporation prevention system.
In addition, do not let the engine run, even for a test, with
one or more spark plugs disconnected. The following de-
vices are used for reducing diesel fuel engine emissions:
❒oxidising catalytic converter;
❒exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR.);
❒diesel particulate filter (DPF) (for versions/markets
where provided). Filling the tank
To fill the tank completely, top up twice after the first click
of the trigger. Further top ups could cause faults in the
fuel supply system.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Do not bring naked flames or lit cigarettes
near to the fuel tank opening: fire risk.
Keep your face away from the fuel tank opening
to avoid breathing in harmful vapours.
WARNING
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 127

128
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
(for versions/markets where provided)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechanical filter, inte-
gral to the exhaust system, that physically traps particu-
lates present in the exhaust gases of diesel engines.
It is needed to eliminate almost all particulates in compli-
ance with current/future legislation.
During normal use of the vehicle, the engine control unit
records a set of data (e.g. travel time, type of route, tem-
peratures, etc.) and it will then calculate how much par-
ticulate has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particulate, it should be re-
generated (cleaned) at regular intervals by burning the car-
bon particles.
The regeneration procedure is handled automatically by
the engine control unit according to the filter conditions
and vehicle use conditions.
During regeneration, the following may occur: a limited in-
crease in the engine speed, activation of the fan, a limited
increase in fumes and high temperatures at the exhaust.
These are not faults; they do not impair vehicle perfor-
mance or damage the environment.
If the dedicated message is displayed, refer to the “Warn-
ing lights and messages” section.
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) (for ver-
sions/markets where required) reaches
high temperatures during normal operation.
Therefore do not therefore park the vehicle on in-
flammable materials (grass, dry leaves, pine nee-
dles, etc.): fire hazard.
WARNING
The catalytic converter also reaches high
temperatures during normal operation.
Do not park the vehicle on grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or other flammable material: fire hazard.
WARNING
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:43 Pagina 128

151
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a long drive, you should allow the en-
gine to “catch its breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the engine compartment
to fall. WARMING UP THE ENGINE AFTER IT HAS
JUST STARTED (petrol and diesel versions)
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly at medium revs, and accelerate
smoothly;
❒do not demand maximum performance for the first few
kilometres. Wait until the engine coolant gauge starts
moving.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTSRemember that the brake booster and pow-
er steering are not operational until the en-
gine has been started, so you need to apply
much more force than usual to the brake pedal and
steering wheel.
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. This could cause
fuel to flow into the catalytic converter and
damage it beyond repair.
A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is es-
pecially damaging to turbocharged engines.
149-160 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:41 Pagina 151

166
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possi-
ble if warning light Udoes not light up
when the key is turned to MAR or if, while trav-
elling, the warning light comes on either perma-
nently or flashing (along with a message on the
display on certain versions). The operation of the
Uwarning light may be checked by traffic police
using appropriate equipment. Follow the laws in
force in the country where you are driving.
WARNING
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG
DEACTIVATED (amber)
The warning light
“comes on when the front
passenger airbag is disabled.
With the front passenger air bag enabled, when the igni-
tion key is turned to MAR the
“warning light comes on
constantly for about 4 seconds, flashes for another 4 sec-
onds and then should go out.
“
Engine management system failure – EOBD
Under normal conditions, turning the ignition key to MAR,
the warning light turns on but it should go off after the en-
gine starts. This indicates that the warning light is work-
ing correctly. If the warning light either stays on or comes
on during car travel:
❒on permanently: this means there is a fault in the sup-
ply/ignition system which could cause high exhaust
emissions, loss of performance, poor handling and high
fuel consumption levels.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travel-
ling at moderate speed without demanding excessive ef-
fort from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with the
warning light on may cause damage. Go to a Fiat Dealer-
ship as soon as possible. The warning light goes out after
the fault disappears, but the indication is stored in the sys-
tem.
❒flashing: this indicates possible damage to the catalytic
converter (see “EOBD system” in the “Dashboard and
controls” section).
If the light flashes, come off the accelerator pedal to re-
duce engine revs until the warning light stops flashing; con-
tinue the journey at moderate speed, trying to avoid dri-
ving conditions that may cause further flashing, and get
to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.For versions/markets, where provided, the
Uwarning
light in the instrument panel does not have the EOBD func-
tion (European On Board Diagnosis) but only that of sig-
nalling that the injection system is not working perfectly.
161-174 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:40 Pagina 166

Use your hazard lights, warning triangle,
etc to show that your car is stationary.
Passengers should get out of the car, particularly
if it is heavily loaded, and wait for the wheel to be
changed away from the traffic. Apply the hand-
brake.
WARNING
The spare wheel provided is specifically for
your vehicle. Therefore, it must not be
used on different models and you should not use
spare wheels from other models on your vehicle.
The wheel bolts are specific for your vehicle: do
not use them on different models and do not use
bolts from other models on your car.
WARNING
IMPORTANT Do not directly connect the negative ter-
minals of the two batteries: sparks could ignite explosive
gas released from the battery. If the auxiliary battery is
installed on another vehicle, prevent accidental contact be-
tween metallic parts of the two vehicles.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. This could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake booster and the
power steering system are not active until the engine is
started, so you will need to apply much more force to
the brake pedal or steering wheel.CHANGING A TYRE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Wheel changing and correct use of the jack and spare
wheel call for some precautions, as listed below.
176
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
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259
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
– extending the boot ....................... 94
– parcel shelf (removing) ................ 96
– removing the parcel shelf ............ 96
– unlocking with remote control..6
Boot courtesy light .............................. 197
Brake Assist system............................ 104
Brake fluid
– checking and topping up .............. 224
– specifications.................................. 252
Brake lights
– bulb replacement ...............193-194
Brakes
– brake fluid (type)........................... 252
– checking and topping
up fluid level .................................. 224
– handbrake ....................................... 152
– technical specifications................. 241
Bulbs
– bulb types......................186-187-188
– general information on
replacing.......................................... 186
Capacities
– technical specifications
(quantities)...................................... 250
Capacity for installing child seats........ 138
Car dimensions .................................... 246
Car identification data ........................ 235
Carrying children ................................ 134
Catalytic converter ............................ 128
Central locking .................................... 73Changing a wheel ................................ 176
– general information and
warnings.......................................... 176
– tyre inflation pressure ................ 245
– tyre and rim types ....................... 244
Changing bulbs
– bulb types ...................................... 186
– general information ..................... 186
– inside .............................................. .195
– outside ........................................... 189
Chassis (marking) ............................... 236
Checking engine oil ............................ 220
– consumption ................................. 220
– engine oil specifications .............. 251
Checking levels ................................... 217
– brake fluid ...................................... 224
– engine cooling fluid ...................... 222
– engine oil ....................................... 220
– windscreen/rear window
washer fluid ................................... 223
Child safety .......................................... 84
Child safety device ............................. 87
Child seats ............................................ 138
– capacity for installing child
seats ................................................ 138
– suitability for using child seats..... 137
Children (carrying them safely) ........ 134
– acity for installing an Isofix
child seat ........................................ 138
Cigarette lighter .................................. 78 ABS ....................................................... 103
ABS system .......................................... 103
Additional brake light
– bulb replacement ......................... 194
Adjusting the lighting inside the car 18
Adjusting the mirrors ....................... 44
Adjusting the seats ......................39-41
Adjusting the steering wheel ............ 43
Air conditioning controls ............ 52-56
Air filter ................................................ 225
Air recirculation ....................51-55-58
Air vents................................................ 48
Ashtray................................................... 78
ASR function / system ....................... 107
Automatic climate control................. 56
Battery
– jump starting .................................. 175
– maintenance................................... .225
– replacement .................................. 226
– tips for extending life ................... 226
Bodywork
– bodywork version codes............. 237
– cleaning, care and maintenance.. 231
Bodywork codes ................................. 237
Bodywork versions ............................ 237
Bonnet
– opening/closing ...............97-98-99
Boot ........................................................ 92
– emergency unlocking from
the inside......................................... 94
CONTENTS
259-268 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:42 Pagina 259