2009 FIAT PUNTO EVO maintenance

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

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

“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.
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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
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EMERGENCY
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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
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112
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THE TPMS
SYSTEM
The fault indications are not stored and will therefore not
be displayed after the engine has been switched off and
then on again. If the fault conditions persist, the control
unit will send the relative indications to the instrument
panel only after the vehicle has been in motion for a short
time.
WARNING Particularly strong radio frequency interference
may cause the TPMS system to function incorrectly. This
condition is indicated to the driver by a message on the dis-
play. The warning message will go off automatically as soon
as the interference stops disturbing the system.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The presence of TPMS does not exoner-
ate the driver from regularly checking the
pressure of the tyres and the spare wheel (see
“Wheels” in the “Maintenance and care” section).
WARNING
The TPMS is not able to warn you of sud-
den tyre pressure losses (for example when
a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the car, braking
with care and avoiding sharp steering actions.
WARNING
Replacing the normal tyres with winter
tyres and vice versa requires an inspection
of the TPMS, which should be carried out only
by a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
The TPMS requires the use of specific
equipment. Contact a Fiat Dealership to
find out which accessories are compatible with the
system (wheels, hub caps etc.). Using other ac-
cessories may hinder the normal operation of the
system.
WARNING
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The TPMS
system may temporarily indicate insufficient pres-
sure. In this case, check the tyre pressures with the
tyres cold and, if necessary, pump them up.
WARNING
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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.
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133
F0U0117mfig. 134
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Under no circumstances should the seat
belt and pretensioner components be re-
moved or tampered with. All operations must be
performed by qualified and authorised personnel.
Always go to a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
If the belt has been subjected to a heavy
stress, for example after an accident, it
should be changed completely together with the
anchors, anchor fastening screws and the preten-
sioner. In fact, even if the belt has no visible de-
fects, it could have lost its resilience.
WARNING
Each seat belt must be worn by one per-
son only; passengers should not have ba-
bies or children on their lap and use the belts to
protect both of them. In general, do not place any
objects between the person and the belt.
WARNING
HOW TO KEEP THE SEAT BELTS EFFECTIVE
Observe the following precautions for correct seat belt
maintenance:
❒always make sure the belt is well stretched and never
twisted; make sure that it is free to run without ob-
structions;
❒replace the belt after a serious accident, even if it does
not appear damaged. Always replace the seat belt if the
pretensioners were deployed;
❒to clean the belt, wash by hand with water and mild
soap, rinse and leave to dry in the shade. Do not use
strong detergents, bleach, paints or any other chemi-
cals which could damage the belt fibres;
❒prevent the reels from getting wet: their correct op-
eration is guaranteed only if water does not get inside;
❒replace the seat belt when it shows signs of significant
wear or cuts.
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154
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which may help you to save fu-
el and reduce the amount of toxic emissions released in-
to the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance
with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once every 4 weeks: if
the pressure is too low, consumption levels increase as re-
sistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of
the car (especially when driving in town) and its arrange-
ment greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or ski rack from the roof after use.
These accessories decrease aerodynamic penetration and
have a negative effect on fuel consumption. It is better to
use a trailer to transport particularly bulky objects.Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount of time need-
ed. The heated rear window, auxiliary headlights, wind-
screen wipers and fan heater use up a considerable amount
of current, causing increased fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Air conditioning
Air conditioning leads to higher fuel consumption (on av-
erage up to +20%). If the temperature outside is not too
extreme, try and use the air vents.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified spoilers may adversely affect aero-
dynamics and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs when the
vehicle is stationary; this causes the engine to warm up more
slowly, thereby increasing fuel consumption and emissions.
It is advisable to set off immediately and slowly, avoiding high
revs: this allows the engine to warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when stationary at traffic lights or before
stopping the engine. The latter action, like double de-
clutching, is entirely unnecessary and causes increased fu-
el consumption and pollution.
149-160 PUNTO FL EN 3ed 9-12-2009 13:41 Pagina 154