
57
SWITCHING ON THE CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
The system can be activated by pressing any of the but-
tons; it is, however, advisable to set the desired temper-
atures on the display, then press the AUTO button.
The climate control system allows you to customise the
temperatures (driver side and passenger side) with a max-
imum difference of 7°C.
The climate control system compressor works only with
the engine running and with an outside temperature of
above 4°C.
AUTOMATIC FUNCTION OF THE CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM (AUTO function)
Press the AUTO button; the system will automatically ad-
just:
❒the amount of air introduced into the passenger com-
partment;
❒the distribution of air inside the passenger compartment;
cancelling any previous manual settings.
During climate control system automatic operation, the
words FULL AUTO appear on the display.
During automatic operation it is still possible to adjust the
set temperature and carry out the following operations
manually:
❒adjust fan speed;
❒select air distribution;
❒switch air recirculation and AQS function on/off;
❒switch on the climate control system compressor.REGULATING THE FAN SPEED
Press button
pto increase/decrease the fan speed.
The 12 possible speeds are indicated by bars lighting up on
the display:
❒max fan speed = all bars lit;
❒min. fan speed = one bar lit.
The fan can be disabled (no bars lit) only if the climate con-
trol compressor has been switched off by pressing but-
ton
❄.
To restore automatic fan speed control after a manual ad-
justment, press AUTO.
RAPID FRONT WINDOWS DEMISTING/
DEFROSTING (MAX-DEF function)
Press button
-to automatically activate the timed op-
eration of all the functions required to rapidly
demist/defrost the windscreen and front side windows.
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
It is advisable not to use the air recircula-
tion function when the outside tempera-
ture is low to prevent the windows from rapidly
misting up.
WARNING
037-081 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 18-01-2010 12:23 Pagina 57

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
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“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 4ed 18-01-2010 12:23 Pagina 64

128
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
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STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
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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
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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 4ed 20-01-2010 14:37 Pagina 154

165
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
SEAT BELT NOT FASTENED (red)
The warning light on the display lights up per-
manently when the car is not moving and the dri-
ver’s seat belt is not correctly fastened. It will flash,
and be accompanied by an audible warning, if the front seat
belts are not correctly fastened when the vehicle is mov-
ing. The SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system’s audible warn-
ing can be disabled only by a Fiat Dealership. On some ver-
sions the system can be reactivated from the setup menu.
<
LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL (red)
(for versions/markets where provided)
When turning the ignition key to MAR, the
warning light turns on but it should go off after a
few seconds. This warning light where provided comes on
when the engine oil level falls below the minimum rec-
ommended value. Restore the correct engine oil level (see
“Checking fluid levels” in the “Servicing and care” section).
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
k
EBD FAULT (red)
(amber)
Warning lights
xand >lit at the
same time with the engine running in-
dicates an EBD system failure or that the system is not
available. This may cause premature locking of the rear
wheels in the event of violent braking, causing the car to
swerve. Drive very carefully to a Fiat Dealership to have
the system inspected immediately.
On some versions the display shows the associated mes-
sage.> x
INJECTION SYSTEM FAULT
(Multijet versions – amber)
EOBD SYSTEM FAULT
(petrol versions – amber)
Injection system failure
Under normal conditions, turning the ignition key to MAR,
the warning light turns on but it should go off after the en-
gine starts.
If the warning light stays on or comes on when travelling,
it means there is a fault in the injection system which could
cause loss of performance, poor handling and high fuel con-
sumption levels.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions. Un-
der these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at
moderate speed without demanding excessive effort from
the engine. In any case, you should go to a Fiat Dealer-
ship as soon as possible.
U
161-174 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 18-01-2010 12:27 Pagina 165

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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