
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.
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164
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Degraded engine oil should be replaced as
soon as possible after the warning light
comes on, and never more than 500 km after it
first comes on.
Failure to change the oil within the first 1000 km
may result in severe damage to the engine and in-
validate the warranty. Remember that when the
warning light comes on, it does not mean that the
level of engine oil is low, so if the light flashes you
do not need to top up the engine oil.
WARNING
DOOR/BOOT/BONNET OPEN (red)
On certain versions, the warning light turns on
when one or more doors or the boot are not
properly closed.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions. You
will hear a warning sound if a door is open and the car is
moving.
´
DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE (red)
(for versions/markets where provided)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds.
If the warning light stays on, you will not get the benefit
from the electric power steering and the effort needed
to turn the wheel will be greatly increased, although it will
still be possible to steer the car. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
On some versions the display shows the associated mes-
sage.
g
Note that engine oil degrades faster under the following
circumstances:
– use of the vehicle mainly for city driving, requiring more
frequent regeneration of the DPF
– use of the vehicle for short drives, in which the engine
does not have time to reach its regular operating tem-
perature
– repeated interruption of the regeneration process, sig-
nalled by the DPF warning light coming on.
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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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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.
IMPORTANT For cars with Start&Stop system, in case
of starting by booster battery, refer to "Knowing your car"
chapter, paragraph "Start&Stop system".
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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210
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The brake booster and power steering will
not work while the vehicle is being towed.
You will therefore need to apply more force to the
brake pedal and steering wheel. Do not use bendy
cables for towing and avoid jerking. Make sure not
to damage parts in contact with the car while tow-
ing. When towing the vehicle, be sure to respect
the specific rules of the highway code specifical-
ly in relation to the towing device and the be-
haviour to maintain on the road.
WARNING
Clean the threaded housing throughly be-
fore fastening the tow ring. Make sure that
the ring is securely fastened before towing the car.
WARNING
During towing, do not start up the engine.
WARNING
Before towing, switch off the steering lock
(see “Ignition” in the “Dashboard and con-
trols” section). The brake booster and power
steering will not work while the vehicle is being
towed. You will therefore need to apply more
force to the brake pedal and steering wheel. Do
not use bendy cables for towing and avoid jerking.
Make sure not to damage parts in contact with
the car while towing. Respect the rules of the high-
way code when towing the car, specifically in re-
lation to the towing device and road conduct.
WARNING
The front and rear tow hooks should be
used only for emergency operations on the
road. You are allowed to tow the car for short dis-
tances using an appropriate device in accordance
with the highway code (a rigid bar), to move the
vehicle on the road in readiness for towing or
transporting via a breakdown vehicle. Tow hooks
MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles off the road
or where there are obstacles and/or for towing op-
erations using cables or other non-rigid devices.
Respecting the above conditions, towing must
take place with the two vehicles (one towing, the
other towed) aligned as much as possible along
the same centre line.
WARNING
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228
F0U0289mfig. 211
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Remember that the car’s road holding de-
pends on correct tyre pressures
WARNING
If the pressure is too low, the tyre will over-
heat and could be seriously damaged.
WARNING
Avoid switching the tyres from the right
side of the vehicle to the left side and vice
versa.
Do not re-spray alloy wheel rims at temperatures
higher than 150°C. The mechanical characteris-
tics of the wheels may be compromised.
WARNING
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling
or irregular tread wear. Go to a Fiat Dealership if re-
quired;
❒avoid overloading the car when travelling: this may cause
serious damage to the wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop the vehicle immediately and
change it to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim, and the
suspension and steering systems;
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used much. Cracks in
the tread and on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. In
any event, have the tyres checked by specialised per-
sonnel if they have been fitted for longer than 6 years.
Remember to check the spare wheel very carefully;
❒in case of replacement, always fit new tyres, avoiding
those with an unknown origin;
❒if a tyre is replaced, you should also change the inflation
valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front and rear tyres,
it is advisable to switch them every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same side of the car so
as not to reverse the direction of rotation.
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234
PLASTIC PARTS
It is advisable to clean interior plastic parts with a damp
cloth and a solution of water and non-abrasive mild soap.
To remove grease and tough stains, use products designed
specifically for cleaning plastics. These have no solvents
and have been designed so that they do not alter the ap-
pearance and colour of the components.
IMPORTANT Never use spirits or petroleum to clean the
instrument panel.
REAL LEATHER STEERING WHEEL/GEAR
LEVER KNOB
These components must be cleaned with mild soap and
water only.
Never use spirits and/or alcohol-based products.
Before using off-the-shelf products designed for cleaning
vehicle interiors, make sure that they do not contain spir-
its and/or alcohol-based substances.
If window cleaner accidentally drips onto the steering
wheel or gear lever knob, wipe away immediately and then
wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
IMPORTANT When arranging a steering wheel locking
device, be careful not to damage the leather upholstery. SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. It is
advisable to use a damp brush on velvet upholstery.
Wipe the seats with a sponge soaked in a solution of mild
detergent and water.KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The fabric upholstery of your car is designed
to withstand normal wear and tear for
a long time. Some precautions are needed
though. Avoid prolonged and/or excessive rubbing
against clothing accessories such as metal buckles
and Velcro strips which, by applying a high pressure
on the fabric in a small area, could cause some
threads to break, thereby damaging the upholstery.
211-234 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 18-01-2010 12:28 Pagina 234

KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
241
rack and pinion with electric power steering
10.9
Independent wheel
McPherson-typeIndependent wheel McPherson-type with anti-roll bar
self-ventilated discs
drum or disc (for versions/markets where provided)
controlled by hand lever, acting on rear brakes
Torsion beam with interconnected wheels
BRAKES
Service brakes: front
rear
Parking brake
IMPORTANT Water, ice and salt on the roads may deposit on the brake discs, reducing braking efficiency the first time the
brakes are applied.
SUSPENSIONS
1.2 – 1.4 1.4 Multi Air – 1.4 Turbo Multi Air – 1.3 Multijet – 1.6 Multijet
Front
Rear
STEERING SYSTEM
Type
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) m
235-258 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 18-01-2010 12:28 Pagina 241