Page 120 of 270
119
F0U0545mfig. 123aF0U0546mfig. 123b
EMERGENCY STARTING
(with Start&Stop system without dummy pole)
(for versions/markets where provided)
When jump starting, never connect the negative lead (–)
of the auxiliary battery to the negative pole A-fig. 123b of
the car battery, but rather to an engine/gearbox earth
point. EMERGENCY STARTING
(with Start&Stop system with dummy pole)
(for versions/markets where provided)
In case of vehicle jump starting, never connect the nega-
tive cable (–) of the auxiliary battery to the negative pole
B-fig. 123a of the vehicle battery, rather to the dummy pole
A or to an engine/gearbox earth point.KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 20-01-2010 15:07 Pagina 119
Page 155 of 270

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
Page 176 of 270

STARTING THE ENGINE
EMERGENCY STARTING
If the instrument panel warning light
Ystays on perma-
nently, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately.
JUMP STARTING fig. 150
If the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an aux-
iliary battery with an equal or slightly higher capacity than the
flat one. It is advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership so the bat-
tery can be checked/replaced.
IN AN EMERGENCY
In an emergency we recommend that you call the freephone number found in the Warranty Booklet. You can
also go to the www.fiat.com website to find your nearest Fiat Dealership.
This procedure must be performed by ex-
perts because incorrect actions may cause
considerable electrical discharge. Furthermore,
battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive: avoid con-
tact with skin and eyes. Keep naked flames and
lit cigarettes away from the battery. Do not cre-
ate sparks.
WARNING
Proceed as follows to start the car:
❒connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the termi-
nal) of the two batteries with a jump lead;
❒with a second lead, connect the negative terminal (–) of
the auxiliary battery to an earthing point Eon the en-
gine or the gearbox of the car to be started;
❒ start the engine;
❒when the engine has been started, follow the sequence
above in reverse order to remove the leads.
If after a few attempts the engine does not start, do not
keep trying but contact a Fiat Dealership.
fig. 150F0U00134m
175
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
175-210 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 20-01-2010 15:09 Pagina 175
Page 177 of 270

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
175-210 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 20-01-2010 15:09 Pagina 176