107
❒if only one of the drive wheels skids, the system inter-
venes by automatically braking the wheel that is
skidding.
The action of the ASR system is especially useful in the fol-
lowing conditions:
❒slipping of the inner wheel when cornering due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or excessive accelera-
tion;
❒too much power transmitted to the wheels also in re-
lation to the conditions of the road surface;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet surface (aquaplaning). Failure indications
System failure is indicated by warning light *lighting up
on the instrument panel with digital display and warning
light álighting up on the instrument panel with multi-
function display (where provided) (see section “Warn-
ing lights and messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off and select-
ed first gear.KNOWING
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For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the type, make and size recom-
mended.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must absolutely be
the same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size specified.
WARNING
ASR SYSTEM (Anti-slip Regulator)
This function controls car drive and cuts in automatically
every time one or both driving wheels skid.
Depending on how skiddy the road is, two different con-
trol systems are activated:
❒if both drive wheels skid, the ASR function intervenes
by reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
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108
F0U0106mfig. 116
When travelling on snowy roads with snow chains, it may be
helpful to turn the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions, if the dri-
ve wheels skid when moving off, you get better traction. MSR system (engine drive regulation)
This is an integral part of the ASR system that, in the event of
sudden gear shifting on hills, cuts in to provide torque to the en-
gine, thus preventing excessive driving wheel drag that, espe-
cially in poor grip conditions, can lead to loss of stability.
Switching the systemon/off fig. 116
The ASR system switches on automatically each time the engine
is started.
When travelling, the ASR can be switched off and on again by
pressing button located on the dashboard fig. 116.
When the ASR is switched off, this is shown by the LED on the
button coming on and by the relevant message appearing on the
multifunction display, where provided.
If you switch off the ASR during a journey, it will come back on
automatically when the engine is next started.
KNOWING
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Do not take unnecessary risks, even if your
vehicle is fitted with this system. Your dri-
ving style must always be suited to the road con-
ditions, visibility and traffic. The driver is always
ultimately responsible for road safety.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ASR system, the tyres
must absolutely be the same make and type on all wheels,
in perfect condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size specified.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of a failure, the ASR will be automatically
switched off and warning light áwill appear permanent-
ly on the instrument panel along with a message on the
multifunction display, where provided (see “Warning lights
and messages”). In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
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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.
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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.
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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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114
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In order to use the system properly, refer to the following table when you have to change wheels/tyres:
Operation Sensor Failure warning Fiat Dealership
intervention
–
Replacing a wheel with the spare wheel
Replacing wheels
with snow tyres
Replacing wheels
with snow tyres
Replacing wheels with
others of a different size (*)
Switching wheels(front/rear) (**)
(*) Given as an alternative in the Owner’s Handbook and available at Lineaccessori Fiat.
(**) Not cross-swapped (tyres must stay on the same side).–
NO
NO
YES
YES
YESYES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NOContact a Fiat
Dealership
Repair the damaged
wheel
Contact a Fiat
Dealership
–
–
–
082-128 PUNTO FL EN 4ed 20-01-2010 15:06 Pagina 114
154
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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.
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159
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SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres pro-
vided with the car.
A Fiat Dealership will be happy to provide advice con-
cerning the most suitable type of tyre for the customer’s
requirements.
For the type, pressures and specifications of the snow tyre
to be used, follow carefully the instructions given in the
“Wheels” paragraph of the “Technical specifications” sec-
tion.
The performance of these tyres is considerably reduced
when the tread depth is less than 4 mm. If this is the case,
replace them.
Due to their specific features, the performance of snow
tyres is much lower than that of standard tyres in normal
conditions or on long motorway stretches. You should
therefore use them only in the conditions for which they
were designed.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres with a maximum
speed index below the one that can be reached by the
car (increased by 5%), place a notice in the passenger com-
partment, plainly in view, which states the maximum speed
allowed by the snow tyres (as per EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand and profile) to
ensure greater safety when driving and braking as well as
making the car more responsive.
Remember that you should not change the rotation di-
rection of the tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with lo-
cal regulations. Snow chains may be fitted only to the front
wheel tyres (drive wheels). Use of Lineaccessori Fiat snow
chains is recommended. Check the tension of the chains
after the first few metres have been driven.
IMPORTANT When the snow chains are on, use the ac-
celerator with extreme care to prevent, or to limit as much
as possible, the driving wheels from skidding. This could
cause the chains to break, resulting in damage to the ve-
hicle body or mechanical components.
IMPORTANT Snow chains can only be fitted on 15”
tyres. Use compact 9-mm snow chains.
The maximum speed for snow tyres
marked “Q” is 160 km/h, while it is 190
km/h for “T” tyres and 210 km/h for “H” tyres.
You should, however, always stick to the speed
limits of the highway code.
WARNING
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❒clean and protect the painted parts using protective
wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special
compounds readily available;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;
❒open the windows slightly;
❒cover the car with a fabric or perforated plastic sheet.
Do not use compact plastic sheets which do not allow
humidity to evaporate from the surface of the car;
❒inflate tyres to a pressure of +0.5 bar above the nor-
mal specified pressure and check regularly;
❒if you don’t disconnect the battery from the electrical
system, check its charge every month and recharge it
if the indicator shows a dark colour without the cen-
tral green area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
IMPORTANT Where relevant, switch off the car alarm
with the remote control.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer than a month,
the following precautions should be observed:
❒park the car in covered, dry and, if possible, well-ven-
tilated premises;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is engaged;
❒disconnect the clip for the negative battery terminal
and check battery charge. Repeat this check once
every three months during storage. Recharge the
battery if the indicator is dark and the middle area is
not green;
160
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16” and 17” tyres cannot be fitted with
chains.
WARNING
Keep your speed down when snow chains
are fitted: do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements, and do
not drive for long distances on roads not
covered with snow to prevent damaging
the car and the road surface.
WARNING
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