USING THE GEARBOX
To engage the gears, press the clutch pedal fully and
shift the gear lever A fig. 113 into one of the
required positions (the diagram is shown on the
knob).
IMPORTANT Reverse may be engaged only when the
vehicle is at a standstill. With the engine running,
wait for at least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal fully
depressed before engaging reverse to prevent
damage to the gears and grating.
WARNING
Depress the clutch pedal fully to change
gear
correctly.There should be no
obstacles on the floor underneath the pedals;
make sure that mats are always flat and do not
interfere with the pedals.
Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even if
slight , could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.The
clutch pedal should be used only for gear
changes. Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal, however slightly.The electronic
clutch control could cut in by interpreting the
incorrect driving style as a fault (for versions/
markets, where provided).
fig. 113F0T0055
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SAVING FUEL
Here are some useful tips to save fuel and minimise
harmful emissions of CO2 and other pollutants
(nitric oxides, unburnt hydrocarbons, fine dusts etc.).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
General conditions which influence fuel consumption
are shown below.
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressure at least once every four
weeks: if the pressure is too low, consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight
of the vehicle (especially when driving in town)
and its trim greatly affect fuel consumption
and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories reduce the aerodynamic
coefficient of the vehicle and have a negative effect
on fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer
to transport particularly bulky objects.Electric devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount of time
needed. The heated rear window, auxiliary
headlights, windscreen wipers and fan heater use up
a considerable amount of current, causing increased
fuel consumption (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The air conditioner leads to higher fuel consumption
(on average 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
aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
The main driving styles affecting fuel consumption
are shown below.
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.
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Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when stationary at traffic lights or
before stopping the engine. The latter action, like
double declutching, is unnecessary and increases
consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and road
conditions allow. Using a low gear for faster
acceleration will increase fuel consumption.
In the same way, improper use of a high gear
increases fuel consumption, emissions and engine
wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed
increases. Keep your speed as even as possible,
avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration, which
cause excessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel
consumption and emissions: accelerate gradually.CONDITIONS OF USE
The main conditions of use which negatively affect
consumption are illustrated below.
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups prevent
the engine from reaching its optimum running
temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30%
on the urban cycle) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Heavy traffic, for instance when travelling in a queue
with frequent use of low gears or in cities with
lots of traffic lights, causes fairly high fuel
consumption. Mountain roads and uneven surfaces
also have a negative effect on consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. at level crossings)
the engine should be switched off.
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TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved
tow hitch and adequate electrical system to tow
trailers. Installation must be performed by specialised
personnel who will issue the required papers for
travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors
in accordance with the highway code of the country
in which you are travelling.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, braking distances increase and
overtaking takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the vehicle tow hitch
will reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle by the
same amount.
Consider the weight at full load, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the
maximum towable weight (shown in the log book).
Respect each country's speed limits for vehicles
towing trailers. In all cases, the top speed must not
exceed 80 km/h.
WARNING
The ABS with which the vehicle may be
equipped
will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
therefore required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
v
ehicle to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be fully
independent from the hydraulic system of the
vehicle.
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SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with
local regulations.
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheel
tyres (drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the first few
metres have been driven.
Keep your speed down when snow chains
are fitted: do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and also
avoid driving for long distances on roads not
covered with snow to avoid damaging the car and
the road surface.
PROLONGED VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle needs to be off the road for longer than
one month, the following precautions must be
taken:
❒park the vehicle indoors in a dry and, if possible,
well-ventilated place;
❒engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not
on;
❒disconnect the battery negative terminal and check
the charge (see “Battery” in the “Maintenance and
care”);
❒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;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the vehicle with a piece of fabric or
perforated plastic sheet. Do not use compact
plastic tarpaulins, which prevent humidity from
evaporating from the surface of the vehicle;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the normal specified
pressure and check it at intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
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WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning light (where allowed by the instrument
panel) is associated to a specific message and/or
acoustic tone. These indications are brief and
precautionary and as such must not be considered as
exhaustive and/or alternative to the information
contained in the Owner's Handbook, which you are
recommended to read carefully in all cases. Always
refer to the information in this chapter in the event
of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT The fault indicators appearing on the
display are divided into two categories: very serious
and less serious failures.
Serious failures prompt a prolonged cycle of signals.
Less serious failures prompt a shorter cycle of
signals.
Press MENU ESC to stop the warning cycle in both
cases. Instrument panel warning light (or the symbol
on the display) will stay on until the cause of the
failure is eliminated.
LOW BRAKE FLUID
(red)/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED (red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.Low brake fluid
The warning light turns on when the level of the
brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum
level, possibly due to a leak in the circuit.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
WARNING
If the warning lightturns on when
travelling (on certain versions together
with the message on the display) stop the
vehicle immediately and contact Fiat
Dealership.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light turns on when the handbrake is
engaged.
On some versions, an acoustic tone accompanies the
warning light when the vehicle is moving.
IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on when the
car is in motion, check that the handbrake is not
on.
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AIR BAG FAULT (red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a
fault in the air bag system.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
WARNING
The warning lightmay not light up
when the key is turned to MAR or stay
on while travelling to indicate a retaining
system fault . In this case, the air bags or the
pretensioners may not be activated in the case
of an accident or (more seldom) they may be
activated incorrectly. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
WARNING
Failure of warning lightis indicated by
warning light
blinking for longer than
the normal 4 seconds indicating that the front
passenger air bag is off. In addition, the air
bag system automatically disables the air bags
on the passenger's side (both front and side
air bags, for versions/markets, where provided).
In this case, the warning light
may not
indicate a fault in the system. Contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the system
checked.
PASSENGER/SIDE AIR BAGS OFF
(amber)
The warning light
comes on when the front
passenger air bag and the side bag (for versions/
markets where provided) are deactivated.
With the front passenger air bags enabled, when the
ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light
will come on steadily for about four seconds, blink
for another four seconds and then should go out.
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WARNING
Failure of the warning lightis
indicated by warning light
.In
addition, the air bag system automatically
disables the passenger air bags (both front and
side air bags, for versions/markets, where
provided). Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
OVERHEATED ENGINE COOLANT
(red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is
overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❒When travelling normally: stop the vehicle, stop
the engine and check that the coolant level in
the vessel is not under the MIN line. If it is, wait
for a few minutes to allow the engine to cool
down, then slowly and carefully open the vessel
cap. Top up with coolant fluid making sure that the
liquid level is included between the MIN and
MAX lines on the vessel. Also check for leaks. Go
to a Fiat Dealership if the warning light comeson again when the engine is next started.
❒If the vehicle is used under demanding conditions
(e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow
down and, if the light stays on, stop the vehicle.
Stop for two or three minutes with the engine
running and slightly accelerated to assist better
coolant circulation. Then switch the engine off.
Check correct fluid level in the vessel as described
above.
IMPORTANT On particularly demanding journeys, it
is advisable to keep the engine on and slightly
accelerated for a few minutes before switching it off.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
LOW BATTERY CHARGE (red)
The warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go out as soon as
the engine has started (with the engine running at
idle speed a brief delay before going out is
acceptable).
If the warning light stays on, contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
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