2011 FIAT STRADA Owner handbook (in English)

111
fig. 107
F0X0088m
Irregular trajectories
and abrupt braking
may cause sudden movements
of the load with consequent
situations of hazard for the
driver and passengers: before
setting off, secure the load
tightly using the appropriate
hooks on the lower part of the
sides fig. 107-108; use steel
cables, ropes or chains strong
enough to hold the items to be
secured.
WARNING
fig. 108
F0X0089m
Warning. The additional
devices at the top of the
sides (3 per side) are
used only to fix the cover
canvas. They must not, for any
reason, be used to fix the load.In addition to these general
precautions, some simple
precautions can improve driving
safety, travelling comfort and vehicle
life:
– distribute the load evenly on the
platform: should it be necessary to
concentrate it in a single area,
arrange it by the partition
between the cab and load
compartment;
– remember that the lower the
load, the lower the vehicle’s
centre of gravity, making for a
safer drive: therefore always
position the heaviest goods lower
down;
– lastly, remember that the vehicle’s
dynamic behaviour is affected by
the weight transported: in
particular, the stopping distances
are longer, especially at high
speed.

112
FUEL SAVING
Here are some useful tips to save
fuel and minimise harmful emissions
of CO
2and other pollutants (nitric
oxides, unburnt hydrocarbons,
particulate matter etc.).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
The general factors that affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried
out on the vehicle in accordance
with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres
routinely at an interval of no more
than 4 weeks: if the pressure is too
low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with excess load.
The weight of the vehicle (especially
when driving in town), and its trim
greatly affect consumption and
stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski
rack from the roof after use.
These accessories reduce the
vehicle’s aerodynamic penetration
and have a negative effect on
consumption. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a
trailer if possible.Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time necessary. The
additional headlights, windscreen
wipers and heater fan consume a
considerable amount of energy,
thereby increasing fuel consumption
(by up to 25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
Climate control leads to higher fuel
consumption (on average by up to
20%): if the temperature outside
permits, try and use the ventilation
only.
Devices for aerodynamic
control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and consumption
levels.
DRIVING STYLE
The main driving styles that affect
fuel consumption are listed below.

113
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 move off
immediately and slowly, avoiding
high speeds: in this way the engine
will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when stopped at
traffic lights or before stopping the
engine.
This, as well as double declutching, is
absolutely unnecessary and increases
consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the
traffic and road permit, use a higher
gear.
Using a low gear for faster
acceleration will increase
consumption.Improper use of a high gear
increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
Maximum speed
Fuel consumption increases
considerably with speed. Maintain a
constant speed, avoiding
unnecessary braking and
acceleration, which cost in terms of
both fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently will greatly
affect consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual.
CONDITIONS OF USE
The main usage conditions that
negatively affect fuel consumption
are listed below.Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold
starts do not allow the engine to
reach optimum operating
temperature.
This results in a significant increase
in consumption levels (by 15–30% in
the urban cycle) and emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are
linked to situations with heavy
traffic, for instance when travelling in
queues with frequent use of the
lower gears or in cities with many
traffic lights. Winding mountain
roads and rough road surfaces also
adversely affect consumption.
Stopping in traffic
During prolonged hold-ups
(e.g. at level crossings) the engine
should be switched off.

114
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
The vehicle must be equipped with a
type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow
trailers.
Install any specific and/or additional
rear view mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a
trailer, steep hills are harder to
climb, stopping distances increase
and overtaking takes longer
depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the
vehicle tow hook will reduce the
loading capacity of the vehicle by the
same amount.
To make sure that the maximum
towable weight is not exceeded, the
fully laden trailer weight, including
accessories and luggage, must be
taken into account.Do not exceed the speed limits
specific to each country you are
driving in, in the case of vehicles
towing trailers. In any case, the top
speed must not exceed 80 km/h.
The ABS system does
not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular
caution is therefore required
on slippery surfaces.
WARNING
Never modify the
braking system of the
vehicle to control the trailer
brake. The trailer’s braking
system must be completely
independent from the
hydraulic system of the vehicle.
WARNING
SNOW CHAINS
The use of chains is subject to local
regulations.
Chains may be applied only to the
tyres of the drive wheels (front
wheels).
Use “spider” type reduced size snow
chains.
Keep your speed
down when snow
chains are fitted;
do not exceed 50 km/h.
Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and avoid driving
long distances on roads not
covered with snow, to avoid
damaging the vehicle and the
road surface.

115
LONG VEHICLE
INACTIVITY
If the vehicle needs to be off the
road for longer than a month, the
following precautions should be
taken:
– Park the vehicle indoors in a dry
and, if possible, well-ventilated
place.
– Engage a gear.
– Check that the handbrake is not
engaged.
– Disconnect the negative battery
terminal and check the state of
charge (see “Battery” in the
“Vehicle maintenance” section).
– Clean and protect the painted
parts using protective waxes.– Clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using specific commercially
available compounds.
– Sprinkle talcum powder on the
rubber windscreen 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
standard prescribed pressure and
check it at intervals.
– Do not drain the engine cooling
system.

page intentionally left blank

117
IN AN EMERGENCY
In an emergency we recommend that you call the freephone number in the Warranty Booklet.
You can also go to the www.fiat.com website to find your nearest Fiat Dealership.
STARTING THE ENGINE
JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, it is possible to
start the engine using an auxiliary
battery with the same capacity or a
little higher than the flat one.
fig. 109
F0X0090m
To start the engine, proceed as
follows fig. 109:
– connect the positive terminals (+),
sign near the terminal, 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 engine or the
gearbox of the vehicle to be
started;
– start the engine;
– when the engine has been started,
remove the leads, reversing the
order above.If after a few attempts the engine
does not start, do not persist but
contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not directly
connect the negative terminals of
the two batteries: any sparks may
ignite the explosive gas which could
come out of the battery. If the
auxiliary battery is installed on
another vehicle, avoid any metal
parts on the latter and the vehicle
with the flat battery from
accidentally coming into contact.

118
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 The brake servo and
power steering are not operational
until the engine has been started, so
you need to apply much more force
than usual to the brake pedal and
steering wheel.IF A TYRE IS
PUNCTURED
General instructions
To use the jack and
space-saver wheel
correctly, some
precautions are necessary,
described below.
Never use a quick
battery charger to start
the engine as this could
damage the electronic systems,
particularly the ignition and fuel
supply control units.
Incorrect positioning of
the jack may cause the
raised vehicle to fall. Do not
use the jack for loads greater
than that indicated on the jack
itself. The jack is only to be
used for replacing wheels on
the vehicle with which it is
provided. Never use the jack
for other purposes, such as
lifting other vehicles. Never use
the jack to carry out repairs
under the vehicle. Do not
grease the threads of bolts
before fitting them: they might
slip out.
WARNING
This procedure must be
performed by expert
personnel as incorrect actions
may cause high-intensity
electrical discharge.
Furthermore, battery fluid is
poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lit
cigarettes away from the
battery. Do not create sparks.
WARNING