2011 FIAT STRADA fuel

If you wish to carry a
reserve of fuel in a can,
observe the legal restrictions
and only use a can that is type-
approved and properly secured
to the load anchorage
eyebolts. However, the risk of
fire in the event of a collision is
still increased.
WARNINGIMPORTANT
1) The flap can bear stable loads
(vehicle stationary) of up to 300
kg; using it to support greater
loads damages the hinges.
2) The load must be secured firmly
using cords and the appropriate
rings, to prevent it from sliding
lengthways, moving from side to
side or bouncing (see paragraph
“Loading advice” in the “Correct
use of the vehicle” section).
3) When transporting a heavy load
at night, you are advised to check
and adjust the beam of the dipped
headlights as appropriate.
Do not open the flap
completely when a tow
hook is fitted; it may be
damaged.
LOAD COMPARTMENT
COVER CANVAS
Some versions come with a canvas
to protect objects which are
transported in the load
compartment.
To wind it up:
– turn the mechanical stop
A-fig. 84 in the direction of the
arrow, releasing locking device B;
– open the closing devices
A-fig. 85 then loosen the straps B;
– release the straps from the
anchoring devices
(3 per side) built into the body;
fig. 84
F0X0065m
84

fig. 95
F0X0076m
fig. 94
F0X0075m
Where provided, side handles A-fig. 95
in the load compartment facilitate
climbing (to arrange the load for
example).
fig. 93
F0X0074m
Pay great attention to
your hands both when
lifting and when closing the
side limiters: risk of pinching
and/or injury.
WARNING
Do not climb on the
plastic mouldings in the
load compartment, especially
in the area near the fuel filler
flap.
WARNING
Do not tie objects to
the side handles.
WARNING
Do not apply a lateral
pressure greater than
30 kg to the external load
limiters.
WARNING
Do not climb on the
crosspieces of the
protective grille; they are
designed to support a
maximum load of 50 kg.
WARNING
88

RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND
MOBILE PHONES
Radio transmitters (car phones, CB
radios etc.) cannot be used inside
the vehicle unless a separate aerial is
mounted externally.
IMPORTANT The use of such
devices inside the passenger
compartment (without an external
aerial) may, in addition to potential
damage to the health of the
passengers, cause malfunctions in the
vehicle’s electronic systems,
compromising the safety of the
vehicle.
In addition, transmission and
reception of these devices may be
adversely affected by the shielding
effect of the vehicle’s body.
As far as the use of EC-approved
mobile phones is concerned (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), follow the usage
instructions provided by the mobile
phone manufacturer.REFUELLING
Never introduce even a
minimal quantity of
petrol to the tank, even
in an emergency; the catalytic
converter would be damaged,
irreparably compromising its
operation.
An inefficient catalytic
converter leads to
harmful exhaust
emissions, thus contributing to
environmental pollution.
The vehicle must be
refuelled exclusively
with diesel for motor
vehicles in compliance with
European specification EN590.
The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the
engine beyond repair and
consequently invalidate the
warranty, due to the damage
caused. If you accidentally
refuel with another type of fuel,
do not start the engine, and
drain the tank. If the engine has
run, even for a very short time,
with other fuels, the whole fuel
circuit must be drained in
addition to the tank.
102

If the outside temperature is very
low, diesel thickens due to the
formation of paraffin clots with
consequent defective operation of
the fuel supply system.
In order to avoid these problems,
different types of diesel are
distributed according to the season:
summer type, winter type and arctic
type (cold/mountain areas). If
refuelling with diesel fuel whose
specifications are not suitable for the
current temperature, it is advisable
to mix TUTELA DIESEL ART
additive in the proportions shown
on the container with the fuel. Pour
the additive into the tank before the
diesel fuel.
When using or parking the vehicle
for a long time in the mountains or
cold areas, it is advisable to refuel
using locally available diesel fuel.
In this case, it is also advisable to
keep the tank over 50% full.REFUELLING CAPACITY
To fill the tank completely, top up
twice after the first click of the fuel
delivery gun. Further top-ups could
cause faults in the fuel supply system.
FUEL TANK CAP
The sealing may cause a slight
pressure increase in the tank.
A suction noise when you release
the cap is therefore entirely normal.
The cap features a strap A-fig. 104
which secures it to the flap so that it
cannot be mislaid.
fig. 104
F0X0085m
Do not bring naked
flames or lit cigarettes
near to the fuel tank opening:
fire risk. Also, keep your face
away from the filler to avoid
inhaling harmful fumes.
WARNING
IMPORTANT If necessary, only
replace the fuel cap with another
original part, or the operation of the
petrol vapour recovery system may
be compromised.
103

107
HOW TO WARM THE
ENGINE WHICH HAS JUST
STARTED
– Drive off slowly, letting the engine
turn at medium revs. Do not
accelerate abruptly.
– Do not demand maximum
performance for the first few
kilometres. Wait until the engine
coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.EMERGENCY 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.
Remember that 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.
WARNING
TO STOP THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while
the engine is idling.
A quick burst on the
accelerator before
turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to
turbocharged engines.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive,
you should allow the engine to
“catch its breath” before turning it
off by letting it idle to allow the
temperature in the engine
compartment to fall.

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.

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