2011 FIAT STRADA wheel

E-LOCKER SYSTEM
ELD - ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
Some versions may feature the
E-Locker system, used in conditions
where the vehicle may slip.
This system can lock the front
differential, supplying both front
wheels with the same rotational
speed; in doing so, the wheel with
the greatest grip will be the one
which can propel the vehicle.
The E-Locker System
must not be considered
as a kind of “four-wheel drive”:
the system must not be used on
normal surfaces (dry asphalt
etc.). In any case, the system
deactivates automatically as
soon as the vehicle speed
exceeds 20 km/h.
WARNING
You are advised to use
the E-Locker System
only when a wheel loses grip
resulting in conditions of low
friction (e.g. on roads with
mud, sand, stones, wet grass
etc.).
WARNING
To operate the E-Locker System:
– press the brake pedal (vehicle
stationary);
– press the ELD button-fig. 101
located on the dashboard to the
left of the steering wheel; the
system emits a long beep, the ELD
warning light on the instrument
panel starts to blink and the
display shows a dedicated message
(ELD ON for 5 seconds);
– release the clutch slowly,
accelerating gradually; having
overcome the difficulty, deactivate
the system.
The E-Locker system
must be activated with
vehicle stationary. The expert
driver must be capable of
assessing the conditions of the
terrain before activation.
WARNING
fig. 101
F0X0082m
98

The E-Locker System
should not encourage
the driver to head towards and
travel through unknown places
and/or regions, confident of
tackling any obstacle.
The driver is always responsible
of controlling and driving the
vehicle in all circumstances.
WARNING
SEVERE DANGER:
If emergency conditions
require that a front wheel is
lifted: make sure that the
E-Locker system is deactivated
before any operation is carried
out.
WARNING
The system features manual and
automatic deactivation.
Manual deactivation
Press the ELD button again.
Automatic deactivation
This occurs when the speed of the
vehicle exceeds 20 km/h.
When the vehicle approaches this
speed (about 15 km/h):
– the system emits a sequence of
3 beeps
– the ELD warning light on the
instrument panel flashes more
quickly.When it is deactivated (manual or
automatic):
– the system emits a short beep
– The ELD warning light switches
off in the instrument panel
– the display shows a dedicated
message (ELD OFF for 5 seconds).
In the event of failure
– the ELD warning light on the
instrument panel switches on
constantly and the display shows a
dedicated message.
IMPORTANT If a user attempts to
activate the E-Locker System with
vehicle in motion and/or without the
brake pedal pressed, the command is
rejected and the system is not
activated; the ELD warning light on
the instrument panel switches on for
a few seconds at the same time.
99

105
CORRECT USE OF THE VEHICLE
STARTING THE ENGINE
The vehicle is fitted with an
electronic engine lock device: if the
engine fails to start, see the
“The Fiat CODE system” paragraph
in the “Know your vehicle” section.
It is advisable not to
demand maximum
performance from your
vehicle (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessively intense
braking, etc.) during the initial
period of use.
When the engine is off,
do not leave the key
turned to MAR to
prevent unnecessary electrical
consumption from draining the
battery.
It is dangerous to run
the engine in enclosed
areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust
contains carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other
toxic gasses.
WARNING
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

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.

108
PARKING
Stop the engine, engage the
handbrake, engage 1st gear uphill or
reverse downhill and leave the
wheels steered towards the edge of
the road or the pavement. If the
vehicle is parked on a steep slope, it
is advisable to block the wheels with
a wedge or stone.
Do not leave the ignition key at
MAR because this drains the battery.
Always extract the key when getting
out of the vehicle.
Never leave children
alone in the unattended
vehicle.
WARNING
HANDBRAKE fig. 105
The handbrake lever is located
between the front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to engage the
handbrake and ensure that the
vehicle does not move.When the handbrake is on and the
ignition key is at MAR, the x
warning light on the instrument
panel switches on.
To release the handbrake:
1) Slightly lift the handbrake and
press release button A.
2) Hold down the button and lower
the lever. The xwarning light
switches off.
Depress the brake pedal when
carrying out this operation to
prevent the vehicle from moving
accidentally.
The vehicle must be
secured after several
clicks of the lever. If this is not
the case, contact a Fiat
Dealership to have it adjusted.
WARNING
fig. 105
F0X0086m

109
SNOW TYRES
Fiat Dealerships will be happy to
provide advice concerning the most
suitable type of tyres for the
Customer’s requirements.
For the type of snow tyre to be
used, inflation pressures and the
specifications of the tyres, carefully
follow the instructions given in the
“Wheels” paragraph in the
“Technical Specifications” section.
The winter features of these tyres
are reduced considerably when the
tread depth is less than 4 mm. They
should be replaced in this case.
Due to snow tyre characteristics,
under normal conditions of use or
on long motorway journeys, the
performance of these tyres is lower
than that of standard tyres. Their
usage should therefore be restricted
in accordance with their type
approval.IMPORTANT When using snow
tyres with a maximum speed rating
lower than that of the vehicle
(increased by 5%), place a clearly
visible warning sign in the passenger
compartment warning other drivers
of the maximum speed rating of the
snow tyres used (as required by EC
directive).All four tyres should be
the same (brand and track) to
ensure greater safety when driving,
during braking and better
driveability.
Remember that it is inadvisable to
change the rotation direction of
tyres.
USING THE GEARBOX
To engage gears, fully depress the
clutch pedal and put the gear lever
into one of the positions in the
diagram fig. 106 (the diagram is also
shown on the knob).
IMPORTANT Reverse may be
engaged only when the vehicle is
stationary. With the engine running,
wait for at least 2 seconds with the
clutch pedal fully pressed before
engaging reverse, to prevent damage
to the gears and grating.
You must not exceed
160 km/h on snow tyres
with a “Q” mark; in any case,
make sure you comply with the
regulations of the highway
code.
WARNING
fig. 106
F0X0087m

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.

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