2012 Abarth Punto Evo engine

136
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs when
the car is stationary; this causes the engine to warm up
more slowly, thereby increasing fuel consumption and
emissions. It is therefore advisable to move off
immediately, 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 switching off the engine. The latter action, like
double-clutching, is unnecessary and causes increase of
consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and road allow,
use a higher gear. Using a low gear for faster
acceleration will increase consumption. In the same way
improper use of a high gear increases consumption,
emissions and engine wear. Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories lower air penetration and
adversely affect consumption levels. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a trailer if possible.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount of time
needed. Rear heated window, additional headlights,
windscreen wipers and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy, therefore increasing the requirement
of current increases fuel consumption (up to +25% in
the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is an additional load which
greatly affects the engine leading to higher consumption
(on average up to +20%). When the temperature
outside the car permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic
control may adversely affect air drag and consumption
levels.

137
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases with speed.
Maintain a constant speed, avoiding unnecessary braking
and acceleration, which cost in terms of both fuel and
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption and
emissions: acceleration should be gradual and should not
exceed the maximum torque.CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts will prevent the
engine from reaching optimal running temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30% on
urban cycle ) and emissions will increase.
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.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level crossings) the engine
should be switched off.

140
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforated plastic
sheet. Do not use sheets of non-perforated plastic
as they do not allow moisture on the car body to
evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the standard
specified pressure and check it periodically;
❒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 central 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 followed:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if possible well-
ventilated premises;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal and check
battery charge. Repeat this check once every three
months during storage. Recharge if the optical
indicator shows a dark colour without the central
green area;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using protective
wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special
compounds commercially available;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;

142
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The warning light will light up when the system is either
not working or not available. Under these circumstances
the braking system will work as normal without the extra
performance offered by the ABS system. Drive carefully
and contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
The display will show a dedicated message.
>
EBD FAULT
(red/amber)
Warning lights
xand >lit at the
same time with the engine running
indicate an EBD system failure or that the system is not
available. This may cause premature locking of the rear
wheels in the event of violent braking, causing the car to
swerve. Drive very carefully to an Abarth Dealership to
have the system inspected immediately.
The display will show a dedicated message.> x
ESP SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
ESP-ASR system failure
If the warning light does not go out or remains on while
driving, it indicates a fault in the ESP-ASR system. In this
case, contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.
The display shows the dedicated message.
Note Warning light flashing when driving indicates that
the ESP system has intervened.
Hill Holder system fault
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light will turn on when the Hill Holder
system is faulty. In this case, contact an Abarth
Dealership as soon as possible.
The display shows the dedicated message.
á
AIRBAG FAILURE (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a fault in
the air bag system.
The display shows the dedicated message.
¬

144
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE (red)
When the ignition key is moved to MAR, the
warning light switches on, and should go out
as soon as the engine is started.
The warning light switches on constantly together with
the message in the display when the system detects that
the engine oil pressure is insufficient.
v
If the warning light vturns on when
travelling (with the message on the
display) stop the car immediately and contact
an Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
In normal conditions, when the ignition key is
moved to MAR, the warning light turns on and
should go off after engine start-up. The initial switching-
on indicates that the warning light is working properly.
If the warning light stays on or turns on when travelling:
❒on permanently: this means there is a fault in the
supply/ignition system which could cause high
exhaust emissions, loss of performance, poor
handling and high fuel consumption levels.
The display shows the dedicated message.
Under these conditions, you may continue travelling at a
moderate speed without demanding excessive effort
from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with the
warning light on may cause damage. Contact an Abarth
Dealership as soon as possible.
The warning light switches off if the failure disappears,
but it is still stored by the system.
❒flashing: this indicates possible damage to the
catalytic converter (see “EOBD system” in the
“Knowing your car” section).
U

145
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Contact an Abarth Dealership as soon
as possible if the warning light Udoes
not light up when the key is turned to MAR or
if, during travel, the warning light comes on
either constantly or flashing (along with a
message on the display). The operation of the
warning light Umay be checked by the traffic
control authorities using specific devices. Always
comply with the traffic regulations in force in
the country where you are driving.
WARNING
If the light flashes, release the accelerator pedal to
reduce engine revs until the warning light stops flashing;
continue the journey at a moderate speed, trying to
avoid driving conditions that may cause further flashing,
and contact an Abarth Dealership as soon as possible.EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out after a
few seconds. The warning light turns on when the
engine is overheated. If the warning light comes on
when driving, proceed as follows:
❒when driving normally: stop the car, switch off the
engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is not, wait
for a few minutes for the engine to cool down then
slowly and carefully open the cap, top up with
coolant and check that the level is between the MIN
and MAX marks. Also check visually for any fluid
leaks. Contact an Abarth Dealership if the warning
should come on when the engine is started again.
❒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 car. Wait for 2 or
3 minutes with the engine running and slightly
accelerated to further favour the coolant circulation.
Then stop the engine. Check correct liquid level as
described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to
keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few
minutes before switching it off.
The display shows the dedicated message.
ç

147
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
CRUISE CONTROL (green)
(for versions/markets where provided)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
The warning light switches on by rotating the Cruise
Control twist switch to ON.
The display will show a dedicated message.
Ü
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS (blue)
The warning light comes on when the main
beams are turned on.
1
REAR FOG LIGHTS (amber)
The warning light comes on when the rear fog
lights are turned on.
4
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING (red)
The symbol is shown on the display when one
or more doors or the tailgate are not perfectly
closed.
The display shows the dedicated message.
An acoustic signal is emitted with the doors open and
the car moving.
´
ENGINE OIL LEVEL LOW (red)
The symbol is shown on the display when the
engine oil level falls below the minimum
recommended value. Restore the correct engine
oil level (see “Checking fluid levels” in the “Servicing and
maintenance” section).
The display shows the dedicated message.
k
GENERIC WARNING
(amber)
Engine oil pressure sensor failure
The symbol is shown on the display when a fault in the
engine oil pressure sensor is detected. Contact an Abarth
Dealership to have the fault fixed as soon as possible.
è
ELECTRIC STEERING FAILURE
(red)
When the symbol is shown on the display, you
will not benefit from the electric power steering and the
effort needed to turn the wheel will be greatly
increased, although it will still be possible to steer the
car. Contact an Abarth Dealership.
The display shows the dedicated message.
g

STARTING THE ENGINE
EMERGENCY STARTING
If the instrument panel warning light
Ystays on
permanently, contact an Abarth Dealership immediately.
IN AN EMERGENCY
In an emergency we recommend that you call the free-phone number found on the Warranty Booklet. You can
also find the Abarth Dealership nearest to you on the web site www.fiat.com.
This procedure must be performed by
expert personnel because incorrect
actions could cause electrical discharge of
considerable intensity. Furthermore, battery
fluid is poisonous and corrosive: avoid contact
with skin and eyes. Keep naked flames away
from the battery. No smoking. Do not cause
sparks.
WARNING
IMPORTANT For the jump starting procedure, refer to
“Knowing your car” section, paragraph “Start&Stop
system”.
fig. 126F0U187Ab
151
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
JUMP STARTING fig. 126
If the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an
auxiliary battery with the same capacity or a little higher
than the flat one. It is advisable to contact an Abarth
Dealership to check/replace the battery.