2012 FIAT BRAVO ABS

STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINEThe car is fitted with an electronic engine lock
device: if the engine fails to start, see the paragraph
“The Fiat CODE system” in the section “Knowing
your car”.
The engine may be noisier during the first few
seconds of operation, especially after a long period
of inactivity. This characteristic feature of the
hydraulic tappet system does not compromise
functionality or reliability: the system chosen for
your car was designed to limit maintenance
interventions.
Engine starting is guaranteed to -18°C (Italy and
central Europe) and -20°C (Northern Europe).
We recommend that during the initial
period you do not demand to full
performance from the car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long journeys at top speed, sharp
braking etc .).When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
WARNING
It is dangerous to have the engine
running indoors.The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic
gasses.
WARNING
Remember that the brake servo and
power steering are not operational
until the engine has been started, therefore
much effort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR PETROL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒press the clutch pedal down to the floor without
touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as
soon as the engine starts.
154GETTING TO KNOW
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SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
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IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE AFTER
IT HAS JUST STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒Drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at
medium revs. Do not accelerate abruptly;
❒Do not demand full performance at first. Wait
until the engine coolant temperature gauge
starts moving.
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.This could
cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
conver ter and damage it beyond repair.
EMERGENCY START-UP
Contact a Fiat Dealership if instrument panel
warning light
(or the symbol on the display)
stays on constantly.STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is
idling.
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.
A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely
no practical purpose, it wastes fuel and is
damaging especially to turbocharged engines.
156GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

levels. When transporting particularly large objects,
use a trailer if possible.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time
needed. The heated rear window, additional
headlights, windscreen wipers and heater fan need a
considerable amount of energy, therefore
increasing fuel consumption (by up to 25% in the
urban cycle).
Climate control system
Air conditioning leads to higher fuel consumption
(on average up to +20%). If the temperature
outside permits, try and use the air vents.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified spoilers may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
The main driving styles that affect fuel consumption
are listed below.
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at a standstill
or at idle or high speed: under these conditions
the engine warms up much more slowly, increasing
electrical consumption and emissions. It istherefore advisable to move off immediately, slowly,
avoiding high speeds: in this way the engine will
warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when starting at traffic lights or
before switching off the engine. This and also
double declutching is absolutely pointless on
modern cars and also increases 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 an engine wear.
Max. speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed
increases. 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.
160GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING
The ABS with which the car may be
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
car to control the trailer brake.The
trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the car ’s hydraulic system.
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to the
bodywork by specialised personnel according to any
additional and/or integrative information supplied
by the Manufacturer of the device. The towing
device must meet current regulations with
reference to Directive 94/20/EEC and subsequent
amendments. For any version the towing device
used must be right for the towable weight of the
car on which it is to be installed.
IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads other than
external lights (electric brake, winch, etc.) must
be used with engine running.For the electric connection a unified connector
should be used, which is generally placed on a
special bracket fastened to the towing device, and a
special ECU should be installed on the car to
control the trailer's exterior lights.
7 or 13-pole 12 V DC connections should be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow
any instructions provided by the car manufacturer
and/or the towing device manufacturer.
An electric brake or winch should be powered
directly by the battery through a cable with a
cross-section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brakes or other devices must
be used with engine running.
In addition to the electrical branches, the vehicle's
electrical system can be connected only to the
supply cable for an electric brake and to the cable
for an internal trailer light, though not more than
15 W. For connections use the preset control unit
with battery cable no less than 2.5 mm2.
162GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

HILL HOLDER FAILURE
(amber)
The
warning light switches on to indicate a Hill
holder system failure. In this case, contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible. On certain versions
warning light
comes on instead. The display
shows the dedicated message.
GLOW PLUG PREHEATING/
GLOW PLUG PREHEATING
FAILURE (MultiJet versions -
amber)
GLOW PLUG PREHEATING
The warning light switches on when the key is
turned to MAR-ON and switches off when the
plugs have reached the preset temperature. Start
the engine as soon as the warning light switches off.
IMPORTANT At moderate or high ambient
temperatures the warning light may stay on for an
extremely short time.
GLOW PLUG PREHEATING FAILURE
The warning light flashes if there is a fault in the
preheating system. Contact a Fiat Dealership
to have the fault fixed as soon as possible.The
display will show the dedicated message.
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER
(MultiJet versions - amber)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position the
warning light switches on, but it should switch off
after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when there is water in
the diesel filter.
The display will show the dedicated message.The presence of water in the fuel system
circuit may cause severe damage to
the injection system and irregular engine
operation. If the warning light
switches on (on
some versions together with the dedicated
message on the display), contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible to have the
system bled.Water may have entered the tank if
this appears immediately after refuelling: if
this happens, switch the engine off immediately
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position the
warning light switches on, but it should switch off
after a few seconds.
175GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

The warning light will switch on when the system is
either not working or not available.
Under these circumstances, the braking system will
work as normal but without the extra performance
offered by the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
EBD FAILURE (red)
(amber)
If warning lightsand
are lit up at the same
time with the engine running, this indicates an EBD
system failure or that the system is not available.
Early locking of the rear wheels may occur in
the event of violent braking, causing the car to
swerve. Drive very carefully to the nearest Fiat
Dealership to have the system inspected
immediately. The display shows the dedicated
message.
FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE /
ALARM FAILURE / BREAK-IN
ATTEMPT (amber)
Fiat CODE system failure
When the key is turned to MAR-ON, the warning
light should flash once and then switch off. Thiswarning light (or symbol on the display), when on
constantly with the ignition key turned to
MAR-ON, indicates a possible failure (see “Fiat
CODE system” in "Knowing your car" chapter).
The display shows the dedicated message.
IMPORTANT Warning lights
and
(or the
symbol on the display) will switch on at the same
time to indicate a Fiat CODE system failure
If the
warning light (or symbol in the display) is
flashing, this means that the vehicle is not protected
by the engine immobilizer device (see “Fiat CODE
system” in the "Knowing your car" chapter).
Contact a Fiat Dealership to have all the keys
stored in the memory.
Alarm failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
A failure in the alarm system is signalled by this
warning light (or symbol in the display) switching
on. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Break-in attempt
This warning light (or symbol on the display)
switches on when a break-in attempt is detected.
Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
176GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Halogen bulbs must be handled holding
the metallic part only.Touching the
transparent part of the bulb with your
fingers may reduce the intensity of the emitted
light and even reduce the lifespan of the bulb. In
case of accidental contact , wipe the bulb with
a cloth moistened with alcohol and let the bulb
dry.If possible, we recommend have bulbs
replaced by a Fiat Dealership.The
correct operation and aiming of the
outer lights are absolutely essential for the
safety of the car and of compliance with law.Due to the high supply voltage, gas
discharge bulbs (Bi-Xenon) (for
versions/markets, where provided) must
only be replaced by a specialist technician:
danger of death! Contact a Fiat Dealership.IMPORTANT When the weather is cold or damp
or after heavy rain or washing, the surface of
headlights or rear lights, may steam up and/or form
drops of condensation on the inside. This is a
natural phenomenon due to the difference in
temperature and humidity between the inside and
the outside of the glass which does not indicate
a fault and does not compromise the normal
operation of lighting devices. The mist disappears
quickly when the lights are turned on, starting from
the centre of the diffuser, extending progressively
towards the edges.
194GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒extract the light cluster by removing it with both
hands in the direction indicated by the arrows
fig. 166;
❒disconnect the electric connector and remove
the protective lid A fig. 167 by operating the
three retaining tabs. Then replace the bulb
concerned.REVERSE LIGHT
To replace the bulbs in the reversing lights in
fig. 168 you must contact a Fiat Dealership.
REAR FOG LIGHTS
To replace the bulbs in the reversing fog lights in
fig. 169 you must contact a Fiat Dealership.
fig. 166
F0Q0739
fig. 167
F0Q0713
fig. 168
F0Q0711
201GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX