2012 FIAT BRAVO technical specifications

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.
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If the engine does not start at the first attempt,
return the ignition key to STOP before attempting
to start again.
If, when the ignition key is on MAR, the instrument
panel warning light
remains on together with
warning light
, turn the key to STOP and then
back to MAR; if the warning light remains on,
try the other keys provided with the vehicle.
If you are still unable to start the engine, perform
the emergency start-up procedure (see "Emergency
start-up" in "In an emergency" chapter) and
contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key at
MAR-ON when the engine is stopped.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR: the warning lights
and
on the instrument panel will turn
on;
❒wait for the warning lights
and
to switch
off. The hotter the engine is, the quicker this will
happen;❒press the clutch pedal down to the floor without
touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV as soon as warning
light
switches off. Waiting too long will
waste the work done by the glow plugs.
Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
IMPORTANT With cold engine, the accelerator
must be entirely released when turning the ignition
key to position AVV.
If the engine does not start at the first attempt,
return the ignition key to STOP before attempting
to start again.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR the
warning
light remains lit, turn the key to STOP and then
back to MAR; if the warning light remains lit, try
with the other keys provided with the car.
If you still cannot start the engine, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key at
MAR-ON when the engine is stopped.
Warning light
will flash for 60
seconds after starting or during
prolonged cranking to indicate a fault
with the glow plug heating system.You can use
the car as usual if the engine starts but you
should contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
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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.
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PARKINGProceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
❒engage a gear (on a slope, engage first gear if the
car is facing uphill or reverse if it is facing
downhill) and leave the wheels steered.
If the car is parked on a steep slope, it is also
advisable to block the wheels with a wedge or
stone. Do not leave the ignition key on MAR-ON
to avoid draining the battery. Always remove the
key when you leave the car.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake is located between the front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to operate the handbrake,
until the car is braked.
Four or five clicks are generally enough when the
car is on level ground while nine or ten may be
required if the car is on a steep slope and laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, contact a Fiat
Dealership to have the handbrake adjusted.
For cars equipped with a front armrest, lift this up
to ensure that it does not interfere with the action
of the handbrake.
WARNING
Never leave children in the unattended
car. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the car and take it out with you.
When the handbrake is on and the ignition key is at
MAR-ON position, the warning light
will come
on in the instrument panel.
Proceed as follows to release the handbrake:
❒slightly lift the lever and press release button A
fig. 136;
❒keep button A pressed and lower the lever. The
warning light in the instrument panel will
switch off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out this
operation to prevent the car from moving
accidentally.fig. 136
F0Q0628
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USING THE GEARBOXTo engage the gears, press the clutch pedal fully and
put the gear lever into the required position (the
diagram is shown on the knob fig. 137, fig. 138 and
fig. 139).To engage 6th gear (1.4 16V, 1.4 T-JET, 1.4 Turbo
MultiAir, 1.6 MultiJet, 2.0 MultiJet versions), operate
the lever by pressing it to the right in order to
avoid engaging 4th gear by mistake. The same
applies to the shift from 6th to 5th gear.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be engaged when
the car is completely 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.
To engage reverse R from neutral, lift sliding ring A
fig. 137, A fig. 138 or A fig. 139 and, at the same
time:
❒move the lever to the right and then backwards
(1.4 16V, 1.6 MultiJet versions);
or
❒shift the lever to the left and forward (versions
1.4 T-JET, 1.4 MultiAir, 2.0 MultiJet) fig. 139.
fig. 137
F0Q0734
fig. 138
F0Q0602
fig. 139
F0Q0783
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WARNING
Press the clutch pedal fully to change
gears correctly. It is therefore essential
that there is nothing under the pedals: make
sure the mats are lying flat and do not get
in the way of the pedals.Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted,
even if slight , could lead over time to
premature wear on the gearbox internal
components
FUEL SAVINGSHere are some useful tips to save fuel and minimise
harmful emissions of CO
2and other pollutants
(nitric oxides, unburnt hydrocarbons, fine dusts
etc…).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
The general factors that affect fuel consumption are
listed below.
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Ty r e s
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 an overloaded boot. The weight
of the car (especially when driving in town) and
its ride greatly affects consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect consumption
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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.
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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 (from +15 to +30% on 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.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level crossings) the
engine should be switched off.
TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car must be
fitted with a certified tow hook and an adequate
electric system. Installation should be carried
out by specialised personnel who will issue the
required papers for travelling on roads.
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, braking 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 the trailer exerts on the car tow hook
reduces the car's loading capacity by the same
amount. To make sure that the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the car registration
document) account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and luggage.
Respect the speed limits specific to each country
for vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the maximum speed must not exceed
80 km/h.
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