76
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
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INDEX
DASHBOARD
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BOOT
The boot tailgate (when unlocked) can be
opened only from the outside through the
electric fig. 109opening handle set above
the number plate holder.
If doors are unlocked the boot can be
opened at any time.
Through the set-up menu of the cluster
display (see “Reconfigurable multifunction
display” in the present chapter) it is pos-
sible to activate the “Key” option: in this
way the boot is not unlocked together
with the doors; to open it press button
Ron the remote control fig. 110.
The tailgate opening is indicated by dou-
ble flashing of direction indicators.
TAILGATE CLOSING
First lower the tailgate using the appro-
priate handles fig. 111and then push the
tailgate until it clicks into place.
IMPORTANT If option “Key” is on, be-
fore closing the boot check whether you
have with you the ignition key since the
boot will be locked automatically.
fig. 109F0H0742m
fig. 110F0H0702m
The addition of objects
(speakers, spoilers, etc.) on
the rear shelf or boot lid, ex-
cept those envisaged by the
manufacturer, may prevent the gas
filled struts at the sides of the boot
from working properly.
When using the boot, make
sure the loads do not exceed
the permitted weight (see “Technical
specifications” chapter). Also make
sure the items in the boot are
arranged properly to prevent them
being thrown forwards and injuring
passengers should you brake sharply.
WARNING
Never travel with objects on
the rear shelf to prevent
them being thrown forwards and in-
juring passengers in case of accident
or sharp braking.
WARNING
fig. 111F0H0105m
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SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep it pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of space
possible under the current road con-
ditions.
WARNING
If brake fluid low warning
light xlights up on the in-
strument panel (together, where pro-
vided, with the message on the re-
configurable multifunction display),
stop immediately the car and contact
the closest Fiat Dealership. Fluid leaks
from the hydraulic system, in fact, can
compromise the braking system, both
traditional systems and systems with
ABS.
WARNING
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuos diagnosis of
the components of the car correlated with
emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
warning light Uon the instrument panel
(together, where provided, with the mes-
sage on the reconfigurable multifunction
display - see the “Warning lights” chapter)
when these components are no longer in
peak conditions.
The objective is:
❒to keep system efficiency under con-
trol;
❒to warn when a fault causes emission
levels to increase;
❒to warn of the need to replace dete-
riorated components.The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropri-
ate tools, which makes it possible to read
the error codes stored in the control unit,
together with a series of specific parame-
ters for engine operation and diagnosis.
This check can also be carried out by the
traffic police.
IMPORTANT After eliminating the in-
convenience, to check the system com-
pletely, Fiat Dealerships are obliged to run
a bench test and, if necessary, road tests
which may also call for a long journey.
If turning the ignition key to
MAR, the warning light
Udoes not turn on or if, while
travelling, it turns on glowing
steadily or flashing, (on some versions
together with the message on the re-
configurable multifunction display),
contact Fiat Dealership as soon as pos-
sible. The operation of warning light
Ucan be checked by the traffic po-
lice. Attain to the rules enforced in the
country where the car is being used.
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SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an electrically con-
trolled power steering called “Dualdrive”.
It only works when the ignition key is at
MARand the engine is running and it can
be customised by the driver according to
the driving conditions.
ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
(CITY function)
To turn this function on/off, press the
CITY fig. 130button located in the mid-
dle of the instrument panel.
On some versions the activation of this
function is signalled by the lighting up of
the CITYwarning light on the instrument
panel, on others by the lighting up of
CITYon the reconfigurable multifunction
display.
With the CITYfunction, the steering
wheel will be lighter and require less ef-
fort for parking. This operating strategy
is suitable for driving in cities.
fig. 130F0H0716m
It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out whatever after-
market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifica-
tions (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect per-
formance and safety, cause the lapse
of warranty and result in car non-
compliance with the regulations in
force.
WARNING
In the event of electric power steering fail-
ure, the car can be driven with mechani-
cal steering to the closest Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT The steering may become
slightly stiff following parking manoeuvres
including a great deal of steering. This is
normal and caused by the system to pre-
vent motor overheating. No servicing is
required. The electrical power steering
system will return to normal operation
the next time the car is used.
Always switch the engine off,
remove the key from the
starting device and actuate the steer-
ing lock before carrying out any main-
tenance operation, especially when
the wheels are raised from the
ground. In case this is not possible
(e.g. when the key must be in MAR
position or the engine running), re-
move the electric power steering
main fuse before carrying out any
maintenance operation.
WARNING
FAILURE WARNINGS
Any electric power steering failure is in-
dicated by cluster warning light
gcom-
ing on (together, where provided, with the
message on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tion display - see the “Warning lights”
chapter).
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CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
The buzzer can be deactivated (until the
the next engine stop) as follows:
❒fasten the driver’s seat belt.
❒turn the ignition key to MAR
❒wait for over 20 seconds and then re-
lease at least one of the seat belts.
For permanent deactivation, contact Fiat
Dealership.
On versions fitted with reconfigurable
multifunction display (Comfort) it is pos-
sible to reset the S.B.R. system only
through the set-up menu (see “Warning
lights and messages” section at paragraph
“Unfastened seat belts”).
For the other versions system can be re-
set only by Fiat Dealership.
FRONT SEAT BELT HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT (where provided)
Always adjust the height of the seat belt
to fit the person wearing it. This precau-
tion could greatly reduce the risk of injury
in case of collision.
Correct adjustment is obtained when the
belt passes half way between the end of
the shoulder and the neck.
To adjust the seat belt, raise or lower
knob A-fig. 4of the locking mechanism,
moving at the same time the loop Bto the
best of the available positions.USING THE CENTRAL SEAT
BELT (where provided)
The seat belt has two webbings and a dou-
ble buckle.
To use the seat belt, take tongues Hand
P-fig. 5from their seats in the reel com-
partment and pull the seat belt sliding the
webbing carefully without twisting or jerk-
ing it, then fasten the tongue G-fig. 6in
buckle Lwith button M.
Remember that in the event
of a violent collision, back
seat passengers not wearing seat belts
also represent a serious danger for
the front seat passengers.
WARNING
Make the height adjustment
when the car is stationary.
WARNING
After adjustment, always
check that the slider is an-
chored in one of the positions pro-
vided. To do this, with the button re-
leased, exert a further pressure to al-
low the anchor device to catch if re-
lease did not take place at one of the
preset positions.
WARNING
fig. 4F0H0128m
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CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROL
SAFETY
DEVICES
If the car has been stolen or
an attempt to steal it has
been made, if it has been subjected to
vandals or floods, have the air bag
system checked by Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
Remember that with the key
engaged and in the MAR po-
sition, even with the engine not run-
ning, the air bags may be triggered on
a stationary vehicle if it is bumped by
another moving car. Therefore, nev-
er seat children on the front seat even
when the vehicle is stationary. On the
other hand remember that if the key
is at STOP, no safety system (air bags
or pretensioners) is triggered in the
event of an impact; in these case, fail-
ure to come into action cannot be
considered as a sign that the system
is not working properly.
WARNING
Never travel with objects on
your lap, in front of your
chest or with a pipe, pencil, etc. be-
tween your lips; injury may result in
the event of the air bag being trig-
gered.
WARNING
When the ignition key is
turned to the MAR position,
the warning light “(with passenger’s
front air bag deactivation (with pas-
senger air bag active) turns on and
flashes for few seconds to remind that
passenger’s air bag will be deployed
in a crash, after which it should go off.
WARNING
Do not wash the seat back
rest with pressurised water
or steam (by hand or at automatic
seat washing stations).
WARNING
The front air bag is triggered
for shocks greater in magni-
tude than the pretensioners. For im-
pacts between these two thresholds,
it is therefore normal that only the
pretensioners are triggered.
WARNING
Do not hook rigid objects to
the coat hooks and to the
support handles.
WARNING
The air bag does not substi-
tute the seat belts, but only
increases their effectiveness. More-
over, since the front air bags do not
come into operation in the event of
front impact at low speed, side colli-
sions, bumps from behind or over-
turning, in these circumstances the
occupants would only be protected
by the seat belts which must therefore
always be fastened.
WARNING
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ENGINE STARTING
The car is fitted with an electronic engine
lock device. If the engine fails to start, see
paragraph “Fiat CODE system” in section
“Dashboard and controls”.
The engine may be noisier than usual dur-
ing the first seconds of operation, espe-
cially after it has not been used for a while.
This characteristic feature of the hydraulic
tappet system does not compromise func-
tionality or reliability. The system devised
for the Fiat Idea was designed to limit
maintenance interventions.
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 accelera-
tor;
❒Turn the ignition key to AVVand let
it go the moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is on MAR, warn-
ing light
Yremains lit together with
warning light U, turn the key to STOP
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely dan-
gerous. The engine consumes oxygen
and produces carbon monoxide
which is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
WARNINGand then back to MAR; if the warning light
remains on, try with the other keys pro-
vided with the car.
If you are still unable to start the engine,
perform the emergency start-up proce-
dure (see “Emergency start-up” in section
“In an emergency”) and contact Fiat Deal-
ership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
at MARwhen the engine is off.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
Multijet 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 m, Uand
Ywill
light up on the instrument panel;
❒Wait for the warning lights Yand
m. The hotter the engine is, the
quicker this will happen;
❒Press the clutch pedal down to the
floor without touching the accelera-
tor; We recommend that during
the initial period you do not
drive to full vehicle perfor-
mance (e.g.: excessive accel-
eration, long journeys at top speed,
sharp braking, etc.).
When the engine is switched
off never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position to
prevent pointless current ab-
sorption from draining the battery.
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
❒Turn the ignition key to AVVas soon
as warning light m goes out. If you wait
too long you will lose the benefit of
the work done by the glow plugs. Re-
lease the key as soon as the engine
starts.
IMPORTANT With cold engine, the ac-
celerator pedal shall be completely re-
leased while turning the ignition key to
AVV.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is on MAR, warn-
ing light
Yremains lit, turn the key to
STOPand then back to MAR; if the
warning light remains on, try with the oth-
er keys provided with the car.
If you still cannot start the engine, contact
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
at MARwhen the engine is off.The warning light
mwill
flash for 60 seconds at start-
up or during prolonged crank-
ing to signal a fault in 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.
HOW TO WARM UP
THE ENGINE AFTER
IT HAS JUST STARTED
(petrol and Multijet versions)
Proceed as follows:
❒Drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒Do not drive at full performance for
the initial kilometres. Wait until the
coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine 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 en-
gine compartment to fall.Never bump start the engine
by pushing, towing or coast-
ing downhill. This could cause
fuel to flow into the catalyt-
ic exhaust system and damage it be-
yond repair.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much ef-
fort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
PARKING
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒engage a gear (on a slope, engage first
gear if the car is faced uphill or reverse
if it is faced downhill) and leave the
wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope. Avoid
leaving the car parked with a wheel on the
sidewalk or steered against the kerb. Do
not leave the ignition key at MARto pre-
vent draining the battery. Always remove
the key when you leave the car.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Pull the handbrake lever upwards until the
car cannot be moved.
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 or laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, con-
tact Fiat Dealership to have the handbrake
adjusted.When the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is at MARthe panel
warning light
xwill come on.
To release the handbrake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press re-
lease button A-fig. 1;
❒keep button Apressed in and lower
the lever. Warning light xwill go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
IMPORTANT If the handbrake lever tends
to approach the end of stroke (slot on
central console), contact Fiat Dealership
to have the handbrake adjusted.
fig. 1F0H0149m
Never leave children unat-
tended in the car. Always re-
move the ignition key when leaving
the car and take it out with you.
WARNING
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