87
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).
036-092 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 16:12 Pagina 87
88
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)
The parking sensors are located on the
rear bumper fig. 131and their function is
to inform the driver, through an inter-
mittent buzzer, about the presence of ob-
stacles in the rear part of the car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when the reverse gear is engaged.
As the distance from the obstacle behind
the car decreases, the acoustic alarm be-
comes more frequent. BUZZER WARNINGS
Engaging reverse gear, if an obstacle is lo-
cated in the area behind the car, an inter-
mittent sound signal activates.
The acoustic signal:
❒becomes louder as the reduction of
distance between the car and the ob-
stacle decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the dis-
tance between the car and the obsta-
cle is less that 30 cm and stops if the
distance raises;
❒is constant if the distance is unvaried.
If this situation takes place for side sen-
sors, the signal is stopped after about
3 seconds to prevent sound indica-
tions when performing manoeuvres
near walls.
fig. 131F0H0744m
Direction distances
The central detecting range varies ac-
cording to car engine type/set-up version:
detection range is 140 cm. For small size
obstacles (or in case of parking deterrent
blocks that are round shaped) it is 70 cm.
Side detecting range is 60 cm.
If several obstacles are detected, the con-
trol unit indicates the nearest one.
036-092 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 16:12 Pagina 88
91
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
FUEL FILLER CAP
Fuel lid opening depends on door lock/un-
lock: if the doors are locked (led on but-
ton ON), to refill the tank it is necessary
to press the button D-fig. 133(led on the
button OFF).
To fuel, open flap A-fig. 132and unscrew
cap C.
Cap Cis fitted with an anti-loss device B
which fastens it inside the filler so it can-
not be mislaid
The sealing of the tank may cause light
pressurising in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the cap, is absolutely
normal.
fig. 132F0H0125mfig. 133F0H0717m
Do not put naked flames or
lighted cigarettes near the
fuel filler hole as there is danger of
fire. Do not bend too close to the hole
either so as not to breathe in harmful
vapours.
WARNINGEMERGENCY OPENING
OF THE FLAP
In an emergency it is possible to open the
flap by pulling the cord A-fig. 134.
To reach the cord, remove the protective
cover.
fig. 134F0H0765m
036-092 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 16:12 Pagina 91
94
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROL
SAFETY
DEVICES
SEAT BELTS
USING THE FRONT
AND REAR SIDE SEAT BELTS
The belt should be worn keeping the chest
straight and rested against the seat back.
To fasten the belt, take hold the tongue
A-fig. 1and insert it into the buckle B,
until hearing the locking click.
At removal, if it jams, let it rewind for a
short stretch, then pull it out again with-
out jerking.
To unfasten the seat belts, press button
C-fig. 1. Guide the seat belt with your
hand while it is rewinding, to prevent it
from twisting.
Through the reel, the belt automatically
adapts to the body of the passenger wear-
ing it, allowing freedom of movement.
When the car is parked on a steep slope
the reel mechanism may block; this is nor-
mal. The reel mechanism prevents the
webbing coming out when it is jerked or
if the car brakes sharply, in a collision or
when cornering at high speed.The rear seat is fitted with inertial seat
belts with three anchor points and reel.
Rear seat belts shall be worn as shown in
diagram D-fig. 2(5-seat versions) or as
shown in diagram E-fig. 3(4-seat ver-
sions).
fig. 1F0H0126mfig. 2F0H0309m
fig. 3F0H0348m
Do not press button C-fig. 1
during travelling.
WARNINGS.B.R. system
The car is fitted with the S.B.R. system
(Seat Belt Reminder), consisting of a
buzzer which, together with the flashing
of warning light
belts.
093-110 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:28 Pagina 94
95
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
093-110 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:28 Pagina 95
97
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
PRETENSIONERS
To increase the efficiency of the seat belts,
the vehicle is fitted with pretensioners.
These devices, in the event of a violent
crash, rewind the seat belts a few cen-
timetres. In this way they ensure that the
seat belt adheres perfectly to the wearer
before the restraining action begins.
The seat belt locks to indicate that the de-
vice has intervened; the seat belt cannot
be drawn back up even when guiding it
manually.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest de-
gree of protection from the action of the
pretensioning device, wear the seat belt
keeping it firmly close to the chest and
pelvis.
A small amount of smoke may be pro-
duced. This smoke is in no way toxic and
presents no fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or greasing.
Anything that modifies its original condi-
tions invalidates its efficiency.
If due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storm, etc.) the device has been af-
fected by water and mud, it must neces-
sarily be replaced.LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger’s safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter which
allows controlled sag in such a way as to
dose the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining ac-
tion in case of front crash.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver must comply with (and have
the vehicle occupants follow) all the local
legal regulations concerning the use of seat
belts. Always fasten the seat belts before
starting.
Seat belts are also to be worn by expec-
tant mothers: the risk of injury in the case
of accident is greatly reduced for them and
the unborn child if they are wearing a seat
belt.The pretensioner can only
be used once. After a colli-
sion that has triggered it, have it re-
placed at a Fiat Dealership. Preten-
sioner validity is written on the plate
set on the upper oddment compart-
ment on passenger side. Pretension-
ers should be replaced at Fiat Deal-
ership as this date approaches.
WARNING
Operations which lead to
knocks, vibrations or localised
heating (over 100°C for a
maximum of 6 hours) in the
area around the pretensioners may
cause damage or trigger them. These
devices are not affected by vibrations
caused by irregularities of the road sur-
face or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc.
Contact a Fiat Dealership for any as-
sistance.
093-110 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:28 Pagina 97
112
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.
111-122 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:29 Pagina 112
114
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
111-122 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:29 Pagina 114