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SAFETY
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INDEX
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ESP SYSTEM (Electronic
Stability Program)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that controls
car stability in the event of tyre grip loss,
helping to maintain directional control.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when road surface grip changes.
In addition to the ESP system, ASR system
and Hill Holder, the MSR system (adjusting
the engine braking torque) and the HBA
system (improving the braking force dur-
ing emergency braking) are also provided
(for versions/markets, where provided).
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is signalled by the flashing of warn-
ing light
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.
When the ABS cuts in and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep the pedal pushed down; in do-
ing so you, will stop in the shortest
distance possible under the road con-
ditions at the time.
WARNINGEBD failure
This is indicated by the
>and xwarn-
ing lights on the instrument panel togeth-
er with the dedicated message on the mul-
tifunction display (for versions/markets,
where provided) coming on (see “Warn-
ing lights and messages” section).
In this case, the rear wheels may sudden-
ly lock and the vehicle may swerve when
braking sharply. Drive carefully to the
nearest Fiat Dealership to have the system
checked.
If only the xwarning light
on the instrument panel
lights up (together with a message in
the multifunction display, for ver-
sions/markets, where provided) stop
the vehicle immediately and contact
the nearest Fiat Dealership. Fluid
leaking from the hydraulic system will
compromise the operation of the
braking system, whether it is of the
conventional type or with ABS.
WARNING
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FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure of the electric power steering
system is indicated by instrument panel
warning light
gcoming on together with
a message on the multifunction display (for
versions/markets, where provided) (see
section “Warning lights and messages”).
In the event of electric power steering sys-
tem failure, the car can be driven with me-
chanical steering.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, fac-
tors independent of the electric power
steering could cause the
gwarning light
in the instrument panel to come on.
In this case, stop the car immediately,
switch off the engine for about 20 seconds
and then restart the car. If the warning
light
gis still on, along with the message
on the multifunction display (for ver-
sions/markets, where provided), contact
a Fiat Dealership. IMPORTANT The steering may become
stiffer during parking manoeuvres that re-
quire a lot of turns of the wheel. This is
normal and is caused by the electric con-
trol motor overheating protection system.
No repairs are needed. The power steer-
ing system will start working properly
again the next time the car is used.
It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out any after-market
operation involving steering system or
steering column modifications (e.g. in-
stallation of anti-theft device) that
could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and
also result in the car failing to com-
ply with regulations.
WARNING
Before servicing the car,
switch off the engine and re-
move the key from the ignition to ac-
tivate the steering lock. This is espe-
cially important when the car wheels
are not touching the ground. If this
is not possible (for example if the key
needs to be turned to MAR or the en-
gine must be running), remove the
main fuse that protects the electric
power steering.
WARNING
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FUEL TANK CAP fig. 111
To carry out refuelling, open lid A and un-
screw cap B ; the cap is fitted with a de-
vice Cwhich fastens it to the lid so it can-
not be mislaid.
In some versions, cap B may be provided
with a lock and key; use the ignition key
to access the flap A, turn it anti-clockwise
and unscrew the cap itself.
The hermetic seal may cause a slight in-
crease in pressure in the tank. A suction
noise when you release the cap is there-
fore entirely normal.
When refuelling, hook the cap onto the
device inside the lid as shown in fig. 111.
fig. 111F0M0138m
Do not place naked flames
or lit cigarettes near to the
fuel tank opening: fire risk. Keep your
face away from the fuel tank open-
ing to avoid breathing in harmful
vapours.
WARNING
Filling the tank
To fill the tank completely, top up twice
after the first click of the trigger. Further
top ups could cause faults in the fuel sup-
ply system.
PROTECTING
THE ENVIRONMENT
The devices for reducing petrol engine
emissions are the following:
❒three-way catalytic converter;
❒Lambda sensors;
❒fuel evaporation prevention system.
In addition, do not let the engine run, even
for a test, with one or more spark plugs
disconnected.
The following devices are used for reduc-
ing diesel fuel engine emissions:
❒oxidising catalytic converter;
❒exhaust gas recirculation system (E.G.R.);
❒diesel particulate filter (DPF) (for ver-
sions/markets, where provided).
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SAFETY
The reel may lock up when the car is
parked on a steep slope: this is perfectly
normal. Furthermore, the reel mechanism
locks the belt if it is pulled sharply or in
the event of sudden braking, collisions and
high-speed bends.
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat
belts with three anchor points and a reel.
The rear seat belts must be worn as per
fig. 2(with safety belt for the middle seat)
or as per fig. 3 (two rear seats, for ver-
sions/markets where provided).
SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS fig. 1
The belt should be worn keeping the tor-
so straight and rested against the seat
back.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the tongue
A and insert it into the buckle B, until
hearing the locking click.
If the seat belt jams, let it rewind for
a short stretch, then pull it out again with-
out jerking.
Press button Cto release the belt. Guide
the belt while it is being rewound, to pre-
vent twisting.
Through the reel, the belt automatically
adapts to the body of the passenger wear-
ing it, allowing freedom of movement.
fig. 1F0M0040mfig. 2F0M0041m
fig. 3F0M0502m
Never press button C-fig. 1
when travelling.
WARNING
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IMPORTANT The back rest is correctly
locked into place when the red band next
to the backrest release handles fig. 4dis-
appears. This red band indicates that the
backrest is not secured. When returning
the backrest to its normal position, make
sure it is correctly fastened and you hear
the lock click.
IMPORTANT After putting the seats back
to their normal position, restore the seat
belt position to make them ready for use.
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SAFETY
fig. 4F0M0042m
Remember that, in the event
of a violent collision, back
seat passengers not wearing seat belts
represent a serious danger for the
front seat passengers as well as for
themselves.
WARNING
Make sure the backrest is
properly secured at both
sides to prevent it moving forward in
the event of sharp braking that may
cause injuries to passengers.
WARNING
SBR SYSTEM
The car is fitted with the SBR system (Seat
Belt Reminder), consisting of an audible
warning which, together with the turning
on of the warning light
front passenger
(for versions/markets,
where provided), that they need to fasten
their seat belt.
For permanent deactivation, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
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PRETENSIONERS
To increase the efficiency of the seat belts,
the car is fitted with front pretensioners.
These devices, in the event of a violent
crash, rewind the seat belts by 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 reel locks to indicate that the
pretensioners have 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
tight to the chest and pelvis.
A slight amount of smoke may be detect-
ed during operation of the pretensioners.
This smoke is not harmful and does not
indicate a fire.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication.
Anything that modifies its original condi-
tions invalidates its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and mud, it must be
replaced.LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter which
controls the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining ac-
tion in the event of a head-on collision.
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SAFETY
The pretensioner can be
used only once. Go to a Fiat
Dealership to have it replaced after
it has been deployed. Consult the
card in the glove box to check the sta-
tus of the pretensioners. Go to a Fiat
Dealership to have the device re-
placed when the expiration date
approaches.
WARNING
Operations which lead to
knocks, vibrations or lo-
calised 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
assistance.
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SAFETY
IMPORTANT The front airbags and/or
side bags may be deployed if the car is sub-
ject to heavy knocks involving the under-
body area, such as violent shocks against
steps, kerbs or low obstacles, the car
falling into big holes or hollows in the road.
IMPORTANT A small amount of dust will
be released when the airbags are de-
ployed. The dust is not harmful and does
not indicate the beginning of a fire. Fur-
thermore, the surface of the deployed bag
and the interior of the car may be covered
in a dusty residue: this may irritate skin
and eyes. Wash with mild soap and wa-
ter in the event of exposure.
The expiration dates of the explosive
charge and the clock wire are shown on a
specific label contained in the glove box.
Go to a Fiat Dealership to have the de-
vices replaced when the expiration date
approaches. IMPORTANT Should an accident occur in
which any of the safety devices are acti-
vated, take the vehicle to a Fiat Dealership
to have the activated devices replaced and
to have the whole system checked.
Every control, repair and replacement op-
eration concerning the airbags must be
carried out only at Fiat Dealerships.
If you are having the car scrapped, have
the airbag system deactivated at a Fiat
Dealership first. If the car changes own-
ership, the new owner must be informed
of the method of use of the airbags and
the above warnings, and also be given this
“Owner’s Handbook”.
IMPORTANT Pretensioners, front airbags
and front side bags are deployed differ-
ently according to the type of collision.
Non-deployment of one of these devices
does not therefore indicate a system fault.
SIDE WINDOW BAGS - HEAD
PROTECTION fig. 18
(for versions/markets, were provided)
These consist of two “curtain” cushions,
one on the right and the other on the left
side of the car, located behind the side
coverings of the roof and covered by ap-
propriate finishings.
Window bags have been designed for pro-
tecting the head of front and rear occu-
pants in the event of a side-on collision,
thanks to the wide cushion inflation surface.
IMPORTANT In the event of a side-on
crash, the system offers the best protec-
tion if you have a correct position on the
seat because this allows the side bags to
inflate correctly.
fig. 18F0M0141m
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SAFETY
WARNING
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
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AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
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AND DEVICES
STARTING
AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE
The car is fitted with an electronic engine
lock device: if the engine fails to start, see
the paragraph on “The Fiat CODE sys-
tem” in the “Dashboard and controls”
section.
The engine may be noisier during the first
few seconds of operation, particularly af-
ter a long period of inactivity. This is a fea-
ture of hydraulic tappets, the timing sys-
tem chosen to reduce the number of
servicing interventions, and effects neither
functionality nor reliability.
We recommend that during
the initial period you do not
drive to full car performance
(e.g. excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp brak-
ing etc.).
When the engine is switched
off, never leave the key in
the ignition switch to prevent
draining the battery.
It is dangerous to have the
engine running indoors. The
engine consumes oxygen and pro-
duces carbon dioxide, carbon monox-
ide and other toxic gases.
WARNING
Remember that the brake
booster and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore you need
to apply much more force than usu-
al to the brake pedal and steering
wheel.
WARNING
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ensure that the handbrake is on;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒press the clutch pedal all the way down
without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVVand re-
lease it the moment the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating the starting procedure.
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