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is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized studio.
24. Door Ajar
This light will turn on to indicate that one or
more doors or the trunk may be ajar.
25. Vehicle Security Light
If during starting, the key code is not correctly
recognized, the Vehicle Security Light comes
on in the instrument panel. In this case, turn
the key to OFF and then to ON/RUN; if it is
still locked, try again with the other keys that come with
the vehicle. Contact a Fiat studio if you still cannot start
the engine.
If with the engine running the warning light flashes,
this means that the car is not protected by the engine
inhibitor device. Contact Fiat studio to have all the keys
programmed.
26. Temperature Gauge
The temperature digital scale shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indicates
that the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
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NOTE:
•Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
•The use of the Recirculation mode in cold or damp
weather could cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Se-
lect the outside air position for maximum defogging.
•Recirculation can be used in all modes except for
Defrost.
•The A/C can be deselected manually without dis-
turbing the mode control selection.
4. Mode Control
Rotate this control to change the system between Modes
(Panel, Bi-Level, Floor, Mix, Defrost).
•Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct
airflow.
NOTE:The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed
so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers
for maximum airflow to the rear.
•Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
•Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demister outlets.
•Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demister outlets. This setting works best
in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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reducing moisture on the windshield. Performing this
function will cause the ATC to switch into manual mode.
6. Front Defrost
Press and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON. The blower will auto-
matically default to medium-high if the Defrost mode is
selected. Performing this function will cause the ATC to
switch into manual mode.
7. Floor Mode
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a small
amount flowing through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
8. Panel Mode
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
Performing this function will cause the ATC to switch
into manual mode.
NOTE:The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed
so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers
for maximum airflow to the rear.
9. Blower Control Down Button
There are 12 blower speeds. The blower speed decreases
as you press this button. Performing this function will
cause the ATC to switch into manual mode.
10. Temperature Control Down Button
Provides temperature down control. Push the button for
cooler temperature settings.
11. Climate Control ON/OFF Button
Press and release to turn the Climate Control ON or OFF.
12. Recirculation Control Button
Press and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON.
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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▫MMT In Gasoline.....................288
▫Materials Added To Fuel................288
▫Fuel System Cautions...................289
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings.............290
!ADDING FUEL........................291
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............291
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............292
!TRAILER TOWING.....................292
!RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)...................293
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .293
222 STARTING AND OPERATING
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CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
•To prevent damage to the starter, do not continu-
ously crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at
a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
5
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Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.
The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick® shift positions. Manual
shifts can be made using the AutoStick® shift control
(refer to “AutoStick®” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information). Moving the shift lever forward or
rearward (–/+) while in the AutoStick® position (beside
the DRIVE position) will manually select the transmis-
sion gear, and will display the current gear in the
instrument cluster as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
232 STARTING AND OPERATING
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•With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
5
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When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave a manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may
allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
5
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