
Front driver airbag
This consists of an instantly inflating bag contained in
a special compartment in the centre of the steering
wheel fig. 144.
WARNING
Always drive with your hands on the rim
of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive with
your body bent forward. Keep your back
straight against the backrest .
Front passenger airbag
This consists of an instantly-inflating bag contained in
a special compartment in the dashboard fig. 145:
this bag has a larger volume than that on the driver's
side.
fig. 144
F0Y0112
fig. 145
F0Y0113
162GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
WARNING
SEVERE DANGER:When an active
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraints
on the front seat . Deployment of the
airbag in an accident could cause fatal injuries
to the baby regardless of the severity of the
collision.Therefore, always release the
passenger airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint is installed on the passenger front seat .
The front passenger seat must also be
positioned back as far as possible in order to
avoid the child restraint from coming into
contact with the dashboard. Immediately
reactivate the passenger airbag as soon as the
child restraint system has been removed.

PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the gearbox lever
in neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR-ON: the warning
lights
and
on the instrument panel will
turn on;
❒wait for the warning lights
and
to switch
off;
❒fully press the clutch pedal without touching the
accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV as soon as warning
light
switches off. Waiting too long will waste
the heating work carried out by the 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 repeating the
procedure.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR-ON the
warning light remains lit, turn the key to STOP
and then back to MAR-ON. If the warning light
remains lit, try with the other keys provided with the
car.
Contact the Fiat Dealership if the engine still will not
start.
Warning light
flashing for 60 seconds
after starting or during prolonged
cranking of the engine indicates 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.
WARNING
It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas.The engine takes
in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
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.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 .).
169GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

PARKINGProceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
❒engage a gear (first gear if parked uphill or reverse
if facing downhill) and leave the wheels turned.
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 key in the ignition switch to
prevent the battery from running down.
WARNING
Never leave children unattended in the
car. Always remove the key from the
ignition when leaving the car and take it with
you.HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between the front
seats.
Pull lever A upwards to operate the
handbrakefig. 149, until the car is braked.
Four or five clicks are generally enough when the car
is on level ground, while ten or eleven may be
required if the car is on a steep slope and laden.
WARNING
If this is not the case, contact a Fiat
Dealership for adjustment .
fig. 149
F0Y0047
171GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SNOW TYRESUse snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres
provided with the car.
A Fiat Dealership will be happy to provide advice
concerning the most suitable type of tyre for the
customer's requirements.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation pressures
and the specifications of snow tyres, follow the
instructions given in paragraph "Wheels" in section
"Technical specifications".
The winter performance of these tyres is
considerably reduced when the tread thickness is less
than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
Due to the specific characteristics of snow tyres, in
normal weather conditions or on long motorway
journeys, the performance of these tyres is lower
than that of standard tyres.
Their usage should therefore be restricted in
accordance with their type-approval; always comply
with specific local regulations relating to the use
of snow tyres.
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track)
to ensure greater safety when driving and braking
and better driveability. Remember that you should
not change the rotation direction of the tyres.
WARNING
The maximum speed for snow tyres
marked "Q" is 160 km/h, while it is 190
km/h for "T" tyres and 210 km/h for "H" tyres.
The highway code speed limits must however
always be complied with.
180GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SNOW CHAINSThe use of snow chains should be in compliance with
local regulations.
Snow chains may be fitted to the tyres of the front
wheels (drive wheels) only.
Check the tension of the snow chains after the first
few metres have been driven.
17" tyres cannot be fitted with chains. For other
tyres (15" and 16") fit only reduced size snow chains
with a maximum projection of 9 mm beyond the
tyre profile.
IMPORTANT Snow chains cannot be fitted to the
space-saver wheel (for versions/markets, where
provided). If a front tyre is punctured, replace a rear
wheel with the space-saver wheel and move the
rear wheel to the front axle. In this way, with two
normal drive wheels at the front, snow chains can be
fitted.
Keep your speed down when snow chains
are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and avoid
driving for long distances on roads not covered
with snow to prevent damaging the car and
the roadbed.
STORING THE CARIf the car is to be left inactive for longer than a
month, the following precautions should be followed:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if possible
well-ventilated premises and slightly open
the windows;
❒engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not
engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal (for
versions with Start&Stop system refer to the
paragraph "Start&Stop system" in the chapter
"Knowing your car"); If the battery is not
disconnected the from the electrical system, check
its charge every thirty days;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using
protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using
special compounds available commercially;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforated plastic
sheet. Do not use sheets of non-perforated plastic
as they do not allow moisture on the car body
to evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the standard
specified pressure and check it at intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
181GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on when the
car is in motion, check that the handbrake is not
on.
EBD FAILURE (red)
(amber)
The simultaneous switching on of the
(red),
(amber) andESCwarning lights with the engine
on, indicates either a failure of the EBD system or
that the system is not available.
In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and
the vehicle may swerve when braking sharply.
A dedicated message is displayed on certain versions.
Drive very carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership
to have the system inspected immediately.
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The warning light switches on (on some versions,
together with a message and a symbol on the display)
when the system is not efficient. In this case the
braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but
without the advantage of the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon
as possible.
AIRBAG FAILURE (red)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position illuminates
the warning light, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
The warning light switches on constantly (on some
versions, together with a message and a symbol
on the display) to indicate an airbag system fault.
WARNING
If the warning light
does not come on
when the key is turned to the MAR-ON
position or if it remains lit while driving, there
may be a problem with the airbag restraint
system. In this case, the airbags or pretensioners
may not be activated in the event of an
accident or, in a more limited number of cases,
may be activated when not necessary. Before
continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
183GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE (red)
During the engine start
When the key is turned to MAR-ON, the warning
light switches on, but it should switch off after a few
seconds. If the warning light stays on, turn the
ignition key to STOP position and start the engine
again.
If the warning light stays on (on some versions,
together with a message and a symbol on the
display), the effort to operate the steering wheel
could be increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
While driving
If the warning light switches on whilst driving (on
some versions, together with a message and a
symbol on the display) you may not have steering
assistance.
Although it will still be possible to steer the car, the
effort needed to operate the steering wheel could be
increased: contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors
independent of the electric power steering could
cause the warning light on the instrument panel to
switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately
(should it be in motion), stop the engine for about
20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the
warning light (or, on some versions, a message and a
symbol on the display) remains on constantly,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the
steering must be initialised. The warning light
switches on to indicate this. To carry out this
procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way
from one end to the other or drive in a straight line
for about a hundred metres.
CRUISE CONTROL (green)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light switches on when the ignition key
is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a
few seconds, if the Cruise Control is deactivated.
The warning light switches on when the Cruise
Control ring nut is turned to
position (see the
“Cruise Control” paragraph in the "Knowing your
car" chapter).
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
189GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Never use a fast batter y-charger to star t
the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your car, particularly
the ignition and fuel supply control units.
WARNING
This procedure must be performed by
expert personnel because incorrect
actions could cause electrical discharge of
considerable intensity. Furthermore, battery
fluid is poisonous and corrosive: avoid contact
with skin and eyes. Keep naked flames and
lighted cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
BUMP STARTING
Never jump start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake servo and
electrical power steering system are not active until
the engine is started. A much greater effort will
therefore be required to use the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.
REPLACING A WHEELGENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The car is equipped with the "Fix&Go Automatic
Kit": see the paragraph “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” for
how to use this device.
As an alternative to the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” the
car may be equipped with a space-saver wheel: see
the instructions on the following pages for changing
the wheel.
WARNING
The space-saver wheel (for versions/
markets where provided) is specific to
your car, do not use it on other models, or use
the space-saver wheel of other models on your
car.The space-saver wheel must only be used
in case of emergency. It must only be used
for the distance necessary to reach a service
point and the car speed must not exceed 80
km/h.The space-saver wheel has an orange
sticker that summarises the main cautions for
use and limitations. Never remove or cover
the label.The following information is provided
in four languages on the label: "Important!
For temporary use only! 80 km/h max! Replace
with a standard tyre as soon as possible. Never
cover this indication." Never apply a hub cap on
a space-saver wheel.
197GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX