Never use the windscreen wipers to
remove layers of snow or ice from the
windscreen. In such conditions, the
windscreen wipers may be subjected to excessive
stress and the motor protection, which prevents
operation for a few seconds, may intervene. If
operation is not restored, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
"Smart washing" functionfig. 38
Pull the stalk towards the steering wheel (unstable
position) to operate the windscreen washer.
Keep the stalk pulled, with just one movement, to
operate the washer jet and the windscreen wiper;
the latter automatically turns on if you keep the stalk
pulled for more than half a second.
The windscreen wiper stops operating a few strokes
after releasing the stalk; a further “cleaning stroke”,
after a few seconds, completes the wiping operation.
RAIN SENSOR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The rain sensor A fig. 39 is located behind the
interior rear view mirror in contact with the
windscreen and has the purpose of automatically
adjusting the frequency of the windscreen wiper
strokes depending on the intensity of the rain during
intermittent operation.The sensor has an adjustment range that varies
progressively from wiper still (no stroke) when the
windscreen is dry, to wiper at first continuous speed
(slow continuous operation) with intense rain.
fig. 38
F0Q0646
fig. 39
F0Q0014
56GETTING TO
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ASR SYSTEM (Antislip Regulation)
This is integral to the ESP system and automatically
intervenes if one or both drive wheels slip, helping
the driver to control the car.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR
intervenes reducing the power transmitted by the
engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the drive
wheels, the ASR intervenes automatically braking
the wheel that is slipping.
The action of the ASR system is particularly helpful
in the following circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel on bends due to
dynamic variations in the load or excessive
acceleration;
❒excessive power transmitted to the wheels, also in
relation to road surface conditions;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy road
surfaces;
❒loss of grip on wet road surfaces (aquaplaning).
MSR SYSTEM (ENGINE DRIVE
REGULATION)
This is an integral part of the ASR system that, in the
event of a sudden gear downshifting, cuts in and
provides torque to the engine thus preventing
excessive drive wheel drive which, especially in poor
grip conditions, can lead to loss of stability.ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT OF THE
ASR SYSTEM
The ASR system switches on automatically each time
the engine is started.
When the system is active, a message is shown on
the display (see “Warning lights and messages”
chapter).
Whilst driving, the ASR can be deactivated and
subsequently activated again by pressing the ASR
OFF button on the dashboard, next to the steering
wheel.
Whilst driving, the ASR can be switched off and
subsequently switched on again by pressing button C.
fig. 89
F0Q0694
93GETTING TO
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RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND MOBILE
PHONES
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle mobile phones,
CB radios etc.) cannot be used inside the car unless
a separate aerial is mounted externally.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices inside the
passenger compartment (without an external aerial)
may cause the electrical systems to malfunction.
This could compromise the safety of the car in
addition to constituting a potential hazard for
passengers' health.
In addition, transmission and reception of these
devices may be negatively affected by the shielding
effect of the car body. As far as the use of
EC-approved mobile phones is concerned (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), follow the usage instructions provided
by the mobile phone manufacturer.
"DUALDRIVE" ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING SYSTEMThe car is equipped with an electrically controlled
power steering system called “Dualdrive”, working
only with the ignition key at MAR-ON and the
engine running, that customises steering force
according to the driving conditions.
IMPORTANT When turning the ignition key quickly,
full power steering functionality can be achieved after
1-2 seconds.
ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
(CITY function)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To turn the function on/off, press button A fig. 92 on
the dashboard, next to the steering wheel.
fig. 92
F0Q0693
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The activation of the function is signalled by the
word CITY on the display (in some versions it is
signalled by the switching on of the warning light
CITY).
When the CITY function is on, the steering wheel
effort is lighter and parking operations are easier:
therefore this function is particularly useful for
driving in city centres.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure of the electric power steering system is
indicated by instrument panel warning light
coming
on together with a message on the display (on
some versions together with a symbol on the display)
(see “Warning lights and messages” chapter).
In the event of electric power steering system failure,
the car can be driven with mechanical steering.
SPORT FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The vehicle may be equipped with a system that
allows a choice between two styles of driving, normal
and sports.
Pressing the SPORT button fig. 93 produces a sporty
driving setting characterised by higher acceleration
response and more effort required at the steering
wheel for a sporty driving sensation.
Pressing the SPORT button also activates the
turbocharger supercharging function (overboost).Via this function the engine management control unit
allows - in relation to the position of the accelerator
pedal and for a limited time - maximum pressure
levels to be reached inside the turbocharger, with a
consequent increase in engine torque with respect to
that which is normally possible.
This function is particularly useful whenever
maximum performance is required for a short time
(e.g. when overtaking).
The letter S is lit up in the instrument panel display
when the function is switched on. Press the button
again to switch the function off and restore the
normal driving setting.
fig. 93
F0Q0499
98GETTING TO
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IMPORTANT When the SPORT button is pressed,
the function is activated about 5 seconds later.
IMPORTANT During acceleration, when the SPORT
function is used the steering may shudder which is
typical of a sports setting.
IMPORTANT During parking manoeuvres requiring a
lot of steering, the steering may become harder;
this is normal and is due to the intervention of the
system to protect the electric steering motor from
overheating; so, no intervention is required. When
the car is used again later on, the power steering will
work normally.Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel
consumption and emissions: accelerate gradually to
contain consumption.
When the SPORT function is used the consumption
figures will be slightly higher than those stated.
WARNING
Under no circumstances should
aftermarket operations involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) be carried out that could badly affect
performance and safety.This also causes the
warranty to become null and void and results in
vehicle non-compliance with type-approval
requirements.
WARNING
Before starting any servicing operation,
stop the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch to operate the steering
lock, particularly when the wheels do not touch
the ground. If this is not possible (for example
if the key needs to be turned to MAR-ON or
the engine must be running), remove the main
fuse that protects the electric power steering.
99GETTING TO
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AND MESSAGES
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INDEX
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car may be fitted with a tyre pressure
monitoring system (TPMS), which informs the driver
of the tyre inflation status via the "Check tyre
pressure" and "Low tyre pressure" messages on the
display. For a detailed description of the two
messages, see the "Warning lights and messages"
chapter.
The system comprises a radio-frequency transmitter
fitted to each wheel (on the wheel rim inside the
tyre), which is able to send information on the tyre
inflation pressure of each wheel to the control unit.
WARNING
The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular
checking of the pressure of the tyres and the
spare wheel (see "Wheels" in the "Maintenance
and care" chapter).
WARNING
Sensor malfunctioning fault indications are not stored
and will therefore not be displayed after the engine
has been switched off and then on again. If the
fault conditions persist, the control unit will send the
relative indications to the instrument panel only
after the vehicle has been in motion for a short time.Tyre pressure must be checked with tyres rested and
cold. Should it become necessary for whatever
reason to check pressure with warm tyres, do not
reduce pressure even though it is higher than the
prescribed value, but repeat the check when tyres
are cold (see "Wheels" in the "Technical data"
chapter).
The TPMS is not able to warn you of sudden tyre
pressure losses (for example when a tyre bursts). In
this case, stop the car, braking with caution and
avoiding abrupt steering.
Particularly strong radio-frequency interference may
cause the TPMS to function incorrectly. This
condition is indicated to the driver by a warning light
or symbol lighting up on the instrument panel
together with a dedicated message. The message will
disappear automatically as soon as the radio-
frequency interference ceases to affect the system.
The TPMS requires the use of specific equipment.
Contact a Fiat Dealership to find out which
accessories are compatible with the system (wheels,
hub caps, etc.). Using other accessories may hinder
the normal operation of the system. Given the
unique valve specifications, only use Fiat-approved
sealers to repair the tyres. The use of other sealers
may prevent the normal operation of the system.
100GETTING TO
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FRONT AIRBAGSThe car is fitted with front airbags for the driver and
the passenger, and with a knee bag on the driver's
side (for versions/markets, where provided).
The front driver/passenger airbags and the driver's
knee bag (for versions/markets, where provided)
have been designed to protect the front seat
occupants in the event of frontal impacts of
medium/high severity, by placing the bag between the
occupant and the steering wheel or dashboard.
Therefore non-deployment in other types of impacts
(side impacts, rear shunts, roll-overs, etc.) does not
indicate a system malfunction.
In the event of a frontal impact, an electronic control
unit triggers the inflation of the bags if required.
The cushions immediately inflate, placing themselves
between the front occupants' bodies and structures
that could cause injuries. Immediately after, the
cushions deflate.
The front driver/passenger airbags and the driver's
knee bag (for versions/markets, where provided) are
not a replacement for, but rather complement the
use of, seat belts, which should always be worn,
as specified by law in Europe and most non-European
countries.
In the event of an impact, those not wearing a seat
belt will move forward and come into contact with
the bag which is still inflating. The protection offered
by the bag is compromised in these circumstances.Front airbags may not be activated in the following
situations:
❒frontal impacts against highly deformable objects
not involving the front surface of the car (e.g.
wing collision against guard rail, etc.);
❒car wedging under other vehicles or protective
barriers (e.g. trucks or guard rails);
Failure to activate in the conditions described above
is due to the fact that they may not provide any
additional protection compared with seat belts, so
their activation would be inappropriate.
In these cases, non-deployment does not indicate a
system malfunction.
WARNING
Do not apply stickers or other objects
on the steering wheel, on the dashboard
in the passenger side airbag area, on side
upholstery on the roof or on the seats. Never
put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the
passenger's side dashboard since they could
interfere with correct inflation of the airbag
and also cause serious injur y to the passengers.
126GETTING TO KNOW
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FRONT AIRBAG DRIVER'S SIDE
This consists of an instantly inflating bag contained in
a special compartment in the centre of the steering
wheel fig. 112.
WARNING
Always drive with both hands on the
steering wheel so that , if the airbags
must be deployed, they may do so freely. Do not
drive with your body bent forward. Keep your
back straight against the backrest .FRONT AIRBAG PASSENGER'S SIDE
This consists of an instantly inflating bag contained in
a special recess in the dashboard: this bag has a
larger volume than that of the driver fig. 113.
The front driver and passenger airbags are designed
and calibrated to best protect front-seat passengers
wearing seat belts.
The volume of the front airbags at max. inflation fills
most of the space between the steering wheel and
the driver and between the dashboard and the
passenger.
fig. 112
F0Q0624
fig. 113
F0Q0700
127GETTING TO KNOW
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