
SAVING FUELHere are some suggestions which can help you to
save fuel and lower harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressures at least once every 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight
of the car and its arrangement greatly affect fuel
consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect consumption levels.
When transporting particularly large objects, use a
trailer if possible.Electrical devices
Only use electrical devices for the amount of time
needed. The heated rear window, additional
headlights, windscreen wipers and heater fan need a
considerable amount of energy, therefore increasing
fuel consumption (by up to 25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The use of the climate control system leads to higher
fuel consumption. If the temperature outside
permits, try to use ventilation only.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic
control may adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at a standstill
or at idle or high speed: under these conditions
the engine warms up much more slowly, increasing
consumption and emissions. It is therefore advisable
to move off immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds:
in this way the engine will warm up more quickly.
126
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when at traffic lights or before
switching off the engine. This action and also double
declutching is absolutely pointless on modern cars
and also increases consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and road
conditions allow. Using a low gear for faster
acceleration will increase consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high gear
increases consumption, emissions and engine wear.
Maximum speed
Fuel consumption increases considerably with speed.
Maintain a constant speed, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration, which cost in terms of both
fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel
consumption and emissions: accelerate gradually.CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will
prevent the engine from reaching optimal running
temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30%
on urban cycle ) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high fuel consumption is caused by heavy
traffic, for instance when travelling in a queue with
frequent use of low gears or in large towns with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and
rough road surfaces also adversely affect
consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level crossings) the
engine should be switched off.
127GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car must be fitted
with a type-approved tow hook and an adequate
electrical system. Installation must be carried out by
a specialist.
Fit any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as
specified by the Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, braking distances increase and
overtaking takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trail.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the car's tow hook will
reduce the load capacity of the car by the same
amount. To make sure that the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the car registration
document) account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and luggage.
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for
vehicles towing trailers. In any case, the maximum
speed must not exceed 100 km/h.
An electric brake or winch must be powered directly
by the battery through a cable with a cross-section
of no less than 2.5 mm
2.In addition to the electrical branches, the vehicle's
electrical system can be connected only to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the cable for an
internal trailer light, though not more than 15 W. For
connections, use the preset control unit with a
battery cable with section no less than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads other than
external lights (electric brake, winch, etc.) must
be used with engine running.
IMPORTANT To install a tow hook contact a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
The ABS with which the car may be
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
car to control the trailer brake.The
trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the car ’s hydraulic system.
128
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

STORING THE CARIf the car is to be left inactive for longer than a
month, the following precautions should be taken:
❒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 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 windscreen and
rear window wiper rubber 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.
131GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Hill Holder failure
This warning light switches on, on some versions
together with a message in the display, in the event
of a Hill Holder system fault. In this case, contact
a Fiat Dealership.
FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches
on (along with a message on the display on some
versions) to indicate a Fiat CODE system failure: in
this case contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.PLUG PREHEATING/PLUG
PREHEATING FAILURE (diesel
versions) (amber)
PLUG PREHEATING
The warning light switches on when the key is turned
to MAR and switches off when the plugs have
reached the preset temperature. The engine can be
started as soon as the warning light switches off.
IMPORTANT At moderate or high ambient
temperatures the warning light may stay on for an
extremely short time.PLUG PREHEATING FAILURE
The warning light flashes (together with a message
and a symbol on the display on some versions)
to indicate a fault in the plug preheating system.
Contact a Fiat Dealership to have the fault fixed as
soon as possible.
"DUALDRIVE" ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE (red)
This warning light switches on when the key is
turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds. If the warning light (or, on some versions, a
message and a symbol on the display) stays on, you
may not have steering assistance and the effort
required to operate the steering wheel could be
notably increased; steering is, however, possible. In
this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
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) stays on, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
138
GETTING 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, par ticularly
the ignition and fuel supply control units.
WARNING
This procedure must be performed by
exper t 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 bump 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.
CHANGING 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 tyre.
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 temporar y use only! 80 km/h max! Replace
with a standard tire as soon as possible. Never
cover this indication." Never apply a wheel
cap on a space-saver wheel.
144
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

CHANGING A BULBGENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
❒Before changing a bulb check the contacts for
oxidation;
❒burnt bulbs must be replaced by others of the
same type and power;
❒after replacing a headlight bulb, always check its
alignment;
❒when a light is not working, check that the
corresponding fuse is intact before changing a bulb.
For the location of fuses, refer to the paragraph
“If a fuse blows” in this section;
WARNING
Modifications or repairs to the electric
system that are not carried out properly
or do not take the system technical
specifications into account can cause
malfunctions leading to the risk of fire.
WARNING
Halogen bulbs contain pressurised gas,
in the case of breakage they may burst
causing glass fragments to be projected
outwards.
Halogen bulbs must be handled holding
the metal part only.Touching the
transparent part of the bulb with your
fingers may reduce the intensity of the emitted
light and even reduce the lifespan of the bulb. In
case of accidental contact , wipe the bulb with
a cloth moistened with alcohol and let the bulb
dry.Where possible, it is advisable to have
bulbs changed at a Fiat Dealership.The
correct operation and direction of the
external lights are absolutely essential for the
safety of the car and of compliance with the law.
IMPORTANT When the weather is cold or damp
or after heavy rain or washing, the surface of
headlights or rear lights, may steam up and/or form
drops of condensation on the inside. This is a natural
phenomenon due to the difference in temperature
and humidity between the inside and the outside
of the glass which does not indicate a fault and does
not compromise the normal operation of lighting
devices. The mist disappears quickly when the lights
are turned on, starting from the centre of the
diffuser, extending progressively towards the edges.
154
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒adjust the catch C fig. 129 and disconnect the
electrical connector D;
❒turn and remove the bulb holder E;
❒release and replace the bulb;
❒refit the new lamp and carry out the procedure
described previously in reverse.SIDE LIGHTS/DAY LIGHTS (DRL)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Replace the bulb as follows:
❒steer the wheel completely;
❒adjust the screws A fig. 128 and remove the flap B;
❒adjust the catch C fig. 130 and disconnect the
electrical connector D;
❒turn and remove the bulb holder E;
❒release and replace the bulb;
❒refit the new lamp and carry out the procedure
described previously in reverse.
fig. 129
F0W0198
fig. 130
F0W0069
159GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX