Page 101 of 275

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
97GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Page 130 of 275

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 YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY SERVICING ANDMAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Page 217 of 275

IMPORTANT If the charge level remains under 50%
for a long time, the battery is damaged by sulphation,
reducing its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (this
can happen as early as -10°C). Refer to the paragraph
"Car inactivity" in "Starting and driving" if the car is
left parked for a long time.
If, after buying the car, you wish to install electrical
accessories which require permanent electrical
supply (alarm, etc.) or accessories which influence
the electrical supply requirements, contact a Fiat
Dealership, whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
WARNING
Battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
Keep open flames away from the battery and
do not use objects that might create sparks: risk
of explosion and fire.
WARNING
Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and
may cause an explosion.
Incorrect installation of electrical and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. After purchasing your
car, if you wish to install any accessories
(anti-theft , car phone, etc .), contact a Fiat
Dealership, which will suggest the most
appropriate devices for your vehicle, and will,
most importantly, advise you if a higher capacity
battery needs to be installed.Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment . For
battery replacement , contact a Fiat
Dealership.
213GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX