Page 141 of 275

PARKINGProceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
❒ engage a gear (on a slope, engage first gear if the
car is facing uphill or reverse if it is facing
downhill) and leave the wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the car
is parked on a steep slope.
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 is located between the front seats.
To use the handbrake pull the lever upwards until the
car cannot be moved.
Four or five clicks are generally enough when the car
is on level ground while nine or ten may be required
if the car is on a steep slope and laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, contact a Fiat
Dealership for adjustment. When the handbrake is engaged and the ignition key
is at MAR-ON, the
warning light will switch on
in the instrument panel.
Proceed as follows to release the handbrake:
❒ slightly lift the handbrake and press release button
A fig. 119;
❒ keep button A pressed and lower the lever. The
warning light in the instrument panel will
switch off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out this
operation to prevent the car from moving
accidentally.
IMPORTANT For cars equipped with a front
armrest, lift this up to ensure that it does not
interfere with the action of the handbrake.fig. 119
F0Q0628
137GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Page 226 of 275

INTERIORSPeriodically check for water puddles under the mats
that could cause the panels to rust.
Replace the worn carpet mats, if present, with
genuine products and make sure they remain
securely fastened to the passenger compartment
carpet. It is not advisable to use non genuine mats
that could move whilst driving.
WARNING
Never use flammable products, such as
petrol ether or rectified petrol to clean
the inside of the car.The electrostatic charges
which are generated by rubbing during the
cleaning operation may cause a fire.WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in the car:
they might explode. Aerosol cans must
not be exposed to a temperature exceeding
50°C .When the car is exposed to sunlight ,
internal temperature can greatly exceed this
value.
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner.
Rub the seats with a sponge and a solution of water
and mild soap.
222GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Page 227 of 275

LEATHER SEATS
Remove the dry dirt with a buckskin or slightly damp
cloth, without exercising too much pressure.
Remove any liquid or grease stains using an
absorbent dry cloth, without rubbing. Then clean
with a soft cloth or buckskin cloth dampened with
water and neutral soap.
If the stain persists, use specific products and
observe the instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol. Make sure that the
cleaning products used contain no alcohol or alcohol
derivatives, even in small quantities.
The fabric upholstery of your car has
been designed to withstand wear deriving
from common use of the car.You are
however recommended to avoid strong and/or
continuous scratching with clothing accessories
such as metal buckles, studs,Velcro fastenings and
the like, as these items cause stress of the cover
fabric that could lead to yarn breaking and
damage the upholstery. PLASTIC AND COATED PARTS
Clean interior plastic parts with a damp cloth (if
possible made from microfibre), and a solution
of water and neutral, non-abrasive detergent. To
clean oily or persistent stains, use specific products
free from solvents and designed to maintain the
original appearance and colour of the components.
Remove any dust using a microfibre cloth, if
necessary moistened with water. The use of paper
tissues is not recommended as these may leave
residues.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol, petrols and
derivatives to clean the instrument panel lens.
223GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX