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TOWING TRAILERS
129) 130)
IMPORTANT
For towing motorhomes or trailers the
vehicle must be fitted with an approved
tow hook and an adequate electrical
system. Installation must be carried out
by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional
door 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 trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the
vehicle tow hook reduces the vehicle's
loading capacity by the same amount.
To make sure that the maximum
towable weight is not exceeded (given
in the vehicle registration document)
account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and
luggage.Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in
the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.
An electric brake (or electric winch)
should be supplied 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 electrical system can only
be connected to the supply cable for an
electric brake and to the cable for an
internal light for the trailer, not
exceeding 15 W. For connections, use
the preset control unit with a battery
cable with section not less than 2.5
mm
2.
On Panda Cross and Panda 4x4
versions, in the event of prolonged
vehicle use at maximum tow capacity
on slopes, replacing engine oil more
frequently (every 10,000 km) is
advisable.
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
129)The ABS with which the vehicle is
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
130)Never modify the braking system of
the vehicle to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the vehicle’s hydraulic
system.
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Page 119 of 196

❒connect the other end of the cable
used for positive (+) to the positive
terminal (+) of the auxiliary battery;
❒connect one end of the cable used
for negative (–) to the negative terminal
(–) of the auxiliary battery;
❒Connect the other end of the cable
used for negative (–) to an engine earth
(the visible metal part of the vehicle
engine with flat battery) away from the
battery and the fuel injection system;
❒start the vehicle engine with the
auxiliary battery, let it run for a
few minutes at idling. Start the engine
of the vehicle with flat battery.
Cable disconnection.
Once the engine has been started,
remove the cables proceeding as
follows:
❒disconnect the end of the cable used
for negative (–) from the engine earth
of the vehicle with flat battery;
❒disconnect the other end of the cable
used for negative (–) from the negative
terminal (–) of the auxiliary battery;
❒disconnect the end of the cable used
for positive (+) from the positive terminal
(+) of the auxiliary battery;
❒disconnect one end of the cable
used for positive (+) from the positive
terminal (+) of the vehicle with flat
battery;If it is often necessary to perform a
jump starting, have the vehicle battery
and the recharging system checked
by a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Any accessories (e.g.
mobile phones, etc.) connected to the
vehicle power sockets draw current
even if they are not used. These
devices, if left connected too much time
with engine off, may cause the battery
to drain with following reduction of
its life and/or failure to start the engine.
WARNING
157)This procedure must be performed by
qualified personnel as incorrect actions
may cause high-intensity electrical
discharge. 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.
158)Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings,
watches, bracelets), that might cause an
accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
WARNING
53)Do not connect the cable to the
negative terminal (–) of the flat battery. The
following spark could lead to battery
explosion and cause serious harm. Only
use the specific earth point; do not use any
other exposed metallic part.
54)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
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Page 123 of 196

SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions. For this
reason, Fiat has planned a series of
checks and services at fixed distance
intervals and, where provided, at fixed
time intervals, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always
necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
fluids, tyre pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all
Fiat Dealerships according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in
addition to the ones scheduled, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out with
your explicit agreement only. If your
vehicle is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one service
operation and the next should be
reduced.IMPORTANT Scheduled Servicing
interventions are set out by the
Manufacturer. Failure to have them
carried out may invalidate the warranty.
It is advisable to inform a Fiat
Dealership of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every1,000km or before long
journeys, check and if necessary, top
up: engine coolant level; brake fluid
level; screen washer fluid level; tyre
inflation pressure and condition; lighting
system operation (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, etc.);
screen washer/wiper system operation
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rear window wiper blades.
Every3,000km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions: towing a trailer
or motorhome; dusty roads; short (less
than 7-8 km) and repeated journeys
with sub-zero outside temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speed or long periods
of inactivity, the following checks must
be carried out more often than
indicated in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and
rubber elements (gaiters/sleeves/
bushes, etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect conditions of the
auxiliary drive belts;
❒check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter / pollen
filter / air cleaner.
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