GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
In-depth knowledge of your new vehicle
starts here.
The handbook that you are reading
simply and directly explains how it
is made and how it works.
That’s why we advise you to read it
seated comfortably on board, so that
you can see immediately what is
described here for yourself.DASHBOARD ................................. 7
THE KEYS....................................... 8
IGNITION DEVICE ........................... 9
THE FIAT CODE SYSTEM ............... 10
DOORS ........................................... 10
SEATS ............................................ 11
HEAD RESTRAINTS ........................ 13
STEERING WHEEL ......................... 14
REAR VIEW MIRRORS .................... 15
EXTERIOR LIGHTS ......................... 16
INTERIOR LIGHTS .......................... 19
WINDOW CLEANING ...................... 20
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ........ 22
ELECTRIC WINDOWS .................... 26
ELECTRIC SUN ROOF .................... 26
DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING ...................................... 28
ECO FUNCTION ............................. 29
BONNET ......................................... 29
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT ........... 31
VERSION WITH LPG SYSTEM ........ 32
VERSION WITH METHANE
SYSTEM (NATURAL POWER) ......... 34
6
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Controls
A - Manual air distribution selection.
By pressing the buttons, one of the five possible air flow distribution patterns can be selected:
air outlet from the windscreen and front side window vents to demist or defrost them.
air outlet from the dashboard central and side vents to ventilate the chest and the face.
air outlet from footwell vents. Due to the natural tendency of heat to spread upwards, this type of distribution warms the
passenger compartment up as quickly as possible.
+air outlet from the footwell vents (warmest air) and the dashboard vents (coolest air).
+air outlet from footwell, windscreen and front side window vents. This type of distribution achieves effective heating of
the passenger compartment and prevents the windows from misting up.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
11)The vehicle is equipped with a gaseous
LPG injection system designed specifically
for it: it is therefore absolutely forbidden
to alter the configuration of the system or
its components. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and lead to a reduction in
safety; therefore, in the case of problems,
contact a Fiat Dealership. To prevent
damage to the gas system parts when
towing or raising the vehicle, follow the
instructions in the "Towing the vehicle"
paragraph of the Owner Handbook.
12)When painting in an oven, the LPG
tank must be removed from the vehicle and
later refitted by a Fiat Dealership. Although
the LPG system has numerous safety
features, it is advisable to proceed
as follows every time the vehicle is not in
use for a long period or moved in an
emergency as a result of a breakdown or
accident: unscrew the fastening devices A
fig. 36, then remove the cover B. Close
the LPG cock rotating the ring nut C fig. 38
clockwise. Refit the cover and retighten
the fastening devices.
13)Periodically (at least once every six
months), it is advisable to let the LPG in the
tank run out and, at the next refuelling,
check that it does not exceed the
maximum capacity of 30.5 litres (reserve
included) (with a tolerance of 2 litres
excess) (see instructions in the "Capacities"
paragraph of this Supplement). If the level
is above 30.5 litres (reserve included)
contact a Fiat Dealership immediately.
14)Regardless of the last fuel system
used, at the following engine starting, after
the initial petrol stage, the system will
automatically switch to LPG.15)When switching from petrol to LPG is
requested, a metal noise from the valves
which pressurise the circuit can be heard.
As a result of the switching logic described
above, the delay between the ticking of
the valve and the switching off of the green
warning light
on the instrument panel
is entirely normal.
16)In particular usage conditions, such as
starting and operation at low ambient
temperature or LPG supply with low
propane content, the system may switch
temporarily to petrol operation, without
an indication of switching on the instrument
panel. In the event of low LPG levels in
the tank or request for high performance
(e.g. overtaking, vehicle fully laden, steep
hills), the system may automatically switch
to petrol operation to guarantee the engine
power requested; the green warning light
on the instrument panel switches on
to indicate this. When the above conditions
are no longer present, the system
automatically restores LPG operation; the
green warning light
switches off. To
achieve the automatic switching described
above, make sure that there is always
enough fuel in the petrol tank.
17)Only use LPG for motor vehicles.
18)It is strictly forbidden to use any
additive in the LPG.
VERSION WITH
METHANE SYSTEM
(Natural Power)
36) 37) 38)19)
INTRODUCTION
The "Natural Power" version features
two fuel systems, one for petrol and
one for natural gas (methane).
METHANE CYLINDERS
The vehicle is equipped with two
cylinders (total capacity about 72 litres)
fig. 40 - fig. 41 located under the floor
of the vehicle and protected by two
special guards.
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34
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
WARNING
36)The Fiat Panda Natural Power is
equipped with a high pressure methane
fuel supply system, designed to operate at
a rated pressure of 200 bar. It is dangerous
to stretch the system with higher
pressures. To prevent damage to the
methane system parts when towing or
raising the vehicle, follow the instructions in
the "Towing the vehicle" paragraph of the
Owner Handbook. If there is a problem
with the methane system, only contact a
Fiat Dealership. Do not alter the methane
system configuration or components; they
are designed exclusively for the Fiat Panda
Natural Power. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and reduce safety.
37)In the case of painting in an oven, the
cylinders should be removed from the
vehicle and refitted later by a Fiat Dealer.
Although the methane system has
numerous safety features, it is advisable to
close the manual cocks for the cylinders
every time the vehicle is not in use for
a long period, transported on other
vehicles or moved in an emergency as a
result of a breakdown or accident.
38)Modifications or repairs to the fuel
system that are not carried out correctly or
do not take the system technical
specifications into account can cause
malfunctions leading to a fire risk.
39)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.
WARNING
19)If, during methane operation, the same
runs out, the vehicle switches to petrol
automatically and all the bars of the digital
gauge on the display switch off; this
displaying remains until the next methane
refuelling.
20)Regardless of the last fuel system
used, at the following engine starting, after
the initial petrol stage, the system will
automatically switch to methane.
21)When switching from petrol to methane
is requested, a metal noise from the valves
which pressurise the circuit can be heard,
as it happens while starting the vehicle.
As a result of the switching logic described
above, the delay between the ticking of
the valve and the switching off of the green
warning light
on the instrument panel
is entirely normal.22)In particular usage conditions, such as
starting and operation at low ambient
temperature, the system may switch
temporarily to petrol operation, without
indicating the performed switching. In the
event of low methane levels in the tank
or request for high performance (e.g.
overtaking, vehicle fully laden, steep hills),
the system may automatically switch to
petrol operation to guarantee the engine
power requested; the green warning light
on the instrument panel switches on
to indicate this. When the above conditions
are no longer present, the system
automatically restores methane operation;
the green warning light
switches off.
To achieve the automatic switching
described above, make sure that there is
always enough fuel in the petrol tank.
36
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Warning light What it means
iTPMS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Tyre pressure low
The warning light switches on constantly to indicate that the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended
value, in order to guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption, or to indicate a slow loss of pressure.
In this way the iTPMS warns the driver that one or more tyres may be flat and probably punctured. In this
case it is advisable to restore the correct pressure value. Once the normal operating conditions of the
vehicle are restored, carry out the Tyre reset procedure.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop
the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering.
iTPMS failure/iTPMS temporarily deactivated
The warning light flashes for about 75 seconds and then stays on constantly (along with a dedicated
message on the display) to indicate that the system is temporarily deactivated or faulty. The system goes
back to normal operation when the operating conditions allow it. If this is not the case, carry out the Tyre
reset procedure after restoring the normal operating conditions.
If the malfunction warning persists, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
LPG FUEL RESERVE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light switches on when the residual quantity of LPG in the cylinder goes below 1/5 of the
capacity. On some versions a dedicated message is displayed.
METHANE RESERVE (Natural Power versions)
The warning light switches on when the residual quantity of methane in the cylinder goes below 1/5 of the
capacity. On some versions a dedicated message is displayed.
55
WARNING
47)The ABS exploits the grip available to
the full, but it cannot improve it. Therefore,
you should take great care when driving
on slippery surfaces, without taking
unnecessary risks.
48)When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not raise your
foot, but keep it pressed; in doing so you
will stop in the shortest amount of space
possible depending on the current road
conditions.
49)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit. You must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
50)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about
500 km is required: during this period it is
advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
51)The ABS cannot alter the natural laws
of physics, and cannot increase grip which
depends on the condition of the road.
52)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
53)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.54)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
55)When the Mechanical Brake Assist
intervenes, noises may be heard from the
system. This is normal. In any case, keep
the brake pedal firmly depressed while
braking.
56)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
57)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
58)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ESC system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
59)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
60)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
61)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.62)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
63)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is ultimately responsible for road
safety.
64)The ASR system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
65)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
66)The capability of the ASR system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
67)The HBA system cannot increase tyre
grip on the road over the limits imposed by
laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road
surface.
68)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
65
PRETENSIONERS
87) 88) 89) 90) 91)
35)
The vehicle is equipped with front seat
belt pretensioners, which draw back
the seat belts by several centimetres in
the event of a strong frontal impact.
This guarantees the perfect adherence
of the seat belts to the occupant's
bodies before the retention action
begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
towards the retractor. This vehicle is
also equipped with a second
pretensioner (in the kick plate area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it replaced.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.LOAD LIMITERS
To increase occupant safety, the
retractors contain a load limiter to dose
the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining
action in the case of frontal collisions.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other
occupants of the vehicle also respect,
the local laws in force in relation to
the use of the seat belts. Always fasten
the seat belts before setting off.
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the case of impact is greatly reduced
for them and the unborn child if they
are wearing a seat belt. Pregnant
women must position the lower part of
the belt very low down so that it passes
over the pelvis and under the
abdomen (see fig. 60 ). While
pregnancy increases, the driver must
adjust both seat and steering wheel to
have full control over the vehicle (pedals
and steering wheel should be easily
accessed). The maximum clearance
should be kept between the abdomen
and the steering wheel.The seat belt must not be twisted. The
upper part must pass over the shoulder
and cross the chest diagonally. The
lower part must adhere to the pelvis (as
shown in fig. 61) rather than the
abdomen of the occupant. Do not use
devices (clips, etc.) to hold the seat belt
away from your body.
60F1D0123
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74
SAFETY
STARTING THE
ENGINE
119) 120)
36) 37) 38) 39)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors,
the door mirrors and fasten the seat
belt correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
GEARBOX
Petrol versions
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral.For 0.9 TwinAir
and 0.9 TwinAir Turbo versions
engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral or fully press the
clutch pedal if a gear other than neutral
is engaged;
❒for all versions (except 0.9
TwinAir Turbo)fully depress the clutch
pedal, without pressing the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.Diesel versions
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake, put the gear
lever into neutral and turn the ignition
key to MAR: the warning lights
andon the instrument panel
will turn on;
❒wait for the warning lights
and
to turn off and then fully depress
the clutch pedal without pressing the
accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV as soon
as warning light
switches off.
Release the ignition key as soon as the
engine starts.
IMPORTANT If the engine does not
start at the first attempt, return the
ignition key to STOP before repeating
the procedure. If, with the ignition
key at MAR, the warning lights
and
(only for petrol versions) stay on
in the instrument panel, the ignition key
must be brought back to STOP and
then to MAR again. If the
warning
light stays on, retry with the other
keys provided. Contact a Fiat
Dealership if you still cannot start the
engine.VERSIONS WITH
DUALOGIC GEARBOX
121)
Engine starting is allowed both with a
gear engaged and with the gearbox
in neutral (N).
However, the brake pedal must always
be pressed first if neutral is not
engaged. It is therefore advisable to
place the gear lever in neutral (N) before
starting the engine.
LPG AND NATURAL
POWER VERSIONS
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the mode previously
selected.
40)
STOPPING THE ENGINE
41)
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
before turning the engine off you should
allow it to idle to allow the temperature
in the engine compartment to
decrease.
89