STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE .................124
HANDBRAKE ..................................125
USING THE GEARBOX ...................126
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................127
TPMS (TYRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM) .................130
SPEED BLOCK ...............................133
CRUISE CONTROL .........................133
TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM .............135
PARKING SENSORS.......................136
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........138
SAVING FUEL .................................139
TOWING TRAILERS ........................140
SNOW TYRES ................................141
SNOW CHAINS...............................141
123
19)
WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Proceed as follows:
drive off slowly, letting the engine
turn at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
do not demand full performance at
first. Wait until the engine coolant
temperature gauge starts moving.
EMERGENCY STARTING
If the instrument panel warning light
stays on steadily, you can perform
an emergency starting by using the
code on the CODE card (see the “In an
emergency” section).
20)
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch
its breath” before turning it off by letting
it idle to allow the temperature in the
engine compartment to fall.
WARNING
17)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessively intense braking,
etc.) during the initial period of use.
18)When the engine is off, do not leave
the key turned to MAR to prevent
unnecessary electrical consumption from
draining the battery.
19)If the indicator flashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates
a problem in the glow plug preheating
system. Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.
20)Never start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. This could
cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
WARNING
95)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the front seats. Pull the lever upwards
to engage the handbrake and ensure
that the vehicle does not move. The
vehicle should be secured after several
clicks of the lever. If it is not, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.
96)When the handbrake lever is engaged
and the ignition key is in MAR position,
the instrument panel warning light
will switch on.
Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
slightly lift the lever and press
release button A fig. 140;
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 vehicle
from moving accidentally.
PARKING
Proceed as follows:
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
engage the gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is facing uphill
or reverse if it is facing downhill) and
leave the wheels steered.
125
EMERGENCY STARTING
In the case of emergency starting,
never connect the negative lead (–) of
the auxiliary battery to the negative pole
C of the vehicle battery, but rather to
either the dummy pole B or to an
engine/gearbox earth point fig. 147.
99) 100) 101) 102)
WARNING
98)If the battery needs to be replaced,
always contact a Fiat Dealership. Replace
the battery with a new one of the same
type and specifications.
99)Before opening the bonnet, make sure
that the vehicle is switched off and the
key is in the OFF position. Please follow the
instructions on the decal near the front
crossmember. It is advisable to extract the
key when there are other people in the
vehicle.100)The vehicle should always be
evacuated after the key has been removed
or turned to the OFF position. When
refuelling, make sure that the vehicle is
switched off with the key in the OFF
position.
101)For vehicles with robotised gearbox,
in the event of automatic engine stopping
with the vehicle on a slope, the engine
should be restarted by moving the gear
lever towards (+) or (–) without releasing
the brake pedal. For vehicles with
robotised gearbox and Hill Holder function,
in the event of automatic engine stopping
with the vehicle on a slope, the engine
must be restarted by moving the gear lever
towards (+) or (–) without releasing the
brake pedal, so that the Hill Holder
function, active only with the engine
running, becomes available.
102)If climate comfort is to be favoured,
the Start&Stop system can be disabled, for
a continuous operation of the climate
control system.
TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
103) 104) 105) 106) 107) 108) 109) 110) 111)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the
vehicle.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the vehicle stand
for at least three hours or a travel
shorter than 1.6 km after an interval of
three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure value printed on the side of
the tyre.
The tyre pressure also increases while
driving the vehicle: this is a normal
condition and does not require any
adjustment of the pressure.
NOTE
147F0V0043
130
STARTING AND DRIVING
108)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
109)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
110)Always refit the valve stem cap after
inspecting or adjusting tyre pressure.
This prevents dampness or dirt from
entering the valve stem and thus
the pressure control sensor from being
damaged.
111)The tyre repair kit (Fix&Go) provided
with the vehicle (for versions/markets,
where provided) is compatible with the
TPMS sensors; using sealants not
equivalent with that in the original kit may
adversely affect its operation. If sealants
not equivalent with the original one are
used, it is recommended to have the
TPMS sensor operation checked by a
qualified repair centre.SPEED BLOCK
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The vehicle is equipped with a speed
limitation function that can be set at the
user's request to one of four predefined
values: 90, 100, 110, 130 km/h.
To activate/deactivate this function,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
Following the operation, a sticker will be
applied to the windscreen showing the
top speed setting.
IMPORTANT The speedometer could
indicate a higher maximum speed than
the effective one, set by the Dealership,
in accordance with the regulations in
force.
CRUISE CONTROL
(for versions/markets, where provided)
IN BRIEF
This is an electronic driving aid that
allows you to drive at a speed of
above 30 km/h on long and straight
dry roads (e.g. motorways) with
few driving changes at a preset
speed without having to press the
accelerator pedal. It is therefore not
recommended to use this device
on extra-urban roads with traffic. Do
not use it in town.
Activating the device
When the device is activated, warning
light
comes on together with the
relevant message in the instrument
panel (for versions/markets where
provided).
The speed adjustment function cannot
be activated in 1st or reverse gear; it
is advisable to activate the function
in 4th or higher gears.
When travelling downhill with the device
activated, the vehicle speed may
exceed the memorised one.
112) 113)
133
OPERATION WITH
TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is
automatically deactivated when the
electric cable plug of the trailer is
inserted into the vehicle tow hook
socket. The sensors are automatically
reactivated when the trailer's cable plug
is removed.
IMPORTANT
If you wish to leave the tow hook fitted
without towing a trailer, it is advisable to
contact a Fiat Dealership for the
relevant system update operations
because the tow hook could be
detected as an obstacle by the central
sensors.
GENERAL WARNINGS
115)
When parking, take the utmost care
over obstacles that may be above or
under the sensor.
Sometimes, objects located very
near the rear of the vehicle are not
detected and could therefore damage
the vehicle or be damaged themselves.
The following conditions may influence
the performance of the parking
assistance system:
Reduced sensor sensitivity and a
reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due to
the presence on the surface of the
sensor of: ice, snow, mud, thick paint.
The sensor may detect a non-
existent obstacle (echo noise) due to
mechanical noises, for example when
washing the vehicle, in case of rain,
strong wind, hail.
The signals sent out by the sensors
can be altered by dirt, snow or ice
deposited on the sensors or by
ultrasound systems (e.g. truck
pneumatic brakes or pneumatic drills)
near the vehicle.
The performance of the parking
assistance system may also be affected
by the position of the sensors. For
example by a change in the ride setting
(caused by the wear of the shock
absorbers, suspension), changing the
tyres, overloading the vehicle and
carrying out specific tuning operations
that require the vehicle to be lowered.
Detection of obstacles in the upper
part of the vehicle (particularly in the
case of vans or chassis cabs) may not
be guaranteed because the system
detects obstacles that could strike the
lower part of the vehicle.
The parking sensors work properly
with the swing doors closed.
If they are open, they can cause the
system to send false signals: always
close the rear doors.
Do not apply stickers to the sensors.
WARNING
114)The sensors must be clean of mud,
dirt, snow and ice in order for the system
to work. Be careful not to scratch or
damage the sensors while cleaning them.
Avoid using dry, rough or hard cloths.
The sensors must be washed using clean
water, with the addition of car shampoo
if necessary. When using special washing
equipment such as high pressure jets or
steam cleaning, clean the sensors very
quickly keeping the jet more than 10 cm
away.
115)Parking manoeuvres, however, are
always the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The parking sensor is designed
to assist drivers, who must still never
allow their attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres even if
performed at low speed.
137
SAVING FUEL
Some useful tips are given below for
fuel saving and reducing harmful
emissions of CO2 and other pollutants
(nitrogen oxides, unburnt
hydrocarbons, Particulate Matter (PM),
etc.).
PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR
REDUCING FUEL
CONSUMPTION AND
HARMFUL EMISSIONS
Vehicle conditions
Have checks and adjustments for
vehicle maintenancecarried out
in accordance with the “Scheduled
servicing plan”.
Checktyrepressure regularly, at
least once every four weeks.
Excessively low pressures will increase
consumption because rolling resistance
will be higher. In addition, this wears
the tyre more quickly and impairs
performance.
Only usesnow tyreswhen the
weather conditions make them
absolutely necessary. They increase
consumption and noise.
Do not travel witha heavy load: the
weight of the vehicle (especially when
driving in town) and its geometry greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
Removeroof racks or ski racks
after use. These accessories reduce the
vehicle's aerodynamic penetration and
have a negative effect on fuel
consumption.
When transporting particularly large
objects, use atrailerif possible.
Use the vehicle's air vents if
possible: travelling with the windows
open impairs aerodynamics.
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The vehicle’s
heated rear window, additional
headlights, screen wipers and heater
fan require a considerable amount
of energy; this increases fuel
consumption (by up to +25% in an
urban cycle).
Air conditioning leads to higher fuel
consumption (on average up to +30%).
If the temperature outside is not too
extreme, try and use the air vents.
Driving style
Afterstarting the engineyou
should drive away immediately and
slowly, avoiding high revs. Do not warm
up the engine at low or high revs when
the vehicle is stationary; this causes
the engine to warm up more slowly,
thereby increasing fuel consumption,
emissions and mechanical component
wear.
Avoidpointless actionssuch as
revving up when at traffic lights or
before stopping the engine. The latter
action, like double-declutching, is
unnecessary and causes increased fuel
consumption and pollution.
Gear selection:select a high gear
as soon as possible (taking into
account normal engine operation and
traffic conditions) without pushing
the engine to high revs during
the intermediate gears. Using low gears
at high revs to get lively acceleration
increases fuel consumption, harmful
emissions and engine wear.
Vehicle speed:fuel consumption
increases exponentially as the speed of
the vehicle increases. Keep your speed
moderate and as even as possible,
avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration, which cause excessive
fuel consumption and increased
emissions. Keeping a safe distance
from the vehicle in front helps to
maintain a steady speed.
Acceleration:accelerating violently
severely affects consumption and
emissions. Acceleration should be
gradual and should not exceed the
maximum engine torque rate.
139
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts
do not allow the engine to reach
optimum operating temperature.
This results in a significant increase in
consumption levels (from +15 to +30%
on the urban cycle) and emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are
linked to situations with heavy traffic, for
instance when travelling in queues
with frequent use of the lower gears or
in cities with many traffic lights. Winding
mountain roads and rough road
surfaces also adversely affect
consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level
crossings) the engine should be
switched off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
The vehicle must be equipped with a
type-approved tow hook and adequate
electrical system to tow trailers.
Installation should be carried out by
specialised personnel who will issue the
required papers for travelling on roads.
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
spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the vehicle
tow hook will reduce the loading
capacity of the vehicle 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 80 km/h.
116) 117)
WARNING
116)The ABS device with which the
vehicle is equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer. Particular
caution is required on slippery roads.
117)Never modify the braking system of
the vehicle to control the trailer brake. The
trailer braking system must be fully
independent from the hydraulic system of
the vehicle.
140
STARTING AND DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the 00 800
3428 0000 freephone number to
search the nearest Fiat Dealership.HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS...........144
REPLACING A BULB ......................144
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB ..147
REPLACING AN INTERIOR BULB ...150
REPLACING FUSES........................152
CHANGING A WHEEL ....................158
FIX&GO AUTOMATIC KIT ................162
EMERGENCY STARTING ................165
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM ................166
LIFTING THE VEHICLE....................167
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..................167
143