
DRIVING, ALCOHOL
AND DRUGS
Drunk driving is one of the most
frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously
impaired even with blood alcohol levels
far below the legal minimum. If you
have been drinking, don’t drive. Ride
with a designated non-drinking driver,
call a cab or a friend, or use public
transportation. Drinking coffee or taking
a cold shower will not make you sober.
Similarly, prescription and
non-prescription drugs affect your
alertness, perception and reaction time.
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist
before driving while under the influence
of any of these medications.
199)
WARNING
199)NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE. Your
perceptions are less accurate, your reflexes
are slower and your judgment is impaired.
SAFE DRIVING
TECHNIQUES
Driving safety and protection against
injury cannot be fully ensured. However,
we recommend that you pay extra
attention to the following:
Seat belts
Before starting the vehicle, make sure
that you and your passengers have
fastened your seat belts.
Floor mats
200)
Carrying children in the vehicleNever leave your vehicle unattended
with the key and children inside the
vehicle. Children may play with the
driving controls and this could lead to
an accident.
Make sure that infants and small
children are properly restrained inaccordance with the laws and
regulations, and for maximum
protection in case of an accident.
Prevent children from playing in the
luggage compartment. It is quite
dangerous to allow them to play there
while the vehicle is moving.
Loading luggage
When loading luggage, be careful not to
load above the height of seats. This is
dangerous not only because rearward
vision will be obstructed, but also the
luggage may be projected into the
passenger compartment under hard
braking.
WARNING
200)Keep floor mats clear of the pedals by
correctly laying floor mats that are suitable
for the vehicle. To prevent the floor mats
from slipping out of position, securely
retain them using the hook etc. Note that
laying a floor mat over a pedal or laying one
floor mat on top of another can obstruct
pedal operation and lead to a serious
accident.
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134
STARTING AND DRIVING

STARTING AND
STOPPING THE
ENGINE
Tips for starting
Except for vehicles equipped with
the keyless operation system
Do not operate the starter motor
continuously longer than 10 seconds;
doing so could run down the battery. If
the engine does not start, turn the
ignition switch back to “LOCK”, wait a
few seconds, and then try again. Trying
repeatedly with the starter motor still
turning will damage the starter
mechanism.
203)
79) 80) 81) 82) 83) 84)
For vehicles equipped with the
keyless operation system
The operation mode can be in any
mode to start the engine.
The starter motor will be turning for up
to approximately 15 seconds if the
engine switch is released at once.
Pressing the engine switch again while
the starter motor is still turning will stop
the starter motor. The starter motor will
be turning for up to approximately
30 seconds while the engine switch is
pressed. If the engine does not start,
wait for a while and then attempt to
start the engine again. Trying repeatedly
with the starter motor still turning will
damage the starter mechanism.
203)
80) 81) 82)
Starting the engine (petrol-powered
vehicles)
Except for vehicles equipped with
the keyless operation system
Your vehicles equipped with an
electronically controlled fuel injection
system. When starting the engine, do
not depress the accelerator pedal.
The starting procedure is as follows:
Insert the ignition key and fasten the
seat belt.
Make sure the parking brake is
applied.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and place the gearshift lever in the “N”
(Neutral) position.
After turning the ignition key to the
“ON” position, make certain that all
warning lamps are functioning properly
before starting the engine
Turn the ignition key to the “START”
position without depressing the
accelerator pedal, and release it when
the engine starts.A ticking noise may be heard after
starting the engine. This is not an
abnormal condition. The noise will
disappear after a short time of engine
running. If the ticking noise continues
after the engine is warmed up, have
your vehicle checked at a Fiat
Dealership.
Minor noises may be heard on engine
startup. These will disappear as the
engine warms up.
When the engine is hard to start
After several attempts, you may
experience that the engine still does not
start.
Make sure that all electric devices,
such as lamps, air conditioning blower
and rear window demister, are turned
off.
While depressing the clutch pedal,
press the accelerator pedal halfway and
hold it there, then crank the engine.
Release the accelerator pedal,
N
227AHA106001
141
immediately after the engine starts.

If the engine still will not start, the
engine could be flooded with too much
petrol. While depressing the clutch
pedal, push the accelerator pedal all the
way down and hold it there, then crank
the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. Return
the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position and release the accelerator
pedal. Wait a few seconds, and then
crank the engine again for 5 to
6 seconds while depressing the clutch
pedal, but do not push the accelerator
pedal. Release the ignition key if the
engine starts. If the engine fails to start,
repeat these procedures. If the engine
still will not start, we recommend you to
have the vehicle checked.
To protect the engine, the high-speed
mode may not be selected while the
engine coolant temperature is low. In
such a case, the engine revolutions do
not rise to over 5,000 rpm even if the
accelerator pedal is depressed.For vehicles equipped with the
keyless operation system
Your vehicles equipped with an
electronically controlled fuel injection
system. When starting the engine, do
not depress the accelerator pedal.
The starting procedure is as follows:
Fasten the seat belt.
Make sure the parking brake is
applied.
Press and hold the brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and place the gearshift lever in the “N”
(Neutral) position.
Press the engine switch.
Make certain that all warning lamps
are functioning properly.
When the engine is not started, it may
become hard to depress the brake
pedal and the vehicle may not be able
to detect the pedal operation. Therefore
the engine may not be started. In such
a case, depress the brake pedal more
firmly than usual.
A ticking noise may be heard after
starting the engine. This is not an
abnormal condition. The noise will
disappear after a short time of engine
running. If the ticking noise continues
after the engine is warmed up, have
your vehicle checked at a Fiat
Dealership.
Minor noises may be heard on engine
startup. These will disappear as the
engine warms up.When the engine is hard to start
After several attempts, you may
experience that the engine still does not
start.
Make sure that all electric devices,
such as lamps, air conditioning blower
and rear window demister, are turned
off.
While depressing the clutch pedal,
press the accelerator pedal halfway and
hold it there, then crank the engine.
Release the accelerator pedal,
immediately after the engine starts.
If the engine still will not start, the
engine could be flooded with too much
petrol. While depressing the clutch
pedal, push the accelerator pedal all the
way down and hold it there, then press
the engine switch to crank the engine. If
the engine does not start after 5 to
6 seconds, press the engine switch to
stop the engine, and release the
accelerator pedal. Put the operation
mode in OFF. Wait a few seconds, and
then press the engine switch to crank
the engine again while depressing the
brake pedal or the clutch pedal, but do
not push the accelerator pedal. If the
engine fails to start, repeat these
procedures. If the engine still will not
start, we recommend you to have the
vehicle checked.
To protect the engine, the high-speed
mode may not be selected while the
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STARTING AND DRIVING

engine coolant temperature is low. In
such a case, the engine revolutions do
not rise to over 5,000 rpm even if the
accelerator pedal is depressed.
Starting the engine (diesel-powered
vehicles)
Except for vehicles equipped with
the keyless operation system
Insert the ignition key and fasten the
seat belt.
Make sure the parking brake is
applied.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
On vehicles equipped with M/T,
depress the clutch pedal all the way
and place the gearshift lever in the “N”
(Neutral) position. On vehicles equipped
with A/T, make sure the selector lever is
in the “P” (PARK) position.
Turn the ignition key to the “ON”
position. The diesel preheat indicator
lamp will first illuminate, and then after a
short time go out, indicating that
preheating is completed.
Turn the ignition key to the “START”
position without depressing the
accelerator pedal, and release it when
the engine starts.If the engine is cold, the diesel preheat
indicator lamp is on for a longer time.
When the engine has not been started
within about 5 seconds after the diesel
preheat indicator lamp went out, return
the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position. Then, turn the switch to the
“ON” position to preheat the engine
again.
When the engine is warm, the diesel
preheat indicator lamp does not come
on even if the ignition key is placed in
the “ON” position. Start the engine by
turning the ignition key right to the
“START” position.
Minor noises may be heard on engine
startup. These will disappear as the
engine warms up.For vehicles equipped with the
keyless operation system
Fasten the seat belt.
Make sure the parking brake is
applied.
Press and hold the brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot.
On vehicles equipped with M/T,
depress the clutch pedal all the way
and place the gearshift lever in the “N”
(Neutral) position. On vehicles equipped
with A/T, make sure the selector lever is
in the “P” (PARK) position.
Press the engine switch. The diesel
preheat indicator lamp will first
illuminate, and then after a short time
go out, indicating that preheating is
completed. The engine will start.
When the engine is not started, it may
become hard to depress the brake
pedal and the vehicle may not be able
to detect the pedal operation. Therefore
the engine may not be started. In such
a case, depress the brake pedal more
firmly than usual.
If the engine is cold, the diesel preheat
indicator lamp is on for a longer time.
Putting the operation mode in ON will
also start preheating the engine. When
the engine has not been started within
about 5 seconds after the diesel
preheat indicator lamp went out, put
the operation mode in OFF. Then,
attempt the engine start procedure to
preheat the engine again.
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228AHA106014
143

112)Use the rear differential lock only as an
emergency measure when the vehicle is
stuck and cannot be freed with the drive
mode-selector in “4L” or “4H” position
(Easy select 4WD) or in “4LLc” or “4HLc”
position (Super select 4WD II). Deactivate
the rear differential lock immediately after
using it.4 WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
By selecting 4-wheel drive, both axles
of the vehicle are rigidly connected with
each other. This improves the traction
characteristics. When turning sharp
corners or moving forward and
backward repeatedly, however, the
drive line is stressed, which is felt as a
braking effect. A 4-wheel drive vehicle
can accelerate more quickly and
smoothly.
However, note that the braking distance
is not shorter than that of a rear-wheel
drive vehicle.
When using 4-wheel drive on rough
roads (snow, mud, sand, etc.), it is
important to operate the vehicle
correctly.
The driving posture should be more
upright and closer to the wheel than
usual; adjust the seat to a good
position for easy steering and pedal
operation. Be sure to wear the seat belt
After driving on rough roads, check
each part of the vehicle and wash it
thoroughly with water. Refer to the
“Vehicle care” section and “Inspection
and maintenance following rough road
operation”.Driving on dry paved road and
highway
Select “2H” position (Easy select 4WD),
“2H” or “4H” position (Super select
4WD II) to drive on the dry paved road.
Especially on dry highway, never select
the “4H” or “4L” position (Easy select
4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (Super
select 4WD II).
113)
Driving on snowy or icy roads
Set the drive mode-selector to “4H”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4H” or
“4HLc” position in accordance with the
road conditions (Super select 4WD II)
and then gradually depress the
accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator
pedal as constant as possible, and
drive at low speed. The use of snow
tyres and/or tyre chains is
recommended.
Maintain a safe distance between
vehicles, avoid sudden braking, and
use engine braking (downshifting).
114)
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STARTING AND DRIVING

Diesel-powered vehicles 4N15
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which
has the booster battery, let the engine
idle a few minutes, then start the engine
in the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
7. After the engine is started,
disconnect the cables in the reverse
order and keep the engine running for
several minutes.
NOTE On vehicles with anti-lock brake
system, if the vehicle is put in motion
without fully charging the battery, it
might cause the loss of the smooth
engine operation and the antilock brake
warning lamp to illuminate. Refer to
“Anti-lock brake system (ABS)”.
WARNING
231)To start the engine using jumper
cables from another vehicle, perform the
correct procedures according to the
instruction below. Incorrect procedures
could result in a fire or explosion or
damage to the vehicles.
232)Keep sparks, cigarettes and flames
away from the battery because the battery
may produce an explosion.
233)Do not attempt to start the engine by
pulling or pushing the vehicle. It could
damage your vehicle.
234)Check the other vehicle. It must have
a 12-volt battery. If the other system isn’t
12-volt, shorting can damage both
vehicles.
235)Use the proper cables suitable for the
battery size to prevent overheating of the
cables.
236)Check the jumper cables for damage
and corrosion before use.
237)Always wear protective eye goggles
when working near the battery.
238)Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
239)Turn off the ignition on both vehicles
beforehand. Make sure that the cables or
your clothes cannot be caught by the fan
or drive belt. Personal injury could result.
240)If electrolyte fluid is not visible, or
appears to be frozen, Do Not Attempt
Jump Starting! A battery might rupture or
explode if the temperature is below the
freezing point or if it is not filled to the
proper level.241)Electrolyte is corrosive diluted
sulphuric acid. If electrolyte (battery acid)
comes into contact with your hands, eyes,
clothes or the painted surface of your
vehicle, it should be thoroughly flushed
with water. If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush them with water immediately and
thoroughly, and get prompt medical
attention.
242)Make sure that the connection is
made to the appointed position (shown in
the illustration). If the connection is made
directly to the negative (−) side of the
battery, the inflammable gases generated
from the battery might catch fire and
explode.
243)When connecting the jumper cables,
do not connect the positive (+) cable to the
negative (−) terminal. Otherwise sparks
might cause explosion of the battery.
244)Use care not to get the jumper cable
caught in the cooling fan or other rotating
part in the engine compartment.
245)Keep the engine of the vehicle giving
assistance running.
246)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with your skin and
eyes. The battery should be charged in a
well ventilated place, away from naked
flames or possible sources of sparks:
danger of explosion and fire.
247)Do not attempt to charge a frozen
battery: it must be thawed first, otherwise it
may explode. If freezing has occurred, the
battery should be checked by skilled
personnel to make sure that the internal
elements are not damaged and that the
body is not cracked, with the risk of leaking
poisonous and corrosive acid.A
B
1
4
23
285AHA102061
186
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

ENGINE
OVERHEATING
When the engine is overheating,will
blink. If this occurs, take the following
corrective measures:
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
2. Check whether steam is coming from
the engine compartment.
If steam does not come from the engine
compartment: with the engine still
running, raise the bonnet to ventilate
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment: stop the engine, and
when the steam stops, raise the bonnet
to ventilate the engine compartment.
Restart the engine.
248) 249) 250)
3. Confirm that the cooling fan (B) is
turning.
If the cooling fan is turning: after the
high coolant temperature warning has
gone off, stop the engine
If the cooling fan is not turning: stop the
engine immediately and contact a Fiat
dealership for assistance.A — Radiator cap
B — Cooling fan
C — Reserve tank
251)
4. Check the coolant level in the reserve
tank (C).
5. Add coolant to the radiator and/or
reserve tank if necessary (refer to the
“Maintenance” section).
252)
131)
6. Examine the radiator hoses for
coolant leakage and the drive belt for
looseness or damage.
If there is anything wrong with the
cooling system or drive belt, have the
problem corrected at a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
248)Do not open the bonnet while steam
is coming from the engine compartment. It
could cause steam or hot water to spurt
out, causing burns. Hot water could spurt
out even when there is no steam coming
out, and some parts will be very hot. Be
very careful when opening the bonnet.
249)Be careful of hot steam, which could
be blowing off the reserve tank cap.
250)Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap while the engine is hot.
251)Be careful not to get your hands or
clothes caught in the cooling fan.
252)Make sure that the engine has cooled
down before removing the radiator cap (A),
because hot steam or boiling water
otherwise will gush from the filler port and
may scald you.
A
C
B
286AHA104254
FULL
LOW
C
287AHA102087
187

SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
305) 306) 307) 308) 309) 310) 311)
Adequate care of your vehicle at regular
intervals serves to preserve the value
and appearance as long as possible.
Maintenance items as described in this
owner’s manual can be performed by
the owner.
We recommend you to have the
periodic inspection and maintenance
performed by a Fiat dealership or
another specialist.
In the event a malfunction or a problem
is discovered, we recommend you to
have it checked and repaired. This
section contains information on
inspection maintenance procedures
that you can do yourself. Follow the
instructions and cautions for each of
the various procedures.
WARNING
305)When checking or servicing the inside
of the engine compartment, make sure the
engine is switched off and has had a
chance to cool down.
306)If it is necessary to do work in the
engine compartment with the engine
running, be especially careful that your
clothing, hair, etc., does not become
caught by the cooling fan, drive belts, or
other moving parts.307)The cooling fan can turn on
automatically even if the engine is not
running. Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
position or put the operation mode in OFF
to be safe while you work in the engine
compartment.
308)Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow
open flames around fuel or battery. The
fumes are flammable.
309)Be extremely cautious when working
around the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulphuric acid.
310)Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Always use
automotive jack stands.
311)Improper handling of components
and materials used in the vehicle can
endanger your personal safety. We
recommend you to consult a specialist for
necessary information.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE