For LHD vehicles
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully
applied.
2. Stop the engine if it is running.
3. Insert a straight blade (or minus)
screwdriver with a cloth over its tip into
the notch (A) of the cover. Pry gently as
shown to remove the cover.
4. Depress the brake pedal with the
right foot.
5. Insert a straight blade (or minus)
screwdriver in the shift-lock release hole
(B). Shift the selector lever to the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position while pressing the
straight blade (or minus) screwdriver
down.For RHD vehicles
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully
applied.
2. Stop the engine if it is running.
3. Depress the brake pedal with the
right foot
4. Insert a straight blade (or minus)
screwdriver in the shift-lock release hole
(A). Shift the selector lever to the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position while pressing the
straight blade (or minus) screwdriver
down.Selector lever position display
When the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position or the operation
mode is put in ON, the position of the
selector lever is indicated in the multi
information display.
A
236AHA106304
B
237AHA106043
A
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239AHA103592
150
STARTING AND DRIVING
Operation of the A/T
103) 104) 105) 106) 107) 108)
Passing acceleration
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE)
position, push the accelerator to the
floor. The A/T will automatically
downshift.
In sport mode, downshifts do not take
place when the accelerator is
depressed all the way to the floor.
Waiting
For short waiting periods, such as at
traffic signals the vehicle can be left in
gear and held stationary with the
service brake. For longer waiting
periods with the engine running, place
the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position and apply the parking brake,
while holding the vehicle stationary with
the service brake.
109)
Parking
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a
complete stop, fully engage the parking
brake, and then move the selector lever
to the “P” (PARK) position.
If you are going to leave the vehicle
unattended, always switch off the
engine and carry the key.
On a slope, be sure to apply the
parking brake before moving the
selector lever to the “P” (PARK)
position. If you move the selector lever
to the “P” (PARK) position beforeapplying the parking brake, it may be
difficult to disengage the selector lever
from the “P” (PARK) position when next
you drive the vehicle, requiring
application of a strong force to the
selector lever to move from the “P”
(PARK) position.
When the A/T makes no speed
change
If the transmission does not change
speeds while driving, or your vehicle
does not pick up enough speed when
starting on an uphill slope, it may be
that there is something unusual
happening in the transmission, causing
a safety device to activate. Have your
vehicle checked by a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
1. If your vehicle has difficulty moving
uphill, shift the selector lever into 2nd
gear of the sports mode. This method
might not work depending on the
transmission malfunction.
2. Once the vehicle is moving on a level
road, move the selector lever back to
“D” (DRIVE).
When the selector lever position display
in the instrument panel blinks, it means
that there is an abnormal condition in
the transmission. Refer to “When the
selector lever position display blinks”.
IMPORTANT
92)Always depress the brake pedal when
shifting the selector lever into a gear from
the “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Never put your foot on the accelerator
pedal while shifting the selector lever from
the “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
93)Never shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion to avoid a transmission damage.
94)Never move the selector lever to the
“N” (NEUTRAL) position while driving. A
serious accident could occur since you
could accidentally move the lever into the
“P” (PARK) or “R” (REVERSE) position or
you will lose engine braking.
95)On a gradient, the engine should be
started in the “P” (PARK) position, not in the
“N” (NEUTRAL) position.
96)To prevent rolling, always keep your
foot on the brake pedal when the vehicle is
in “N” (NEUTRAL) position, or when shifting
into or out of “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
97)To prevent transmission damage, never
shift into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is
in motion.
98)In sports mode, the driver must
execute upward shifts in accordance with
prevailing road conditions, taking care to
keep the engine speed below the red zone.
99)Repeated continuous operation of the
selector lever or the shift paddles will
continuously switch shift position.
153
100)For vehicles equipped with the shift
paddles, do not use the left- and right-hand
shift paddles at the same time. Doing so
could cause a shift of gear ratio that you do
not expect.
101)If the selector lever position display
blinks while you are driving, it is likely that a
safety device is operating because of a
malfunction in the automatic transmission.
Have the vehicle inspected by a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
102)If the lamp comes on, reduce the
engine speed and stop the vehicle in a safe
area. Then set the selector lever to “P”
(PARK) position and idle the engine until the
warning lamp goes off. When the warning
lamp goes off, resume normal driving. If the
warning lamp does not go off, we
recommend you to have your vehicle
inspected.
103)Before selecting a gear with the
engine running and the vehicle stationary,
fully depress the brake pedal to prevent the
vehicle from creeping. The vehicle will begin
to move as soon as the gear is engaged,
especially when the engine speed is high,
at fast idle or with the air conditioner
operating, the brakes should only be
released when you are ready to drive away.
104)Depress the brake pedal with the right
foot at all times. Using the left foot could
cause driver movement delay in case of an
emergency.
105)To prevent sudden acceleration, never
race the engine when shifting from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
106)Operating the accelerator pedal while
the other foot is resting on the brake pedal
will affect braking efficiency and may cause
premature wear of brake pads.107)Use the selector lever in the correct
shift position in accordance with driving
conditions. Never coast downhill backward
with the selector lever in the {“D” (DRIVE) or
sports mode} or coast forward with the
selector lever in the “R” (REVERSE)
position. The engine may stop and the
unexpected increase in brake pedal effort
and steering wheel weight could lead to an
accident.
108)Do not race the engine with brake
pedal pressed when the vehicle is
stationary. This can damage the A/T. Also,
when you depress the accelerator pedal
while holding down the brake pedal with
the selector lever in the “P” (PARK), “N”
(NEUTRAL) or “D” (DRIVE) position, the
engine revolutions may not rise as high as
when performing the same operation with
the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position.
109)Never hold the vehicle stationary on a
hill using the accelerator pedal (without
using the brake pedal). Always apply the
parking brake and/or service brakes.EASY SELECT 4WD
(where provided)
Shifting to rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel
drive can be made by operating the
transfer shift lever (A) or the drive
mode-selector (B). Shift the transfer
shift lever or set the drive mode-
selector to an appropriate position
according to the road surface
conditions. In addition, the 2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp and the
low-range indicator lamp (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer shift
lever shifting state or the drive
mode-selector setting state. Refer to
“Vehicles equipped with the transfer
shift lever: 2WD/4WD operation
indicator lamp” or “Vehicles equipped
with the drive mode-selector:
2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
and low-range indicator lamp”.
A
244AHA106173
154
STARTING AND DRIVING
“4H” <-> “4L”
Selector
positionIndicator lamp
4H
and
and
and
Drive
mode
switching
in
progress
4L
— Blink
— Illuminate
— Remain off
The 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp will blink during shifting process
from “4H” to “4L” or vice versa, as the
transfer passes through the neutral
position. Be sure to operate the drivemode-selector until the 2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp illuminates
again.
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator and the low range lamp are
not blinking during shifting process
between “4H” <–> “4L”. Otherwise, the
vehicle could unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the
“P” (PARK) position.
If, after a “4H” <–> “4L” selection has
been made, the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator continues blinking and the
desired range is not actually selected,
return the drive mode selector to its
previous position. Place the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position,
drive the vehicle forward, and release
the accelerator pedal. Next, hold down
the clutch pedal (with manual
transmission) or place the selector lever
in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position (with
automatic transmission) and make the
range selection again.
If the low range lamp blinks when you
attempt to make a “4H” <–> “4L”
selection, a “4H” <–> “4L” selection
cannot be made. Stop the vehicle and
release the accelerator pedal. Next,
hold down the clutch pedal (with
manual transmission) or place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)position (with automatic transmission)
and make the range selection again.
The active stability control function is
suspended while “4L” is selected
indicator lamp is illuminated while
these functions are suspended. It does
not indicate a problem. When “2H” or
“4H” is selected, this lamp goes out
and function again. Refer to “ASTC
indicator lamp, ASTC OFF indicator
lamp”.
209)
WARNING
206)The “4L” range gives maximum
torque for low-speed driving on steep
slopes, as well as sandy, muddy, and other
difficult surfaces. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, do not exceed
speeds of approximately 70 km/h in “4L”
range.
207)Do not drive your vehicle in the “4H”
or “4L” on dry paved roads and highways.
Doing so may result in excessive tyre wear,
increased fuel consumption, and possible
noise generation. It may also increase the
differential oil temperature, which may
damage the drive system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading,
resulting in oil leakage, component seizure,
or other serious problems. On dry paved
roads and highways, drive the vehicle in
“2H” only.
208)Do not operate the drive
mode-selector while the rear wheels of the
vehicle are slipping on snow or ice.
161
Switching between 4HL and 4LLc
Drive mode
selector positionIndicator lamp
4HLc
Drive mode
switching in
progress
and
4LLcand
Blink
Illuminate
Remain off
When the drive mode-selector is set
between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”, the
front wheel and/or centre differential
lock lamps blink while the selection is in
process. Take the following precautionswhen the indicator lamp is blinking.
Keep the steering wheel in the
straight ahead position while making
range selections. If you attempt to drive
forward with the steering wheel turned,
gear rattling or shock may occur and
the desired range may not actually be
selected.
When the drive mode-selector is set
between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”, while
the vehicle is stopped, the front wheel
and/or centre differential lock lamps
blink while the selection is in process.
Drive slowly and normally after
confirming that the lamp is switched.
If the front wheel and/or centre
differential lock lamps blinking after a
“2H” <-> “4H” <-> “4HLc” selection
has been made with the vehicle
moving, hold the steering wheel in the
straight ahead position and slowly
depress the accelerator pedal several
times.
The front and the rear wheel lamps will
blink during shifting process from
“4HLc” to “4LLc” or vice versa, as the
transfer passes through the neutral
position. Be sure to operate the drive
mode-selector until the front and the
rear wheel lamps illuminate again.
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the front and the rear wheel
lamps and the low range lamp are not
blinking during shifting processbetween “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”.
Otherwise, the vehicle could
unexpectedly move even if the
automatic transmission is in the “P”
(PARK) position
If, after a “4HLc” <-> “4LLc” selection
has been made, front and the rear
wheel lamps continue blinking and the
desired range is not actually selected,
return the drive modeselector to its
previous position. Place the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position,
drive the vehicle forward, and release
the accelerator pedal. Next, hold down
the clutch pedal (with manual
transmission) or place the selector lever
in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position (with
automatic transmission) and make the
range selection again.
If the low range lamp blinks when you
attempt to make a “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”
selection, a “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”
selection cannot be made. Stop the
vehicle and release the accelerator
pedal. Next, hold down the clutch pedal
(with manual transmission) or place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position (with automatic transmission)
and make the range selection again.
The active stability control function is
suspended while “4LLc” is selected
indicator lamp is illuminated while
these functions are suspended. It does
not indicate a problem. When “2H” or
“4H” or “4HLc” is selected, this lamp
goes out and function again. Refer to
“ASTC indicator lamp, ASTC OFF
indicator lamp”.
213)
165
Driving on sandy or muddy roads
Set the drive mode-selector to “4H” or
“4L” position (Easy select 4WD), “4HLc”
or “4LLc” position (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.
115) 116)
218)
Avoid sudden braking, acceleration,
and turning; such operations could
result in the vehicle becoming stuck.
If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy
or muddy roads, it can often be moved
a rocking motion. Move the selector
lever rhythmically between the “D”
(DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE) position
(with manual transmission, between 1st
and Reverse), while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator pedal.
It is recommended to start the vehicle
with parking brake partially, but not
completely, applied by slightly pulling
the parking brake lever. After the vehicle
has become free, do not forget to
release the parking brake.
If it is necessary to drive in extremely
muddy conditions, the use of tyre
chains is recommended. Because the
extent of muddy conditions is difficult to
judge and the vehicle could become
bogged down very deeply, operationshould be at a low speed. If possible,
get out of the vehicle and check the
conditions ahead before proceeding.
Driving over roads in coastal areas or
roads on which anti-skid preparations
have been spread can cause rust on
the vehicle; wash the vehicle thoroughly
as soon as possible after such use.
Climbing sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II) to
maximize the engine torque.
219) 220)
Choose as smooth a slope as possible
with few stones or other obstacles.
Before attempting to drive up the slope,
walk up it to confirm that the vehicle
can handle the grade.Descending sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II), use the
engine brake (downshifting) and
descend slowly.
221)
When descending a sharp grade, if the
brakes are applied suddenly because of
an obstacle encountered, control of the
vehicle could be lost. Before
descending the slope, walk down it and
confirm the path.
Before descending a grade, it is
necessary to choose the appropriate
gear. Avoid changing gears or
depressing the clutch while descending
the grade.
Fiat. is not responsible to the operator
for any damage or injury caused or
liability incurred by the improper and
negligent operation of a vehicle. All
techniques of vehicle operation
described herein depend on the skill
and experience of the operator and
other participating parties and any
deviation from the recommended
operation instructions above is at their
own risk.
171
Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in “4H” or
“4L” position (Easy select 4WD), “4HLc”
or “4LLc” position (Super select 4WD II)
at low speed, a slight difference in
steering may be experienced similar to
as if the brakes were applied. This is
called tight corner braking and results
from each of the 4 tyres being at a
different distance from the corner.
Crossing a stream
4-wheel drive vehicles are not
necessarily waterproof. If the electrical
circuits become wet, further operation
of the vehicle will be impossible;
therefore, avoid crossing streams
unless absolutely necessary. If crossing
a stream is unavoidable, use the
following procedure:
Check depths of a stream and
geographical features before
attempting to cross a stream and
ford the stream where the water is
as shallow as practicable.Set the
drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II).Drive
slowly at a speed of approximately
5 km/h to avoid splashing too
much water.
117) 118)
Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation
After operating the vehicle in rough road
conditions, be sure to perform the
following inspection and maintenance
procedures:
Check that the vehicle has not been
damaged by rocks, gravel, etc.
Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal in order to
dry out the brakes. If the brakes still do
not function properly, we recommend
you to have the brakes checked as
soon as possible.
Remove the insects, dried grass, etc.
clogging the radiator core.
After crossing a stream, be sure to have
the following items inspected at a Fiat
Dealership and take the necessary
measures:
Check the brake system and, if
necessary, have it serviced.
Check the engine, transmission,
transfer, and differential oil or grease
level and turbidity. If the oil or grease is
milky, it indicates water contamination.
Replace it with new oil or grease.
Grease the propeller shaft.
Check the inside of the vehicle. If
water is found, dry the carpet etc.
Inspect the headlamps. If the
headlamp bulb is flooded with water,
have the headlamp drained off.
IMPORTANT
113)Selecting “4H” or “4L” position (Easy
select 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position
(Super select 4WD II) to drive on dry paved
road will increase the fuel consumption with
possible noise generation and early tyre
wear. It may also increase the differential oil
temperature, resulting in possible damage
to the driving system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading,
possibly leading to oil leakage, component
seizure, or other serious faults.
114)Avoid sudden braking, sudden
acceleration, and sharp turning; such
operations could cause skidding and
spinouts.
115)Do not force the vehicle or drive
recklessly on sandy surfaces. In
comparison with normal road surfaces, the
engine and other drive-system components
are put under excessive strain when driving
on such a surface, and this could lead to
accidents.
116)If any of following conditions occur
while the vehicle is being driven,
immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and follow these procedures: the
needle in the temperature gauge
approaches the overheating zone. Refer to
“Engine overheating”; automatic
transmission fluid temperature warning
lamp comes on. Refer to “When the A/T
(automatic transmission) fluid temperature
warning lamp comes on”.
172
STARTING AND DRIVING
117)Never cross a stream where the water
is deep. Do not change gears while
crossing the stream. Frequent crossing of
streams can adversely affect the life span
of the vehicle; we recommend you to take
the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.
118)After crossing a stream, apply the
brakes to be sure they are functioning
properly. If the brakes are wet and not
functioning properly, dry them out by
driving slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal. Inspect each part of the
vehicle carefully.
WARNING
218)When attempting to rock your vehicle
out of a stuck position, be sure that the
area around the vehicle is clear of people
and physical objects. The rocking motion
may cause the vehicle to suddenly launch
forward or backward, causing injury or
damage to nearby people or objects.
219)Go straight up. Do not try to traverse
across a steep slope.
220)If you begin to lose traction, ease off
the accelerator pedal and gently turn the
steering wheel alternatively left and right to
regain adequate traction again.
221)Avoid snaking down a sharp grade.
Descend the grade as straight as possible.
CAUTIONS ON
HANDLING OF
4 WHEEL DRIVE
VEHICLES
Tyres and wheels
Since the driving torque can be applied
to the 4 wheels, the performance of the
vehicle when operating in 4-wheel drive
is greatly affected by the condition of
the tyres.
Pay close attention to the tyres.
Install specified tyres on all wheels.
Refer to “Tyres and wheels”.
Be sure to the appropriate tyre
inflation pressure according to no cargo
or cargo. Refer to “Tyre inflation
pressures”.
Be sure to fit all 4 tyres and wheels of
the same size and type. When
replacement of any of the tyres or
wheels is necessary, replace all of them.
All tyres should be rotated whenever
the wear difference between the front
and rear tyres is recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be
expected if there is a difference in wear
between tyres. Refer to “Tyre rotation”.
Check the tyre inflation pressure
regularly.
119)
Towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by a Fiat Dealership
or a commercial tow truck service. In
the following cases, transport the
vehicle using a tow truck.
The engine runs but the vehicle does
not move or abnormal noise is
produced.
Inspection of the vehicle’s underside
reveals that oil or some other fluid is
leaking.
Only when you cannot receive a towing
service from a Fiat Dealership or
commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the
instructions given in “Towing”.
173