
209)If a problem is detected in the transfer
system, a safety device will activate. The
2WD/4WD operation indicator blinks (twice
per second), and transfer shifting will
become impossible. Park your vehicle in a
safe place, turn off the engine for a few
moments. Restart the engine. The lamp
should resume normal operation. If the
lamp continue to blink, have the vehicle
checked by a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.SUPER SELECT 4WD
II
(where provided)
Shifting to rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel
drive can be made by operating the
drive mode-selector (A). Set the drive
mode-selector to an appropriate
position according to the road surface
conditions. In addition, the 2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp and low-range
indicator lamp indicates the drive
mode-selector setting state. Refer to
“2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
and low-range indicator lamp”.Drive mode-selector position and
2WD/4WD operation indicator lampSelector
positionIndicator
lampDriving
conditions
2H
Rear
wheel
driveWhen driving
on dry paved
road
4H
Fulltime
4- wheel
drive
When driving
on dry paved
or slippery
roads.
4HLc
Centre
differential
lock
engaged
4-wheel
drive
When driving
on rough,
sand or snow
covered
roads.
4LLc
Low
range
centre
differential
lock
engaged
4-wheel
drive
and
When driving
up or down
steep hills, on
rough or
muddy roads
(especially
when
increased
torque is
required).
— Illuminate
— Remain off
210) 211)
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STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING
210)The “4LLc” 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 “4LLc”
range.
211)Do not drive your vehicle in the
“4HLc” or “4LLc” position 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” or “4H” only.212)Do not operate the drive
mode-selector while the rear wheels of the
vehicle are slipping on snow or ice.
213)If a problem is detected in the transfer
system, a safety device will activate. The
front and rear wheel lamps will go out, the
centre differential lock lamp will blink rapidly
(twice per second), and transfer shifting will
become impossible. Park your vehicle in a
safe place, turn off the engine for a few
moments. Restart the engine. The lamp
should resume normal operation. If the
lamps continue to blink, have the vehicle
checked by a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
REAR DIFFERENTIAL
LOCK
(where provided)
If one wheel starts to spin freely and the
vehicle becomes stuck and cannot be
freed even using 4-wheel drive, the rear
differential lock switch (A) can be used
to activate the rear differential lock for
extra traction.
Operating the rear differential lock
1. Move the drive mode-selector to
“4L” or “4H” position (Easy select
4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” position (Super
select 4WD II).
2. To activate the rear differential lock,
press the rear differential lock switch (1).
3. To deactivate the rear differential
lock, press the rear differential lock
switch (2).
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STARTING AND DRIVING

110)
The rear differential lock does not
operate when the drive mode-selector
is in “2H” position (Easy select 4WD),
“2H” or “4H” position (Super select
4WD II).
When the rear differential is locked with
the drive mode-selector in “4L” or “4H”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc” or
“4HLc” position (Super select 4WD II)
changing the drive mode-selector to
“2H” position (Easy select 4WD), “2H”
or “4H” position (Super select 4WD II)
makes the rear differential unlock
automatically.Rear differential lock indicator lamp
When the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position or the operation
mode is put in ON, the rear differential
lock indicator lamp (A) in the meter
cluster illuminates for a few seconds
then indicates the rear differential lock’s
operating status (activated or
deactivated).
The 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp also illuminates for a few seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the operation mode is
put in ON. Refer to “2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp”. The status of
the rear differential lock (resulting from
depression of the rear differential lock
switch) is shown by blinking or steady
illumination of the rear differential lock
indicator lamp.
The operation state
of rear differential
lockRear differential
lock indicator
lamp
Easy select
4WD
Rear differential lock
deactivated
Switching in progress
Rear differential lock
activated
Blink
Illuminate
Remain off
The indicator lamp blinks while the rear
differential lock is being switched
between its activated and deactivated
conditions. When the switching
operation is complete, the indicator
lamp is either illuminated steadily or not
illuminated.
The ASTC and ABS functions are
suspended while the rear differential
lock is activated. ASTC indicator lamp,
ASTC OFF indicator lamp and ABS
warning lamp are illuminated while
these functions are suspended. It does
not indicate a problem. When the rear
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LOCK
A
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167

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

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”.
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WARNING
222)Do not crank the engine while jacking
up the vehicle. The tyre on the ground may
turn and the vehicle may roll off the jack.
BRAKING SYSTEM
All the parts of the brake system are
critical to safety. We recommend you to
have the vehicle checked at regular
intervals.
123)
Brake system
The service brake is divided into two
brake circuits. And your vehicle is
equipped with power brakes. If one
brake circuit fails, the other is available
to stop the vehicle. If your vehicle
should lose the power assist for some
reason, the brakes will still work.
In these situations even if the brake
pedal moves down to the very end of
its possible stroke or resists being
depressed, keep depressing the brake
pedal down harder and further than
usual; stop driving as soon as possible
and have the brake system repaired.
223) 224)
Warning lamp
The brake warning lamp illuminates to
indicate a fault in the braking system.
Refer to “Brake warning lamp”.When brakes are wet
Check the brake system while driving at
a low speed immediately after starting,
especially when the brakes are wet, to
confirm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the
brake discs or brake drums and
prevent normal braking after driving in
heavy rain or through large puddles, or
after the vehicle is washed. If this
occurs, dry the brakes out by driving
slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.
When driving downhill
It is important to take advantage of the
engine braking by shifting to a lower
shift position while driving on steep
downhill roads in order to prevent the
brakes from overheating.
225)
Brake pads and linings
Avoid hard braking situations. New
brakes need to be broken-in by
moderate use for the first 200 km.
The disc brakes are provided with a
warning device which emits a shrieking
metallic sound while braking if the brake
pads have reached their wear limit. If
you hear this sound, have the brake
pads replaced.
226)
175

To activate
1. With the ignition switch in the “ON”
position or the operation mode in ON,
press the CRUISE CONTROL ON/OFF
switch (A) to turn on the cruise control.
The indicator lamp in the meter cluster
will come on.2. Accelerate or decelerate to your
desired speed, then push down and
release the SET - switch (B) when the
indicator lamp is illuminated. The
vehicle will then maintain the desired
speed.
When you release the SET - switch (B),
the vehicle speed will be set.
On vehicles with A/T, it is not possible
to set the vehicle speed while driving in
1st gear.
To increase the set speed
There are 2 ways to increase the set
speed.
RES + switch
Push up and hold the RES + switch (C)
while driving at the set speed, and your
speed will then gradually increase.
When you reach your desired speed,
release the switch. Your new cruising
speed is now set.To increase your speed in small
amounts, push up the RES + switch (C)
for less than about 1 second and
release it. Each time you press the RES
+ switch (C), your vehicle will go about
1.6 km/h faster.
Accelerator pedal
While driving at the set speed, use the
accelerator pedal to reach your desired
speed and then push down the SET -
switch (B) and release the switch
momentarily to set a new desired
cruising speed.
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