IMPORTANT
75)On 4WD vehicles, the “4L” (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc” (Super select 4WD II) range gives maximum torque for low-speed driving on steep
slopes, as well as sandy, muddy, and other difficult surfaces. On vehicles with A/T, do not exceed speeds of approximately 70 km/h in “4L”
(Easy select 4WD), “4LLc” (Super select 4WD II) range.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
Vehicles equipped with the transfer
shift lever
Transfer shift lever position and
2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
Drive mode
selector
positionIndicator
lampDriving
conditions
2HRear-
wheel
drive
When
driving on
dry paved
road.
4H4-wheel
drive
When
driving on
rough, sand
or snow
covered
roads.
4LLow
range 4-
wheel
drive
When
driving up
or down
steep hills,
on rough or
muddy
roads
(especially
when
increased
torque is
required).
Illuminate
Remain off
206) 207)
Transfer shift lever operation
The transfer shift lever should be
positioned in accordance with the
following operating conditions.
To shift from 2H to 4H
The transfer shift lever can be operated
while the vehicle is either moving or
stationary. When the vehicle is not in
motion, shift the gearshift lever to the
“N” (Neutral) position before operating
the transfer shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only
while it can be steered straight ahead,
release the accelerator pedal beforeo
perating the transfer shift lever.
To shift from 4H to 2H
The transfer shift lever can be operated
while the vehicle is either moving or
stationary. When the vehicle is not in
motion, shift the gearshift lever to the
“N” (Neutral) position before operating
the transfer shift lever.
B
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155
Vehicles equipped with the drive
mode-selector
Drive mode-selector position and
2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
Drive
mode
selector
positionIndicator
lampDriving
conditions
2H
Rear-
wheel
driveWhen driving on
dry paved road.
4H
4–wheel
drive
When driving on
rough, sand or
snow covered
roads.
4L
Low range
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
206) 207)
Drive mode-selector operation
The drive mode is shown on the drive
mode selector.
Turn the drive mode-selector.
Turn the drive mode-selector while
holding it down.
The drive mode-selector should be
positioned in accordance with the
following operating conditions:
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158
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
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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162
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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166
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
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