ABS SYSTEMThis is an integral part of the braking system, which
prevents one or more wheels from locking or
slipping regardless of the road surface conditions and
braking intensity, giving the best control during
emergency braking.
The EBD system (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution) completes the system, allowing the
brake force to be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
IMPORTANT For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km is
needed: during this period it is better to avoid sharp,
repeated and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can tell the ABS system has come into
action because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and
the system gets noisier: it means that the vehicle
speed should be altered to suit the type of road
surface.
MECHANICAL BRAKE ASSIST (emergency
braking assistance)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system, which cannot be deactivated, recognises
emergency braking conditions (according to the
brake pedal operation speed) and provides an
additional hydraulic braking pressure to support thatprovided by the driver. This allows faster and more
powerful operation of the braking system.
IMPORTANT When the Mechanical Brake Assist is
activated, noises may be heard from the system. This
is normal. In any case, while braking keep the brake
pedal firmly depressed.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not remove
your foot , but keep the pedal pushed down; in
doing so you, will stop in the shortest distance
possible under the road conditions at the time.
WARNING
If the ABS cuts in, it is a sign that the
grip between tyre and the road surface
has reached the limit : you must slow down to
match the speed to the road grip available.
WARNING
The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it ;
you should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
69KNOW YOUR
VEHICLESAFETY
STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTS
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IN AN EMERGENCY
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INDEX
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
It's integral to the ESP system. It automatically
activates with the following conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pedal
pressed and gearbox in neutral or gear other than
reverse;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running, brake
pedal pressed and reverse gear engaged.
At pickup, the ESP system control unit will keep
braking pressure on the wheels until reaching the
required torque for starting or, in any case, for
a maximum of 2 seconds in order to move easily the
right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator
pedal. When two seconds have elapsed, without
starting, the system is automatically deactivated,
gradually releasing the braking pressure. During this
release stage, the typical brake disengagement noise
indicating that the vehicle is going to move
imminently will be heard.Failure indications
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the vehicle without
having engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off
and engaged the first gear.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size recommended.
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WARNING LIGHTS
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FAILURE INDICATIONS
Parking sensor failures are indicated, when engaging
reverse gear, by a three-second beep.
The sensor must be free of mud, dirt , snow
or ice in order for the system to work. Be
careful not to scratch or damage the
sensors while cleaning them. Avoid using dr y,
rough or hard cloths.The sensors should 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.
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
The operation of the sensors is automatically
deactivated when the plug for the electric cable for
the trailer is inserted in the vehicle tow hook socket.
The sensors are automatically enabled again when
the trailer cable plug is removed.GENERAL WARNINGS
❒During parking manoeuvres, pay the utmost
attention to any obstacles that could be located
above or below the sensors.
❒Sometimes, objects located very near the rear of
the vehicle are not detected and could therefore
damage the vehicle or be damaged themselves.
❒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 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.
WARNING
The ultimate responsibility when
parking and carrying out other
dangerous manoeuvres still rests with the
driver.When parking, make sure that no-one is
standing in the area, especially children or
animals. Parking sensors are designed to assist
drivers; however, you must always concentrate
fully during potentially dangerous manoeuvres,
even if carried out at low speeds.
78KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
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INDEX
STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINEThe vehicle is fitted with an immobiliser: if the engine
fails to start, see the paragraph on “The Fiat CODE
system” in the “Knowing your vehicle” section.
The engine may be noisier during the first few
seconds of operation, particularly after a long period
of inactivity. This is due to the hydraulic tappets,
the timing system chosen for petrol engine versions
to reduce the number of servicing interventions,
and affects neither functionality nor reliability.
It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessive intense braking, etc .) during
the initial period of use.When the engine is switched off never
leave the key on (at MAR) to prevent
unnecessary consumption and draining
the battery.
WARNING
It is dangerous to have the engine
running indoors.The engine takes in
oxygen and discharges carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
WARNING
Remember that the brake booster and
electric power steering are not
operational until the engine has been started,
so you need to apply much more force than
usual to the brake pedal and steering wheel.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒apply the handbrake;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒turn the key on (MAR position): instrument panel
warning light
will light up;
❒wait for the warning lights
and
to go out.
The hotter the engine is, the quicker this will
happen;
107KNOW YOUR
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SAFETYSTARTING AND
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AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
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INDEX
HANDBRAKEThe handbrake lever fig. 113is located between the
two front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to engage the handbrake and
ensure that the vehicle does not move.
WARNING
The vehicle should be secured after
several clicks of the lever. If it is not ,
contact a Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.When the handbrake lever is engaged and the
ignition key is on MAR, the instrument panel warning
light
will light up.
Proceed as follows to release the handbrake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press release button
Afig. 113;
❒hold button A pressed and lower the lever. The
instrument panel warning light
will go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out this
operation to prevent the vehicle from moving
accidentally.
fig. 113
F0T0043
110KNOW YOUR
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IN AN EMERGENCY
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PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
❒engage a gear (1
stgear if parked uphill or reverse if
facing downhill) and leave the wheels turned.
If the vehicle is parked on a steep slope, it is
advisable to block the wheels with a wedge or stone.
To prevent draining the battery, do not leave the
ignition key turned to MAR. Always remove the key
when you leave the vehicle.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Always remove the ignition key when leaving the
vehicle, and take it with you.
SNOW TYRESA Fiat Dealership will be happy to provide advice
concerning the most suitable type of tyre for your
requirements.
For the type, pressures and specifications of the
snow tyre to be used, follow carefully the
instructions given in the “Wheels” paragraph of the
“Technical specifications” section.
The winter performance of these tyres is
considerably reduced when the tread thickness is less
than 4 mm. If this is the case, replace them.
Due to their specific features, the performance of
snow tyres is much lower than that of standard tyres
in normal conditions or on long motorway stretches.
You should therefore use them only in the
conditions for which they were designed.
111KNOW YOUR
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Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel
consumption and emissions: accelerate gradually.
CONDITIONS OF USE
The main conditions of use which negatively affect
consumption are illustrated below.
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups prevent
the engine from reaching its optimum running
temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30%
on the urban cycle) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Heavy traffic, for instance when travelling in a queue
with frequent use of low gears or in cities with
lots of traffic lights, causes fairly high fuel
consumption. Mountain roads and uneven surfaces
also have a negative effect on consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. at level crossings)
the engine should be switched off.
TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved
tow hitch and adequate electrical system to tow
trailers. Installation must be performed by specialised
personnel who will issue the required papers for
travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors
in accordance with the highway code of the country
in which you are travelling.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, braking distances increase and
overtaking takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the vehicle tow hitch
will reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle by the
same amount.
Consider the weight at full load, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the
maximum towable weight (shown in the log book).
Respect each country's speed limits for vehicles
towing trailers. In all cases, the top speed must not
exceed 80 km/h.
115KNOW YOUR
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INDEX
WARNING
The ABS with which the vehicle may be
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
therefore required on slippery roads.
WARNING
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.
SNOW CHAINSThe use of snow chains should be in compliance with
local regulations.
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheel
tyres (drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the first few
metres have been driven.
Keep your speed down when snow chains
are fitted: do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and also
avoid driving for long distances on roads not
covered with snow to avoid damaging the car and
the road surface.
116KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
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AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
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INDEX