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131
STARTING THE ENGINE
The car is fitted with an electronic engine lock device: if
the engine fails to start, see the paragraph “The Fiat
CODE system” in section “Dashboard and controls”.
The engine may be noisier during the first few seconds
of operation, especially after a long period of inactivity.
This is a feature of hydraulic tappets, the timing system
chosen to reduce the number of servicing interventions,
and effects neither functionality nor reliability.
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
STARTING AND DRIVING
It is dangerous to let the engine run in
enclosed spaces. The engine consumes
oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
WARNING
In the first period of use, we recommend
that you do not demand maximum
performance from the car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, extended travel at maximum revs,
heavy braking etc.).
With the engine off, do not leave the key
in the ignition to prevent draining the
battery.
Remember that the brake booster and
power steering are not operational until
the engine has been started, therefore you need
to apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
131-140 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 13:20 Pagina 131
Page 136 of 271

HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE AFTER IT
HAS JUST STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium
speed. Do not accelerate abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performance for the first
few kilometres. Wait until the engine coolant gauge
starts moving.
132
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Remember that the brake servo and
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.
Never start the engine by pushing, towing
or driving downhill. This could cause a
flow of fuel into the catalytic converter
and damage it beyond repair.
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒fully depress the clutch pedal without moving the
accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon
as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first attempt, return
the ignition key to STOP before repeating the starting
procedure.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the instrument panel
warning light
Yremains on together with warning light
U, turn the key to STOP and then back to MAR; if the
warning light remains on, try the other keys provided
with the vehicle.
IMPORTANT If the instrument panel warning light
Ystays on permanently, contact an Abarth Dealership
immediately.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key to MAR
when the engine is off.
131-140 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 13:20 Pagina 132
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147
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
CRUISE CONTROL (green)
(for versions/markets where provided)
When the key is turned to the MAR position
the warning light comes on but should go out
after a few seconds.
The warning light switches on by rotating the Cruise
Control twist switch to ON.
The display will show a dedicated message.
Ü
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS (blue)
The warning light comes on when the main
beams are turned on.
1
REAR FOG LIGHTS (amber)
The warning light comes on when the rear fog
lights are turned on.
4
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING (red)
The symbol is shown on the display when one
or more doors or the tailgate are not perfectly
closed.
The display shows the dedicated message.
An acoustic signal is emitted with the doors open and
the car moving.
´
ENGINE OIL LEVEL LOW (red)
The symbol is shown on the display when the
engine oil level falls below the minimum
recommended value. Restore the correct engine
oil level (see “Checking fluid levels” in the “Servicing and
maintenance” section).
The display shows the dedicated message.
k
GENERIC WARNING
(amber)
Engine oil pressure sensor failure
The symbol is shown on the display when a fault in the
engine oil pressure sensor is detected. Contact an Abarth
Dealership to have the fault fixed as soon as possible.
è
ELECTRIC STEERING FAILURE
(red)
When the symbol is shown on the display, you
will not benefit from the electric power steering and the
effort needed to turn the wheel will be greatly
increased, although it will still be possible to steer the
car. Contact an Abarth Dealership.
The display shows the dedicated message.
g
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149
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
TYRE PRESSURE CHECK
(amber)
TYRE PRESSURE LOW (amber)
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR
SPEED
(amber)
(for versions/markets where provided)
Check tyre pressures
The symbol is shown on the display to indicate the flat
tyre. Should two or more tyres be flat, the display will
show the indications corresponding to each tyre in
sequence.
Restore correct tyre pressures as soon as possible (see
“Cold tyre pressures” in the “Technical specifications”
section).
Tyre pressure low
The symbol is shown on the display if the pressure of
one or more tyres drops below the preset level. In this
way the TPMS system warns the driver that one or
more tyres may be dangerously flat and liable to
puncture.
n
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or
more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop
the car, avoiding harsh braking or steering manoeuvres.
Repair using the dedicated kit (see the “Automatic
Fix&Go quick tyre repair kit” paragraph in the “In an
emergency” section) and contact an Abarth Dealership
as soon as possible.
Tyre pressure unsuitable for speed
Should travelling at a higher speed than 160 km/h be
required, inflate tyres to pressures values specified in
paragraph “Inflation pressures”.
If the TPMS system (where provided) detects that the
pressure of one or more tyres is unsuitable for the
current speed, the symbol will be shown on the display
together with the dedicated message (see paragraph
“Low tyre pressure” in this section) and it will stay on
until the car speed returns within the preset threshold.
IMPORTANT In this case, slow down immediately
because tyre overheating could compromise tyre
performance and durability beyond repair, and may even
make the tyre explode.
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152
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
F0U128Abfig. 127
FIX & GO Automatic QUICK TYRE
REPAIR KIT
The Fix&Go Automatic quick tyre repair kit is located in
the luggage compartment.
The kit fig. 127 includes:
❒a canister A, containing sealant, which is fitted with:
– filler tube B;
– an adhesive label C with the message “max. 80
km/h” to apply in a position clearly visible by the
driver (on the dashboard) after repairing the tyre;
❒informative leaflet (see fig. 128), used to ensure the
correct use of the quick tyre repair kit and then
given to the personnel who will handle the treated
tyre; BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by pushing, towing or
driving downhill. This could cause a flow of fuel into the
catalytic converter and damage it beyond repair.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake servo and the
power steering system are not activated until the engine
is started; a greater effort will therefore be required to
press the brake pedal or turn the steering wheel.
151-182 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 13:23 Pagina 152
Page 174 of 271
170
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Never replace a blown fuse with metal
wires or other materials.
Should the fuse blow again, contact an
Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
Never replace a fuse with one that has a
higher amperage: FIRE HAZARD.
WARNING
If a general protection fuse (MEGA-
FUSE, MIDI-FUSE, MAXI-FUSE) blows,
contact an Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that
the ignition key has been removed and
that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
WARNING
If a general protection fuse for safety
systems (air bag system, braking system),
power unit systems (engine system, transmission
system) or steering system blows, contact an
Abarth Dealership.
WARNING
151-182 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 13:24 Pagina 170
Page 184 of 271
180
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The power brakes and power steering
will not operate while the vehicle is
being towed. More effort on the brake pedal
and steering wheel will therefore be required.
Do not use flexible cables when towing and
avoid jerky movements. While towing, make
sure not to damage parts in contact with the
car. When towing the vehicle, be sure to respect
the specific rules of the highway code in
relation to the towing device and the behaviour
to maintain on the road.
WARNING
Clean the threaded housing throughly
before fastening the tow ring. Make sure
that the ring is securely fastened before towing
the car.
WARNING
During towing, do not start the engine.
WARNING
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181
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Before towing, switch off the steering
lock (see “Starting device” paragraph in
the “Knowing your car” section). The power
brakes and power steering will not operate
while the vehicle is being towed. More effort on
the brake pedal and steering wheel will
therefore be required. Do not use flexible cables
when towing and avoid jerky movements. While
towing, make sure not to damage parts in
contact with the car. Respect the rules of the
highway code when towing the car, specifically
in relation to the towing device and road
conduct.
WARNING
The front and rear tow hooks should be
used only for emergency operations on
the road. You are allowed to tow the car for
short distances using an appropriate device in
accordance with the highway code (a rigid bar),
to move the vehicle on the road in readiness for
towing or transporting via a breakdown vehicle.
Tow hooks MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles
off the road or where there are obstacles and/or
for towing operations using cables or other non-
rigid devices. Respecting the above conditions,
towing must take place with the two vehicles
(one towing, the other towed) aligned as much
as possible along the same centre line.
WARNING
151-182 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 13:24 Pagina 181