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Since this filter physically traps particulate, it should
be regenerated (cleaned) at regular intervals by
burning the carbon particles. The regeneration
procedure is controlled automatically by the engine
management control unit according to the filter
conditions and vehicle use conditions.
During regeneration, the following may occur: a
limited increase in the engine speed, activation of the
fan, a limited increase in fumes and high
temperatures at the exhaust.
These are not faults; they do not impair vehicle
performance or damage the environment. If
the dedicated message is displayed, refer to the
“Warning lights and messages” section.
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SAFETY
OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety equipment of the
vehicle comprise the following protection systems:
seat belts;
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
front, side airbag (for versions/markets, where
provided).
Read the information given the following pages with
the utmost care.
It is of fundamental importance that the protection
systems are used in the correct way to guarantee the
maximum possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
For the description of the head restraint adjustment
see the "Head restraints" paragraph in the "Knowing
your vehicle" chapter.
SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS
All vehicle seats are equipped with seat belts with
three anchor points and a retractor.
The retractor mechanism operates locking the belt in
the event of sharp braking or strong deceleration
due to an impact.
This allows the belt strap to slide freely and to adapt
to the body of the occupant.
In the event of an accident, the belt will lock
reducing the risk of impact inside the passenger
compartment and of being projected outside the
vehicle. The driver is responsible for respecting, and
ensuring that all the other occupants of the vehicle
also respect, the local laws in force in relation to the
use of the seat belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before setting off.
The seat belt should be worn keeping the chest
straight and rested against the backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the tongue A fig. 113
and insert it into the buckle B, until it clicks into
place.
If the seat belt jams during removal, let it rewind for
a short stretch, then pull it out again without jerking.
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To unfasten the seat belts, press button C. Guide the
seat belt with your hand while it is rewinding, to
prevent it from twisting.
WARNING
Never press button C fig. 113 when
travelling.
The retractor may lock up when the vehicle is
parked on a steep slope: this is perfectly normal.
Furthermore, the reel mechanism locks the belt if it
is pulled sharply or in the event of sudden braking,
collisions and high-speed bends.
WARNING
Remember that in the event of a violent
impact the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a ver y serious
risk and also represent a serious danger for
the front seat occupants.
The rear seat belts (for versions/markets, where
provided) must be worn as shown in diagram in
fig. 114 or fig. 115.
IMPORTANT The “red band” on the levers A
fig. 116 used for folding the seat will not appear
when the backrest is correctly secured. This red
band indicates that the backrest is not secured.
fig. 113F0T0147fig. 114F0T0193
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IMPORTANT After putting the rear seats (for
versions/markets, where provided) back to their
normal operating position, re-position the seat belt
so that it is immediately ready for the next use.WARNING
Make sure the backrest is properly
secured at both sides (”red bands” not
visible) to prevent it moving forward in the
event of sharp braking, causing injuries to
passengers.
fig. 115 - N1 versions (4 seats)F0T0342
fig. 116F0T0921
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SBR SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The vehicle is equipped with a system called S.B.R.
(Seat Belt Reminder), which warns the driver and
front passenger if their seat belt is not fastened, as
follows:
warning lightcomes on in the instrument panel
and the buzzer sounds continuously for the first 6
seconds;
warning lightflashes in the instrument panel and
the buzzer sounds intermittently for the following
90 seconds.
For permanent deactivation, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
The SBR system can also be reactivated through the
setup menu.
PRE-TENSIONERS
To increase the protective efficiency of the front seat
belts, the vehicle is fitted with pretensioners. These
devices, in the event of a violent head-on crash or
side impact, rewind the seat belts a few centimetres.
In this way, they ensure that the belts fit tightly to
the wearer before the restraining action begins.
The retractor locks to indicate that the pretensioner
has intervened; the seat belt cannot be drawn back
up even when guiding it manually.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest degree of
protection from the action of the pretensioner, wear
the seat belt tight to the chest and pelvis.
A slight discharge of smoke may be produced during
the activation of the pretensioner which is not
harmful and does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any maintenance
or lubrication. Any changes to its original conditions
will invalidate its efficiency. If, due to unusual natural
events (floods, sea storms, etc.), the device has
been affected by water and mud, it must absolutely
be replaced.
WARNING
The pretensioner may be used only
once. After it is triggered, have it
replaced at a Fiat Dealership.
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Operations which lead to knocks,
vibrations or localised heating (over 100°C
for a maximum of 6 hours) in the area
around the pretensioner may cause damage or
trigger them.This device is not affected by
vibrations caused by irregularities of the road
surface or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc .
Contact a Fiat Dealership for any assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To increase occupant safety in an accident, the front
and rear (for versions/markets where provided)
seat belt reels contain a load limiter which controls
the force acting on the chest and shoulders during
the restraining action of the belts in the event of
a head-on collision.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting, and ensuring
that all the other occupants of the vehicle also
respect, the local laws in force in relation to the use
of the seat belts. Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
Seat belts are also to be worn by pregnant women:
the risk of injury in the case of impact is greatly
reduced for them and the unborn child if they are
wearing a seat belt. Pregnant women must positionthe lower part of the belt very low down so that it
passes over the pelvis and under the abdomen
(see fig. 117).
While pregnancy progresses, the driver must adjust
both seat and steering wheel to have full control
over the vehicle (pedals and steering wheel must be
easy to access). The maximum clearance should
be kept between the abdomen and the steering
wheel.
IMPORTANT The seat belt must not be twisted. The
upper part must pass over the shoulder and cross
the chest diagonally. The lower part must adhere to
the pelvis (as shown in fig. 118) rather than the
abdomen of the passenger. Do not use devices (clips,
etc.) to hold the seat belt away from your body.
fig. 117F0T0003
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WARNING
For maximum safety, keep the back of
your seat upright , lean back into it
and make sure the seat belt fits closely across
your chest and pelvis. Always fasten the seat
belts on both the front and the rear seats!
Travelling without wearing seat belts will
increase the risk of serious injur y or even death
in the event of an accident .
WARNING
Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by qualified
and authorised technicians. Always go to a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
If the seat belt has been subjected to a
high level of stress, for example after an
accident , it must be completely replaced
together with the anchorages, anchorage fixing
screws and pretensioner. In fact , even if the
seat belt has no visible defects, it could have
lost its resilience.
IMPORTANT Each seat belt must be used by only
one person. Never travel with a child sitting on
a passenger’s lap using a single belt to protect them
both fig. 119. In general, do not place any objects
between the person and the belt.
SEAT BELTS MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient conditions,
carefully observe the following warnings:
fig. 118F0T0004fig. 119F0T0005
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always use the seat belt with the strap well
stretched and not twisted; make sure that it
is free to run without obstructions;
check seat belt operation as follows: attach the
seat belt and pull it hard;
replace the belt after an accident of a certain
severity even if it does not appear to be damaged.
Always replace the seat belt if the pretensioners
were deployed;
prevent the retractors from getting wet: their
correct operation is only guaranteed if water does
not get inside;
replace the seat belt when it shows wear or cuts.
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of an impact, all
occupants must be seated and wearing adequate
restraint systems, including newborn and other
children!
This prescription is compulsory in all EC countries
according to EC Directive 2003/20/EC.
Children below the height of 1.50 metres and up to
12 years must be protected with suitable restraint
systems and be seated on the rear seats. Statistics on
accidents indicate that the rear seats offer greater
safety for children.
Compared with an adult, a child's head is larger and
heavier in proportion to their body and the child's
muscular and bone structures are not fully
developed. Therefore, correct restraint systems
other than adult seat belts are necessary to reduce
as much as possible the risk of injuries in the event
of an accident, braking or a sudden manoeuvre.
Children must be seated safely and comfortably.
Depending on the characteristics of the child
restraint systems used, you are advised to keep
children in rearward facing child restraint systems for
as long as possible (at least until 3-4 years old),
since this is the most protected position in the event
of an impact.
It is recommended to always choose the restraint
system most suitable for the child; for this reason
always refer to the Owner Handbook provided with
the child restraint system, to be sure that it is of
the right type for the children it is intended for.
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