SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG
The vehicle may be equipped with:
front driver airbag;
front passenger airbag;
driver and passenger front side bags for pelvis,
chest and shoulder protection (Side bags).
The location of the airbags on the vehicle is marked
by the word "AIRBAG" in the middle of the steering
wheel, on the dashboard, on the side trim or on a
label placed next to the airbag deployment area.
FRONT AIRBAGS
The vehicle is fitted with front airbags for driver and
passenger (for versions/markets where provided).
The front driver/passenger airbags (for versions/
markets, where provided) are designed to protect
the front-seat occupants in the event of head-on
crashes of medium-high severity, by placing the bag
between the occupant and the steering wheel or
dashboard.
Therefore, non-activation in other types of collisions
(side collisions, rear shunts, roll-overs, etc.) is not
a system malfunction.
An electronic control unit will make the bag inflate in
the event of a frontal impact.
The bag will inflate instantaneously placing itself
between the front occupants body and the
structures which could cause injury. It will deflate
immediately afterwards.
Front driver/passenger airbags (for versions/markets,
where provided) are not a replacement for, but
rather a complement to, the seat belts, which should
be worn at all times as specified by law in Europe
and most non-European countries.
In the event of an impact, someone not wearing a
seat belt will move forward and come into contact
with the bag which is still in the opening stage.
The protection offered by the bag is compromised in
these circumstances.
Front airbags may not activate in the following
situations:
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frontal impacts against highly deformable objects
not involving the front surface of the vehicle (e.g.
wing collision against guard rail, etc.);
vehicle wedging under other vehicles or protective
barriers (e.g. trucks or guard rails);
Failure to activate in the conditions described above
is due to the fact that they may not provide any
additional protection compared with seat belts, so
their activation would be inappropriate. In these
cases, non-deployment does not indicate a system
malfunction.
WARNING
Do not apply stickers or other objects to
the steering wheel, the dashboard in
the passenger side airbag area and the seats.
Never put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the
passenger side of the dashboard since they
could interfere with correct inflation of the
passenger airbag and also cause serious injur y
to the passengers.
The driver's and passenger's front airbags have been
designed and calibrated to protect front seat
occupants wearing seat belts. At their maximum
inflation, their volume fills most of the space
between the steering wheel and the driver and
between the dashboard and the passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the event of minor
frontal impacts (for which the restraining actionof the seat belts is sufficient). Seat belts must always
be worn. In the event of frontal impacts they
guarantee correct positioning of the passenger.
FRONT AIRBAG DRIVER'S SIDE
It consists of an instantly inflating bag contained in a
special recess in the centre of the steering wheel
fig. 128.
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This consists of an instantly inflating bag contained in
a special recess in the dashboard: fig. 129 this bag
has a larger volume than that of the driver.
fig. 128F0T0052
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A small amount of dust will be released when the
airbags are deployed. The dust is not harmful and
does not indicate the beginning of a fire.
Furthermore, the surface of the deployed bag and
the interior of the vehicle may be covered in a dusty
residue: this may irritate your skin and eyes. Wash
with mild soap and water in the event of exposure.
Should an accident occur in which any of the safety
devices are activated, take the vehicle to a Fiat
Dealership to have the activated devices replaced and
to have the whole system checked.
Every control, repair and replacement operation
concerning the airbags must be carried out only at
Fiat Dealerships.
If you are having the vehicle scrapped, have the airbag
system deactivated at a Fiat Dealership first. If the
vehicle changes ownership, the new owner must be
informed of the method of use of airbags and the
above warnings and also be given this "Owner's
Handbook".
Pretensioners, front airbags and front side bags are
deployed differently according to the type of
collision. Failure to activate one or more of the
devices does not indicate a system malfunction.WARNING
There may be a fault in the retaining
systems if the warning light
does not
light up when the key is turn on or remains on
while travelling (on some versions with a
message on the display). In this case, the airbags
or the pretensioners may not be activated in
the case of an accident or (in a lesser number of
cases) they may be activated incorrectly.
Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have
the system checked.
WARNING
Always drive with your hands on the rim
of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive with
your body bent forward. Keep your back
straight against the backrest .
WARNING
In some versions, in case of a LED
failure (located on the plate of the
instrument panel), the
warning light on the
instrument panel turns on and the passenger
side airbags are deactivated.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE
The 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 PETROL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
apply the handbrake;
put the gear lever into neutral;
press the clutch pedal down to the floor without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and let it go the
moment the engine starts.
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WARNING
This procedure must be performed by
experts because incorrect actions may
cause considerable electrical discharge.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lit cigarettes away from
the battery. Do not create sparks.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by pushing, towing or
driving downhill. This could cause fuel to flow into
the catalytic converter and damage it beyond repair.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake booster
and the power steering system are not active until
the engine is started, so you will need to apply much
more force to the brake pedal or steering wheel.
CHANGING A WHEEL
Combi/Cargo version -The vehicle is originally
equipped with the Fix&Go automatic quick tyre
repair kit (see instructions in the next section). As an
alternative, the vehicle may have a normal-sized
spare wheel.
Wheel changing and correct use of the jack and
spare wheel call for some precautions, as listed
below.
WARNING
The spare wheel (for versions/markets,
where provided) is specifically for your
vehicle.Therefore, it must not be used on other
models. Do not use spare wheels of other
models on your vehicle.The spare wheel must
be used only in an emergency. Use of the spare
wheel must be strictly reduced to the necessary
minimum.
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WARNING
Before towing, turn the ignition key to
MAR and then to STOP without
extracting it .The steering column will
automatically lock when the key is removed and
the wheels cannot be steered.
WARNING
Before tightening the hook clean the
threaded housing thoroughly. Before
towing the vehicle, make sure that the tow ring
is fully tightened in its appropriate housing.
WARNING
Do not start the engine whilst the
vehicle is being towed.
WARNING
Remember that the brake booster will
not work while the vehicle is being
towed and that more pressure must be applied
to the pedal. Do not use bendy cables for
towing and avoid jerking. During towing
operations, make sure that the fastened joint
does not damage adjoining components.When
towing the vehicle, comply with the specific
rules of the highway code regarding the towing
device and road conduct . Do not start the
engine whilst the vehicle is being towed.
fig. 186F0T0086
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WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including the spare,
every two weeks and before long journeys. The
pressure should be checked with the tyre rested and
cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase when the
vehicle is used; for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see the "Wheels" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" chapter.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear
fig. 195:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges.
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn in the
centre.
The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less
than 1.6 mm thick. In any case, follow the laws
in force in the country you are in.IMPORTANT
As far as possible, avoid sharp braking, screech
starts and violent shocks against pavements,
potholes or other hard obstacles. Driving for long
stretches over uneven roads can damage the
tyres;
periodically check that the tyres have no cuts in
the side wall, abnormal swelling or irregular tread
wear. Contact a Fiat Dealership if required;
avoid overloading the car when travelling: this may
cause serious damage to the wheels and tyres;
if a tyre is punctured, stop immediately and
replace it to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspension and steering system;
tyres age even if they are not used much. Cracks
in the tread and on the side walls are a sign of
ageing. In any event, have the tyres checked by
specialised personnel if they have been fitted for
longer than 6 years. Remember to check the spare
wheel very carefully;
in the case of replacement, always fit new tyres,
avoiding those of dubious origin;
if a tyre is replaced, also replace the inflation valve;
to allow even wear between the front and rear
tyres, it is advisable to change them over every
10–15 thousand kilometres, keeping them on the
same side of the vehicle so as not to reverse
the direction of rotation.
fig. 195F0T0013
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SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner.
It is advisable to use a damp brush on velvet
upholstery.
Rub the seats with a sponge and a solution of water
and mild soap.
PLASTIC PARTS
It is advisable to clean interior plastic parts with a
damp cloth and a solution of water and non-abrasive
mild soap. To remove grease and tough stains, use
products designed specifically for cleaning plastics.
These have no solvents and have been designed
so that they do not alter the appearance and colour
of the components.
IMPORTANT Never use spirits or petroleum to
clean the instrument panel glass.
REAL LEATHER STEERING WHEEL/GEAR
LEVER KNOB/HANDBRAKE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
These components must be cleaned with mild soap
and water only. Never use alcohol or alcohol-based
products.
Read the product label carefully before using specific
products for cleaning the interiors: make sure the
product does not contain spirits or alcohol-based
substances.
If, when cleaning the windscreen with special
products, window cleaner accidentally drips onto theleather of the steering wheel/gear lever knob/hand
brake, wipe away immediately and then wash the
affected area with mild soap and water.
IMPORTANT Be careful when installing a steering
wheel locking device not to damage the leather
upholstery.
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