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 TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
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.
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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 CHAINS
The 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.
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PROLONGED VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle needs to be off the road for longer than
one month, the following precautions must be
taken:
park the vehicle indoors in a dry and, if possible,
well-ventilated place;
engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not
on;
disconnect the battery negative terminal and
check the charge (see “Battery” in the
“Maintenance and care”);
clean and protect the painted parts using
protective wax;
clean and protect the shiny metal parts using
special compounds readily available;
sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;
slightly open the windows;
cover the vehicle with a piece of fabric or
perforated plastic sheet. Do not use compact
plastic tarpaulins, which prevent humidity from
evaporating from the surface of the vehicle;
inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the normal
specified pressure and check it at intervals;
do not drain the engine cooling system.
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WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning light (where allowed by the instrument
panel) is associated to a specific message and/or
acoustic tone. These indications are brief and
precautionary and as such must not be considered as
exhaustive and/or alternative to the information
contained in the Owner's Handbook, which you are
recommended to read carefully in all cases. Always
refer to the information in this chapter in the event
of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT The fault indicators appearing on the
display are divided into two categories: very serious
and less serious failures.
Serious failures prompt a prolonged cycle of signals.
Less serious failures prompt a shorter cycle of
signals.
The display cycle of both categories can be
interrupted by pressing the SET
button. The
warning light (or the symbol on the display) on the
instrument panel will stay on until the cause of
the failure is eliminated.
LOW BRAKE FLUID
(red)/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED (red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid
The warning light turns on when the level of the
brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum
level, possibly due to a leak in the circuit.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
WARNING
If the warning lightturns on when
travelling (on cer tain versions together
with the message on the display) stop the
vehicle immediately and contact Fiat
Dealership.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light turns on when the handbrake is
engaged.
On some versions, an acoustic tone accompanies the
warning light when the vehicle is moving.
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IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on when the
car is in motion, check that the handbrake is not
on.
AIR BAG FAULT (red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a
fault in the air bag system.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
WARNING
The warning lightmay not light up
when the key is turned to MAR or stay
on while travelling to indicate a retaining
system fault . In this case, the air bags or the
pretensioners may not be activated in the case
of an accident or (more seldom) they may be
activated incorrectly. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
WARNING
The failure of thewarning light is
indicated by the
warning light flashing
or, depending on the version, by the
symbol
constantly on in the display. In this case, the
warning light may not indicate a fault in the
restraint systems. Before continuing, contact
a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the
system checked.
EXCESSIVE ENGINE
COOLANT TEMPERATURE
(red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is
overheated.
If the warning light switches on, proceed as follows:
When driving normally: stop the car, switch off
the engine and check that the coolant level in
the reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is,
wait for the engine to cool down, then slowly and
carefully open the reservoir cap. Top up with
coolant, making sure that the level of fluid is
between the MIN and MAX references on the
reservoir. Also check visually for leaks. If, when
restarting, the warning light switches on again,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
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INDEX
Engine oil pressure sensor failure
The warning light turns on when an engine oil
pressure sensor failure is detected.
Go to a Fiat Dealership to have the fault fixed as
soon as possible.
Exterior lights fault
The warning light comes on (on some versions)
when a failure is detected in one of the following
lights:
side/tail lights
brake lights
rear fog lights
direction indicators
number plate lights.
The failure relating to these lights could be: one or
more blown bulbs, a blown protection fuse or a
break in the electrical connection.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Fuel cut-off inertia switch tripped
The warning light switches on when the fuel cut-off
inertia switch is triggered.
The display will show a dedicated message.
Parking sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
See parking sensor warning light section.Warning light failure
The warning lightturns on and flashes to indicate a
failure of the warning light
. In this case, the
warning light may not indicate a fault in the
restraint systems.
Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
TPMS (amber)
TPMS failure
The warning light switches on and blinks for approx.
75 seconds, then it stays on constantly, when a
fault is detected in the TPMS.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
Tyre pressure low
The warning light switches on to indicate that the
tyre pressure is lower than the recommended value
and/or that a pressure loss is occurring. In these
circumstances, optimal tyre duration and fuel
consumption may not be guaranteed.
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BRAKE PAD WEAR (amber)
The warning light goes on if the front brake pads are
worn. In this case replace them as soon as possible.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
PARKING SENSOR FAULT (yellow)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light turns on when a parking sensor
fault is detected.
On certain versions warning light
comes on
instead.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
START & STOP SYSTEM FAULT
(amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light comes on when a Start&Stop
system fault is detected. On certain versions warning
light
comes on instead.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
ASR SYSTEM DEACTIVATED
(amber)
The ASR system can be turned off by pressing the
button ASR OFF.
The warning light switches on to warn the driver
that the system is off.
If the ASR OFF button is pressed again, the warning
light will switch off to inform the driver that the
system is on again.
TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM
ACTIVATION (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light switches on when the Traction Plus
system is activated by pressing the T+ button on
the dashboard.
The LED on the button turns on.
Traction Plus system failure
When the key is turned to MAR-ON, if the warning
light remains on or switches on together with the
LED on the button and the warning light
when
travelling, contact a Fiat Dealership.
The display will show a specific message.
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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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