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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slightly lift the handbrake and press release button
Afig. 134;
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.
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
engage a gear (1stgear 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 TYRES
The Fiat Dealership will be happy to provide advice
concerning the most suitable type of tyre for the
customer's 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 the specific characteristics of snow tyres, in
normal weather conditions or on long motorway
journeys, the performance of these tyres is lower
than that of standard tyres. Their usage should
therefore be restricted in accordance with their type
approval.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres with a
maximum speed index below the one that can be
reached by the vehicle (increased by 5%), place
a notice in the passenger compartment, plainly in
view, which states the maximum speed allowed
by the snow tyres (as per EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand and profile)
to ensure greater safety when driving and braking
as well as making the car more responsive.
Remember that you should not change the rotation
direction of the tyres.
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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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The warning light does not come on during every
DPF regeneration, but only when driving conditions
require notification to the driver. The warning light
will go off if the vehicle stays in motion until
regeneration has been completed. The process
normally takes about 15 minutes.
The optimum conditions to end the process are
achieved by keeping the car in motion at up to 60
km/h with an engine speed higher than 2000 rpm.
This light coming on is not a fault and therefore the
vehicle does not need to go to the workshop.
WARNING
During regeneration, the fan could be
operated.
WARNING
Always drive at a speed appropriate to
the traffic conditions, the weather
and the laws in force.The engine may be turned
off while the DPF light is on; however, repeated
interruption of the regeneration process may
result in premature degradation of engine
oil. For this reason, it is always advisable to wait
for the light to go off before turning off the
engine, following the instructions appearing
above. It is recommended to complete DPF
regeneration with the vehicle stationar y.
ABS SYSTEM FAULT (amber)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light comes on when the system is
either not working properly or not available. In this
case the braking system maintains its own unaltered
efficiency but without the advantage of the ABS
system. Drive carefully and go to a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
EBD FAULT
(red/amber)
If the warning lights switch on simultaneously with
the engine running, this indicates that there is a fault
in the EBD system or that the system in unavailable.
In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock
and the vehicle may swerve when braking sharply.
Drive very carefully to a Fiat Dealership to have the
system inspected.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
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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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