To shift from To Procedure for vehicles with Manual Transmission
2H 4HThe drive mode-selector can be operated while the vehicle is either moving or
stationary. When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the gearshift lever to the “N”
(Neutral) position before operating the drive mode-selector. When the vehicle is
moving, and only while it can be steered straight ahead, release the accelerator
pedal before operating the drive mode-selector. 4H 2H or 4HLc
4HLc 4H
4HLc 4LLcStop the vehicle, depress the clutch pedal to the floor and operate the drive
mode-selector. Keep depressing the clutch pedal while the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator lamp continues to blink. 4LLc 4HLc
To shift from To Procedure for vehicles with Automatic Transmission
2H 4HThe drive mode-selector can be operated while the vehicle is either moving or
stationary. When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the selector lever to the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position before operating the drive mode-selector. When the vehicle is
moving, and only while it can be steered straight ahead, shift the selector lever to the
“D” (DRIVE) position, and release the accelerator pedal before operating the drive
mode-selector. 4H 2H or 4HLc
4HLc 4H
4HLc 4LLcStop the vehicle, shift the selector lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position, and operate
the drive mode-selector. If operation is made with the selector lever placed in any
other position than “N” (NEUTRAL) position, a gear noise may be generated, with a
possible failure to shift into a proper gear 4LLc 4HLc
Setting of the drive mode-selector between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc” should only be done at speeds below 100 km/h.
During driving, never attempt to shift from “4HLc” to “4LLc”. When shifting between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc” in cold weather
while the vehicle is in motion, the transfer gear may make some noise. In cold weather, try to shift the gear while the vehicle is
stopped. When shifting between “4LLc” and “4HLc”, the transfer gear may make some noise.
When the drive mode-selector is set between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc” while the vehicle is stopped, the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator lamp blinks while the selection is in process. Drive slowly and normally after confirming that the lamp is illuminated.
(Refer to “2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp and low-range indicator lamp”). When the drive mode-selector is set between
“2H”, “4H” and “4HLc” while the cruise control is activated, the transfer gear may make some noise.
When the drive mode-selector is set between “4HLc” and “4LLc” in cold weather, its selection may not complete. Return the
drive mode-selector to its previous position. After the engine is warmed up, make the range selection again.
135)
171
2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
and low-range indicator lamp
A. Front wheel lamp
B. Centre differential lock lamp
C. Rear wheel lamp
D. Low-range indicator lamp
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position or the operation mode is put in
ON, the 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp and the low-range indicator lamp
shows the shifting condition. The
2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
comes on at each drive mode-selector
position as follows:Switching between 2H and 4H
Drive
mode-selector
positionIndicator lamp
2H
Drive mode
switching in
progress
4H
Blink
Illuminate
Remain offSwitching between 4H and 4HLc
Drive mode
selector positionIndicator lamp
4H
Drive mode
switching in
progress
4HL
Blink
Illuminate
Remain off
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STARTING AND DRIVING
NOTE If the low range lamp blinks
when you attempt to make a “4HLc”
<-> “4LLc” selection, a “4HLc” <->
“4LLc” selection cannot be made. Stop
the vehicle and release the accelerator
pedal. Next, hold down the clutch pedal
(with manual transmission) or place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position (with automatic transmission)
and make the range selection again.
NOTE The ESC function is suspended
while “4LLc” is selected
indicator
lamp is illuminated while these functions
are suspended. It does not indicate a
problem. When “2H” or “4H” or “4HLc”
is selected, this lamp goes out and
function again. Refer to “ESC indicator
lamp, ESC OFF indicator lamp”.
136)
IMPORTANT
133)The “4LLc” range gives maximum
torque for low-speed driving on steep
slopes, as well as sandy, muddy, and other
difficult surfaces. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, do not exceed
speeds of approximately 70 km/h in “4LLc”
range.
134)Do not drive your vehicle in the
“4HLc” or “4LLc” position on dry paved
roads and highways. Doing so may result in
excessive tyre wear, increased fuel
consumption, and possible noise
generation. It may also increase the
differential oil temperature, which may
damage the drive system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading,
resulting in oil leakage, component seizure,
or other serious problems. On dry paved
roads and highways, drive the vehicle in
“2H” or “4H” only.
135)Do not operate the drive
mode-selector while the rear wheels of the
vehicle are slipping on snow or ice.
136)If a problem is detected in the transfer
system, a safety device will activate. The
front and rear wheel lamps will go out, the
centre differential lock lamp will blink rapidly
(twice per second), and transfer shifting will
become impossible fig. 276. Park your
vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine
for a few moments. Restart the engine. The
lamp should resume normal operation. If
the lamps continue to blink, have the
vehicle checked by a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
REAR DIFFERENTIAL
LOCK
(where provided)
If one wheel starts to spin freely and the
vehicle becomes stuck and cannot be
freed even using 4-wheel drive, the rear
differential lock switch (A) can be used
to activate the rear differential lock for
extra traction.
Operating the rear differential lock
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Move the drive mode-selector to
“4L” or “4H” position (Easy select
4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” position (Super
select 4WD II).
3. To activate the rear differential lock,
press the rear differential lock switch
(A).
4. To deactivate the rear differential
lock, press the rear differential lock
switch (B).
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STARTING AND DRIVING
137)
The rear differential lock does not
operate when the drive mode-selector
is in “2H” position (Easy select 4WD),
“2H” or “4H” position (Super select
4WD II).
When the rear differential is locked with
the drive mode-selector in “4L” or “4H”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc” or
“4HLc” position (Super select 4WD II)
changing the drive mode-selector to
“2H” position (Easy select 4WD), “2H”
or “4H” position (Super select 4WD II)
makes the rear differential unlock
automatically.
Rear differential lock indicator lamp
When the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position or the operation
mode is put in ON, the rear differential
lock indicator lamp (A) in the meter
cluster illuminates for a few seconds
then indicates the rear differential lock’s
operating status (activated or
deactivated).The 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp also illuminates for a few seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the operation mode is
put in ON. Refer to “2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp”. The status of
the rear differential lock (resulting from
depression of the rear differential lock
switch) is shown by blinking or steady
illumination of the rear differential lock
indicator lamp.
Operation
state of rear
differential
lockRear differential lock
indicator lamp
Easy
select
4WDSuper
select
4WD II
Rear differential
lock
deactivated
Switching in
progress
Rear differential
lock activated
Blink
Illuminate
Remain off
The indicator lamp blinks while the rear
differential lock is being switched
between its activated and deactivated
conditions. When the switching
operation is complete, the indicator
lamp is either illuminated steadily or not
illuminated.
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175
Examples of incorrect use of the
rear differential lock
228)
229)
230) 231)
WARNING
228)If the “4L” or “4H” position (Easy
select 4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” position
(Super select 4WD II) is selected along with
the rear differential lock, the following
phenomena appear and it is very
dangerous. Please be sure to release the
rear differential lock on normal roads. If the
rear differential lock is used by mistake
when driving on a paved road: With the
rear differential lock on, the power to drive
the vehicle straight ahead becomes very
strong, which may make it difficult to turn
the steering wheel.
229)If the rear differential lock is used by
mistake when turning a curve or making a
right or left turn at a crossing or the like:
The vehicle is unable to make a turn and
may go straight ahead.230)If the rear differential lock is used by
mistake except when making an
emergency escape on snow or frozen
road: It becomes difficult to make a steady
turn.
231)In the case where the condition of the
road is different for the right tyre to drive
from the left tyre (such as one tyre on a
paved road and the other on ice), direction
of the vehicle may change abruptly when
engine braking or accelerating. Do not use
the rear differential lock except when
making an emergency escape on a snow
or frozen road, but drive with 4WD.
IMPORTANT
137)Operate the rear differential switch
after the wheels are stopped. Operating the
switch with the wheels turning may cause
the vehicle to dart in unexpected directions.
138)If a problem is detected in the rear
differential lock system, a safety device will
activate. The rear differential lock indicator
lamp will blink rapidly (twice per second),
and the rear differential lock will deactivate.
Park your vehicle in a safe place, turn off
the engine for a few moments. Restart the
engine. It is safe to continue driving if the
lamps resume normal operation. If the rear
differential lock indicator lamp blinks when
the rear differential lock is reactivated, have
the vehicle checked by a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
284AHA105235
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286AHA105251
177
139)Use the rear differential lock only as an
emergency measure when the vehicle is
stuck and cannot be freed with the drive
mode-selector in “4L” or “4H” position
(Easy select 4WD) or in “4LLc” or “4HLc”
position (Super select 4WD II). Deactivate
the rear differential lock immediately after
using it.4 WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
By selecting 4-wheel drive, both axles
of the vehicle are rigidly connected with
each other. This improves the traction
characteristics. When turning sharp
corners or moving forward and
backward repeatedly, however, the
drive line is stressed, which is felt as a
braking effect. A 4-wheel drive vehicle
can accelerate more quickly and
smoothly.
However, note that the braking distance
is not shorter than that of a rear-wheel
drive vehicle.
When using 4-wheel drive on rough
roads (snow, mud, sand, etc.), it is
important to operate the vehicle
correctly.
NOTE The driving posture should be
more upright and closer to the wheel
than usual; adjust the seat to a good
position for easy steering and pedal
operation. Be sure to wear the seat
belt.
NOTE After driving on rough roads,
check each part of the vehicle and
wash it thoroughly with water. Refer to
“Vehicle care” and “Inspection and
maintenance following rough road
operation”.Driving on dry paved road and
highway
Select “2H” position (Easy select 4WD),
“2H” or “4H” position (Super select
4WD II) to drive on the dry paved road.
Especially on dry highway, never select
the “4H” or “4L” position (Easy select
4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (Super
select 4WD II).
140)
Driving on snowy or icy roads
Set the drive mode-selector to “4H”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4H” or
“4HLc” position in accordance with the
road conditions (Super select 4WD II)
and then gradually depress the
accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator
pedal as constant as possible, and
drive at low speed.
NOTE The use of snow tyres and/or
tyre chains is recommended.
NOTE Maintain a safe distance
between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking
(downshifting).
141)
Driving on sandy or muddy roads
Set the drive mode-selector to “4H” or
“4L” position (Easy select 4WD), “4HLc”
or “4LLc” position (Super select 4WD II)
and then gradually depress the
accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator
178
STARTING AND DRIVING
pedal as constant as possible, and
drive at low speed.
142) 143)
232)
NOTE Avoid sudden braking,
acceleration, and turning; such
operations could result in the vehicle
becoming stuck.
NOTE If the vehicle becomes stuck in
sandy or muddy roads, it can often be
moved a rocking motion. Move the
selector lever rhythmically between the
“D” (DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE)
position (with manual transmission,
between 1st and Reverse), while
applying slight pressure to the
accelerator pedal.
NOTE It is recommended to start the
vehicle with parking brake partially, but
not completely, applied by slightly
pulling the parking brake lever. After the
vehicle has become free, do not forget
to release the parking brake.
NOTE If it is necessary to drive in
extremely muddy conditions, the use of
tyre chains is recommended. Because
the extent of muddy conditions is
difficult to judge and the vehicle could
become bogged down very deeply,
operation should be at a low speed. If
possible, get out of the vehicle and
check the conditions ahead before
proceeding.NOTE Driving over roads in coastal
areas or roads on which anti-skid
preparations have been spread can
cause rust on the vehicle; wash the
vehicle thoroughly as soon as possible
after such use.
Climbing sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II) to
maximize the engine torque.
233) 234)
NOTE Choose as smooth a slope as
possible with few stones or other
obstacles.
NOTE Before attempting to drive up
the slope, walk up it to confirm that the
vehicle can handle the grade.
Descending sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II), use the
engine brake (downshifting) and
descend slowly.
235)
NOTE When descending a sharp
grade, if the brakes are applied
suddenly because of an obstacle
encountered, control of the vehicle
could be lost. Before descending the
slope, walk down it and confirm the
path.NOTE Before descending a grade, it is
necessary to choose the appropriate
gear. Avoid changing gears or
depressing the clutch while descending
the grade.
NOTE Fiat is not responsible to the
operator for any damage or injury
caused or liability incurred by the
improper and negligent operation of a
vehicle. All techniques of vehicle
operation described herein depend on
the skill and experience of the operator
and other participating parties and any
deviation from the recommended
operation instructions above is at their
own risk.
Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in “4H” or
“4L” position (Easy select 4WD), “4HLc”
or “4LLc” position (Super select 4WD II)
at low speed, a slight difference in
steering may be experienced similar to
as if the brakes were applied. This is
called tight corner braking and results
from each of the 4 tyres being at a
different distance from the corner.
Crossing a stream
4-wheel drive vehicles are not
necessarily waterproof. If the electrical
circuits become wet, further operation
of the vehicle will be impossible;
therefore, avoid crossing streams
unless absolutely necessary. If crossing
a stream is unavoidable, use the
following procedure:
Check depths of a stream and
179
geographical features before
attempting to cross a stream and
ford the stream where the water is
as shallow as practicable.Set the
drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II).Drive
slowly at a speed of approximately
5 km/h to avoid splashing too
much water.
144) 145)
Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation
After operating the vehicle in rough road
conditions, be sure to perform the
following inspection and maintenance
procedures:
Check that the vehicle has not been
damaged by rocks, gravel, etc.
Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal in order to
dry out the brakes. If the brakes still do
not function properly, contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible to have
the brakes checked.
Remove the insects, dried grass, etc.
clogging the radiator core and the A/T
oil cooler.
After crossing a stream, be sure to have
the following items inspected at a Fiat
Dealership and take the necessary
measures:
Check the brake system and, if
necessary, have it serviced.
Check the engine, transmission,
transfer, and differential oil or grease
level and turbidity. If the oil or grease is
milky, it indicates water contamination.
Replace it with new oil or grease.
Grease the propeller shaft.
Check the inside of the vehicle. If
ingress of water is found, dry the carpet
etc.
Inspect the headlamps. If the
headlamp bulb is flooded with water,
have the headlamp drained off.
IMPORTANT
140)Selecting “4H” or “4L” position (Easy
select 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position
(Super select 4WD II) to drive on dry paved
road will increase the fuel consumption with
possible noise generation and early tyre
wear. It may also increase the differential oil
temperature, resulting in possible damage
to the driving system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading,
possibly leading to oil leakage, component
seizure, or other serious faults.
141)Avoid sudden braking, sudden
acceleration, and sharp turning; such
operations could cause skidding and
spinouts.142)Do not force the vehicle or drive
recklessly on sandy surfaces. In
comparison with normal road surfaces, the
engine and other drive-system components
are put under excessive strain when driving
on such a surface, and this could lead to
accidents.
143)If any of following conditions occur
while the vehicle is being driven,
immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and follow these procedures: the
needle in the temperature gauge
approaches the overheating zone. Refer to
“Engine overheating”; automatic
transmission fluid temperature warning
lamp comes on. Refer to “When the A/T
(automatic transmission) fluid temperature
warning lamp comes on”.
144)Never cross a stream where the water
is deep. Do not change gears while
crossing the stream. Frequent crossing of
streams can adversely affect the life span
of the vehicle; we recommend you to take
the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.
145)After crossing a stream, apply the
brakes to be sure they are functioning
properly. If the brakes are wet and not
functioning properly, dry them out by
driving slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal. Inspect each part of the
vehicle carefully.
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STARTING AND DRIVING