2017 FIAT FULLBACK steering

2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
and 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 (A) and the low-range indicator
lamp (B) shows the shifting condition.
The 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp comes on at each drive mode
selector position as follows:“2H” <-> “4H”
Selector
positionIndicator lamp
2H
Drive
mode
switching
in
progress
4H
— Blink
— Illuminate
— Remain offWhen the drive mode selector is set
between 2H <–> 4H, the 2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp blinks while
the selection is in process. Take the
following precautions when the
indicator lamp is blinking.
Keep the steering wheel in the straight
ahead position while making range
selections. If you attempt to drive
forward with the steering wheel turned,
gear rattling or shock may occur and
the desired range may not actually be
selected.
When the drive mode-selector is set
between “2H” <–> “4H” 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 switched.
If the 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp continues blinking after a “2H”
<–> “4H” selection has been made with
the vehicle moving, hold the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position and
slowly depress the accelerator pedal
several times.
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“4H” <-> “4L”
Selector
positionIndicator lamp
4H
and
and
and
Drive
mode
switching
in
progress
4L
— Blink
— Illuminate
— Remain offThe 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp will blink during shifting process
from “4H” to “4L” or vice versa, as the
transfer passes through the neutral
position. Be sure to operate the drive
mode-selector until the 2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp illuminates
again.
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator and the low range lamp are
not blinking during shifting process
between “4H” <–> “4L”. Otherwise, the
vehicle could unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the
“P” (PARK) position.
If, after a “4H” <–> “4L” selection has
been made, the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator continues blinking and the
desired range is not actually selected,
return the drive mode selector to its
previous position. Place the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position,
drive the vehicle forward, 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.
If the low range lamp blinks when you
attempt to make a “4H” <–> “4L”
selection, a “4H” <–> “4L” selection
cannot be made. Stop the vehicle andrelease 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.
The ESC function is suspended while
“4L” is selected
indicator lamp is
illuminated while these functions are
suspended. It does not indicate a
problem. When “2H” or “4H” is
selected, this lamp goes out and
function again. Refer to “ESC indicator
lamp, ESC OFF indicator lamp”.
132)
IMPORTANT
129)The “4L” 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 “4L” range.
130)Do not drive your vehicle in the “4H”
or “4L” 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” only.
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STARTING AND DRIVING

Switching between 4HL and 4LLc
Drive
mode
selector
positionIndicator lamp
4HLc
Drive mode
switching
in progress
and
4LLcandand
Blink
Illuminate
Remain off
NOTE When the drive mode-selector is
set between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”,
the front wheel and/or centre differential
lock lamps blink while the selection is in
process. Take the following precautions
when the indicator lamp is blinking.
Keep the steering wheel in the
straight ahead position while making
range selections. If you attempt to drive
forward with the steering wheel turned,
gear rattling or shock may occur and
the desired range may not actually be
selected.
When the drive mode-selector is set
between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”, while
the vehicle is stopped, the front wheel
and/or centre differential lock lamps
blink while the selection is in process.
Drive slowly and normally after
confirming that the lamp is switched.
If the front wheel and/or centre
differential lock lamps blinking after a
“2H” <-> “4H” <-> “4HLc” selection
has been made with the vehicle
moving, hold the steering wheel in the
straight ahead position and slowly
depress the accelerator pedal several
times.
NOTE The front and the rear wheel
lamps will blink during shifting process
from “4HLc” to “4LLc” or vice versa, as
the transfer passes through the neutral
position. Be sure to operate the drive
mode-selector until the front and the
rear wheel lamps illuminate again.
NOTE When parking, apply the parking
brake before stopping the engine and
make sure that the front and the rear
wheel lamps and the low range lamp
are not blinking during shifting process
between “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”.
Otherwise, the vehicle could
unexpectedly move even if the
automatic transmission is in the “P”
(PARK) position
NOTE If, after a “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”
selection has been made, front and the
rear wheel lamps continue blinking and
the desired range is not actually
selected, return the drive modeselector
to its previous position. Place the
steering wheel in the straight ahead
position, drive the vehicle forward, 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.
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The ESC and ABS functions are
suspended while the rear differential
lock is activated. ESC indicator lamp,
ESC OFF indicator lamp and ABS
warning lamp are illuminated while
these functions are suspended. It does
not indicate a problem. When the rear
differential lock is disengaged, these
lamps go out and function again. Refer
to “ABS warning lamp”, “ESC indicator
lamp, ESC OFF indicator lamp”.
If the indicator lamp continues blinking
after the switch has been pressed to
deactivate the rear differential lock, hold
the steering wheel in the straight ahead
position then slowly depress and
release the accelerator pedal several
times.
If the indicator lamp continues blinking
after the switch has been pressed to
activate the rear differential lock, bear in
mind the following instructions:
If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h or
higher, decelerate to a speed of
2.5 km/h or lower. The indicator lamp
will illuminate steadily and the rear
differential lock will be activated.
If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h or lower,
turn the steering wheel from side to
side until the indicator lamp illuminates
steadily. If the vehicle is stuck in soft
ground, make sure the area around the
vehicle is clear then repeatedly attempt
to drive forward and backward. The
indicator lamp will illuminate steadily
and the rear differential lock will be
activated.
138)
Examples of effective use of the
rear differential lock
139)
When one of the wheels has fallen
in a ditchWhen driving on rocky roads
When the vehicle is unable to move
because one of the wheels is
suspended in the air.
When getting out of snow
When the vehicle is unable to get going
because one of the wheels is on the
snow and the other on a paved road.
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STARTING AND DRIVING

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.
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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
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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
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WARNING
232)When attempting to rock your vehicle
out of a stuck position, be sure that the
area around the vehicle is clear of people
and physical objects. The rocking motion
may cause the vehicle to suddenly launch
forward or backward, causing injury or
damage to nearby people or objects.
233)Go straight up. Do not try to traverse
across a steep slope.
234)If you begin to lose traction, ease off
the accelerator pedal and gently turn the
steering wheel alternatively left and right to
regain adequate traction again.
235)Avoid snaking down a sharp grade.
Descend the grade as straight as possible.
CAUTIONS ON
HANDLING OF
4 WHEEL DRIVE
VEHICLES
Tyres and wheels
Since the driving torque can be applied
to the 4 wheels, the performance of the
vehicle when operating in 4-wheel drive
is greatly affected by the condition of
the tyres.
Pay close attention to the tyres.
Install specified tyres on all wheels.
Refer to “Tyres and wheels”.
Be sure to the appropriate tyre
inflation pressure according to no cargo
or cargo. Refer to “Tyre inflation
pressures”.
Be sure to fit all 4 tyres and wheels of
the same size and type. When
replacement of any of the tyres or
wheels is necessary, replace all of them.
All tyres should be rotated whenever
the wear difference between the front
and rear tyres is recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be
expected if there is a difference in wear
between tyres. Refer to “Tyre rotation”.
Check the tyre inflation pressure
regularly.
146)
Towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by a Fiat Dealership
or a commercial tow truck service. In
the following cases, transport the
vehicle using a tow truck.
The engine runs but the vehicle does
not move or abnormal noise is
produced.
Inspection of the vehicle’s underside
reveals that oil or some other fluid is
leaking.
If a wheel gets stuck in a ditch, do not
try to tow the vehicle. Please contact
your Fiat Dealership or a commercial
tow truck service for assistance.
Only when you cannot receive a towing
service from a Fiat Dealership or
commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the
instructions given in “Towing”.
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