Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing a Fiat Panda.
We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the features of your vehicle and use it in the best possible way.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your vehicle and how to achieve the best performance
from the technical features of your Fiat Panda.
You are advised to read it right through before taking to the road for the first time, to become familiar with the controls and above all
with those concerning brakes, steering and gearbox; at the same time, you can understand the vehicle behaviour on different road
surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care and
maintenance of your Fiat Panda over time.
After reading it, you are advised to keep the handbook inside the vehicle, for an easy reference and for making sure it remains on
board the vehicle should it be sold.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find a description of the Services that Fiat offers to its customers, the Warranty
Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new vehicle and the service provided by the people at
Fiat.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!
IMPORTANT
This Owner Handbook describes all versions of the Fiat Panda; please consider only the information relevant to your
vehicle’s trim level, engine and version. All data contained in this publication are purely indicative. FCA Italy S.p.A. can
modify the content of this publication at any time, for technical or commercial purposes. For further information, contact
a Fiat Dealership.
Symbol or message What it means
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE
The symbol appears and all the notches disappear in the event of fuel gauge sensor failure. Contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
START&STOP
(For versions/markets, where
provided)The message is displayed when the Start&Stop system is activated/deactivated by pressing the
button
in the central part of the dashboard.
With the Start&Stop system on, the LED on the button is off; if the system is deactivated the LED comes
on.
HDC
(Panda Cross versions)With the "HDC" on, the following messages can be displayed.
HDC on
HDC off
HDC cannot be activated
HDC off, wait for the brakes to cool down
SERVICEWhen the next scheduled service is approaching, the word “Service” appears on the display, followed by
the number of kilometres or miles left. This is displayed automatically, with ignition key at MAR-ON, 2000
km (or equivalent value in miles) before servicing or, where provided, 30 days before servicing. It is also
displayed each time the key is turned to MAR-ON or, for versions/markets, where provided, every 200 km
(or equivalent value in miles).
Go to a Fiat Dealership, where the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" operations will be performed and the
message will be reset.
57
ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the vehicle
can be controlled even during
emergency braking.
IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500 km is
needed: during this period it is better to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
braking.
The ABS also includes the following
systems: EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment Regelung) and MBA
(Mechanical Brake Assist) (for
versions/markets, where provided).
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the
brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.
44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52)
ESC SYSTEM (Electronic
Stability Control)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that
controls vehicle stability in the event of
tyre grip loss, helping maintain
directional control. The system is
capable of recognising potentially
dangerous situations in terms of the
stability and intervenes automatically on
the brakes in a differentiated manner
for the four wheels in order to provide a
stabilising torque.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of theESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58)
HH (Hill Holder) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ESC system and facilitates starting on
slopes.
It is automatically activated in the
following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
downhill: vehicle stationary on a
road with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the torque
necessary for starting is reached, or
in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical
mechanical brake release noise can be
heard, indicating that the vehicle is
about to move.
NOTE: the Hill Holder system is not
active with parking brake engaged.
60
SAFETY
ELD (Electronic Locking
Differential) SYSTEM
(Panda Cross and Panda 4x4 versions)
The ELD system allows the drive force
to be evenly distributed over the same
axle when one or both wheels are
slipping. The ELD acts by braking the
wheels with poor grip (or those slipping
more than the others), thereby
transferring the drive force to those
which have greater grip on the ground.
The system operates at speeds below
50 km/h. Above this speed, it is
automatically deactivated and it is
reactivated when the speed falls below
50 km/h.
The activation of the ELD system
involves the following functions being
switched on:
inhibition of the ASR function, in
order to fully exploit the engine torque;
differential lock effect on the front
and rear axles, via the braking system,
to improve drive on uneven surfaces.
Enabling the system
To arrange operation of the ELD system
press button A fig. 48 (4x4 versions)
or turn the ring nut fig. 49 to the right
(Cross versions) and keep it in this
position until LED 2 on the selector
lights up.System intervention
The
warning light on the instrument
panel flashes to signal that the system
has intervened.If the space-saver wheel is used
If the space-saver wheel is used, the
control unit for 4x4 drive detects its
presence (via the wheel speed signals)
and reduces the intervention of the
four-wheel drive mode to a minimum,
while guaranteeing the agility of the
vehicle. No fault/alarm signal is
displayed on the instrument panel or on
the display.
Disabling the system
To disable the system, press button A
fig. 48 (4x4 versions) or turn the ring nut
fig. 49 to the left (Cross versions) and
keep it in this position until LED 1
on the selector lights up.
HDC (Hill Descent
Control) SYSTEM
(Panda Cross versions)
It is an integral part of the ESC system
and is aimed at keeping the vehicle at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time. In this
way the HDC function helps the driver
when facing steep gradient roads in
low-grip and/or rough ground
conditions.
Noise and vibrations coming from the
wheel sides (brakes) when the HDC
system is activated are normal.
48F1D0122
49F1D0116
62
SAFETY
IMPORTANT If the speed exceeds 25
km/h and is below 50 km/h, the HDC
system intervention set-up is
deactivated but is ready for being
reactivated when the speed drops back
below 25 km/h. In this case the
indication on the instrument panel turns
off and the LED on the ring nut stays
on. If vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h,
the HDC system completely
deactivates and each individual action
made by the system on the brakes
is blocked. To reactivate it, turn the ring
nut again when the speed is again
below 25 km/h.
WARNING
44)The ABS exploits the grip available to
the full, but it cannot improve it. Therefore,
you should take great care when driving
on slippery surfaces, without taking
unnecessary risks.
45)When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not raise your
foot, but keep it pressed; in doing so you
will stop in the shortest amount of space
possible depending on the current road
conditions.
46)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit. You must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.47)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about
500 km is required: during this period it is
advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
48)The ABS cannot alter the natural laws
of physics, and cannot increase grip which
depends on the condition of the road.
49)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
50)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
51)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
52)When the Mechanical Brake Assist
intervenes, noises may be heard from the
system. This is normal. In any case, keep
the brake pedal firmly depressed while
braking.
53)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
54)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.55)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ESC system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
56)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
57)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
58)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
59)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
60)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is ultimately responsible for road
safety.
61)The ASR system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
62)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
64
SAFETY
WARNING
136)If the replaced fuse blows again,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
137)Never replace a fuse with metal wires
or anything else.
138)Never replace a fuse with another
with a higher amp rating; DANGER OF
FIRE.
139)If a general fuse (MEGA-FUSE,
MIDI-FUSE, MAXI-FUSE) blows contact a
Fiat Dealership.
140)Before replacing a fuse, make sure
that the ignition key has been removed and
that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
141)Contact Fiat Dealership if a safety
system (airbags, brakes), engine system
(engine, gearbox) or steering system
general protection fuse blows.
WARNING
52)If you need to wash the engine
compartment, take care not to directly hit
the fuse box and the window wiper motors
with the water jet.
CHANGING A WHEEL
142) 143) 144) 145) 146)
JACK
Important notes:
the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
the jack requires no adjustment;
the jack cannot be repaired and in
the event of a fault it must be replaced
by another original one;
no tool other than its cranking
device may be fitted on the jack.
Jack maintenance
prevent any dirt from depositing on
the "worm screw";
keep the "worm screw" lubricated;
never modify the jack.
Conditions in which not to use the
jack
temperature below -40°C
on sandy or muddy ground
on uneven ground
on steep roads
in extreme weather conditions:
thunderstorms, typhoons, hurricanes,
blizzards, storms, etc.
in direct contact with the engine or
to carry out repairs under the vehicle
on boats.CHANGING PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
stop the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic where
you can change the wheel safely. The
ground must be flat and sufficiently
compact;
switch off the engine, pull up the
handbrake and engage the 1stgear or
reverse. Wear the reflective safety
jacket (compulsory by law) before
getting out of the vehicle;
open the luggage compartment, pull
tab A fig. 110 and lift up the mat;
110F1D0072
115
SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions. For this
reason, Fiat has planned a series of
checks and services at fixed distance
intervals and, where provided, at fixed
time intervals, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always
necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
fluids, tyre pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all
Fiat Dealerships according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in
addition to the ones scheduled, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out with
the owner's explicit agreement only.
If your vehicle is used frequently for
towing, the interval between one
service operation and the next should
be reduced.IMPORTANT Scheduled Servicing
interventions are set out by the
Manufacturer. Failure to have them
carried out may invalidate the warranty.
It is advisable to inform a Fiat
Dealership of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every1,000km or before long
journeys, check and if necessary, top
up: engine coolant level; brake fluid
level; screen washer fluid level; tyre
inflation pressure and condition; lighting
system operation (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, etc.);
screen washer/wiper system operation
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rear window wiper blades.
Every3,000km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.DEMANDING USE OF THE
CAR
If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions: towing a trailer
or motorhome; dusty roads; short (less
than 7-8 km) and repeated journeys
with sub-zero outside temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speed or long periods
of inactivity, the following checks must
be carried out more often than
indicated in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect conditions of:
engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes)
and rubber elements (gaiters/sleeves/
bushes, etc.);
check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter / pollen
filter / air cleaner.
126
SERVICING AND CARE
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN (petrol versions)
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 150,000 km/10 years, must be cyclically repeated starting
from the first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary; check the expiry date of the “Fix&Go Airflat”
repair kit (for versions/markets, where provided)
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, boot, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (1)
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness
Use the diagnosis socket to check supply/engine
management systems operation, emissions and, for
versions/markets, where provided, engine oil degradation
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (gaiters, sleeves,
bushes, etc.)
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear
(1) Always only use the liquids shown in the handbook for topping up after having checked that the system is not damaged.
127