
110)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is in
the ignition and turned to MAR-ON or
when the engine is off, if the car is hit by
another moving vehicle. Therefore, even if
the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child. Therefore, always deactivate the
passenger side airbag when a rearward
facing child restraint system is installed on
the front passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be positioned
back as far as possible in order to prevent
the child restraint system from coming
into contact with the dashboard.
Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed. Also remember that, if
the key is turned to STOP, none of the
safety devices (airbags or pretensioners)
will be deployed in the event of collision.
Non-deployment in such cases does
not indicate a system malfunction.111)The airbag warning lightindicates
the passenger protection status. If the
warning light is off, the passenger side
protection is activated. It can be
deactivated from the menu, in this case the
warning light comes on. When the vehicle
is started (ignition key in MAR position), the
warning light comes on for approx. 8
seconds, provided that at least 5 seconds
have elapsed from the previous switching
off. If this does not happen please contact
a Fiat Dealership. If the vehicle is switched
off/on again in less than 5 seconds the
warning light may remain off. In this case,
to check correct warning light operation,
switch the vehicle off, wait at least 5
seconds and switch on again. During the
first 8 seconds, the activation of the
warning light does not actually show the
passenger protection status, but only
checks its correct operation. The warning
light may light up with various intensity
levels depending on the vehicle conditions.
The intensity may also vary during the
same key cycle. (The warning light is tested
also for markets where the passenger
protection deactivation function is
not provided, and the warning light
switches on for less than one second when
the key is turned to MAR, then switches
off again.)
112)The airbag deployment threshold is
higher than that of the pretensioners.
For collisions in the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only the
pretensioners to be activated.113)The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their efficiency.
Because front airbags are not deployed for
low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are
protected, in addition to any side bags,
only by their seat belts, which must
therefore always be fastened.
114)If the “red”
warning light does not
switch on for a few seconds when the
key is turned to MAR, there may be a fault
with the “red” warning light. In this case,
after a few seconds, the
warning light
starts flashing. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
115)To deactivate the airbags using the
instrument panel menu, see the description
in the "Knowing the instrument panel"
chapter, "Setup Menu" paragraph.
90
SAFETY

With the ECO function active, the
system will select the most suitable
gear depending on the vehicle speed,
engine rpm and intensity with which the
accelerator pedal is pressed, with the
aim of limiting fuel consumption.
“Kick Down” FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If necessary (e.g. when overtaking),
the system downshifts one or more
gears when the accelerator pedal
is depressed beyond the point where it
becomes stiff (and if the rpm allow it)
in order to provide suitable power and
torque for the acceleration requested
by the driver.
IMPORTANT The use of the “Kick
Down” function is recommended only
when overtaking or accelerating quickly,
in order not to increase fuel
consumption.
WARNING
45)Avoid keeping your hand on this lever
except during gear change or AUTO/
MANUAL mode requests.
MODE SELECTOR
(Panda Cross versions)
This device allows, using the ring nut of
the knob fig. 81 (on the central tunnel),
three vehicle response modes to be
selected according to driving style and
road conditions:
1 = AUTO mode;
2 = OFF ROAD mode;
3 = HDC function.
The ring nut is monostable type. In
other words, it always remains in a
central position. The selected driving
mode is indicated by the corresponding
LED switching on the knob and by an
indication on the display."AUTO" MODE
It is a driving mode aimed at comfort
and safety in normal grip and driving
conditions.
"OFF ROAD" MODE
It is a driving mode aimed at setting off
in poor grip conditions on low-grip
road surfaces (e.g. snow, ice, mid, etc.).
Engagement
Rotate the ring nut fig. 81 to the right
and hold in this position for half a
second, until the corresponding LED
lights up and “Off Road” mode
activation indicator appears on the
display with a dedicated message.
When the "Off Road" mode is activated,
the presetting for ELD system
intervention activates automatically.
IMPORTANT When the "Off Road"
mode is activated, the Stop/Start
system is temporarily disabled.
Temporary deactivation of the system
switches on the corresponding LED on
the trim (located on the central
dashboard). To activate the Stop/Start
function, with "Off Road" mode on,
press the
button on the dashboard
trim. However, when the "Off Road"
mode is deactivated, the Stop/Start
system is enabled again.
81F1D0116
96
STARTING AND DRIVING

IMPORTANT During parking
manoeuvres requiring a lot of steering,
the steering may become harder; this is
normal and is due to the intervention
of the system to protect the electric
steering motor from overheating so no
intervention is required. When the
vehicle is used again later on,
the power steering will work normally.
WARNING
123)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in non-compliance
of the vehicle with type-approval
requirements.124)Before servicing the vehicle, switch off
the engine and remove the key from the
ignition switch to activate the steering lock.
This is especially important when the
vehicle wheels are not touching the
ground. If this is not possible (for example if
the key needs to be turned to MAR or the
engine must be running), remove the
main fuse that protects the electric power
steering.
ECO FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To activate the function press the ECO
button fig. 83.
When the ECO function is active, the
car is set for driving characterised
by reduced fuel consumption. When
the function is active, the
corresponding LED on the button
switches on.
This function stays in the memory and,
when the vehicle is started again, the
system keeps the setting it had before
the engine was stopped. Press the
ECO button again to deactivate the
function and restore the normal driving
setting.
82F1D0025
83F1D0140
98
STARTING AND DRIVING

An electric brake (or electric winch)
should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a cross
section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
In addition to the electrical branches,
the vehicle electrical system can only
be connected to the supply cable for an
electric brake and to the cable for an
internal light for the trailer, not
exceeding 15 W. For connections, use
the preset control unit with a battery
cable with section not less than 2.5
mm
2.
On Panda Cross and Panda 4x4
versions, in the event of prolonged
vehicle use at maximum tow capacity
on slopes, replacing engine oil more
frequently (every 10,000 km) is
advisable.
IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads
other than external lights (electric brake,
winch, etc.) must be used with engine
running.
IMPORTANT To install a tow hook
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
131)The ABS with which the vehicle is
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
132)Never modify the braking system of
the vehicle to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the vehicle’s hydraulic
system.
104
STARTING AND DRIVING

deactivate the right direction
indicator;
activate the left direction indicator;
deactivate the left direction indicator;
turn the ignition key to STOP and
then to MAR.
LPG versions: in the event of an
impact, petrol supply is immediately
cut-off, the LPG safety valves are
closed and the injection is interrupted,
switching off the engine.
Natural Power versions: in the event
of an impact, the power supply is
immediately cut off, causing engine
switching off.
WARNING
150)If, after an impact, you smell fuel or
notice leaks from the fuel system, do
not reactivate the system to avoid the risk
of fire.
TOWING THE
VEHICLE
151) 152) 153) 154) 155)
The tow hook, which is supplied with
the vehicle, is housed in the tool box,
under the carpet in the luggage
compartment.
ATTACHING THE TOW
HOOK
Manually remove cap A fig. 119 (front
bumper) or A fig. 120 (rear bumper),
pressing the lower part, take the tow
hook B from its housing in the tool box
and tighten it completely on the front
or rear threaded pin.Versions with Dualogic gearbox
Make sure that the gearbox is in neutral
(N) (checking that the vehicle moves
when pushed) and proceed in the same
way as for towing a normal vehicle
with a manual gearbox. If the gearbox
cannot be put in neutral, do not tow the
vehicle and contact a Fiat Dealership.
Panda Cross and Panda 4x4
versions
The vehicle can only be towed in one of
the following ways (and always with
the engine off, gear set to neutral and
handbrake released):
with all the wheels on the road
surface;
with the front (or rear) wheels raised
or resting on an emergency vehicle
and the rear (or front) wheels resting on
a specific trolley;
119F1D0094
120F1D0095
123

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

WARNING
158)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
159)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine
is hot: you may get burned.
160)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
161)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Some commercial
windscreen washer additives are
flammable. The engine compartment
contains hot components which may set it
on fire.
162)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if
swallowed.
163)The symbol
, on the brake fluid
container indicates if a brake fluid is
synthetic or mineralbased. Use of mineral
type fluids will damage the special rubber
seals of the braking system beyond repair.164)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and sources
of sparks away from the battery: risk of
explosion and fire.
165)Using the battery with insufficient
fluid irreparably damages the battery and
may cause an explosion.
166)If the car will be unused for an
extended period of time in extremely cold
weather conditions, remove the battery
and store it in a heated area to avoid
it freezing.
167)Always wear appropriate goggles
when working on or near the battery.
WARNING
59)Be careful not to confuse the various
types of fluids while topping up: they
are not compatible with each other!
Topping up with an unsuitable fluid could
severely damage your vehicle.
60)The oil level must never exceed the
MAX reference.
61)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already existing in
the engine.
62)PARAFLU
UPantifreeze is used in the
engine cooling system. Use the same fluid
as in the cooling system when topping
up. PARAFLU
UPcannot be mixed with any
other type of fluid. If this occurs, do not
start the engine and contact your Fiat
Dealership immediately.63)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
64)Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. After purchasing your
vehicle, if you wish to install any
accessories (anti-theft, phone, etc.),
contact a Fiat Dealership, which
will suggest the most appropriate devices
for your vehicle, and will, most importantly,
advise you if a higher capacity battery
needs to be installed.
WARNING
3)Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. To change the oil and filters,
we advise you to contact a Fiat Dealership.
4)Used transmission fluid contains
substances that are harmful to the
environment. It is advisable to have the oil
changed by a Fiat Dealership where it
will be disposed of respecting the
environment and according to legal
requirements.
5)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
141

PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HANDLING THE VEHICLE AT THE END OF
ITS LIFE
(Where provided)
FCA has been committed for many years to safeguarding the environment through the constant improvement of its production
processes and manufacturing products that are increasingly "eco-compatible". To grant customers the best possible service
in terms of respecting environmental laws and in response to European Directive 2000/53/EC governing vehicles at the end of
their life, FCA is offering its customers the chance to hand over their vehicle at the end of its life without incurring any additional
costs. The European Directive sets out that when the vehicle is handed over, the last keeper or owner should not incur any
expenses as a result of it having a zero or negative market value.
To hand your vehicle over at the end of its life without extra cost, contact one of our dealerships if you are purchasing another
vehicle or an FCA-authorised collection and scrapping centre. These centres have been carefully chosen to offer high quality
service for the collection, treatment and recycling of vehicles at their end of life, respecting the surrounding environment.
You can find further information on these collection and scrapping centres either from an FCA dealership or by calling the
number in the Warranty Booklet or by consulting the websites of the various FCA brands.
176
TECHNICAL DATA