117
SAFETY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
STARTING
AND DRIVING
Remember that, when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking dis-
tances increase and overtaking takes
longer relative to the overall weight of the
trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the car’s tow
hook will reduce the load capacity of the
car by the same amount. Consider the
weight of the trailer fully laden, including
accessories and luggage, to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown on the vehicle registration
document).
Respect each country’s specific speed lim-
its for vehicles towing trailers. The top
speed must not exceed 100 km/h at any
time.
You should fit a suitable stabiliser to the
trailer.
The ABS with which the car
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 car to control
the trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the car.
WARNING
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel in ac-
cordance with any additional information
supplied by the manufacturer of the device.
The towing device must meet current reg-
ulations with reference to Directive
94/20/EC and subsequent amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must be right for the towable weight of
the car on which it is to be installed.
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used, which is generally
placed on a special bracket fastened to the
towing device, and a special ECU should
be installed on the car to control the trail-
er’s exterior lights.
Seven- or 13-pin 12VDC connections
should be used (CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN
Standards). Follow any instructions pro-
vided by the car manufacturer and/or the
towing device manufacturer. An electric brake or winch should be pow-
ered directly by the battery through a ca-
ble with a cross-section of no less than
2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT The engine must be running
to use the electric brake or winch.
In addition to the electrical appliances, the
car’s electrical system may be connected
only to the supply cable for an electric
brake and the cable for a light inside the
trailer with a wattage of no more than
15 W.
For connections, use the preset control
unit with a battery cable no less than
2.5 mm
2.
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178
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
SERVICE
AND CARE
IMPORTANT If the battery’s charge stays
below 50% for a long time it becomes
damaged through sulphation, which re-
duces its capacity and ability to start
the car.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
−10°C). Refer to “Car inactivity” in “Start-
ing and driving” if the car is left parked for
a long time.
If, after buying the car, you want to install
electrical devices that require a permanent
electric supply (alarm, etc.) or devices that
use a lot of electricity, contact a Fiat Deal-
ership. Their qualified personnel, in addi-
tion to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices from the Lineaccessori Fiat range,
will evaluate the overall electricity con-
sumption, checking whether the car’s elec-
tric system is capable of withstanding the
load required, or whether it should be in-
tegrated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue to consume
energy even when the engine is switched
off, they gradually run down the battery.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE
OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make
it last longer, follow these instructions
closely:
❒when you park the car, ensure that the
doors, boot and bonnet are closed
properly to prevent the ceiling courtesy
lights from staying on;
❒turn off the ceiling lights, although thecar does have an automatic system for
switching off internal lights;
❒do not leave devices (e.g. sound sys-tem, hazard lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
❒before performing any operation on theelectrical system, disconnect the nega-
tive battery cable;
❒make sure battery terminals are fullytightened.
Incorrect assembly of electric
and electronic devices may
cause severe damage to your
car. Go to a Fiat Dealership if
you want to install accessories (anti-
theft device, mobile phone, etc.): they
will suggest the most suitable devices
and advise you if a higher-capacity bat-
tery needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances
that can be very harmful to
the environment. It is advis-
able to have the battery
changed by a Fiat Dealership, where
it will be disposed of properly and in
accordance with the law.
If the vehicle must remain
unused for a long time at
very low temperatures, remove the
battery and take it to a warm place
to avoid freezing.
WARNING
If you have to perform any
operation on the battery or
near it, always protect your eyes with
special goggles.
WARNING
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