107
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH
REGULATIONS ON UNIVERSAL CHILD SEAT USE
Fiat 500 complies with the new European Directive 2000/3/EC which governs the
arrangement possibilities for child restraints on the various seats of the car as
shown in the following table:
GroupWeight
groupFront passenger ()
Airbag onAirbag offRear passenger
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg X U U
Group 1 9-18 kg X U U
Group 2 15-25 kg U U U
Group 3 22-36 kg U U U
U = suitable for child restraint systems of the “Universal” category, according to European
Standard EEC-R44 for the specified Groups”.
X = restraint system not suitable for children in this weight category.
(
) IMPORTANT: NEVER fit rearward facing child restraint systems on the front seat
with an active passenger side airbag. Deactivate the respective airbag to install a rearward facing
child restraint system
(see instructions in the “Supplementary Restraint System
(SRS) - Airbag” paragraph).
INSTALLING AN
ISOFIX CHILD
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
24)
The vehicle is equipped with ISOFIX
anchorages, a new standard which
makes fitting a child restraint system
quick, simple and safe.
The ISOFIX system lets you install the
ISOFIX child restraining system without
using the car seat belts but connecting
them directly to the carseat with three
anchors in the car.
Traditional child restraint systems can
be fitted alongside ISOFIX child restraint
systems on different seats in the same
vehicle.
SAFETY
114
SUPPLEMENTARY
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) - AIRBAG
25)
The vehicle may be equipped with:
❒ front driver airbag;
❒ front passenger airbag;
❒ driver’s side knee bag;
❒ driver and passenger front side
bags for pelvis, chest and shoulder
protection (Side bags);
❒ side bags for head protection of
front seat passengers
(window bag);
❒ side bags for head protection
of the front seat passengers and
rear side seat passengers
(for versions/markets, where
provided) (window bag).
FRONT AIRBAGS
The front driver/passenger airbags and
the driver’s knee bag (for
versions/markets, where provided)
protect the front seat occupants in the
event of frontal impacts of
medium/high severity, by placing the
bag between the occupant and the
steering wheel or dashboard.
Therefore non-activation in other types
of collisions (side collisions, rear
shunts, roll-overs, etc.) is not a system
malfunction.
An electronic control unit will make the
bag inflate
in the event of a frontal impact.
The bag will inflate instantaneously
placing itself between the front
occupants body and the structures
which could cause injury. It will deflate
immediately afterwards.
Front airbags are not a replacement of
but complementary to the seat belts,
which you are recommended to
always wear, as specified by law in
Europe and most non-European
countries.In the event of an impact, someone not
wearing a seat belt could move
forward and come into contact with a
bag which is still in the opening phase.
The protection offered by the bag is
compromised in these circumstances.
The front airbags (driver, passenger,
driver’s knee bags) are designed and
calibrated to protect front seat
passengers wearing seat belts.
Their volume at the moment of
maximum inflation fills most of the
space between the steering wheel and
the driver, between the lower post
guard and the knees on passenger
side and between the dashboard and
the passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the
event of minor frontal impacts (for
which the restraining action of the seat
belts is sufficient).
Seat belts must always be worn. In the
event of head-on collisions, they
ensure the correct positioning of the
occupant.
115
Driver’s front airbag
(A-fig. 79)
This consists of an instant inflating bag
contained in a special recess in the
centre of the steering wheel.
79DVDF0S0190c
Passenger’s front airbag
(B-fig. 80)
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special recess in the
dashboard: this bag has a larger
volume than that on the driver side.
80DVDF0S0464c
Passenger’s front airbag and
child restraint systems
25)
Rearward facing child restraint systems
must NEVERbe fitted on the front
seat with an active passenger side
airbag since in the event of an impact
the airbag activation may cause fatal
injuries to the transported child.
ALWAYScomply with the instructions
on the label stuck on the passenger
side sun visor (fig. 81).
81DVDF0S0160c
SAFETY
116
Passenger side front airbag and child restraint systems: IMPORTANT
117
Driver’s knee bag
(for versions/markets, where provided)
(C-fig. 82)
It consists of an instantly inflating
cushion housed into a special
compartment under the lower post
guard at driver’s knee level, designed
to give further protection in the event of
a head-on crash.
82DVDF0S054c
Deactivating the passenger side
airbags: front airbag and front side
bag
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If a child must be carried on the front
seat in a backward-facing child
restraint system, deactivate the
passenger’s airbag and front side bag
(side bag) (for versions/markets, where
provided).
The
“warning light in the centre of the
dashboard will stay on constantly until
the passenger’s airbag and the front
side bag are reactivated
(for versions/markets, where provided).
IMPORTANT To manually deactivate
the passenger’s front airbag and the
front side bag (for versions/markets,
where provided), refer to section
“Knowing your car”, paragraphs
“Multifunction display”.
SIDE AIRBAGS
(Side bags - Window bag)25)
To help increase occupants protection
in the event of a side impact, the
vehicle is equipped with front side
bags (for versions/markets, where
provided) and window bag
(for versions/markets, where provided).
Side bags protect occupants from
side-on crashes of medium/high
severity by placing the bag between
the occupant and the internal parts of
the side structure of the vehicle.
Non-activation of side bags in other
types of collisions (front collisions, rear
shunts, roll-overs, etc.) is not a system
malfunction.
SAFETY
118
Side bag
(for versions/markets, where
applicable)
These comprise two instantly inflating
bags located in the front seat
backrests, fig. 83, which protect the
pelvis, chest and shoulder area of the
occupants in the event of a side impact
of medium/high severity.
Window bag
(for versions/markets, where
applicable)
This consists of two "curtain" bags
housed behind the roof side trim fig. 84
and covered with trims. Thanks to a
wide bag deployment area, they
protect the heads of the front and,
depending on the market, where
provided, rear occupants in the event
of a side impact.
83DVDF0S055c
Important notes
In the event of a side impact, the system
provides best protection if the passenger
sits on the seat in a correct position, thus
allowing correct window bag
deployment.
The front airbags and/or side bags may
be deployed if the car is subject to heavy
knocks or accidents involving the
underbody area, such as for example
violent shocks against steps, pavements
or low obstacles, the car falling in big
holes or dips in the road.
84DVDF0S0218c
A small amount of dust will be released
when the airbags are deployed. The dust
is not harmful and does not indicate the
beginning of a fire. Furthermore, the
surface of the deployed bag and the
interior of the car may be covered in a
dusty residue: this may irritate skin and
eyes. Wash with mild soap and water in
the event of exposure.
Should an accident occur in which any of
the safety devices are activated, take the
vehicle to a Fiat Dealership to have the
activated devices replaced and to have
the whole system checked.
Every control, repair and replacement
operation concerning the airbags must
be carried out only by a Fiat Dealership.
If the car is scrapped, have the system
deactivated at a Fiat Dealership.
Pretensioners, front airbags and side
bags are deployed according to different
logics on the basis of the type of collision.
Failure to activate one or more of the
devices does not indicate a system
malfunction.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
188(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
7) DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL)
•The daytime running lights are an alternative to the dipped
beam headlights for driving during the daytime in countries
where it is compulsory to have lights on during the day, and
they are also permitted in those countries where this is not
obligatory.
•Daytime running lights cannot replace dipped beam
headlights when driving at night or through tunnels.
•The use of daytime running lights is governed by the highway
code of the country in which you are driving. Comply with legal
requirements.
8) FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
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.
9) INTERIOR FITTINGS
•The cigar lighter gets extremely hot. Handle it with caution and
do not allow it to be used by children to avoid the risk of fire or
burns. Always check that the cigar lighter has switched off.
•Only accessories with a maximum power of 180 W (maximum
absorption 15 A) can be connected to the socket.
•Never travel with the glove compartment open: it could injure
the passenger in the event of a crash.
•On both sides of the passenger side sun visor there is a label
remembering that it is compulsory to deactivate the airbags if a
rearward facing child restraint system is fitted.
Always comply with the instructions on the label.10) SUNROOF – ELECTRIC SOFT TOP
ELECTRIC WINDOWS
When leaving the car, always remove the key from the ignition
device to avoid the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants due to
accidental operation of these devices: improper use can be
dangerous. Before and during operation, always check that
nobody is exposed to the risk of being injured either directly by
the moving window or through objects getting
caught or hit by it.
11) SOFT TOP
•Keep hands away from the soft top mechanism while opening
and closing the soft top or if the soft top stops in a position before
the cycle is completed to prevent damage and injury.
•Keep children away from the area in which the top is folding
during opening or closing operations.
12) DOORS
Before opening a door, ensure that you can do it in conditions of
safety. Open the doors only when the vehicle is stationary.
13) LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
•Never exceed the maximum allowed load in the luggage
compartment, see chapter “Technical specifications”. Also make
sure that the objects you place in the luggage compartment have
been properly secured, to avoid them from being thrown forward
consequent to sudden braking and injuring your passengers.
•Do not drive with the tailgate open as exhaust fumes may enter
the vehicle.
•If you are travelling in areas with few filling stations and you
want to transport fuel in a spare tank, comply with the law by
using only an approved, suitably secured tank. In the event of a
collision the fire risk is increased all the same.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
192
24) ISOFIX CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM FITTING
•Fit the child restraint system according to the instructions, which
must be included.
•Child restraint systems with ISOFIX attachments are available for
safely anchoring to the seat without using the car seat belts. For
this type of seats see paragraph “Installation of an Isofix child
restraint system” in the “Safety” chapter.
•If a Universal ISOFIX child restraint system is not fixed to all three
anchorages, it will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a
crash, the child could be seriously or fatally injured.
•Fit the child restraint system when the car is stationary. The child
restraint system is correctly fixed to the brackets when you hear the
click. Always follow the instructions for assembly, disassembly and
positioning that the manufacturer of the car seat is required
to provide with it.
•Should it be necessary to carry a child on the passenger side front
seat in a rear facing child restraint system, the passenger side front
airbag and side bag must be deactivated through the display main
menu, verifying deactivation by checking that the warning light has
switched on in the
“central part of the dashboard. Move the
passenger’s seat as far back as possible to avoid contact between
the child seat and the dashboard.
•Incorrect fitting of the child restraint system may result in an
inefficient protection system. In the event of an accident the child
restraint system may become loose and the child may be injured,
even fatally. When fitting a restraint system for newborns or children,
strictly comply with the instructions provided by the Manufacturer.
•When the child restraint system is not used, secure it with the seat
belt or with the ISOFIX anchorages, or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it unsecured inside the passenger compartment. In this
way, in the case of sudden braking or an accident, it will not cause
injuries to the occupants.
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PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
•If the belt has been sharply pulled, for example as the result
of an accident, the seat belt, together with the anchoring
devices, the anchoring device fixing screws and the
pretensioner must be completely replaced. Even if the belt
does not present any exterior signs of wear or damage, it may
have lost its restraining properties.
23) CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
SERIOUS DANGER: When an active passenger airbag is fitted,
DO NOT install rear facing child restraint systems on
the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident could cause fatal
injuries to the child regardless of the severity of the impact.
It is advisable to always carry children in a child restraint
system on one of the rear seats, which is the most protected
position in the event of a collision.
•If a child must be carried on the front seat in a rearward
facing child restraint system, it is compulsory to deactivate the
passenger side front airbag, making sure that it is deactivated by
checking the dedicated warning light on the instrument panel (see
“Passenger front airbag” in the “Front airbags” section). Move the
passenger’s seat as far back as possible to avoid contact
between the child seat and the dashboard.
•On both sides of the sun visor there is a label advising that it is
compulsory to deactivate the airbag if a rearward facing child
restraint system is fitted.
Always comply with the instructions on the passenger’s side sun
visor (see the “Front airbag” paragraph).
•Do not move the front or rear seat if a child is seated on it or on
the dedicated child restraint system.