159
Proceed as follows: detach the
connector A fig. 142 (by pressing
button B) from sensor C for monitoring
the status of the battery installed on
the negative battery pole D. This
sensor should never be disconnected
from the battery pole except if the
battery is replaced.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP and having closed the
driver’s side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the
battery and then reconnecting the
electrical supply to the battery.
142DVDF0S0157c
BATTERY
39) 24) 3)
The car is fitted with a
low-maintenance battery: no
electrolyte top-ups with distilled water
are needed in standard conditions
of use.
INSPECTING THE
CHARGE AND THE
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The operations must be carried out as
described in this Owner Handbook
only by specialised personnel.
Topping must be carried out by
specialised personnel at a Fiat
Dealership.
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” will no
longer be valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s
instructions for maintenance.
CAR INACTIVITY
(CARS EQUIPPED WITH
START&STOP SYSTEM)
In the event of vehicle inactivity
(or if the battery is replaced), special
attention must be paid to the
disconnection of the battery power
supply.
PERSONAL SAFETY
187
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
3) ADJUSTMENTS
Any and all adjustments to seats, head restraints, steering wheel or
rear view mirrors must be performed exclusively with the
vehicle stationary and the engine off.
4) SEATS
•If a side bag is fitted, it is dangerous to use
seat covers not available from Lineaccessori MOPAR
®.
•Once you have released the adjustment lever, always check that
the seat is locked on the guides by trying to move it back and
forth. If the seat is not locked into place, it may unexpectedly slide
and cause the driver to lose control of the car.
5) HEAD RESTRAINTS
• All adjustments must be carried out only with the car stationary
and engine off. The head restraints should be adjusted to support
the back of your head and not your neck. Only in this position do
they exert their protective action.
• To make the best use of the protective action of the head
restraints, adjust the backrest so that you are sitting upright and
keep your head as close as possible to the head restraint.
6) REAR VIEW MIRRORS
As door mirrors are curved, they may slightly alter the perception
of distance. When driving, these mirrors must always be in the
open position.
We recommend you carefully read the following environmental information.
In an emergency we recommend that you call the toll-free phone number found in the Warranty Booklet.
Go to the www.fiat500.com website to locate the Fiat Dealership closest to you.
(CONTINUES)
1) THE KEYS
Press button B fig. 9 only with the key away from your body,
especially your eyes and from objects which could get damaged
(e.g. your clothes).
Do not leave the key unattended to avoid the button being
accidentally pressed while it is being handled, e.g. by a child.
2) STARTING DEVICE
• Never remove the key while the car is moving.
The steering wheel will automatically lock as soon as it is turned.
This holds true for cars being towed as well.
• 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.
•If the ignition device has been tampered with
(e.g. an attempted theft), have it checked over by a Fiat
Dealership before driving again.
•Always remove the key when you leave your car to prevent
someone from accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake.
If the car is parked on a slope uphill, engage the first gear; if the
car is facing downhill, engage the reverse gear. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
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
190(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
•The HH system is not a parking brake, therefore do not leave
the vehicle without activating the handbrake, switching off the
engine, and engaging first gear, with the vehicle parked in safe
conditions.
•There may be situations on small gradients
(less than 8%), with car laden or a trailer attached to it (where
provided), in which the HH system may not activate, causing a
slight reversing motion and increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object.
The driver is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
•The HBA system cannot increase tyre grip on the road over
the limits imposed by laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road surface.
•The HBA system is an aid for the driver, who must always pay
full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the driver.
16) ENGINE BONNET
•Before opening the bonnet, check that windscreen wiper
arm is not lifted from the windscreen.
•The bonnet may drop suddenly if the supporting rod is not
positioned correctly.
Only perform these operations when the car is stationary.
•Be careful working inside engine compartment when the
engine is hot to avoid burning yourself. Do not place your
hands near the engine fan as it may be activated even when
the key is removed. Wait until the engine has cooled.
•Be very careful not to allow scarves, neck ties and other
loose articles of clothing from touching, even accidentally, any
moving parts. This may cause the clothing to be pulled into the
part, resulting in serious injury to the wearer. •For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
while the car is travelling. Make sure that the bonnet is properly
closed and that the lock is engaged. If you notice when driving
that the bonnet has not been properly locked, stop immediately
and close the bonnet correctly.
•Use both hands to lift the bonnet. Before lifting, check that the
windscreen wiper arms are not raised from the windscreen, that
the vehicle is stationary and that the handbrake is engaged.
17) CONTROLS
•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.
•Before performing any maintenance operations, always stop
the engine and remove the key from the ignition to lock the
steering column (especially when the car 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.
18) PARKING SENSORS
Parking manoeuvres, however, are always the driver’s
responsibility. While carrying out these manoeuvres, always make
sure that no people (especially children) or animals are in the area
concerned.
The parking sensors are used to assist the driver, who must
never allow his attention to lapse during potentially dangerous
manoeuvres, even those executed at low speeds.
191
21) VEHICLE REFUELLING
•Do not bring naked flames or lit cigarettes near to the fuel tank
opening: fire risk. Keep your face away from the fuel filler to
prevent breathing in harmful vapours.
•During normal service the catalyst reaches high temperatures;
therefore do not park the car over inflammable materials (grass,
dry leaves, pine needles, etc.): fire hazard.
•Do not use a mobile phone near the refuelling pump: risk of fire.
22) SEAT BELTS - PRETENSIONERS
•Do not press the seat belt release button while the vehicle is
moving.
•Remember that in the event of an accident, the rear seat
passengers not wearing seat belts are exposed to a very serious
risk and also represent a serious danger for the front seat
occupants.
•The pretensioner may be used only once. Contact a Fiat
Dealership to have it replaced after it has been deployed.
•For maximum safety, keep the backrest upright, lean back into
it and make sure the seat belt fits closely across your chest and
pelvis. Always fasten the seat belts on both the front and the rear
seats.
•Travelling without wearing seat belts will increase the risk of
serious injury and even death in the event of an accident.
•Removing or tampering with seat belt and pretensioner
components is strictly prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by qualified and authorised
technicians. Always go to a Fiat Dealership.
(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
19) START&STOP SYSTEM
•When replacing the battery, always go to a Fiat Dealership.
Replace the battery with one of the same type (HEAVY DUTY)
and with the same specifications.
•Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the vehicle is
switched off and the key is in the STOP position.
Please follow the instructions on the decal near the front
crossmember. It is advisable to extract the key when there are
other people in the car.
The car should always be left after the key has been removed
or turned to the STOP position. When refuelling, make sure
that the car is switched off with the key in the STOP position.
•For cars with Dualogic gearbox, if the engine is
automatically stopped on a slope, the engine should be
restarted by moving the gear lever
to + or – without –releasing the brake pedal.
For vehicles with Dualogic transmission, where the Hill Holder
function is present, in case of stop downhill the motor does
not cut off automatically, so as to make the Hill Holder
function - which is active only when the engine is running -
available.
•If climate comfort is to be favoured, the Start&Stop system
can be disabled, for a continuous operation of the climate
control system.
20) ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY THE OWNER
Take care when fitting additional spoilers, alloy wheels or non-
standard wheel hubs: they could reduce the ventilation of the
brakes and affect efficiency under sharp, repeated braking or
on long descents. Make sure that nothing obstructs the pedal
stroke (mats, etc.).
193
•After installing a child restraint system, do not move the seat:
always remove the child restraint system before making any
adjustment.
•Always make sure that the chest section of the seat belt does
not pass under the arms or behind the back of the child. In the
event of an accident the seat belt will not be able to secure the
child, with the risk of injury, including fatal injury. Therefore the
child must always wear the seat belt correctly.
•Do not use the same lower anchorage to install more than one
child restraint system.
25) AIR BAG
•Do not apply stickers or other objects on the steering wheel,
on the dashboard in the passenger side airbag area, on the
side upholstery on the roof and on the seats. Never put
objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the passenger’s
side of the dashboard since they could interfere with proper
airbag inflation and also cause serious injury to the
passengers.
• SERIOUS DANGER: When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward 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
the rear seat, which is the most protected position in the event
of a collision.
•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. •Do not rest your head, arms or elbows on the door, windows
or the area in which the window bag is located to avoid possible
injury during airbag inflation. Never lean your head,
arms or elbows out of the window.
•If when turning the key to MAR the warning light
¬does not
turn on or if it stays on when travelling, there could be a failure in
the safety systems; in this event airbags or pretensioners may not
be deployed in the event of impact or, in a lower number of
cases, they deploy accidentally.
Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system
checked.
•Do not cover the front seat backrests with extra covers if they
are equipped with side bags.
•Do not travel carrying objects in your lap, in front of your chest
or between your lips (pipe, pencils, etc.):
they could cause severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
•Always drive keeping your hands on the steering wheel rim so
the airbag can inflate freely if necessary. Do not drive with your
body bent forward. Keep your back straight against the backrest.
•If the car has been stolen or in the case of attempt to steal it, if
it has been subjected to vandalism or floods, have the airbag
system checked by a Fiat Dealership.
•The airbags may also be deployed when the car is not moving,
if the key is in the ignition and turned to MAR 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.
(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
194
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger 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.
•Do not wash the seats with water or pressurised steam
(wash by hand or at automatic seat washing stations).
• The front airbag is designed to be deployed for impacts of a
greater intensity than for the pretensioners. For impacts whose
intensity falls between the two levels, normally, only the
pretensioners will be activated.
•Do not affix rigid objects to the garment hooks or support
handles.
•The airbag does not replace seat belts but increases their
efficiency. Furthermore, since front airbags are not deployed in
low-speed frontal impacts, side impacts, rear shunts or roll-
overs, the passengers are protected only by the seat belts
which must therefore be fastened at all times.
•In some versions, in case of a LED
“fault (located on the
plate of the instrument panel), the warning light ¬on the
instrument panel turns on and the passenger side airbags are
deactivated. •Malfunction of the
¬warning light is indicated by the activation
of an airbag fault symbol and a dedicated message on the
instrument panel display (or, for versions where provided, by the
activation of a blinking generic fault warning light).
In this case, the warning light
¬may not indicate failures in the
retaining systems. Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have
the system checked.
•The
“warning light indicates the passenger side airbag
protection status. If the warning light is off, passenger side
protection is active: to deactivate it, use the Setup Menu (in this
case the LED lights up). When the vehicle is started (ignition key
turned to MAR position), the warning light turns on for about 8
seconds, provided that at least 5 seconds have elapsed from
when it was switched off. If not, contact a Fiat Dealership. If the
engine 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 engine off, wait for at least 5
seconds and switch the engine on again. 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.
•When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
“warning light
switches for few seconds, then if the passenger airbag protection
is active it should switch off.
26) STARTING THE ENGINE
•It is dangerous to run the engine in enclosed areas. The engine
takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
and other toxic gases.
(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)
195
•Remember that the servo-brake and power steering are not
operational until the engine has been started, therefore much
effort than usual is required on the brake pedal and steering
wheel.
•For vehicles featuring a Dualogic gearbox, if the engine is not
started with a gear engaged, a warning is sounded to notify
the driver of the potential danger due to the gear being
automatically put into neutral.
•This starting procedure must be performed by expert
personnel because incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity. Furthermore, battery fluid
is poisonous and corrosive: avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lighted cigarettes away from the
battery and do not cause sparks.
•Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings, watches, bracelets),
that might cause an accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
•Do not attempt to charge a frozen battery: it must be thawed
first, otherwise it may explode.
If freezing has occurred, the battery should be checked by
skilled personnel to make sure that the internal elements are
not damaged and that the body is not cracked, with the risk of
leaking poisonous and corrosive acid.
27) HANDBRAKE
• The car should be braked after a few clicks of the lever, if it is
not, contact a Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.
• Never leave children in the unattended car. Always remove
the ignition key when leaving the car and take it out with you. • In the case of parking manoeuvres on roads on a gradient, the
front wheels must be steered towards the pavement
(when parking downhill), or in the opposite direction if the vehicle
is parked uphill. Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the
car is parked on a steep slope.
28) USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears correctly. It is
therefore essential that there is nothing under the pedals: make
sure the mats are lying flat and do not get in the way of the pedals.
29) TOWING TRAILERS
•The ABS with which the car is equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer. Particular caution is required on
slippery roads.
•Do not, under any circumstances, modify the vehicle braking
system to control the trailer breaking system.
The towing braking system must be completely independent of the
vehicle’s hydraulic system.
30) SNOW TYRES
The maximum speed for snow tyres marked
“Q” is 160 km/h, while it is 190 km/h for “T” tyres and 210 km/h for
“H” tyres.
The highway code speed limits must however always be complied
with.
31) WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
•If the warning light
xturns on when travelling (on certain
versions together with the message on the display) stop the car
immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
(CONTINUES)
PERSONAL SAFETY
(CONTINUED)