IMPORTANT NOTES
The front airbags and/or side bags (for
versions/markets, where provided)
may be deployed if the vehicle is
subject to heavy knocks or accidents
involving the underbody area, such
as for example violent shocks against
steps, kerbs or low obstacles, or the
vehicle falling into big potholes or
depressions in the road.
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
vehicle may be covered in a dusty
residue: this may irritate your 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 at Fiat Dealerships.If you are having the vehicle scrapped,
have the airbag system deactivated at a
Fiat Dealership first. If the vehicle
changes ownership, the new owner
must be informed of the method of use
of airbags and the above warnings
and also be given this "Owner
Handbook".
Pretensioners, front airbags and front
side bags are deployed differently
according to the type of collision.
Failure to activate one or more of the
devices does not indicate a system
malfunction.
80) 81) 82) 83) 84) 85) 86) 87) 88) 89)
WARNING
80)There may be an anomaly in the
restraint systems if the warning light
does not light up when the key is turn
to MAR or remains on while driving (on
some versions with a message on the
display). In this case, the airbags or the
pretensioners may not be activated in the
case of an accident or (in a lesser number
of cases) they may be activated incorrectly.
Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to
have the system checked.
81)Always drive with your hands on the
rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive
bent over the steering wheel, but rather sit
upright with your back firmly resting against
the seat back.82)In some versions, in the event of a LED
failure (located on the dashboard
panel), thewarning light on the
instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated.
83)On cars with side bags, do not cover
the front seat backrests with extra covers.
84)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.
85)If the ignition device is at MAR, even if
the engine is switched off, airbags may
be deployed when the vehicle is stationary
and hit by another vehicle. Therefore,
even if the car is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rear 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 ignition device is
set 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.
89
STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE ................. 92
HANDBRAKE .................................. 93
WHEN PARKED .............................. 94
USING THE MANUAL
TRANSMISSION ............................. 95
“COMFORT-MATIC”
TRANSMISSION ............................. 96
CRUISE CONTROL (CONSTANT
SPEED REGULATOR) ..................... 97
SPEED BLOCK ............................... 99
PARKING SENSORS....................... 99
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................100
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........102
TOWING TRAILERS ........................105
91
STARTING THE
ENGINE
The vehicle is fitted with an electronic
engine lock device: if the engine fails to
start, see the paragraph “The Fiat
CODE system” in section “Know your
vehicle”.
90) 91)
22) 23) 27) 28)
PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake;
put the gear lever into neutral;
fully depress the clutch pedal
without touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake;
put the gear lever into neutral;
turn the ignition key to MAR
position: the
warning light will light
up on instrument panel;
wait for the warning lightsand
to turn off, which will happen faster
the warmer the engine is;
fully depress the clutch pedal
without touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to the AVV
position as soon as the warning light
turns off. Waiting too long will waste
the heating work carried out by the
plugs.
Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
With cold engine, the accelerator must
be entirely released when turning the
ignition key to position AVV.
24)
PROCEDURE FOR
NATURAL POWER
VERSIONS
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the previously
selected mode.
25)
PROCEDURE FOR
VERSIONS WITH
COMFORT-MATIC
TRANSMISSION
The system allows the engine to be
started both with a gear engaged and
with the transmission in neutral (N).
Always press the brake pedal with the
gear engaged.It is advisable to place the gear lever in
neutral (N) before starting the engine.
26)
IMPORTANT If the engine does not
start at the first attempt, return the
ignition key to STOP before repeating
the starting procedure. If the warning
light remains on together with warning
light
when the ignition key is at
MAR, turn the key to STOP and then
back to MAR; if the warning light stays
on, try with the other keys provided
with the vehicle. If you still cannot start
the engine, perform an emergency
start (see “Emergency starting” in the
“In an emergency” section) and go to a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT If start-up is requested
with the gearbox faulty, carry out the
"Delayed start-up" procedure (see
associated messages): turn the key to
the AVV position for at least 7 seconds
with the brake depressed and the
engine will start. The system will be in
recovery mode (maximum permitted
gear: 3
rd, Automatic mode not
available). If the engine does not start,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
92
STARTING AND DRIVING
WARNING
90)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gasses.
91)Remember that the brake servo and
electrical power steering system are not
operational until the engine is started,
therefore a greater effort will be required to
press the brake pedal or turn the steering
wheel.
WARNING
22)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessive intense braking,
etc.) during the initial period of use.
23)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
24)If the warning light
flashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates a
problem in the glow plug preheating
system. Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.25)There must therefore always be
enough petrol in the tank to protect the
petrol pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from methane to petrol
operation, if high performance is required.
26)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the gearbox is
automatically placed in neutral will be
signalled by a buzzer.
27)Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter and
damage it beyond repair.
28)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely
no practical purpose, it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to turbocharged
engines.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever fig. 102 is located
between the two front seats.
Handbrake engagement:
Pull lever upwards until the vehicle is
secured. The warning light
comes
on with the key at MAR.
Handbrake disengagement:
slightly raise lever A and hold button B
pressed, checking that the
warning
light switches off in the instrument
panel.
92) 93) 94)
102F0T0043
93
WARNING
92)Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
93)The vehicle should be secured after
several clicks of the lever. If it is not,
contact a Fiat Dealership to have it
adjusted.
94)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. If
the vehicle is parked on a steep slope, it is
advisable to block the wheels with a wedge
or stone.
WHEN PARKED
95)
Proceed as follows when parking and
leaving the vehicle:
engage a gear (1stgear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and
leave the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
always remove the ignition key.
If the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope, it is advisable to block the
wheels with a wedge or stone.
Do not leave the key in the MAR
position to prevent the battery from
running down.
Versions with COMFORT-MATIC
transmission
To park safely, keeping a foot on the
brake pedal, the 1
stor reverse (R) gear
must be engaged and, in case of
parking uphills/downhills, the
handbrake must be engaged.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the vehicle
with the transmission in neutral (N)
or, on versions equipped with automatic
(Comfort matic) transmission, before
putting the shift lever in thePposition.IMPORTANT NOTES
With the vehicle stationary and a
gear engaged, always keep the brake
pedal pressed until you decide to
set off, then release the brake and
accelerate gently;
during prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep
the gearbox in neutral (N);
In order to safeguard the efficiency
of the clutch, do not use the
accelerator to keep the vehicle
stationary (e.g. when stopped on an
incline);
the clutch could overheat and be
damaged; use the brake pedal and only
operate the accelerator pedal when
you decide to set off;
only use second gear when you
need greater control for starting
manoeuvres on surfaces with poor grip;
if, with reverse gear (R) engaged,
you have to engage first gear or vice
versa, only do this when the vehicle is
completely stationary and with the
brake pedal pressed;
94
STARTING AND DRIVING
although it is strongly inadvisable, if
you are driving downhill and, for
unexpected reasons, you let the vehicle
move forward with the transmission in
neutral (N), when you engage a gear,
the system will automatically engage
the best gear to transmit the correct
drive torque to the wheels depending
on the vehicle's speed;
WARNING
95)Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
USING THE MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever A
fig. 103 into the required position (the
diagram for gear engagement is shown
on the knob).
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be
engaged when the vehicle is at a
standstill. With the engine running, wait
for at least 2 seconds with the clutch
pedal fully pressed before engaging
reverse to prevent damage to the gears
and grating.
96)
29)
WARNING
96)Press the clutch pedal fully to shift
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.
WARNING
29)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even
if slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
The clutch pedal should be used only
for gear changes. Do not drive with your
foot resting on the clutch pedal, however
lightly. For versions/markets where
provided, the electronic clutch control
could cut in, interpreting the incorrect
driving style as a fault.
103F0T0055
95
“COMFORT-MATIC”
TRANSMISSION
The vehicle is equipped with an
electronically controlled manual
gearbox known as COMFORT-MATIC
that has two operating modes:
MANUALandAUTO.
It is possible to use theECOfunction
(Economy) with theAUTOlogic which
reduces consumption. Press button
E fig. 104 to turn this function on.
If theECOfunction is used, the display
will show the letter E (Economy) next
to the gear engaged fig. 105.
30)
AUTOMATIC MODE
IMPORTANT To use the system
correctly, it is advisable to only use your
right foot to operate the pedals.
Press the brake pedal.
Start the engine.
Push the gear lever toA/Mfig. 106
to engage automatic mode or toR
fig. 107 to engage reverse gear.
Release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.MANUAL MODE
IMPORTANT For the correct use of the
system only use your right foot to
operate the pedal unit.
Press the brake pedal.
Start the engine.
Push the transmission lever towards
+fig. 108 to engage the first gear (if it
is coming fromNorR, simply place the
lever in the middle position) or inRfig.
107 to engage reverse gear.
Release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.
In driving conditions, push the gear
lever towards+fig. 108 to engage a
higher gear or towards–to engage
a lower gear.
104F0T0223
105F0T0961
106F0T0226
107F0T0229
96
STARTING AND DRIVING
NOTE The accelerator pedal does not
have to be released whilst changing
gear. If the gear change request may
adversely affect the correct operation of
the engine and the transmission, the
system will not allow it.
WARNING
30)Avoid keeping your hand placed on this
lever in between gear changes or
Auto/Manual mode.
CRUISE CONTROL
(constant speed
regulator)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic driving aid that
allows you to drive at a speed of above
30 km/h on long and straight dry roads
with few driving changes (e.g.
motorways) at a preset speed without
having to press the accelerator pedal. It
is therefore not recommended to use
this device on extra-urban roads with
traffic. Do not use the device in town.
Turning the device on
When the device is activated, light
comes on together with the relevant
message on the instrument panel (for
versions/markets, where provided).
The speed adjustment function cannot
be activated in 1
stor reverse gear; it
is advisable to activate the function in
4
thor higher gears.
When travelling downhill with the device
activated, the vehicle speed may
exceed the memorised one.
Storing vehicle speed
Proceed as follows:
turn ring nut A fig. 109 to the ON
position and press the accelerator
pedal so that the vehicle reaches the
desired speed;
move the stalk upwards (+) for at
least one second, then release it. The
vehicle speed is now stored and you
can therefore release the accelerator
pedal.
If necessary (e.g. when overtaking)
acceleration is possible by simply
pressing the accelerator pedal:
releasing the accelerator pedal the car
will return to the speed stored
previously.
Restoring the stored speed
If the device has been deactivated, for
example by depressing the brake or
clutch pedal, the stored speed can be
restored as follows:
accelerate progressively until a
speed close to that stored is reached;
engage the gear selected at the time
that the speed was stored;
press button B fig. 109.
108F0T0224
109F0T0405
97