82)For safety reasons, the bonnet must
always be properly closed while the car is
travelling. Therefore, make sure that the
bonnet is properly closed and that the lock
is engaged. If you discover that the bonnet
is not perfectly closed during travel, stop
immediately and close the bonnet in the
correct manner.
IMPORTANT
30)Note that the support bar may
disengage the bonnet if the open bonnet is
lifted by a strong wind.
31)After inserting the support bar into the
slot, make sure the bar supports the
bonnet securely from falling down on to
your head or body.
CARGO AREA
CARGO LOADS
83) 84)
Cargo loads precautions
When loading luggage, be careful to the
following.
Stow cargo and luggage in the cargo
area whenever possible.
Distribute cargo or luggage evenly so
that it is not unbalanced.
Do not place cargo or luggage on
the instrument panel. Also, do not stack
up cargo or luggage on the front
passenger’s seat or the rear seat.
Having the driver’s vision blocked, and
your cargo being thrown inside the
cabin if you suddenly have to brake can
cause a serious accident or injury.
Loading a roof carrier
32) 33)
NOTE We recommend you to use a
FCA GENUINE roof carrier, since the
brackets to be used have a special
shape. For details, we recommend you
to consult an Authorised Fiat
Dealership.
Roof carrier precaution
34) 35)
NOTE To prevent wind noise or
reduction in fuel economy, remove the
roof carrier when not in use.NOTE Remove the roof carrier before
using an automatic car wash.
HIGH-LOAD SYSTEM,
PROTRUDING LOADS
Check that the load is distributed evenly
on the flatbed and that the rear side
panel is correctly closed, so that the
load, or part of it, cannot fall onto the
road surface.
Some simple suggestions can improve
driving safety, comfort and vehicle
duration:
distribute the load evenly over the
platform: if it must be concentrated it in
a single area, choose an area mid-way
between both axles;
remember that the dynamic
behaviour of the vehicle is affected by
the transported weight: in particular, the
stopping distances are longer,
especially at high speed.
Bumpy roads and heavy braking may
cause unexpected load shifting with
consequently hazardous situations:
before setting off, secure the load tightly
using the partition and appropriate
hooks, steel cables, ropes or chains
strong enough to hold the items to be
secured.
83) 84) 85) 86) 87) 88)
77
WARNING
83)If the vehicle is parked on a very steep
slope or side gradient, opening the rear
flap of the flatbed or a side door may
cause any objects or luggage which is not
fixed to spill out.
84)If you wish to carry a reserve of petrol
in a can, observe the legal restrictions and
only use a can that is type-approved and
properly secured to the load anchorage
eyebolts. Anyway, by doing so, you
increase the risk of fire in the event of an
accident with your vehicle.
85)Respect the maximum permitted
vehicle loads also shown on the
registration certificate. The user is
responsible for arranging goods in the
luggage compartment and/or on the load
platform within the maximum permitted
loads.
86)Do not carry unnecessary objects on
the flatbed. Particularly if the vehicle is
driven in cities, where frequent stopping
and starting is necessary, supplementary
loads on the vehicle may have major
repercussions on fuel consumption.
Furthermore, do not travel with
unnecessary luggage, loads etc. on the
roof: the increased air resistance will
increase fuel consumption.
87)Using a lower gear when travelling with
heavy loads will improve vehicle
performance and extend the life of the
gearbox, limiting gear shifts and
overheating. This action ensures better
exhaust braking.88)All precautions must be adopted to
prevent danger to other road users if the
load protrudes beyond the contour of the
vehicle. The rear and side protrusion must
be indicated according to the laws in force
in the country. The load must not
compromise stability of the vehicle or cover
lights, visual indicators or identifying plates.
Poles, bars and similar loads which are
difficult to see arranged horizontally must
not protrude beyond the contour of the
vehicle.
IMPORTANT
32)Use a roof carrier that properly fits your
vehicle. Do not load luggage directly onto
the roof. For installation, refer to the
instruction manual accompanying the roof
carrier.
33)Make sure that the weight of the
luggage does not exceed the allowable roof
load. If the allowable roof load is exceeded,
this may cause damage to the vehicle. The
roof load is the total allowable load on the
roof (the weight of the roof carrier plus the
weight of luggage placed on the roof
carrier). For the specific value, refer to
“Maximum roof load”.34)When luggage is loaded onto the
vehicle, please make sure to drive slowly
and avoid excessive maneuvers such as
sudden braking or quick turning. In
addition, place the luggage on the carrier
so that its weight is distributed evenly with
the heaviest items on the bottom. Do not
load items that are wider than the roof
carrier. The additional weight on the roof
could raise the vehicle’s centre of gravity
and affect vehicle handling characteristics.
As a result, driving errors or emergency
maneuvers could lead to a loss of control
and result in an accident.
35)Before driving and after travelling a
short distance, always check the load to
make sure it is securely fastened to the roof
carrier. Check periodically during your travel
that the load remains secure.
78
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
1. When colliding with a utility pole,
tree or other narrow object. 2. Vehicle
slides under the rear body of a truck
3. Oblique frontal impacts
Because the front airbags and driver’s
knee airbag do not protect the
occupant in all types of frontal
collisions, be sure to always properly
wear your seat belts.
The front airbags and driver’s knee
airbag ARE NOT DESIGNED TO
DEPLOY when…
The front airbags and driver’s knee
airbag are not designed to deploy in
conditions where they cannot typically
provide protection to the occupant.
Such conditions are shown in the
illustration.1. Rear end collisions 2. Side
collisions 3. Vehicle rolls onto its side
or roof
Because the front airbags and driver’s
knee airbag do not protect the
occupant in all types of collisions, be
sure to always properly wear your seat
belts.
The front airbags and driver’s knee
airbag MAY DEPLOY when…
The front airbags and driver’s knee
airbag may deploy if the bottom of the
vehicle suffers a moderate to severe
impact (undercarriage damage).
Examples of some typical conditions
are shown in the illustration.1. Collision with an elevated
median/island or kerb 2. Vehicle travels
over a deep hole/pothole 3. Vehicle
drives down a steep slope and hits the
ground
Because the front airbags and driver’s
knee airbag may deploy in certain types
of unexpected impacts as shown in the
illustration that can easily move you out
of position, it is important to always
properly wear your seat belts. Your seat
belts will help keep you a safe distance
from the steering wheel and instrument
panel during the initial stages of airbag
deployment. The initial stage of airbag
inflation is the most forceful and can
possibly cause serious or fatal injuries if
you contact it at this stage.
181) 182) 183) 184) 185) 186) 187) 188) 189) 190)
229AHA103143230AHA103156231AHA103169
133
Side airbag system
(where provided)
The side airbags (A) are contained in
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks. The side airbag is designed
to inflate only on the side of the vehicle
that is impacted, even with no
passenger in the front seat.The label shown here is attached to the
seatbacks with a side airbag.
Curtain airbag system (where
provided)
191) 192)
The curtain airbags are contained in the
front pillars and roof side rail. The
curtain airbag is designed to inflate only
on the side of the vehicle that is
impacted, even with no passenger in
the front seat or rear seat.Also, when the airbag control unit
detects rollover of the vehicle, the
curtain airbags will deploy (if so
equipped).
Deployment of side airbags and
curtain airbags*
The side airbags and curtain
airbags ARE DESIGNED TO
DEPLOY when...
The side airbags and curtain airbags
are designed to deploy when the
vehicle suffers a moderate to severe
side impact to the middle of the
passenger compartment.
The typical condition is shown in the
illustration.
232AHA105701
233AHA105714
234AHA103198
235AHA103202
236AJA102937
134
SAFETY
1 — Moderate to severe impact to the
middle of the vehicle body’s side
structure.
2 — When the vehicle detects rollover
of the vehicle (Curtain airbag only,
where provided).
The seat belts in your vehicle are your
primary means of protection in a
collision. The SRS side airbags and
curtain airbags are designed to provide
additional protection.
Therefore, for your safety and the safety
of all occupants, be sure to always
properly wear your seat belts.
The side airbags and curtain
airbags MAY NOT DEPLOY when...
With certain types of side collisions, the
vehicle’s body structure is designed to
absorb the shock to help protect the
occupants from harm. (The vehicle
body’s side area may deform
significantly as it absorbs the impact.)
Under such circumstances, the sideairbags and curtain airbags may not
deploy irrespective of the deformation
and damage to the vehicle body.
Examples of some typical conditions
are shown in the illustration.
1. Side impacts in an area away from
the passenger compartment.
2. Motorcycle or other similar small
vehicle collides with the side of vehicle.
3. Collision with a utility pole, tree or
other narrow object. 4. Oblique sideimpacts. 5. Vehicle rolls onto its side or
roof.
Because the side airbags and curtain
airbags do not protect the occupant in
all types of side collisions, be sure to
always properly wear your seat belts.
The side airbags and curtain
airbags ARE NOT DESIGNED TO
DEPLOY when...
The side airbags and curtain airbags are
not designed to deploy in conditions
where they cannot usually provide
protection to the occupant. Typical
conditions are shown in the illustration.237AH3101226
238AHA103231
239AHA103244
240AHE100469
135
192)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.
193)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.
194)The side airbags and curtain airbags
are designed to supplement the driver and
passenger seat belts in certain side
impacts. Seat belts should always be worn
properly, and the driver and passenger
should sit well back and upright without
leaning against the window or door.
195)The side airbag and curtain airbag
inflate with great force. The driver and
passenger should not put their arms out
the window, and should not lean against
the door, in order to reduce risk of serious
or possible fatal injury from the deploying
side airbag and curtain airbag.
196)Do not allow any rear seat occupant
to hold onto the seatback of either front
seat, in order to reduce risk of injury from
the deploying side airbag. Special care
should be taken with children.
197)Do not place any objects near or in
front of the seatback of either front seat.
They could interfere with proper side airbag
inflation, and also could cause injury if
thrown free by side airbag deployment.
198)Do not install seat covers on seats
with side airbags. Do not re-cover seats
that have side airbags. This could interfere
with proper side airbag inflation.199)Do not attach a microphone (A in
fig. 242 ) or any other device or object
around the part where the curtain airbags
(B in fig. 242 ) activate such as on the
windscreen, side door glass, front and rear
pillars and roof side or assist grips. When
the curtain airbags inflate, the microphone
or other device or object will be hurled with
great force or the curtain airbags may not
activate correctly, resulting in death or
serious injury.
200)Do not allow the child to lean against
or close to the front door even if the child is
seated in a child restraint system. The
child’s head should also not be leaned
against or be close to the area where the
side airbag and curtain airbag are located.
It is dangerous if the side airbag and curtain
airbag inflate. Failure to follow all of these
instructions could lead to serious or fatal
injury to the child.
201)We recommend work around and on
the side airbags and curtain airbags system
to be done by a Fiat Dealership.
202)We recommend any maintenance
performed on or near the components of
the SRS to be performed by a Fiat
Dealership. Improper work on the SRS
components or wiring could result in
inadvertent deployment of the airbags, or
could render the SRS inoperative; either
situation could result in serious injury.
203)Do not modify your steering wheel,
seat belt retractor or any other SRS
components. For example, replacement of
the steering wheel, or modifications to the
front bumper or body structure can
adversely affect SRS performance and lead
to possible injury.204)If your vehicle has received any
damage, we recommend you to have the
SRS inspected to ensure it is in proper
working order.
205)On vehicles with the side airbag, do
not modify your front seats, centre pillar
and centre console. It can adversely affect
SRS performance and lead to possible
injury.
206)If you found any tear, scratch, crack or
damage to the portion where the airbag is
stored, you should have the SRS inspected
by a Fiat Dealership.
138
SAFETY
ECONOMICAL
DRIVING
For economical driving, there are some
technical requirements that have to be
met. The prerequisite for low fuel
consumption is a properly adjusted
engine. In order to achieve longer life of
the vehicle and the most economical
operation, we recommend you to have
the vehicle checked at regular intervals
in accordance with the service
standards.
Fuel economy and generation of
exhaust gas and noise are highly
influenced by personal driving habits as
well as the particular operating
conditions. The following points should
be observed in order to minimize wear
of brakes, tyres and engine as well as
to reduce environmental pollution.
Accelerating and decelerating
Drive according to traffic conditions,
and avoid sudden starts, sudden
acceleration, and sudden braking, as
they will increase fuel consumption.
Shifting
Shift only at an appropriate speed and
engine speed. Always use the highest
shift position possible.
The transfer shift lever or the drive
modeselector should be set to “2H”
when driving 4WD vehicles on normal
roads and express ways to obtain best
possible fuel economy.City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping
increases the average fuel
consumption. Use roads with smooth
traffic flow whenever possible. When
driving on congested roads, avoid use
of a low shift position at high engine
speeds.
Idling
The vehicle consumes fuel even during
idling. Avoid extended idling whenever
possible.
Speed
At higher the vehicle speed, more fuel is
consumed. Avoid driving at full speed.
Even a slight release of the accelerator
pedal will save a significant amount of
fuel.
Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at
regular intervals. Low tyre inflation
pressure increases road resistance and
fuel consumption. In addition, low tyre
pressures adversely affect tyre wear
and driving stability.
Cargo loads
Do not drive with unnecessary articles
in the luggage compartment. Especially
during city driving where frequent
starting and stopping is necessary, the
increased weight of the vehicle will
greatly affect fuel consumption. Also
avoid driving with unnecessary luggage
or carriers, etc., on the roof; theincreased air resistance will increase
fuel consumption.
Cold engine starting
Starting of a cold engine consumes
more fuel. Unnecessary fuel
consumption is also caused by keeping
a hot engine running. After the engine is
started, commence driving as soon as
possible.
Cooler or air conditioning
The use of the air conditioner will
increase the fuel consumption.
146
STARTING AND DRIVING
pedal as constant as possible, and
drive at low speed.
146) 147)
239)
NOTE Avoid sudden braking,
acceleration, and turning; such
operations could result in the vehicle
becoming stuck.
NOTE If the vehicle becomes stuck in
sandy or muddy roads, it can often be
moved a rocking motion. Move the
selector lever rhythmically between the
“D” (DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE)
position (with manual transmission,
between 1st and Reverse), while
applying slight pressure to the
accelerator pedal.
NOTE It is recommended to start the
vehicle with parking brake partially, but
not completely, applied by slightly
pulling the parking brake lever. After the
vehicle has become free, do not forget
to release the parking brake.
NOTE If it is necessary to drive in
extremely muddy conditions, the use of
tyre chains is recommended. Because
the extent of muddy conditions is
difficult to judge and the vehicle could
become bogged down very deeply,
operation should be at a low speed. If
possible, get out of the vehicle and
check the conditions ahead before
proceeding.NOTE Driving over roads in coastal
areas or roads on which anti-skid
preparations have been spread can
cause rust on the vehicle; wash the
vehicle thoroughly as soon as possible
after such use.
Climbing sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy Select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super Select 4WD II) to
maximize the engine torque.
240) 241)
NOTE Choose as smooth a slope as
possible with few stones or other
obstacles.
NOTE Before attempting to drive up
the slope, walk up it to confirm that the
vehicle can handle the grade.
Descending sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy Select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super Select 4WD II), use the
engine brake (downshifting) and
descend slowly.
242)
NOTE When descending a sharp
grade, if the brakes are applied
suddenly because of an obstacle
encountered, control of the vehicle
could be lost. Before descending the
slope, walk down it and confirm the
path.NOTE Before descending a grade, it is
necessary to choose the appropriate
gear. Avoid changing gears or
depressing the clutch while descending
the grade.
NOTE FCA is not responsible to the
operator for any damage or injury
caused or liability incurred by the
improper and negligent operation of a
vehicle. All techniques of vehicle
operation described herein depend on
the skill and experience of the operator
and other participating parties and any
deviation from the recommended
operation instructions above is at their
own risk.
Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in “4H” or
“4L” position (Easy Select 4WD),
“4HLc” or “4LLc” position (Super Select
4WD II) at low speed, a slight difference
in steering may be experienced similar
to as if the brakes were applied. This is
called tight corner braking and results
from each of the 4 tyres being at a
different distance from the corner.
Crossing a stream
4-wheel drive vehicles are not
necessarily waterproof. If the electrical
circuits become wet, further operation
of the vehicle will be impossible;
therefore, avoid crossing streams
unless absolutely necessary. If crossing
a stream is unavoidable, use the
following procedure:
182
STARTING AND DRIVING