TOWING TRAILERS
131) 132)
IMPORTANT
For towing motorhomes or trailers the
vehicle must be fitted with an approved
tow hook and an adequate electrical
system. Installation must be carried out
by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the
vehicle tow hook reduces the vehicle's
loading capacity by the same amount.
To make sure that the maximum
towable weight is not exceeded (given
in the vehicle registration document)
account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and
luggage.Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in
the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.
An electric brake (or electric winch)
should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a cross
section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
In addition to the electrical branches,
the vehicle electrical system can only
be connected to the supply cable for an
electric brake and to the cable for an
internal light for the trailer, not
exceeding 15 W. For connections, use
the preset control unit with a battery
cable with section not less than 2.5
mm
2.
On Panda Cross and Panda 4x4
versions, in the event of prolonged
vehicle use at maximum tow capacity
on slopes, replacing engine oil more
frequently (every 10,000 km) is
advisable.
IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads
other than external lights (electric brake,
winch, etc.) must take place with
engine running.
IMPORTANT To install a tow hook
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
131)The ABS with which the vehicle is
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
132)Never modify the braking system of
the vehicle to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the vehicle’s hydraulic
system.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, a jump starting can
be performed using the battery and
the cables of another vehicle, or using a
booster battery.
If the warning light
remains on
continuously on the instrument panel,
contact the Fiat Dealership immediately.
IMPORTANT NOTES
When a booster battery is used, comply
with the utilisation and precaution
instructions specified by the producer.
Do not use the booster battery or
any other source of external supply with
a voltage above 12 V: the battery, the
starter, the alternator and the electrical
system of the vehicle could be
damaged.
Do not attempt jump starting if the
battery is frozen. The battery could
break and explode!PREPARATION TO JUMP
STARTING
151) 152)
56) 57)
IMPORTANT The positive terminal (+) of
the battery is shielded by a protective
cover. Lift the cover to access the
positive terminal.
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake, move the
Dualogic gear lever to P (Park) or,
for versions with manual gearbox, to
neutral and bring the ignition key to
STOP;
switch off all the other electrical
devices in the car;
if another vehicle is ready for jump
starting, park the vehicle within the
reach of the cables to be used for
starting, operate the handbrake and
make sure that the ignition is
deactivated.
IMPORTANT Avoid contact between
the two vehicles since this could cause
a connection to earth and may result
in serious injury to any people nearby.PROCEDURE FOR JUMP
STARTING
IMPORTANT If the procedure below is
carried out incorrectly, it can cause
severe injury to people or damage the
recharging system of one or both
vehicles. Carefully follow the
instructions given below.
Cable connection
Proceed as follows to carry out a jump
starting:
connect one end of the cable used
for positive (+) to the positive terminal
(+) of the car with flat battery;
connect the other end of the cable
used for positive (+) to the positive
terminal (+) of the auxiliary battery;
connect one end of the cable used
for negative (–) to the negative terminal
(–) of the auxiliary battery;
connect the other end of the cable
used for negative (–) to an engine earth
(the visible metal part of the car engine
with flat battery) far from the battery
and the fuel injection system;
start the vehicle engine with the
auxiliary battery, let it run for a few
minutes at idling. Start the engine of the
car with flat battery.
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Cable disconnection
Once the engine has been started,
remove the cables proceeding as
follows:
disconnect the end of the cable
used for negative (–) from the engine
earth of the car with flat battery;
disconnect the other end of the
cable used for negative (–) from the
negative terminal (–) of the auxiliary
battery;
disconnect the end of the cable
used for positive (+) from the positive
terminal (+) of the auxiliary battery;
disconnect one end of the cable
used for positive (+) from the positive
terminal (+) of the car with flat battery.
If it is often necessary to perform a
jump starting, have the car battery and
the recharging system checked by a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Any accessories (e.g.
mobile phones, etc.) connected to the
vehicle power sockets draw current
even if they are not used. These
devices, if left connected too much time
with engine off, may cause the battery
to drain with following reduction of
its life and/or failure to start the engine.
WARNING
151)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.
152)Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings,
watches, bracelets), that might cause an
accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
WARNING
56)Do not connect the cable to the
negative terminal (–) of the flat battery. The
following spark could lead to battery
explosion and cause serious harm. Only
use the specific earth point; do not use any
other exposed metallic part.
57)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
FUEL CUT-OFF
SYSTEM
153)
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
the interruption of the fuel supply
with the engine consequently cutting
out;
the automatic unlocking of the
doors;
turning on the lights inside the car;
the switching on of the hazard
warning lights.
NOTE Carefully check the vehicle for
fuel leaks, for instance in the engine
compartment, under the vehicle or near
the tank area. After an impact, turn
the ignition key to STOP to prevent the
battery from running down.
To restore the correct operation of the
vehicle, proceed as follows:
turn the ignition key to the MAR
position;
activate the right direction indicator;
deactivate the right direction
indicator;
activate the left direction indicator;
deactivate the left direction indicator;
activate the right direction indicator;
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IN AN EMERGENCY