Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing a Fiat Panda.
We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the features of your vehicle and use it in the best possible way.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your vehicle and how to achieve the best performance
from the technical features of your Fiat Panda.
You are advised to read it right through before taking to the road for the first time, to become familiar with the controls and above all
with those concerning brakes, steering and gearbox; at the same time, you can understand the vehicle behaviour on different road
surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care and
maintenance of your Fiat Panda over time.
After reading it, you are advised to keep the handbook inside the vehicle, for an easy reference and for making sure it remains on
board the vehicle should it be sold.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find a description of the Services that Fiat offers to its customers, the Warranty
Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new vehicle and the service provided by the people at
Fiat.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!
IMPORTANT
This Owner Handbook describes all versions of the Fiat Panda; please consider only the information relevant to your
vehicle’s trim level, engine and version. All data contained in this publication are purely indicative. FCA Italy S.p.A. can
modify the content of this publication at any time, for technical or commercial purposes. For further information, contact
a Fiat Dealership.
ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking.
IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500 km is
needed: during this period it is better to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
braking.
The ABS also integrates the following
systems: EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment Regelung) and MBA
(Mechanical Brake Assist) (for
versions/markets, where provided).System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the
brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.
44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52)
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that
controls car stability in the event of loss
of tyre grip, helping maintain directional
control. The system is capable of
recognising potentially dangerous
situations in terms of the stability and
intervenes automatically on the brakes
in a differentiated manner for the four
wheels in order to provide a stabilising
torque.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of theESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58)
HH (Hill Holder) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ESC system and facilitates starting on
slopes.
It is automatically activated in the
following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the torque
necessary for starting is reached, or
in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical
mechanical brake release noise can be
heard, indicating that the car is about
to move.
NOTE: The Hill Holder system is not
active with the handbrake engaged.
60
SAFETY
ELD (Electronic Locking
Differential) SYSTEM
(Panda Cross 4x4 and Panda 4x4
versions)
The ELD system allows the drive force
to be evenly distributed over the same
axle when one or both wheels are
slipping. The ELD acts by braking the
wheels with poor grip (or those slipping
more than the others), thereby
transferring the drive force to those
which have greater grip on the ground.
The system operates at speeds below
50 km/h. Above this speed, it is
automatically deactivated and it is
reactivated when the speed falls below
50 km/h.
The activation of the ELD system
involves the following functions being
switched on:
inhibition of the ASR function, in
order to fully exploit the engine torque;
differential lock effect on the front
and rear axles, via the braking system,
to improve drive on uneven surfaces.
Enabling the system
To arrange operation of the ELD system
press button A fig. 49 (Panda 4x4
versions) or turn the ring fig. 50 to the
right (Panda Cross 4x4 versions) and
keep it in this position until LED 2
on the selector lights up.System intervention
Thewarning light on the instrument
panel flashes to signal that the system
has intervened.If the space-saver wheel is used
If the space-saver wheel is used, the
control unit for 4x4 drive detects its
presence (via the wheel speed signals)
and reduces the intervention of the
four-wheel drive mode to a minimum,
while guaranteeing the agility of the
vehicle. No fault/alarm signal is
displayed on the instrument panel or on
the display.
Disabling the system
To disable the system, press button A
fig. 49 (Panda 4x4 versions) or turn
the ring to the left fig. 50 (Panda Cross
4x4 versions) and keep it in this position
until LED 1 on the selector lights up.
GRAVITY CONTROL
SYSTEM
(Panda Cross 4x4 versions)
IMPORTANT This function can be
activated only with "Off Road" mode
activated.
It is an integral part of the ESC system
and is aimed at keeping the vehicle at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time. In this
way, the Gravity Control function
assists the driver on steep gradients in
low-grip conditions and/or on rough
terrain.
49F1D0122
50F1D0116
62
SAFETY
Noise and vibrations coming from the
wheel sides (brakes) when the Gravity
Control system is activated are normal.
IMPORTANT The system does not
relieve the driver of the responsibility of
controlling the vehicle and does not
replace attention while driving. The
driver of the vehicle takes the complete
responsibility for the consequences of
their actions and of an incorrect and not
responsible use of the vehicle.
Enabling the system
To arrange operation of the Gravity
Control system, turn ring fig. 51, with
LED 2 on, to the right, and keep it
in this position until LED 3 on the
selector lights up. The
warning light
comes on in the instrument panel and
the dedicated message is displayed.
IMPORTANT System intervention
set-up can be engaged only with "Off
Road" mode activated.System intervention
You must travel at a speed slower than
25 km/h for the system to activate.
After reaching the desired speed,
release the accelerator and brake
pedals completely. If you want to
increase/decrease the speed, press the
accelerator/brake pedals again.
IMPORTANT The system is also
available for very low speeds between 5
km/h and 9 km/h, but in this interval
the gearbox must be set to neutral to
prevent engine stalling.
IMPORTANT For speeds above 9 km/h,
the Gravity Control system must be
used with a gear that is suitable for the
set speed, in order to prevent possible
engine stalling. While the Gravity
Control system is operating it is also
possible to take control of the vehicle
again by pressing the brake and
accelerator pedals. If the Gravity
Control is not available when system
intervention set-up is engaged, this
could be due to brake overheating. In
this case, wait for a few minutes.
IMPORTANT The Gravity Control
system is available for speeds between
5 km/h and 25 km/h. It is advisable to
use the system in low gears (first,
second and third).IMPORTANT On level ground in urban
areas it is advisable to deactivate the
Gravity Control system intervention
set-up, since for speeds below 25 km/h
in some usage conditions, such as
when setting off, shifting gear and
driving over road humps without using
the accelerator pedal, the system might
activate.
Disabling the system
To deactivate the system, turn the ring
fig. 51 to the left, keeping it in this
position until LED 3 on the selector
switches off.
IMPORTANT If the braking system
overheats the system will deactivate
through a gradual release of the braking
pressure, leaving vehicle control to the
driver. Deactivation of the Gravity
Control system is accompanied by
flashing of the
warning light, by a
dedicated message on the display and
an acoustic warning. To reactivate
the system intervention set-up wait for
the system to cool down and turn
the ring nut again.
51F1D0116
63
IMPORTANT The Gravity Control
system is deactivated when exceeding
25 km/h and at speeds lower than
50 km/h it remains enabled to be
reactivated when the speed returns
under 25 km/h. In this case, the
indication on the instrument panel is
switched off and the LED on the ring
stays on. If car speed exceeds 50
km/h, the Gravity Control system
completely deactivates and each
individual action made by the system
on the brakes is blocked. To reactivate
it, turn the ring nut again when the
speed is again below 25 km/h.
T+ (Traction Plus)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful
for setting off in poor grip conditions
(snow, ice, mud, etc.) which allows the
drive force to be distributed in the
best way over the front axle when one
wheel is slipping.
Traction Plus acts by braking the
wheels with poor grip (or those slipping
more than the others), thereby
transferring the drive force to those
which have greater grip on the ground.Engagement/disengagement
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system, press the T+ button fig. 52: the
LED on the button switches on; the
display shows a dedicated message. To
disengage the system press the T+
button again.
Operation
This function operates under a
threshold of 30 km/h. Over this speed,
it is automatically deactivated (the
LED on the button is still on) and it is
reactivated again when the speed
is below 30 km/h.
The activation of the Traction Plus
system causes the differential locking
effect on the front axle, through the
braking system, to improve traction on
irregular grounds.If the Traction Plus system is faulty, the
ESCwarning light on the instrument
panel switches on constantly.
WARNING
44)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
45)When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not remove
your foot, but keep the pedal pushed
down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road
conditions at the time.
46)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is nearing its limit. You must slow
down to a speed compatible with the
available traction.
47)To obtain the maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
48)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
49)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
52F1D0039
64
SAFETY
WARNING
137)If the replaced fuse blows again,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
138)Never replace a fuse with metal wires
or other material.
139)Never replace a fuse with another
with a higher amp rating; DANGER OF
FIRE.
140)If a general fuse (MEGA-FUSE,
MIDI-FUSE, MAXI-FUSE) blows contact a
Fiat Dealership.
141)Before replacing a fuse, make sure
that the ignition key has been removed and
that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
142)Contact Fiat Dealership if a safety
system (airbags, brakes), engine system
(engine, gearbox) or steering system
general protection fuse blows.
WARNING
52)If you need to wash the engine
compartment, take care not to directly hit
the fuse box and the window wiper motors
with the water jet.
REPLACING A
WHEEL
143) 144) 145) 146) 147) 148)
JACK
Please note that:
the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
the jack requires no adjustment;
the jack cannot be repaired and in
the event of a fault it must be replaced
by another genuine one;
no tool other than its cranking
device may be fitted on the jack.
Jack maintenance
prevent any dirt from depositing on
the "worm screw";
keep the "worm screw" lubricated;
never modify the jack.
Conditions in which not to use the
jack
temperature below -40°C
on sandy or muddy ground
on uneven ground
on steep roads
in extreme weather conditions:
thunderstorms, typhoons, hurricanes,
blizzards, storms, etc.
in direct contact with the engine or
to carry out repairs under the vehicle
on boats.
CHANGING PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
stop the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic where
you can change the wheel safely. The
ground must be flat and sufficiently
compact;
switch off the engine, pull up the
handbrake and engage the 1stgear or
reverse. Wear the reflective safety
jacket (compulsory by law) before
getting out of the vehicle;
open the boot and lift up the mat A
fig. 113;
113F1D0723
117
SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the car
under the best conditions.
For this reason, Fiat has planned a
series of checks and services at fixed
distance and/or time intervals, as
described in the Service Schedule.
To keep the car’s efficiency in tip-top
condition, in the previous Scheduled
Service plan pages a few additional
checks are listed that should be carried
out more frequently with respect to
the normal coupon redemption
schedule.
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all
Fiat Dealerships according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in
addition to the ones scheduled, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out with
the owner's explicit agreement only.
If your car is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one scheduled
servicing operation and the next should
be reduced.IMPORTANT Scheduled Servicing
interventions are set out by the
Manufacturer. Failure to have them
carried out may invalidate the warranty.
It is advisable to inform a Fiat
Dealership of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every1,000km or before long
journeys, check and if necessary, top
up: engine coolant level; brake fluid
level; screen washer fluid level; tyre
inflation pressure and condition; lighting
system operation (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, etc.);
screen washer/wiper system operation
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rear window wiper blades.
Every3,000km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
For cars with 0.9 TwinAir engines:
every3,000km check the engine oil
level and top it up to the maximum level
if necessary.DEMANDING USE OF THE
CAR
If the car is used under one of the
following conditions: towing a trailer or
motorhome; dusty roads; short (less
than 7-8 km) and repeated journeys
with sub-zero outside temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speed or long periods
of inactivity, the following checks must
be carried out more often than
indicated in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check the cleanliness of the side,
bonnet and luggage compartment
locks, and the cleanliness and
lubrication of the linkages;
visually inspect conditions of:
engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes)
and rubber elements (gaiters/sleeves/
bushes, etc.);
check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter / pollen
filter / air cleaner.
128
SERVICING AND CARE
Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (gaiters, sleeves,
bushes, etc.)
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear
Check operation of the windscreen wiper/washer system
and adjust jets, if necessary
Check cleanliness of bonnet and luggage compartment
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of linkage
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if necessary
Check and adjust clutch pedal travel (0.9 TwinAir 60
HP/65 HP and 1.2 8V 69 HP versions only)
Visually inspect conditions and wear of front disc brake
pads and integrity of pad wear indicator
Visually inspect condition and wear of rear disc brake pads
and integrity of pad wear indicator (Panda Cross 4x4 and
Panda 4x4 versions only)
Visually check condition and wear of rear drum brake
linings (Panda Cross 4x4 and Panda 4x4 versions
excluded)
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SERVICING AND CARE