2018 FIAT PANDA towing

12)The car is equipped with a gaseous
LPG injection system designed specifically
for it: it is therefore absolutely forbidden
to alter the configuration of the system or
its components. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and lead to a reduction in
safety; therefore, in the case of problems,
contact a Fiat Dealership. To prevent
damage to the gas system parts when
towing or raising the vehicle, follow the
instructions in the "Towing the vehicle"
paragraph of the Owner Handbook.
13)When painting in an oven, the LPG
tank must be removed from the car and
later refitted by a Fiat Dealership. Although
the LPG system has numerous safety
features, it is advisable to proceed
as follows every time the vehicle is not in
use for a long period or moved in an
emergency as a result of a breakdown or
accident: unscrew the fastening devices A
fig. 38, then remove the cover B. Close
the LPG cock rotating the ring nut C
clockwise fig. 40. Refit the cover and
retighten the fastening devices.
14)Periodically (at least once every six
months), it is advisable to let the LPG in the
tank run out and, at the next refuelling,
check that it does not exceed the
maximum capacity of 30.5 litres (reserve
included) (with a tolerance of 2 litres
excess) (see instructions in the "Capacities"
paragraph of this Supplement). If the level
is above 30.5 litres (reserve included)
contact a Fiat Dealership immediately.
15)Regardless of the last fuel system
used, at the following engine starting, after
the initial petrol stage, the system will
automatically switch to LPG.16)When switching from petrol to LPG is
requested, a metal noise from the valves
which pressurise the circuit can be heard.
As a result of the switching logic described
above, a delay between the valve ticking
and the the green warning light
on
the instrument panel turning off is
completely normal.
17)In particular usage conditions, such as
starting and operation at low ambient
temperature or LPG supply with low
propane content, the system may switch
temporarily to petrol operation, without
indicating the performed switching. In the
event of low LPG levels in the tank or
request for high performance (e.g.
overtaking, fully laden vehicle, steep hills)
the system may automatically switch to
petrol operation to guarantee the engine
power requested. The green warning light
on the instrument panel turns on to
indicate this. When the above conditions
are no longer present, the system
automatically restores LPG operation; the
green warning light
switches off. To
achieve the automatic switching described
above, make sure that there is always
enough fuel in the petrol tank.
18)Only use LPG for motor vehicles.
19)It is strictly forbidden to use any
additive in the LPG.
VERSION WITH
METHANE SYSTEM
(Natural Power)
33) 34) 35)20)
INTRODUCTION
The "Natural Power" version features
two fuel systems, one for petrol and
one for natural gas (methane).
METHANE CYLINDERS
The vehicle is equipped with two
cylinders (total capacity about 72 litres)
fig. 42 - fig. 43 located under the
vehicle’s floor and protected by two
special guards.
42F1D0137
32
KNOWING YOUR CAR

WARNING
33)The Fiat Panda Natural Power is
equipped with a high pressure methane
fuel supply system, designed to operate at
a rated pressure of 200 bar. It is dangerous
to stretch the system with higher
pressures. To prevent damage to the gas
system parts when towing or lifting the
vehicle, follow the instructions in the Owner
Handbook, in the paragraph: “Towing the
vehicle”. If there is a fault in the methane
system, only contact a Fiat Dealership. Do
not alter the methane system configuration
or components. They are designed
exclusively for the Fiat Panda Natural
Power. The use of other components or
materials could cause malfunctions and
prejudice safety.
34)When oven painting, the cylinders must
be removed from the vehicle and
subsequently refitted by a Fiat Dealership.
Although the methane system has
numerous safety features, it is advisable to
close the manual cocks for the cylinders
every time the vehicle is not in use for
a long period, transported on other
vehicles or moved in an emergency as a
result of a breakdown or accident.
35)Modifications or repairs to the supply
system that are not carried out correctly or
do not take the system technical
specifications into account can cause
malfunctions leading to the risk of fire.
36)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.
WARNING
20)If the fuel runs out while running on
methane, the car switches to petrol
automatically and all the bars of the digital
indicator on the display turn off. The
display remains in this state until the next
methane refuelling.
21)Regardless of the last fuel system
used, at the following engine starting, after
the initial petrol stage, the system will
automatically switch to methane.
22)When switching from petrol to methane
is requested, a metal noise from the valves
which pressurise the circuit can be heard,
as it happens while starting the car. As a
result of the switching logic described
above, a delay between the valve ticking
and the the green warning light
on
the instrument panel turning off is
completely normal.23)In particular usage conditions, such as
starting and operation at low ambient
temperature, the system may switch
temporarily to petrol operation, without
indicating the performed switching. In the
event of low methane levels in the tank or a
request for high performance (e.g.
overtaking, fully laden vehicle, steep hills)
the system may automatically switch to
petrol operation to guarantee the engine
power requested. The green warning light
on the instrument panel turns on to
indicate this. When the above conditions
are no longer present, the system
automatically restores methane operation.
The green warning light
turns off. To
achieve the automatic switching described
above, make sure that there is always
enough fuel in the petrol tank.
34
KNOWING YOUR CAR

Warning light What it means
redENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the engine is
overheated.
In normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. In this case, wait for the engine to cool down, then slowly and
carefully open the cap, top up with coolant and check that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks. If, when restarting, the warning light switches on
again, contact a Fiat Dealership.
If the car is used under demanding conditions(e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow down
and, if the warning light stays on, stop the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and slightly
accelerated to further favour the coolant circulation. Then stop the engine. Check that the coolant level is
correct as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a
few minutes before switching it off.
red“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably
increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the
warning light on the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in
motion), stop the engine for about 20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light, on some
versions along with a dedicated message on the display, remains on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches
on to indicate this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to
the other or drive in a straight line for about a hundred metres.
44
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Before carrying out the Reset
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the Reset procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the
warning
light may give false indications on
one or more tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the car stopped and the ignition device
at MAR, use the Main Menu as follows:
briefly press thebutton: the
display will show Reset;
press thebutton or the
button to select ("Yes" or "No");
briefly press thebutton: the
display will show "Confirm";
pressbutton orto select
("Yes" to Reset or "No" to exit the video
page);
press thebutton again to return
to the standard screen or to the main
menu according to where you are in the
menu.
At the end of the Reset procedure, the
display will show the message "Reset
saved", indicating that self-learning has
started.Operating conditions
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the signalling may be delayed
or partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,
fitting the space-saver wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go" kit, fitting snow chains, fitting
different tyres on the axles) the system
may give false indications or be
temporarily deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated,
the warning light
flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a dedicated message.
This warning is also displayed after the
engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
WARNING
67)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver, who must take into account
the traffic conditions in order to drive
in complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front.
68)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
69)The laser beam is not visible at the
naked eye. Do not look directly, or with
optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the
laser beam from a distance lower than 10
cm: this may cause damage to the sight.
The laser beam is also present when
the key is at MAR but its operation is off,
not available or manually deactivated
with the display Setup Menu.
70)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. Small sized
vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)
or people, animals and things (e.g.
pushchairs) and more in general all those
obstacles with a low reflection of the light
emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled
with mud) are not taken into consideration.
68
SAFETY

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" 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 ................. 93
WHEN PARKED .............................. 94
MANUAL TRANSMISSION .............. 95
DUALOGIC TRANSMISSION........... 96
MODE SELECTOR .......................... 97
DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING ...................................... 98
ECO FUNCTION ............................. 99
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................100
PARKING SENSORS.......................101
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........102
TOWING TRAILERS ........................106
92
STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING
116)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.
117)Remember that the power brake and
electrical power steering 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.
118)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 an acoustic signal.
WARNING
38)If the warning lightflashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates a
problem in the glow plug pre­heating
system. You can use the vehicle as usual if
the engine starts but you should contact
a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
39)It is advisable not to demand
maximum performance from your car (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively intense braking,
etc.) when it is first used.40)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
41)Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
42)There must therefore always be some
petrol in the tank to protect the petrol
pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from LPG or Methane to petrol
operation, if high performance is required.
43)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.
WHEN PARKED
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
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.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with Dualogic
transmission, wait for the letter P to be
displayed before releasing the brake
pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with Dualogic transmission,
before placing the gear lever at P).
Handbrake
199) 200) 201)
The handbrake lever is located between
the front seats.
Handbrake engagement: pull lever A
fig. 80 upwards until the vehicle is
braked.
94
STARTING AND DRIVING

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.
106
STARTING AND DRIVING

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the national or
international universal freephone
number to search for the nearest
Dealership.HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS...........108
CHANGING A BULB .......................108
REPLACING FUSES........................114
REPLACING A WHEEL ...................117
FIX&GO KIT .....................................120
JUMP STARTING ............................123
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM ................124
TOWING THE CAR .........................125
107