LOAD LIMITERS
To increase safety in the event of an
accident, the front seat belt retractors
contain a device which controls the
force acting on the chest and shoulders
during the belt restraining action in the
event of a frontal collision.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
Seat belts must also be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the event of an accident is reduced for
them and the unborn child if they are
wearing a seat belt.
Pregnant women must position the
lower part of the belt very low down so
that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen fig. 67. While pregnancy
increases, the driver must adjust both
seat and steering wheel to have full
control over the vehicle (pedals and
steering wheel should be easily
accessed). The maximum clearance
should be kept between the abdomen
and the steering wheel.The seat belt strap must not be twisted.
The upper part must pass over the
shoulder and cross the chest diagonally
fig. 68. The lower part must adhere to
the pelvis, not to the abdomen of
the occupant. Never use devices (clips,
clamps, etc.) that hold the seat belt
away from your body.Each seat belt must be used by only
one person. Never travel with a child
sitting on the passenger's lap and
a single belt to protect them both fig.
69. In general, do not place any objects
between the person and the belt.
SEAT BELTS
MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient
conditions, carefully observe the
following warnings:
always use the seat belt with the
strap well stretched and not twisted;
make sure that it is free to run without
obstructions;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
replace the seat belt after an
accident of a certain severity even if it
does not appear to be damaged.
Always replace the seat belt if
the pretensioners were deployed;
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72)Incorrect fitting of the child restraint
system may result in an inefficient
protection system. In the event of an
accident the child restraint system may
become loose and the child may be
injured, even fatally. When fitting a restraint
system for newborns or children, strictly
comply with the instructions provided
by the Manufacturer.
73)When the child restraint system is not
used, secure it with the seat belt or with
the ISOFIX anchorages, or remove it from
the vehicle. Do not leave it unsecured
inside the passenger compartment. This
way, in the case of sudden braking or
an accident, it will not cause injuries to the
occupants.
74)After installing a child restraint system,
do not move the seat: always remove
the child restraint system before making
any adjustment.
75)Always make sure that the chest
section of the seat belt does not pass
under the arms or behind the back of the
child. In the event of an accident the seat
belt will not be able to secure the child,
with the risk of injury, including fatal injury.
Therefore the child must always wear
the seat belt correctly.
76)Do not use the same lower anchoring
to install more than one child restraint
system.
77)If a Universal ISOFIX child seat system
is not fixed to all three anchorages, it will
not be able to protect the child correctly. In
a crash, the child could be seriously or
fatally injured.78)Fit the child restraint system when the
car is stationary. The child restraint system
is correctly fixed to the brackets when
you hear the click. Follow the instructions
for assembly, disassembly and positioning
that the Manufacturer must supply with
the child restraint system.SUPPLEMENTARY
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) - AIRBAG
The car is equipped with:
driver front airbag;
passenger front airbag;
driver side knee bag (for versions/
markets, where provided);
front side bags for pelvis, chest and
shoulder protection of driver and
passenger (for versions/markets, where
provided);
side bags for head protection of
front seat passengers and rear side
seat passengers (window bag).
FRONT AIRBAGS
The front driver/passenger airbags and
the driver's knee bag (for versions/
markets, where provided) protect the
front seat occupants in the event of
frontal impacts of medium/high severity,
by placing the bag between the
occupant and the steering wheel or
dashboard.
Non-activation in other types of crash
(side-on collisions, rear shunts,
roll-overs, etc...) is therefore not a sign
of system malfunction.
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Driver and passenger front airbags are
not a replacement of but
complementary to the seat belts, which
should always be worn, as specified
by law in Europe and most non-
European countries.
In a crash, those not wearing a seat
belt are projected forwards and may
come into contact with the bag which is
still inflating. The protection offered by
the bag is compromised in these
circumstances.
Front airbags may not activate in the
following situations:
frontal impacts against highly
deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the car (e.g. wing
collision against guard rail, etc.);
car wedging under other cars or
protective barriers (e.g. trucks or guard
rails).
Failure to deploy in the conditions
described above is due to the fact that
the airbags may not provide any
additional protection compared with
seat belts, so their activation would be
inappropriate. In these cases,
non-deployment does not indicate a
system malfunction.The driver's and passenger's front
airbags have been designed and
calibrated to protect front seat
occupants wearing seat belts. At their
maximum inflation, their volume fills
most of the space between the steering
wheel and the driver and between the
dashboard and the passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the
event of minor frontal impacts (for
which the restraining action of the seat
belts is sufficient). Seat belts must
always be worn. In the event of a frontal
collision, they ensure the correct
positioning of the occupant.
Front airbag driver's side
79) 80)
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 79.Passenger front airbag
81)
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special recess in the
dashboard fig. 80; this bag has a larger
volume than that of the driver's.
Passenger's front airbag and child
restraint systems
82) 83) 84) 85)
Rearward-facing child restraint systems
mustNEVERbe fitted on the front
seat with an active passenger side
airbag since in the event of an impact
the airbag activation may cause fatal
injuries to the transported child.
ALWAYScomply with the instructions
on the label stuck on the passenger
side sun visor fig. 81.
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SAFETY
SIDE BAGS
To help increase occupant protection in
the event of certain side impact
collisions, the vehicle is equipped with
front side bags (for versions/markets,
where provided) and window bags.
Side bag
(for versions/markets, where provided)
These comprise two types of bags
located in the front seat backrests fig.
85 which protect the pelvic, chest
and shoulder area of the occupants in
the event of a side impact of
medium-high severity.
Window bag
This consists of a "curtain" bag housed
behind the roof side linings and covered
by special trims fig. 86.It is designed to protect the head of
front and rear occupants in the event of
a side collision, thanks to the wide
cushion inflation surface.
The deployment of side bags in the
event of side impacts of low severity is
not required.
In the event of a side impact, the
system provides best protection if the
passenger sits on the seat in a correct
position, thus allowing correct window
bag deployment.
Important notes
86) 87) 88) 89) 90) 91) 92) 93) 94)
Do not wash the seats with water or
pressurised steam (wash by hand or at
automatic seat washing stations).The front airbags and/or side bags may
be deployed in the event of sharp
impacts to the underbody of the car
(e.g. impact with steps, pavements,
potholes or road bumps etc.).
When the airbag deploys it emits a
small amount of dust: the dust is
harmless and does not indicate the
beginning of a fire. The dust may irritate
the skin and eyes however: in this
case, wash with neutral soap
and water.
Airbag checking, repair and
replacement must be carried out at a
Fiat Dealership.
If the car is scrapped, have the airbag
system deactivated at a Fiat Dealership.
Pretensioners and airbags are
deployed in different ways on the basis
of the type of collision. Failure to
activate one or more of the devices
does not indicate a system malfunction.
WARNING
79)Do not apply stickers or other objects
on the steering wheel, on the dashboard in
the passenger side airbag area, on side
upholstery on the roof or on the seats.
Never put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on
the passenger side of the dashboard
since they could interfere with correct
inflation of the passenger airbag and also
cause serious injury to the passengers.
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80)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.
81)SERIOUS DANGER: When there is an
active passenger airbag, DO NOT install
rearward facing child restraint systems on
the front seat. Deployment of the airbag
in a crash could cause fatal injuries to the
child regardless of the severity of the
collision. 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.
82)To deactivate the airbags using the
instrument panel display menu, see the
description in the "Knowing the instrument
panel" chapter, "Setup Menu" paragraph.
83)Do not affix rigid objects to the garment
hooks or support handles.
84)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows
on the door, on the windows or in the
window bag area to prevent injury during
deployment.
85)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.86)If, when the key is turned to MAR, thewarning light does not switch on or
stays on whilst driving, a fault may have
occurred in the restraint systems. In this
case the airbags or pretensioners may not
be deployed in an impact or, in a lower
number of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
87)On some versions, in the event of
warning light failure, thewarning
light switches on and the explosive charges
of the passenger airbag are deactivated.
88)On vehicles with side bags, do not
cover the front seat backrests with extra
covers.
89)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.
90)If the car has been stolen or in
the event of an attempt to steal it, if it has
been subjected to vandalism or floods,
have the airbag system checked by a Fiat
Dealership.91)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is in
the ignition and turned to MAR or when the
engine is off, if the car is hit by another
moving vehicle. Therefore, even if the
vehicle is stationary, when an active front
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rearward 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 key is turned 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.
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SAFETY
STARTING THE
ENGINE
95) 96)38) 39) 40) 41) 42)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear-view mirrors,
the door mirrors and fasten the seat
belt correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Petrol versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and put the
gear lever in 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.
Diesel versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake, put the gear
lever into neutral and turn the ignition
key to MAR: the
warning light in the
instrument panel will turn on.
wait for thewarning light to turn
off and then fully depress the clutch
pedal without pressing the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to the AVV
position as soon as the warning light
turns off. Release the ignition key as
soon as the engine starts.
IMPORTANT If the engine does not
start at the first attempt, return the
ignition key to STOP before repeating
the procedure. If, with the ignition
key on MAR, the
symbol on the
display stays on together with the
warning light on the instrument
panel (for petrol versions only), it is
advisable to turn the key to STOP and
then back to MAR. If the
symbol
continues to stay on, try with the other
keys provided with the car. Contact a
Fiat Dealership if you still cannot start
the engine.
VERSIONS WITH
DUALOGIC
TRANSMISSION
97)
Engine starting is allowed both with a
gear engaged and with the gearbox
in neutral (N).
However, the brake pedal must always
be pressed first if neutral is not
engaged. It is advisable to place the
gear lever in neutral (N) before starting
the engine.SWITCHING OFF THE
ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
before turning the engine off you should
allow it to idle to allow the temperature
in the engine compartment to
decrease.
WARNING
95)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.
96)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.
97)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the
transmission is automatically placed in
neutral will be signalled by an acoustic
warning.
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WARNING
38)The flashing of the warning lightfor
60 seconds after starting or during
prolonged cranking of the engine indicates
a fault with the glow plug heating 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, 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.
42)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
WHEN PARKED
Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
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.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions with Dualogic gearbox, 1
st
gear or reverse must be engaged
with the foot on the brake pedal and, if
on a slope, the handbrake must be
operated in order to park safely.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (on versions
equipped with Dualogic transmission,
this is indicated by the letter N on
the display).
HANDBRAKE
98) 99)
The handbrake lever is located between
the two front seats.
Handbrake engagement
Pull lever A fig. 87 upwards until the car
is secured. Four or five clicks are
generally enough when the car is on
level ground while ten or eleven may be
required if the car is on a steep slope
and laden: if it is not so, contact a
Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.
Handbrake disengagement
Slightly raise lever A and hold button B
pressed, checking that the
warning
light switches off in the instrument
panel.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
in driving conditions, push the gear
lever towards (+) to engage the next
gear up or towards (–) to engage the
next gear down.
IMPORTANT For the correct use of the
system only use your right foot to
operate the pedal unit.
AUTOMATIC MODE
(AUTO)
Proceed as follows:
press the brake pedal and start the
engine;
push the gear lever towards (+) to
engage first gear (if starting from N
or R, simply place the lever in the
middle position) or R to engage reverse;
in case of forward gear, the view on
the display must be “A1”, “A2” (see
figure), etc. If this is not so, move the
A/M to activate automatic mode;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal: the gear most
suited to the vehicle speed will be
engaged.
AUTO-ECO OPERATION
To activate the function press the ECO
button fig. 90. The ECO function can be
only activated only with automatic
mode active.With the ECO function active, the
system will select the most suitable
gear depending on the vehicle speed,
engine rpm and intensity with which the
accelerator pedal is pressed, with the
aim of limiting fuel consumption.
“Kick Down” FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If necessary (e.g. when overtaking),
the system downshifts one or more
gears when the accelerator is
depressed beyond the point where it
becomes stiff (and if the rpm allow it) in
order to provide suitable power and
torque for the required acceleration.
IMPORTANT The use of the “Kick
Down” function is recommended only
when overtaking or accelerating quickly,
in order not to increase fuel
consumption.STEERING WHEEL
CONTROLS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
45)
On some versions, the gearbox can be
managed sequentially using the
steering wheel controls fig. 91.
To use the controls on the steering
wheel, the gear lever must be in the
central position between (+) and (–).
To engage a higher gear: pull the
right stalk (+) toward the steering wheel.
To engage a lower gear: pull the
right stalk (-) toward the steering wheel.
The engagement of a lower (or higher)
gear is only permitted if the engine
revs allow it.
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