OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
91) 92)
20) 21)
3)
Depending on the trim, there could be:front seat belt retractor locking
pretensioners;
load limiters;
driver and passenger front airbags.
These systems are designed to function
separately or at the same time in case
of a frontal collision.
Depending on the violence of the crash,
the system activates:
seat belt locking.
seat belt pretensioner (which
activates the belt tension);
front airbags.
WARNING
91)Check the safety devices after every
accident.
92)Any intervention on the complete
system (pre-tensioners, airbags, electronic
modules, wiring) or re-use on another
vehicle, even if identical, is strictly
prohibited.
IMPORTANT
20)In order to prevent accidental
deployments that could cause damage,
only qualified Fiat Dealership personnel can
intervene in pre-tensioners and air bags.
21)Checking the electrical features of the
actuator can only be effected by specifically
prepared personnel using the proper tools.
IMPORTANT
3)When the vehicle is scrapped, see a Fiat
Dealership to remove the pre-tensioner gas
generator and air bags.
SEAT BELTS
93)
For obvious safety reasons, always
fasten the seat belts. In addition, always
comply with the laws of the country you
are in.
IMPORTANT For full effectiveness of the
rear seat belts, make sure that the
single rear seat is correctly locked in
place. Refer to the "Rear single seats”
paragraph in the "Knowing your vehicle”
chapter.
Before starting the engine, first adjust
the driving position and adjust the seat
belts to obtain the best possible
protection (for all the passengers).
The safety belts must always be kept
clean. Use products selected by Fiat
Dealership services or soap and warm
water, rubbing with a sponge and
drying with a dry cloth. Do not use
detergents or chemical products.
ADJUSTING THE DRIVER'S
POSITION
Sit with your back against the
backrest (after taking off clothing like
coat, jacket, etc.). This is an essential
factor for correctly positioning the back;
adjust the seat position according to
the pedals. The seat position must be
so as to allow pressing the clutch pedal
all the way. The backrest must be
inclined so arms are slightly bent;
92
SAFETY
adjust the head restraint. For
maximum safety, the distance between
the head and headrest must be
minimum;
adjust cushion (seat) height. This
adjustment optimises visibility;
adjust the steering wheel.
ADJUSTING THE SEAT BELTS
Sit firmly on the backrest.
The chest belt 1 fig. 174 must be as
close as possible to the neck without
touching it.
The waist belt 2 fig. 174 must be
resting on the thighs and against the
pelvis.
The belt must adhere as much as
possible to the body. (e.g. avoid
wearing clothes that are too bulky or
placing obstacles between the body
and belt).Locking
Pull out the belt slowly without forcing it
and insert the tab 3 fig. 175 into the
buckle 5 (make sure it is locked by
pulling the tab 3).
Repeat the operation if the seat belt
blocks.
If the belt is completely blocked, pull
slowly but firmly and draw out at least
3 cm. Let it rewind normally then pull it
out again. If the problem persists,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
Front seat belts not fastened
warning light
This is on the central display and turns
on when the engine is started. Then, if
the seat belt is not fastened and the
vehicle reaches 16 km/h, it flashes and
an acoustic warning turns on for about
2 minutes.
Depending on the vehicle, it flashes if
the front passenger seat belt is not
fastened.Adjusting the front seat belt height
Move the lever 6 fig. 176 to select the
adjustment position so the chest belt 1
fig. 174 adheres to the body as
described above.
After adjusting, make sure it is properly
locked in place.
Unlocking
Press button 4 fig. 175, the belt
rewinds. Accompany it as it rewinds.
Rear side belts
For the first row in the rear, you must
use belts 8 fig. 177;
for the last row at the rear, you must
use the seat belts 7 fig. 177.
When the seat belt 8 fig. 177 is not
worn, insert the tab 9 into the buckle
10.
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Conditions for use: before using the
rear side seat belts, make sure that
each belt’s tab 11 fig. 178 is locked into
the buckle 12.
Locking and unlocking are done in the
same way as for the front seat belts.Access to the last row: to facilitate
access to the last row, release the
second row seat belt from the buckle
13 fig. 179.
94)
Do not forget to lock the belt again
when a passenger is sitting there.
Central seat belts
Slowly unwind the belt until you can
lock the tab into the buckle 14 fig. 180.
95)
IMPORTANT For rear seat operation,
refer to the "Rear single seats"
paragraph in the "Knowing your vehicle”
chapter.
96) 97) 98) 99) 100) 101) 102) 103) 104) 105)
WARNING
93)Seat belts that are not adjusted or are
twisted could cause injuries in case of an
accident. Use one seat belt per person,
child or adult. Even pregnant women have
to fasten their seat belts. In this case, make
sure the pelvis belt does not press too hard
on the lower stomach area, but not be too
loose either.
94)Make sure the rear seat belts are
positioned and operating properly after
adjusting the single rear seat.
95)To make full use of seat belt protection,
make sure the rear single seat is locked in
place. Read the "Single rear seat"
paragraph in the "Knowing your vehicle”
chapter.
96)Do not change the originally installed
restraining system components in any way:
belts, seats and related fasteners. In
special cases (e.g.: installing a child seat)
see a Fiat Dealership.
97)Do not use anything that could loosen
the buckles (diaper pins, clips, etc.)
because a loose seat belt can cause injury
in case of an accident.
98)Never pass the shoulder belt under
your arm or behind your back.
99)Never use the same belt for more than
one person, and never fasten your seat
belt across a newborn or child you are
holding in your lap.
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SAFETY
100)The seat belt must not be twisted.
101)After an accident, check the seat
belts and if necessary replace them. In
addition, replace the seat belts if they start
to show any sign of wear or deterioration.
102)When refitting the single rear seat,
make sure the safety belts and their tabs
are positioned correctly so they can be
used normally.
103)Check that the seat belt locking
device is correctly inserted into the buckle.
104)Do not insert any object that could
block the belt and compromise its correct
operation.
105)Make sure you have positioned the
locking housing (it should not be covered,
crushed or flattened by people or objects).PRE-TENSIONERS
106)
When the pretensioners intervene, they
make the seat belt adhere to the seat
occupant's body, increasing the
effectiveness of the seat belt.
With starter switch on, in the event of a
violent frontal collision, depending on its
magnitude, the system may trigger the
seat belt winder pretensioner 1
fig. 181causing it to retract the belt
immediately.
LOAD LIMITERS
Depending on the collision’s degree of
violence, this mechanism activates to
limit the seat belt action against the
body to a supportable level.
WARNING
106)Check the safety devices after every
accident. Any intervention on the complete
system (pre-tensioners, air bags, electronic
modules, wiring) or re-use on another
vehicle, even if identical, is strictly
prohibited. In order to prevent accidental
deployments that could cause damage,
only qualified Fiat Dealership personnel can
intervene in pre-tensioners and air bags.
Checking the electrical features of the
actuator can only be effected by
specifically prepared personnel using the
proper tools. When the vehicle is
scrapped, see a Fiat Dealership to remove
the pre-tensioner gas generator and air
bags.
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The safety devices complementary to
the front passenger seat belt have to be
activated.
Operating faults
If the activation/deactivation system for
the front passenger air bags is not
functioning, you cannot install the child
restraint on the front seat. We advise
you also not to travel with passengers
seated there.
Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
WARNING
107)The air bag system uses a
pyrotechnical principle, meaning that its
activation produces heat, emits smoke
(that does not mean fire) and generates an
explosive sound. Air bag deployment,
which should be immediate, can cause
skin injuries or other problems.108)Do not attach any object (pins, logos,
watches, phone support, etc.) to the
steering wheel.
109)The steering wheel must not be
covered in any way.
110)Dismantling the steering wheel is
prohibited (except by a qualified Fiat
Dealership technician).
111)Do not drive to close to the steering
wheel: adopt a driving position with your
arms slightly bent. This position will ensure
a sufficient distance for the air bag to
deploy efficiently.
112)Do not glue anything (pins, logos,
watches, phone supports, etc.) to the
dashboard near the airbag.
113)Do not place anything (animals,
umbrella, cane, boxes, etc.) between the
dashboard and the passenger.
114)Do not rest your feet on the
dashboard or the seat: these positions
could cause serious injuries. In general,
keep all parts of the body (knees, hands,
head, etc.) away from the dashboard.
115)The passenger air bag only protects
the side front seat passenger; the centre
front seat passenger is only protected by
the seat belt. We recommend you respect
normal safety regulations (fasten your seat
belt). There may be serious injuries in the
event of an accident.
116)The passenger airbag must be
activated/deactivated when the vehicle is
stationary. If deactivated while driving, theandwarning lights turn on. To
turn these lights off, you need to deactivate
then reactivate the passenger air bag again
when the vehicle is stopped.117)When the child restraint is no longer in
use, reactivate the front seat belt
complementary safety devices to ensure
front passenger protection in case of an
accident. Installing a rear-facing child
restraint system on the front passenger is
prohibited until the front seat belt
complementary safety devices have been
deactivated (refer to the "Passenger side
airbag and child restraint systems – how to
deactivate the airbags" paragraph in the
"Knowing your vehicle” chapter).
118)Because of the incompatibility of the
front passenger air bag deployment and
the positioning of a child seat facing
forward, NEVER INSTALL a child restraint
system facing backwards on a seat
equipped with FRONT AIRBAG
ACTIVATION. Otherwise, the CHILD may
risk DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
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SAFETY
SIDE AIR BAGS
SIDE AIRBAGS(For versions/markets where provided)
These are air bags that can be installed
in the front seats and inflate to the side
of the seat (door side) in order to
protect the car's occupants in the event
of a violent side collision.
DRIVER'S AIR BAG(For versions/markets where provided)
These are air bags on each upper side
of the vehicle. They inflate along the
front door side windows to protect the
occupants in case of a violent side
collision.
Warnings concerning the side air
bag
119) 120) 121) 122) 123) 124) 125) 126)
22)
4)
WARNING
119)When you lend or re-sell the vehicle,
tell the new owner of these conditions for
use and hand over this owner handbook.
120)Installing seat covers: seats equipped
with airbags require covers specifically
made for the vehicle. Consult a Fiat
Dealership. Using any other liner (or liners
specific to another vehicle) could cause
these airbags to function incorrectly and
jeopardise the occupants' safety.121)Never place an accessory, an object
or an animal between the backrest, the
door and interior coverings. Do not cover
the seat backrest with items like clothing or
accessories. These could cause the airbag
to function incorrectly or cause injury when
the airbag deploys.
122)Any dismantling or changes made to
the seats and their coverings is prohibited,
except if done by qualified Fiat Dealership
personnel.
123)The airbag was conceived to
complement the seat belt. The airbag and
seat belt together constitute inseparable
components to the same protective
system. Therefore, you always need to
fasten your seat belt. Not fastening them
can put the vehicle's occupants at risk of
aggravated injury and can increase injury
risk caused by deployment of the airbag
itself.
124)Seat belt pre-tensioner and airbag
deployment in case the vehicle flips over or
a violent rear collision is not systematic.
Collisions beneath the vehicle, like hitting a
curbstone, road unevenness, stones, etc.,
can cause the system to deploy.
125)Any intervention or modification to the
complete airbag system (airbag,
pre-tensioners, electronic modules, wiring,
etc.) is severely prohibited (except by
qualified Fiat Dealership personnel).
126)For safety reasons, check the airbag
system after the vehicle has undergone an
accident, theft or attempted theft.
IMPORTANT
22)To maintain correct operation and to
prevent accidental deployment, only
qualified Fiat Dealership personnel can
intervene on the airbag system.
IMPORTANT
4)When the vehicle is scrapped, contact a
Fiat Dealership to have the gas generator
removed.
99
CHILD PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
CARRYING CHILDREN
SAFELY
127) 128) 129) 130) 131) 132) 133) 135) 136) 137) 138) 139)
140) 141)
A child, just like any adult, must be
seated properly with their seat belt
attached regardless of the trip. You are
responsible for children while they are
being carried.
A child is not a miniature adult. He/she
is exposed to specific injuries because
his/her muscles and bones are not fully
developed. A seat belt alone is not
sufficient for carrying children. Use an
appropriate child restraint system and
use it correctly.
Using child restraint systems
The level of protection offered by a child
restraint system depends on its ability
to hold the child and on its installation.
Incorrect installation compromises a
child's protection in case of sharp
braking or a crash.
Before buying a child restraint system,
make sure that it conforms to the
regulations of the country where you
are and where it will be installed in the
vehicle. Contact a Fiat Dealership to
know which child seats are
recommended for the vehicle.Before installing the child restraint
system, read the handbook and follow
the instructions in it. If you have and
difficulty during installation, contact the
child restraint system manufacturer.
Keep the instructions with the child
restraint system.
IMPORTANT Teach the child to:
fasten it properly;
get in and out of the vehicle on the
side opposite traffic.
Do not use child seat that are on sale or
do not have a handbook. Make sure no
object, in the seat or nearby, gets in the
way of its installation.
CHOICE OF CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
Child seats facing backwards
In proportion, a child's head is heavier
that an adult's and his/her neck is very
fragile.Transport a child this way as long as
possible (up to at least 2 years old). It
supports the head and neck fig. 191.
Select an encompassing child restraint
system for better side protection and
replace it when the child's head is
higher than it.
Child seats facing forwards
A child's head and abdomen are the
main parts of the body that need
protecting. A forward-facing child
restraint system that is solidly fastened
to the vehicle reduces the risk of hitting
the head.
Move the child to a forward-facing child
restraint system as soon as his/her size
allows it. For better side protection,
choose an encompassing child restraint
system fig. 192.
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SAFETY
Booster seats
From 15 kg or 4 years up, a child can
travel on a booster seat that adapts the
seat belt to his/her shape fig. 193. The
booster seat must have guides that
position the belt on his/her thighs and
not on the stomach.
The height-adjustable backrest and
seat belt track is recommended to
position the belt at the centre of the
shoulder. It must never rest on the neck
or arm. Choose an encompassing child
restraint system for better side
protection.
INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
Some child seats cannot be installed.
The diagrams on the following pages
show the child restraint system
anchoring position.
Before using a child restraint system,
make sure that it can be fitted.In the front seat
Carrying children in the front passenger
seat is country-specific. Check with the
current laws and follow the indications
in the following diagram.
Before installing a child restraint system
in this seat (if authorised):
lower the seat belt completely;
move the seat back completely;
incline the backrest slightly (about
25°);
for vehicles that are able to do so,
raise the seat as high as possible.
Raise headrest as far up as possible so
that it does not interfere with the child
restraint system (refer to the "Front
headrest" paragraph in the "Knowing
your vehicle” chapter).
After having installed the child restraint
system, when possible, move the
vehicle seat forwards, if needed, to
leave sufficient space for rear seat
passengers or other child restraint
systems. In case of rearward facing
child restraint systems, do not come
into contact with the dashboard and
avoid moving the seat all forwards.
Do not change any other adjustments
after installing the child restraint system.
In the rear side seat
The cot is installed crosswise with
respect to the vehicle and takes up at
least two seats. Place the child's head
opposite the door.Move the front seat as far forward as
possible to install the rearward facing
child restraint system, then move it
back to maximum so it does not come
into contact with the child restraint
system.
For the safety of children in forward
facing restraint systems:
avoid to retract the seat arranged in
front of the backrest of the child
restraint system beyond it mid-way
travel;
do not incline the backrest
excessively (25° at the most) and raise
the seat as much as possible.
Remove the headrest from the rear seat
with the child restraint system on it
(refer to the "Rear headrest" paragraph
in the "Knowing your vehicle” chapter).
This must be done before positioning
the child restraint system.
Make sure that the forward-facing child
restraint system is resting against the
seat backrest.
In the rear central seat
Make sure the seat belt is adapted to
your child restraint system. Consult a
Fiat Dealership.
134)
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