emergency towing FIAT BRAVO 2014 2.G Owners Manual

If the engine does not start at the first attempt,
return the ignition key to STOP before attempting to
start again.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR-ON the
warning light remains lit, turn the key to STOP
and then back to MAR-ON. If the warning light
remains lit, try with the other keys provided with the
car.
If you still cannot start the engine, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
Warning light
will flash for 60 seconds
after starting or during prolonged
cranking to indicate a fault with the glow
plug heating system.You can use the car as usual
if the engine starts but you should contact a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE AFTER IT
HAS JUST STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒Drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium
revs. Do not accelerate abruptly;
❒Do not demand full performance at first. Wait
until the engine coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.
Never 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.
EMERGENCY START-UP
Contact a Fiat Dealership if instrument panel
warning light
(or the symbol on the display) stays
on constantly.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is
idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you should allow
the engine to “catch its breath” before turning it
off by letting it idle to allow the temperature in the
engine compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
136GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
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INDEX

Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption
and emissions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
USAGE CONDITIONS
The main usage conditions that negatively affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts do not allow
the engine to reach optimum operating temperature.
This results in a significant increase in consumption
levels (from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle) and
emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are linked to
situations with heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in queues with frequent use of the lower
gears or in cities with many traffic lights. Winding
mountain roads and rough road surfaces also
adversely affect consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level crossings) the
engine should be switched off.
TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car must be fitted
with a certified tow hook and an adequate electric
system. Installation should be carried out by
specialised personnel who will issue the required
papers for travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear view 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.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car tow hook
reduces the car's loading capacity by the same
amount. To make sure that the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the car registration
document) account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and luggage.
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for
vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the maximum speed must not exceed 80
km/h.
141GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING
The ABS with which the car may be
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
car to control the trailer brake.The
trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the car ’s hydraulic system.
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to the
bodywork by specialised personnel according to any
additional and/or integrative information supplied
by the Manufacturer of the device. The towing device
must meet current regulations with reference to
Directive 94/20/EEC and subsequent amendments.
For any version the towing device used must be right
for the towable weight of the car on which it is to
be installed.IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads other than
external lights (electric brake, winch, etc.) must
be used with engine running.
For the electric connection a unified connector
should be used, which is generally placed on a special
bracket fastened to the towing device, and a special
ECU should be installed on the car to control the
trailer's exterior lights.
7 or 13-pole 12 V DC connections should be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow any
instructions provided by the car manufacturer and/or
the towing device manufacturer.
An electric brake or winch should be powered
directly by the battery through a cable with a
cross-section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brakes or other devices must
be used with engine running.
In addition to the electrical branches, the vehicle's
electrical system can be connected only to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the cable for an
internal trailer light, though not more than 15 W. For
connections use the preset control unit with battery
cable no less than 2.5 mm
2.
142GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING FAILURE (red)
The warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should switch off after
a few seconds.
The electric power steering system will not work
when the warning light is on and considerably more
effort is needed on the steering wheel. The car
can still be steered. In this case, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
The display will show the dedicated message.“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING ACTIVATION (indication
on display)
The indication CITY switches on when the
"Dualdrive" electric power steering system is
activated by pressing the
button on the dashboard.
The indication CITY will switch off when the
button is pressed again.
EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE (red)
Turning the key to the MAR-ON position the
warning light switches on, but it should switch off
after a few seconds. The warning light turns on when
the engine is overheated. If the warning light comes
on, proceed as follows:
❒when driving normally:stop the car, switch off
the engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is, 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. 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 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 the correct coolant level 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.
The display will show the dedicated message.
150GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
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INDEX

WARNING
This 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.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake servo and
electrical power steering system are not active until
the engine is started. A much greater effort will
therefore be required to use the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.
CHANGING A WHEELGENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The car is equipped with the “Fix&Go Automatic
Kit”: see paragraph “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” for
instructions on how to use this device. As an
alternative to the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” the car
may be equipped with a space-saver wheel: see
the instructions on the following pages for changing
the wheel.
WARNING
The space-saver wheel (for versions/
markets, where provided) is specific to
your car, do not use it on other models, or use
the space-saver wheel of other models on your
car.The space-saver wheel must only be used
in case of emergency. It must only be used
for the distance necessary to reach a service
point and the car speed must not exceed 80
km/h.The space-saver wheel has an orange
sticker that summarises the main cautions for
use and limitations. Never remove or cover
the sticker.The following information is
provided in four languages on the sticker:
"Important! For temporary use only! 80 km/h
max.! Replace with a standard wheel as soon as
possible. Never cover this indication". Never
apply a hub cap on a space-saver wheel.
162GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

RAISING THE CARIf the car needs to be jacked up, go to a Fiat
Dealership which is equipped with jack arms or
workshop lifts.
The car must only be lifted laterally by positioning
the end of the arms or the workshop lift in the
points illustrated in fig. 173
IMPORTANT For Sport versions, take care not to
damage the side skirts when lifting the car with
the workshop lift.
TOWING THE CARThe tow hook, which is supplied with the car, is
housed in the tool box, under the carpet in the
luggage compartment.
ATTACHING THE TOW HOOK
Proceed as follows:
❒release the cap by operating on tab A fig. 174–
fig. 175;
❒take the tow hook B from its support;
❒fully screw in the hook on the rear or front
threaded pin.
fig. 173
F0Q0729
fig. 174
F0Q0730
199GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING
Before towing, turn the ignition key to
MAR-ON and then to STOP without
removing it .The steering column will
automatically lock when the key is removed and
the wheels cannot be steered.
WARNING
Whilst towing, remember that as the
assistance of the brake servo and the
electric power steering is not available, greater
force needs to be exerted on the brake pedal
and more effort is required on the steering
wheel. Do not use flexible cables when towing
and avoid jerky movements. During towing,
make sure that the trailer hitch does not
damage any components it is touching.When
towing the car, it is compulsor y to respect
specific highway code regulations relating to
the tow hook and procedures for towing on the
road.
WARNING
Do not star t the engine while towing the
car.
fig. 175
F0Q0731
200GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING
Before tightening the hook clean the
threaded housing thoroughly. Make sure
that the hook is fully fastened in the housing
before towing the car.
WARNING
The front and rear tow hooks should be
used only for emergencies on the road.
You are allowed to tow the car for short
distances using an appropriate device
in accordance with the highway code (a rigid
bar), to move the vehicle on the road in
readiness for towing or transporting via a
breakdown vehicle.Tow hooks MUST NOT be
used to tow vehicles off the road or where there
are obstacles and/or for towing operations
using cables or other non-rigid devices.
Respecting the above conditions, towing must
take place with the two vehicles (one towing,
the other towed) aligned as much as possible
along the same centre line.
201GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICINGCorrect servicing is essential in guaranteeing a long
life for the car under the best conditions.
This is why Fiat has planned a series of checks and
services every 35,000 km.
However, scheduled servicing does not suffice to
cover all the car’s requirements: even in the initial
period before the 35,000 km service, and then
subsequently between one service and the next,
ordinary care is always required, such as routine
checks and topping up fluid levels, checking tyre
pressures etc.
IMPORTANT The Scheduled Servicing Plan coupons
are set out by the Manufacturer. Failure to have
them carried out may invalidate the warranty.Scheduled Servicing is performed by all Fiat
Dealerships, at pre-established times.
If, during any service, the need arises for additional
replacements or repairs, these may be carried out
only with the explicit agreement of the Customer.
IMPORTANT It is advisable to inform a Fiat
Dealership of any small operating irregularities
without waiting for the next service.
If the car is used frequently for towing a trailer, the
interval between services should be reduced.
202GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

PERIODIC CHECKSEvery 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and, if
necessary, restore:
❒engine coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer
fluid level;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of screen washer/wiper system and
positioning/wear of windscreen/rear window wiper
blades.
Every 3,000 km, check and top up, if required, the
engine oil level.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE CARIf the car is used mainly under one of the following
conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at
sub-zero outside temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long distances at low
speeds or long periods of idleness;
you need to perform the following inspections more
frequently than shown in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine, gearbox,
transmission, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel
system - brakes) and rubber elements (boots -
sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery fluid level
(electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the accessory drive
belts;
❒check and, if necessary, change engine oil and
replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace pollen filter.
205GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX