towing Abarth Grande Punto 2010 Owner handbook (in English)

109
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ENGINE STARTING ........................................................... 110
PARKING THE CAR ............................................................ 112
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX ................................. 113
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS................................. 114
TOWING TRAILERS............................................................ 116
SNOW CHAINS ................................................................... 119
CAR INACTIVITY ............................................................... 120
C C
O O
R R
R R
E E
C C
T T

U U
S S
E E

O O
F F

T T
H H
E E

C C
A A
R R

111
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine 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 en-
gine compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.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 drive at full performance for the
initial kilometres. Wait until the coolant
temperature gauge starts moving.
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering are
not operational until the en-
gine has been started, there-
fore much effort than usual is required
on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Never bump start the engine
by pushing, towing or coast-
ing downhill as this could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic exhaust system and damage
it beyond repair.

116
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Do not exceed the speed limits of the
country you are driving in. In any case do
not exceed 100 km/h.
Fit a suitable towing stabilizer to the trail-
er to be towed.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. Installa-
tion should be carried out by specialised
personnel who release a special document
for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-
view mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the brak-
ing spaces 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 by the same amount
the actual car loading capacity. To make
sure the maximum towable weight is not
exceeded (given in the log book) account
should be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and personal be-
longings.
The ABS system with which
the car may be fitted does
not control the trailer braking system.
Therefore be cautious on slippery
roads.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should the car brake system
be altered to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be
fully independent of the car’s hy-
draulic system.
WARNING

117
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used which is generally
placed on a special bracket normally fas-
tened to the towing device, and a special
ECU for external trailer light control shall
be installed on the car.
For the electrical connection, 7 or 13 pin
12VDC connection is to be used (CU-
NA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow
the instructions provided by the car man-
ufacturer and/or the tow hitch manufac-
turer.An electric brake should be supplied di-
rectly by the battery through a cable with
a cross section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brake or other de-
vice shall be used with running engine.
In addition to the electrical branches, the
car’s electric system can only be con-
nected to the supply cable for an electric
brake and to the cable for an internal light,
though not above 15W.
For connections use the preset control
unit with battery cable no less than 2.5
mm
2. INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel accord-
ing to any additional and/or integrative in-
formation supplied by the Manufacturer of
the device.
The towing device must meet current reg-
ulations with reference to 94/20/EC Di-
rective and subsequent amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must match the towable weight of the car
on which it is to be installed.

133
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
ENGINE STARTING ........................................................... 134
QUICK TYRE REPAIR KIT
FIX & GO automatic ........................................................... 135
WHEN NEEDING TO CHANGE A BULB ................... 139
IF AN EXTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT.......................... 141
IF AN INTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT.......................... 146
IF A FUSE BLOWS ................................................................ 148
IF THE BATTERY IS FLAT .................................................. 157
JACKING THE CAR ............................................................. 158
TOWING THE CAR ........................................................... 159
I I
N N

A A
N N

E E
M M
E E
R R
G G
E E
N N
C C
Y Y
In an emergency we recommend that you call the toll-free number found on the
Warranty Booklet. You can also connect to the site www.fiat.com
to search for the nearest Abarth Dealership point.

134
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
ENGINE
STARTING
EMERGENCY START-UP
If the
Ysign keeps being displayed, im-
mediately call the Abarth Dealership.
JUMP STARTING fig. 1
If the battery is flat, it is possible to start
the engine using an auxiliary battery with
the same capacity or a little higher than
the flat one. Proceed as follows:
❒connect positive terminals (+near the
terminal) of the two batteries with a
jump lead;
❒with a second lead, connect the nega-
tive terminal (–) of the auxiliary battery
to an earthing point
Eon the engine or
the gearbox of the car to be started;
❒ start the engine;
❒when the engine has been started, re-
move the leads reversing the order
above.
If after a few attempts the engine does not
start, do not insist but contact the near-
est Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not directly connect the
negative terminals of the two batteries:
sparks could ignite the flammable gas from
the battery. If the other battery is fitted in
another car, prevent accidental contacts
between the metal parts of the two cars.BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine (by pushing,
towing, or coasting downhill) as this could
cause fuel to flow into the catalytic ex-
haust system and damage it beyond repair.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake
booster and the power steering system
are not operating until the engine is start-
ed, a greater effort will therefore be re-
quired to press the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.
The starting procedure must
be carried out by qualified
personnel because incorrect opera-
tions may cause electrical discharge of
considerable intensity. The liquid con-
tained in the battery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin
and eyes. Keep naked flames and light-
ed cigarettes away from the battery
and do not cause sparks.
WARNING
fig. 1F0M104Ab

159
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TOWING THE CAR
The tow ring provided with the car is
housed in the tool box under the boot
mat.
TOW RING HOOKING fig. 39
Proceed as follows:
❒release the cap A;
❒take the tow hook Bfrom the sup-
port;
❒tighten the ring on the rear or front
threaded pin.
When towing, remember that
without the help of the ser-
vobrake and power steering, a greater
effort is required on the pedal and
steering wheel. Do not use flexible ca-
bles for towing and avoid jerks. During
towing operations make sure that fas-
tening the joint to the car does not
damage the components in contact
with it. When towing the car, you must
comply with the specific traffic regu-
lations regarding the tow ring and how
to tow on the road.
WARNING
fig. 39F0M043Ab

160
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IINDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
Do not start the engine
when towing the car.
WARNING
Before fitting the hook,
clean accurately its thread-
ed seat. Before starting to tow, make
sure to have tighten the hook.
WARNING
Before starting to tow, disen-
gage the steering lock (see
paragraph “Ignition device” in section
“Dashboard and controls”). When
towing, remember that without the
help of the brake booster and power
steering, a greater effort is required on
the pedal and steering wheel. Do not
use flexible cables for towing and
avoid jerks. During towing operations
make sure that fastening the joint to
the car does not damage the compo-
nents in contact with it. When towing
the car, you must comply with the spe-
cific traffic regulations regarding the
tow ring and how to tow on the road.
WARNING

162
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT The Programmed Mainte-
nance coupons are specified by the Man-
ufacturer. The failure to have them car-
ried out may invalidate the warranty.
Scheduled Servicing is performed by all
Abarth Dealership, at pre-established
times.
If during each operation, in addition to the
ones programmed, the need arises for fur-
ther replacements or repairs, these may
be carried out only with the explicit agree-
ment of the Customer.IMPORTANT You are advised to contact
Abarth Dealership in the event of any mi-
nor operating faults, without waiting for
the next service coupon.
If your car is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one service coupon
and the other must be reduced.SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance is essential for en-
suring long car life under the best condi-
tions.
This is why Abarth has programmed a se-
ries of checks and maintenance operations
every 30,000 km.
It is however important to remember that
scheduled servicing does not completely
cover all the car’s requirements: also in
the initial period before 30,000 km service
coupon and later, between one coupon
and another, ordinary care is still required
such as for example routine check and
topping up the level of fluids, tyre pressure
check, etc...

USE OF THE CAR
UNDER HEAVY
CONDITIONS
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy con-
ditions:
❒trailer or caravan towing;
❒dusty roads;
❒short distances (less than 7-8 km) and
repeated with external temperatures
below zero;
❒frequently idling engines or long dis-
tance low speed driving (e.g.: door-to-
door deliveries) or in case of a long
term inactivity;
❒urban routes;
carry out checks more frequently than re-
quired on Service Schedule:
❒check front disk brake pad conditions
and wear;
❒check cleanness of bonnet and boot
locks and lever cleanness and lubrica-
tion;
❒sight inspect the conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel - brakes), rubber parts
(boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.);
❒check battery charge and fluid level
(electrolyte);
❒visual check on various drive belt con-
ditions;
❒check and replace pollen filter, if re-
quired;
❒check and replace air cleaner, if re-
quired.
PERIODICAL CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys,
check and top up if required:
❒engine coolant fluid level;
❒brake fluid level;
❒windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre pressure and conditions;
❒check light system operation (head-
lights, direction indicators, hazard
lights, etc.);
❒check windscreen wiper/washer op-
eration and windscreen/rear window
blade position/wear.
Every 3,000 km check and top up if re-
quired: engine oil level.
You are recommended to use FL Selenia
products, designed and produced specifi-
cally for Abarth cars (see table “Capaci-
ties” in section “Technical specifications”).
165
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE