tow FIAT IDEA 2009 1.G User Guide

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CRUISE CONTROL
(constant speed
regulator) (where
provided)
It is a device able to support the driver,
with electronic control, which allows dri-
ving at speed over 30 km/h on long and
straight dry roads (e.g.: motorways), at a
desired speed, without pressing the ac-
celerator pedal. Therefore it is not sug-
gested to use this device on extra-urban
roads with traffic. Do not use it in town.
TURING THE DEVICE ON
Turn the ring A-fig. 75to ON.
The device can be turned on in 4th or 5th
gear only. Travelling downhill with the de-
vice engaged, the car speed may increase
more than the memorised one.
When the device is activated the warn-
ing light
Üturns on together with the rel-
evant message on the instrument panel
(where provided).
fig. 75F0H0074m
STORING THE SPEED
Proceed as follows:
❒turn ring A-fig. 75to ONand press
the accelerator pedal to the required
speed;
❒push the lever upwards (+) for at
least 1 second, then release it: the
car speed will be stored. The accel-
erator pedal may be released.
If needed (e.g. for overtaking), press the
accelerator pedal to accelerate: the car
will return to the previously set speed
when the pedal is released.RESTORING MEMORIZED
SPEED
If the device has been disengaged, for ex-
ample by pressing the brake or clutch ped-
al, the memorized speed can be reset as
follows:
❒accelerate gradually until reaching a
speed approaching the stored speed;
❒engage the gear selected when the
speed was stored (4th or 5th gear);
❒press button RES B-fig. 75.
INCREASING THE MEMORIZED
SPEED
The stored speed can be increased in two
ways:
❒by pressing the accelerator and then
storing the new speed reached;
or
❒ by moving the stalk upwards (+).
Each operation of the stalk will correspond
to a slight increase in speed (about 1 km/h),
while keeping the stalk upwards will cor-
respond to a continuous speed increase.
When travelling with the de-
vice on, never set the
gearshift lever to neutral.
WARNING

87
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DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING
The car is provided with an electric pow-
er steering system which only works with
the key at MARand the engine running.
The system called “Dualdrive” allows to
customise the effort required to turn the
steering wheel according to driving con-
ditions.
ON/OFF (CITY function)
Press CITY fig. 126in the central part of
the dashboard to turn the function on and
off.
The CITYwarning light on the instru-
ment panel will light up when the function
is on; in other versions, the message
CITYwill appear on the reconfigurable
multifunctional display.
With the CITYfunction the effort on the
steering wheel is lighter, thus facilitating
parking manoeuvres: this is particularly
useful when driving in towns.
fig. 126F0H0716m
Under no circumstances
should aftermarket opera-
tions involving steering system or
steering column modifications (e.g.:
installation of anti-theft device) be
carried out that could badly affect
performance and safety. This also
causes the warranty to become null
and void and results in vehicle non-
compliance with type-approval re-
quirements.
WARNING
The car can be driven using the mechani-
cal steering in case of failure to the elec-
tric power steering system. Take the car
to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT The steering may before
stiffer when parking requiring a lot of
steering. This is normal and caused by the
electric control motor overheating sys-
tem. No repairs are needed. The power
steering system will start working prop-
erly again the next time the car is used.
Before starting any mainte-
nance operation, stop the
engine and remove the key from the
ignition switch to operate the steer-
ing lock, particularly when the car is
lifted off the ground. If this is not pos-
sible (i.e. if the key must be kept in
the MAR position or the engine must
be kept running), remove the main
electric power steering system fuse.
WARNING
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Electric power steering failure is indicated
by the turning on of warning light
gon
the instrument panel together with the
dedicated message on the reconfigurable
multifunctional display (where provided),
(see section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”).

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SAFETY
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FAILURE INDICATIONS
See the “Warning lights and messages”
chapter.
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
The system is deactivated automatically
when the trailer electric cable plug is fit-
ted into the car tow hook socket.
The sensors are automatically enabled
again when the trailer cable plug is re-
moved.It is vital that the sensors are
always clean in order for the
system to work properly.
Take great care when clean-
ing the sensors not to scratch or dam-
age them; avoid using dry, rough or
hard cloths. Clean the sensors with
clean water with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. In washing sta-
tions, clean the sensors quickly, keep-
ing the steam jet/high pressure wash-
ing nozzles at least 10 cm away from
the sensors.
The ultimate responsibility
when parking and carrying
out other dangerous manoeuvres still
rests with the driver. Always make
sure that there are no people, ani-
mals or objects in the way when car-
rying out these manoeuvres. Parking
sensors are designed to assist drivers:
in all cases, you must always pay the
utmost attention during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even when
these are carried out a low speed.
WARNING
GENERAL WARNINGS
❒When parking, take the utmost care
to obstacles that may be set above or
under the sensors.
❒Objects set close to the car, under
certain circumstances are not detect-
ed and could therefore cause damages
to the car or be damaged.
❒indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposit-
ed on the sensors or by ultrasound
systems (e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes
or pneumatic hammers) set nearby the
car.

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STARTING THE ENGINE ................................................. 112
PARKING THE VEHICLE .................................................. 114
USING THE GEARBOX .................................................... 115
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS ............................... 116
TOWING TRAILERS .......................................................... 117
SNOW TYRES ...................................................................... 120
SNOW CHAINS .................................................................. 121
STORING THE CAR .......................................................... 122
S S
T T
A A
R R
T T
I I
N N
G G
A A
N N
D D
D D
R R
I I
V V
I I
N N
G G

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❒turn the ignition key to AVVas soon
as the warning light mturns off.
Waiting too long will waste the work
done by the heater plugs. Release the
key as soon as the engine starts.
IMPORTANT With the engine cold, the
accelerator must be entirely released
when turning the ignition key to position
AVV.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the
instrument panel warning light
Yre-
mains lit, turn the key to STOPand then
back to MAR; if the warning lights remain
on, try with the other keys provided with
the car.
Contact a Fiat Dealership if you still can-
not start the engine.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
to MARwhen the engine is off. Warning light
mwill blink
for 60 seconds after starting
or during prolonged cranking
to indicate a fault to the glow
plug heating system. Use the car nor-
mally if the engine starts and go to a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED (petrol and Multijet
engines)
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium speed. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performan-
ce for the first few kilometres. Wait
until the engine coolant gauge starts
moving.
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 engi-
ne compartment to fall. Never jump start the engine
by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. This could cause a
flow of fuel into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond re-
pair.
A quick burst on the accele-
rator before turning off the
engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
Remember that the brake
booster and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much
effort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING

115
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SAFETY
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USING THE GEARBOX
To engage the gears, press the clutch pe-
dal fully and shift the gear lever into one
of the required positions (the diagram is
shown on the knob).
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be enga-
ged when the car is at a standstill. With
the engine running, wait for at least 2 se-
conds with the clutch pedal fully pressed
before engaging reverse to prevent da-
mage to the gears and grating.
To engage 6th gear (where provided),
operate the lever by pressing it towards
the right in order to avoid engaging 4th
gear by mistake. The same applies to shif-
ting from 6th to 5th gear.
To engage reverse Rfrom idle position,
lift the sliding ring A-fig. 2-3under the
knob and at the same time shift the lever
rightwards and then backwards (petrol
versions only).
For Multijet versions, simply move the le-
ver rightwards and then backwards.
fig. 2F0H0150mfig. 3F0H0353m
Press the clutch pedal fully
to change gears correctly.
For this reason, there must be no ob-
stacles on the floor under the pedals:
ensure that rubber mats (if any) are
correctly positioned, not interfering
with the pedals.
WARNINGDo not drive with your hand
resting on the gear lever, be-
cause this pressure, even if li-
ght, over time can wear out
the gearbox inner components.

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CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
vehicle down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the atmo-
sphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedu-
le”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least on-
ce every four weeks: excessively low pres-
sure will increase fuel consumption be-
cause rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof after use. These accessories de-
crease aerodynamic penetration of the car
and have a negative effect on consumption.
It is better to use a trailer to transport
particularly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The climate control system requires hi-
gher fuel consumption (up to +20% in ave-
rage): use the air vents when the exter-
nal temperature allows to.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car
standing: the engine warms up very slowly
in these conditions, increasing fuel con-
sumption and emissions. It is advisable to
start off immediately and slowly keeping
the engine speed down: the engine will
warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine. The
latter action, like doubling the clutch, is un-
necessary and causes increase of con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and
road conditions allow. Using a low gear
for faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.

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Average speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
as speed increases. Keep your speed as
even as possible, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration, which cause ex-
cessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative
effect on fuel consumption and emissions:
accelerate gradually and do not go over
the maximum torque ratio.OPERATING METHOD
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-
ups will prevent the engine from reaching
optimal running temperature. Conse-
quently, both consumption (from +15 to
+30% on urban cycle ) and emissions will
increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Quite high consumption is caused by
heavy traffic, for instance when travelling
in a queue with frequent use of low gears
or in cities with many traffic lights. Moun-
tain and rough roads also have a negative
effect on fuel consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level cros-
sings) the engine should be switched off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The car must be provided with a type-ap-
proved tow hitch and adequate electrical
system to tow caravans or trailers. Instal-
lation must be performed by specialised
personnel who will issue the required pa-
pers 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, the braking
spaces increase and overtaking takes lon-
ger depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the car’s tow
hitch will reduce the loading capacity of
the car by the same amount. Consider the
weight of the vehicle fully laden, including
accessories and luggage to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable wei-
ght (shown on the log book).

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Respect the speed limits specific for each
country for vehicles towing trailers. In all
cases, the top speed must not exceed 100
km/h.
The ABS with which the car
may be equipped will not
control the braking system of the trai-
ler. Particular caution is required on
slippery roads.
Never modify the braking sy-
stem of the car to control
the trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the car.
WARNING
WARNING
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel accor-
ding to any additional and/or integrative
information supplied by the Manufacturer
of the device.
The towing device must meet current re-
gulations 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.
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used which is generally
placed on a special bracket normally fa-
stened to the towing device, and a spe-
cial 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 ma-
nufacturer 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 mm2,5.
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 connec-
ted to the supply cable for an electric
brake and to the cable for an internal li-
ght, though not above 15W.
For connections use the preset control
unit with battery cable no less than 2.5
mm
2.

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F0H0151m
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM fig. 4
The tow hook structure must be fastened
in the points shown by the symbol
Øusing
a total of 4 M10 screws, 2 M10 screws and
2 M12 screws.
The hook should be fastened to the body
avoiding any type of drilling and trimming
of the rear bumpers that remains visible
when the hook is removed.
IMPORTANT It is compulsory to fasten a
label (plainly visible) of suitable size and
material with the following wording:
MAX LOAD ON BALL 60 kg
After fitting, the bolt holes
must be sealed to prevent
exhaust gas leaks.
WARNING
fig. 4
Existing holes
Standard ball
Existing holes
loaded
Existing holes