check engine FIAT BARCHETTA 2003 1.G Owners Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
You should read this chapter sitting comfortably in
your new Fiat barchetta. This way you can see the parts
described in the manual at a glance and immediately
check what you have just read for yourself.
In short, you will become more familiar with your
Fiat barchetta and its controls and other features. Lat-
er, when you start the engine and join the traffic you
will make a host of other pleasant discoveries.
DASHBOARD ...................................................................... 7
INSTRUMENT PANEL ...................................................... 8
SYMBOLIS ............................................................................. 9
THE FIAT CODE SYSTEM ............................................... 11
ELECTRONIC ALARM ..................................................... 13
IGNITION SWITCH ......................................................... 17
INDIVIDUAL SETTINGS .................................................. 18
SEAT BELTS ......................................................................... 21
TRANSPORTING CHILDREN IN SAFETY ................ 24
PRETENSIONERS ............................................................... 27
INSTRUMENTS ................................................................... 28INDICATOR AND WARNING LIGHTS .................... 30
HEATING AND VENTILATION ................................... 34
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ................. 36
STEERING COLUMN STALKS ....................................... 38
CONTROLS ......................................................................... 40
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT .................................................. 42
DOORS ................................................................................. 44
HOOD ................................................................................... 46
HARD TOP .......................................................................... 49
WIND STOP ........................................................................ 51
BONNET .............................................................................. 53
BOOT .................................................................................... 55
HEADLIGHTS ...................................................................... 55
ABS ......................................................................................... 56
AIRBAG ................................................................................. 58
EOBD SYSTEM .................................................................... 62
CELLULAR PHONE SETUP ............................................. 63
AT THE FILLING STATION ........................................... 64
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT ......................... 66
For more detailed information, see “Index”.
6

ABS (ANTI-LOCK
BRAKING SYSTEM)
INEFFICIENT
(amber) (where fitted)
When the ABS device is faulty.
The normal braking system contin-
ues to work but you should have the
car seen to at a Fiat Dealership.
When the key is turned toMARthe
warning light will come on but should
go out after about 2 seconds. HANDBRAKE ON/
BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL LOW (red)
In two cases:
1. When the handbrake is applied.
2. When the brake fluid level falls be-
low the minimum.BATTERY NOT
RECHARGED
PROPERLY (red)
When there is a malfunction in the
current generating system.
The light comes on when you turn
the ignition key to MARbut it should
go out when the engine starts.
FRONT BRAKE
WEAR (red)
When the front brake
pads have worn out. When having
them replaced, have the rear brakes
checked, too.
31
w>
d
x
If the xwarning light
comes on while travelling,
check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged. If the warning light stays on
when the handbrake is disengaged,
stop immediately and contact a Fi-
at Dealership.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic braking device
(EBD). If the >and xwarning
light turn on at the same time, this
means that there is an EBD system
fault. In this case violent braking
may be accompanied by early rear
wheel locking with the possibility of
skidding. Drive the car extremely
carefully to the nearest Fiat Deal-
ership to have the system checked.
WARNING

HAZARD LIGHTS
(red) (flashing)
When the hazard lights
are on.AIRBAG OR
PRETENSIONER
FAILURE (red)
When the system is not working
properly or has been triggered.
SEAT BELTS NOT
FASTENED (red)
When the driver’s seat
belt is not fastened properly. CATALYTIC
CONVERTER HOT
(red) (where fitted)
When the temperature of the cat-
alytic converter is extremely high: the
warning light will go out as soon as the
temperature drops to normal.
32
<
f¬
r
When you turn the ignition
key to the MAR position
this light comes on. It should, how-
ever, go out after about four sec-
onds. If the light stays on or comes
on while the car is moving, stop at
once and have the car seen to at a
Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
The lighting of warning
light >when the engine is
running normally indicates a fault
in the ABS system only. In this case,
the braking system will still be ef-
fective without the anti-lock device.
In these conditions EBD system op-
eration can be reduced. Also in this
case we recommend immediately
taking the car to a Fiat Dealership
avoiding sudden braking to have
the system checked.
WARNING

57
Braking while cornering always re-
quires extreme care even when using
ABS.
The most important advice to follow
is the following:If you follow these tips you will be
able to brake better in any situation.
IMPORTANTVehicles fitted with
ABS may only be fitted with wheel
rims, tyres and brake pads of the make
and model approved by the vehicle
manufacturer.
An Electronic Brake Distributor
EBD integrates the ABSsystem and
uses the control unit and sensors of
theABSsystem to increase perfor-
mance of the brake system.
If there is a fault, the warn-
ing light >will light up on
the dashboard. At this point, reduce
speed and go to a Fiat Dealership
to have your vehicle checked and
put right immediately.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the brake pedal
pulsating, do not remove your foot,
but keep it pressed. In doing so you
will stop in the shortest amount of
space possible under the current
road conditions.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic braking device
(EBD). If the >and xwarning
light turn on at the same time, this
means that there is an EBD system
fault. In this case violent braking
may be accompanied by early rear
wheel locking with the possibility of
skidding. Drive the car extremely
carefully to the nearest Fiat Deal-
ership to have the system checked.
WARNING
The lighting of warning
light >when the engine is
running normally indicates a fault
in the ABS system only. In this case,
the braking system will still be ef-
fective without the anti-lock device.
In these conditions EBD system op-
eration can be reduced. Also in this
case we recommend immediately
taking the car to a Fiat Dealership
avoiding sudden braking to have
the system checked.
WARNING
If the xbrake fluid low
warning light comes on,
stop the vehicle immediately and
contact the nearest Fiat Dealership.
Fluid leaks from the hydraulic sys-
tem, in fact, can compromise brake
system operation, both traditional
systems and systems with ABS.
WARNING

61
Do not apply stickers or
other objects to the steer-
ing wheel or to the dashboard on
the passenger’s side. Do not travel
with objects on your lap or in front
of you nor with a pipe, pencil or
similar between your lips; you could
seriously hurt yourself if the airbag
inflates in a collision.
WARNING
The correct operation of
the front airbags and pre-
tensioners is only ensured if the car
is not overloaded.
WARNING
The airbag does not replace
seat belts but rather in-
creases their effectiveness. Further-
more, the front airbag is not fired in
the event of low speed front colli-
sions, side collisions, rear-end shunts
and roll-overs. In these cases, the
passengers are only protected by
the seat belts which for this reason
must always be fastened.
WARNING
Always drive with both
hands on the rim of the
steering wheel so that the airbag is
free to inflate during a head-on col-
lision, and protect you from serious
injury. Do not drive with your body
bending towards the steering wheel,
but sit in an upright position with
your back resting against the seat.
WARNING
If an attempt has been
made to steal the car, or if
it has actually been stolen or has
been vandalised in any way or sub-
jected to flooding, have the airbag
system checked over at a Fiat Deal-
ership.
WARNING
It is important to remember
that when the ignition key
is turned to MAR even if the engine
is off, the air bag can be fired when
the car is stationary if it hit by an-
other vehicle travelling at suitable
speed. As a consequence, Fiat rec-
ommends sitting children in their
specific retainer system on the back
seat, which is the most protected
position ossible. On the contrary,
the air bags will not be fired in the
car is crashed into when the key is
not insered or turned. Consequent-
ly, in this case, the fact that the
asystem is not fired does not indi-
cate a fault.
WARNING

62
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On
Board Diagnosis) performs a non-stop
diagnosis of the components linked to
the emissions, it also warns the user
about the component current deterio-
ration conditions, by turning on the pi-
lot lamp
Uon the instrument panel.
Purpose of system is:
– keeping system efficiency under con-
trol;
– warning about emission increases
due to car malfunction;
– warning about the necessity of re-
placing deteriorated components. System also avails itself of a connector
that can be interfaced with a proper in-
strumentation, enabling to read error
codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a set of specific engine di-
agnosis and operation parameters. This
inspection can be also carried out by
traffic control agents. IMPORTANTAfter eliminating the
problem, yourFiat Dealershipwill
run a bench test to fully check the sys-
tem. In some cases, a long road test
may be required.
If the pilot lamp
Udoes
not turn on when the ig-
nition key is turned to the
MAR position, or if, when run-
ning, the fixed or blinking light
turns on, please contact as soon
as possible the Fiat Dealership.
Pilot light
Ufunctionality can be
inspected by the special equip-
ment available with the traffic
control agents. Comply with the
regulations current in the Coun-
try where your are driving.

67
DRIVING YOUR CAR
To help you handle your Fiat barchetta in the best
and safest possible way, and above all use it to its
fullest potential, we have given you some hints in this
chapter on “what to do, what not to do and what to
avoid” when at the wheel of your Fiat barchetta.
Most of the time, these suggestions apply to other
cars as well. Sometimes, however, the tip may apply
to an exclusive Fiat barchetta feature. You are there-
fore strongly recommended to pay the closest atten-
tion to this section for helpful hints on optimum dri-
ving practices and usage of the car that will help you
get the most out of your Fiat barchetta. STARTING THE ENGINE ............................................... 68
PARKING ............................................................................ 70
GEAR USE .......................................................................... 71
SAFE DRIVING .................................................................. 71
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS
AND POLLUTION .......................................................... 76
CHEAP RUNNING THAT RESPECTS
THE ENVIRONMENT ..................................................... 78
TOWING A TRAILER ..................................................... 79
SNOW CHAINS ............................................................... 80
VEHICLE STORAGE ........................................................ 81
REPEATED CHECKS AND CHECKS
BEFORE LONG TRIPS .................................................... 82
ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY THE OWNER ..... 82
USEFUL ACCESSORIES .................................................. 82

81
VEHICLE
STORAGE
Do the following if the car is not to
be used for several months:
– Park the car with the hood closed
in covered, dry and if possible well-
ventilated premises.
– Engage a gear.
– Make sure the handbrake is not
engaged.
– Disconnect the terminals from
the battery poles (negative pole first)
and check the battery charge. When
the vehicle is in storage, this check
should be carried out once a month.
If the no-load voltage is less than
12.5V, recharge the battery.– Inflate the tyres to 0.5 bar above
the normal specified pressure and
check it at intervals.
– Check battery charge once a
month.
– Do not drain the engine cooling
system. IMPORTANTIf the car is fitted
with an electronic car alarm, turn off
the alarm with the remote control
and deactivate the system by turning
the emergency key to “OFF”(see
the “Electronic alarm” in the
“Getting to know your car” section).
– Clean and protect the painted
parts using a protective wax.
– Clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds avail-
able on the market.
– Sprinkle talcum powder on the
rubber windscreen wiper blades and
lift them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Cover the car with a cloth or
perforated plastic sheet. Do not use
sheets of imperforated plastic as
they do not allow moisture on the
car body to evaporate.

82
REPEATED
CHECKS AND
CHECKS BEFORE
LONG TRIPS
Remember to periodically check:
– tyre pressure and condition;
– electrolyte level;
– engine oil level;
– coolant level and condition of the
system;
– brake fluid level;
– windscreen washer liquid;
– power steering fluid.
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
RADIO
TRANSMITTERS AND
CELLULAR
TELEPHONES
Cellphones and other radio trans-
mitters (e.g. CB radios) cannot be
used inside the vehicle, unless you
use a separate aerial mounted out-
side the vehicle.
IMPORTANTThe use of cell-
phones, CB radios or similar inside
the passenger compartment (with-
out an outside aerial) produces elec-
tromagnetic RF fields; if these are
amplified by the resonance inside the
passenger compartment, they may
not only result in a potential health
hazard, or poor functioning of the
electronic systems fitted to the vehi-
cle, but also put the safety of your
vehicle in jeopardy.
The transmission and reception
efficiency of this equipment may also
be affected by the shielding effect of
the vehicle's body.
USEFUL
ACCESSORIES
Apart from the legal obligations
currently in force we suggest you
keep in the car fig. 3:
– first aid kit containing non-alco-
holic disinfectant, sterile gauze, a reel
of gauze, plasters etc.
– fire extinguisher
– round-ended scissors
– working gloves.
The parts described and illustrated
are available from Lineaccessori Fiat.
fig. 3
P5S10040m

The sticker gives the follow-
ing information in four lan-
guages:
CAUTION!FOR TEMPORARY USE
ONLY
. MAX. 80 KM/H! REPLACE BY NOR-
MAL WHEEL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT
COVER THIS LABEL IN USE
. When driving
with a space-saver spare wheel fitted
the driving performance of your car
may change. Avoid accelerating or
braking suddenly, steering abruptly or
driving fast on bends. The life span of
a space-saver spare wheel is approx-
imately 3000 km, after which it will
need to be replaced with another
spare wheel of the same type. Nev-
er fit a standard tyre on the spare-
saver spare wheel rim. Have the
wheel replaced and refitted as soon
as possible. Never use two or more
spare wheel at the same time. Do not
lubricate the bolt threads before fit-
ting them back: they could come
loose. The jack should only be used
to change a wheel on the car for
which it was designed. It should not
be put to other uses or employed to
raise other models of car. Under no
circumstances should it be used when
carrying out repairs under the vehi-
cle.
87
WARNING
An incorrectly positioned
jack may cause the vehicle
to fall.
Do not use the jack to lift loads ex-
ceeding that indicated on the label
attached to the jack itself.
Never start the engine when the car
is jacked up.
If you are towing a trailer, release
the trailer before jacking up the car.
Do not fit snow chains on space-
saver spare wheels. If a front wheel
(drive wheel) is punctured and you
require snow chains to proceed,
take a standard wheel from the
rear axle and fit the space-saver
spare wheel in its place. Having fit-
ted two standard wheels on the dri-
ve axle, you can use snow chains,
thus solving the emergency situa-
tion.
WARNING
Torque the wheel cap cor-
rectly to prevent the wheel
from coming free in motion.
Never tamper with the inflation
valve.
Never place tools between the rim
and tyre.
Check the tyre and space-saver
spare wheel pressure regularly. Tyre
pressure is shown in the “Technical
specifications” chapter.
WARNING