ABS 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

11
fig. 4
P5S00624m
THE FIAT
CODE SYSTEM
To further protect your car from at-
tempted theft, it has been fitted with
an electronic engine immobiliser sys-
tem called Fiat CODE which is auto-
matically activated when the ignition
key is removed. The ignition keys, in
fact, are fitted with an electronic de-
vice that transmits a coded signal to
the Fiat CODE unit: only if this signal
is recognised can the engine be start-
ed. The coded signal is the password
with which the control unit recognis-
es the key and enables engine ignition. KEYS fig. 4
The car comes with three types of
the keys.
– key A, with a burgundy grip, is the
“master” key. Only one of these keys
is provided, and your Fiat Dealer-
ship needs it when it has to store the
codes of new keys replacing ones that
have been lost or damaged or when
storing duplicate key codes. Given its
importance, it should be kept in a safe
place (not in the car) and only be used
when absolutely necessary.
Any repair operations to the Fi-
at CODE system and to the en-
gine control unit cannot be car-
ried out if this key is lost.– key B(supplied with a duplicate)
with the blue grip, is the key which is
normally used for: starting the engine;
the doors; the glove compartment; the
tunnel-mounted console; the lock on
the boot opening lever.
– only one key C(with the blue grip)
is provided. This key is only used to
start the engine. It can be used by
garage and workshop staff for vehicle
handling.
A CODE card fig. 5bearing the fol-
lowing data is provided together with
the keys:
A- the electronic code to be used
for emergency starting (see “Emer-
gency Start-up” in “In an emergency”);
B- the mechanical key code to be
given to the Fiat Dealershipwhen
ordering duplicate keys;
C- the spaces for any remote con-
trol stickers when the car is fitted with
the “Electronic alarm” option.
fig. 5
P5S00625m

The car alarm absorbs
electricity. If you plan on
not using the car for
more than a month, you are ad-
vised to switch the system off
with the remote control and to
turn the emergency key to the
“OFF” position.
16
WHEN THE ALARM
GOES OFF
When the car alarm is activated, the
electronic alarm will be set off if:
1)One of the doors, the bonnet or
the boot are opened.
2)The battery is disconnected or the
electronic alarm power supply cables
are cut.
3) When something enters the pas-
senger compartment.
4)The outside of the car is knocked.
5)The key is turned to MAR.
A siren sounds for approximately 26
seconds (for a maximum of 3 cycles
and 5-second pauses if the condition
persists) when the electronic alarm is
triggered. The direction indicators
flash (in countries where this is al-
lowed) for approximately 5 minutes.
Once the conditions cease, the sys-
tem will continue its normal surveil-
lance function.To stop the electronic alarm, press
the remote control button. If this does
not work, turn the alarm off by turn-
ing the emergency key toOFF(see
next paragraph “How to turn the
alarm”).
HOW TO TURN
THE ALARM OFF fig. 10
Use the emergency key (two copies
are provided) to deactivate the elec-
tronic alarm when the remote control
batteries are flat or if there is a fault in
the system. Lift the bonnet and find
the control unit and siren (located in
front of the battery). Lift the rubber
protection cap A, insert the key and
turn anticlockwise (OFFposition).
The system is thus deactivated.“This key switch is not applicable for
the U.K. market”.
Do not leave the emergency key in
the switch. The keyhole must be cov-
ered with its rubber cap to prevent
dust and humidity from getting in.
fig. 10
P5S00618m

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

43
CIGAR LIGHTER fig. 48
The cigar lighter is situated inside the
oddment box.
Press button A: after around 15 sec-
onds the button pops back to its orig-
inal position and the cigar lighter is
ready for use.
IMPORTANTMake sure that the
cigar lighter does in fact pop out af-
ter it has been pushed in.ASHTRAY fig. 49
It is protected by a flap. Press the
two tabs A-fig. 49 and pull upwards
to remove. SUN VISORS fig. 50
These are positioned to the sides of
the driving mirror. They can swing up
or down.
There is a vanity mirror with pro-
tective flap on the back of the passen-
ger’s sun visor.
The cigar lighter gets very
hot. Be careful how you
handle it and make sure it is not
used by children: danger of fire or
burns.
WARNING
Do not use the ashtray as a
waste paper basket: it
could catch fire on contact with cig-
arette butts.
WARNING
fig. 48
P5S00657m
fig. 49
P5S10036m
fig. 50
P5S00658m

56
ABS
(where fitted)
The vehicle is fitted with an ABS
braking system, which prevents the
wheels from locking when braking,
makes the most of road grip and gives
the best control when emergency
braking under difficult road conditions.
The driver can tell the ABS system
has come into play when he feels the
brake pedal pulsating slightly and the
system gets noisier.
This should not be interpreted as a
fault in the brakes; on the contrary it
is a sign that the ABS system is work-
ing: it tells the driver that the vehicle
is travelling at the limit of its road grip
and that he should alter his speed to
fit the type of road surface.
The ABS system is an addition to the
basic braking system. If there is a mal-
function, the system turns off auto-
matically and only the ordinary brakes
continue to work.If a failure occurs, and consequently
the anti-lock function is not effective,
the braking system will continue to
work as usual.
If you have never driven a vehicle
with ABS before, you should practice
using the system on slippery terrain,
obviously with the necessary safety
precautions and keeping to the High-
way Code of the country you are in.
It is also a good idea to read the fol-
lowing information carefully.
The advantage in using the ABS sys-
tem is that it continues to give you
maximum manoeuvrability even when
braking hard in conditions of poor grip
by preventing the wheels locking.
You should, however, not expect the
braking distance to always decrease:
for example surfaces with gravel or
fresh snow on a slippery road will in
fact increase the braking distance.To exploit the ABS system to the full
in the event of necessity, you should
take heed of the following advice:
The ABS exploits the tyre-
road grip available to the
full, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care
when driving on slippery surfaces,
and not take unnecessary risks.
WARNING
If the ABS system cuts in it
is a sign that the grip be-
tween the tyre and the road surface
has reached the limit: you must
slow down to match the speed to
the road grip available.
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

59
AIRBAG PASSENGER SIDE
(where fitted)
The passenger side airbag was de-
signed and calibrated to protect a per-
son wearing seat belts.
When fully inflated, the bag will fill
most of the space between the dash-
board and the passenger. Manual deactivation
The passenger side airbag can be de-
activated if it is absolutely necessary to
carry a child in the front passenger
seat.
Turn the specific switch fig. 77
which can be reached by opening the
passenger side door with the ignition
key. The switch has two positions:
1 - Passenger side airbag on: (posi-
tion ON
P) instrument panel warn-
ing light off. Do not carry children on
the front seat.
2 -Passenger side airbag off: (posi-
tion OFFF) instrument panel warn-
ing light on. A child can be carried on
the front seat with a suitable restraint
system.
The instrument panel warning light
Fwill stay on until the passenger
side airbag is reactivated.
SEVERE DANGER:
if the car has a front
airbag on passenger side, do not
place the child seat on the front
seat.
WARNING
fig. 77
P5S10010m

74
– Keep a greater safety distance from
the cars in front of you than during
daylight hours: it is hard to judge how
fast other cars are going when all you
can see are their lights.
– Make sure the headlight beams are
properly positioned: if they are too
low, they reduce visibility and are hard
on the eyes. If they are too high they
can dazzle other drivers.
– Only use main-beam headlights
when you are driving outside the city
and when you are sure they do not an-
noy other drivers.
– If the headlights are on full, dip
them in good time to prevent dazzling
other drivers coming in the other di-
rection.
– Keep all lights clean.
– Be careful of animals crossing the
road when driving in the country.DRIVING IN THE RAIN
Rain and wet road surfaces spell dan-
ger.
All manoeuvres are more difficult on
a wet road because the friction of the
wheels on the tarmac is greatly re-
duced. This is why braking distances
are much longer and roadholding is
lower.
Here is some advice to follow if it is
raining:
– Reduce speed and keep a greater
safety distance from the cars in front.
– If it is raining particularly heavily,
visibility is also reduced. In these cas-
es, switch on the dipped headlights
even if it is still daylight so you can be
seen more clearly by other drivers.
– Do not drive through puddles at
speed and hold on tightly to the wheel:
a puddle taken at speed can make you
lose control of the car (“aquaplaning”).
– Move the ventilation controls to
the position for demisting the win-
dows (see the “Getting to know your
car” section), to avoid visibility prob-
lems.– Periodically check the condition of
the windscreen wiper blades.
DRIVING IN FOG
– If the fog is thick, do not start out
on a journey unless you absolutely
have to.
If driving in mist, blanket fog or when
there is the danger of patches of fog :
– Keep the speed down.
– Turn on the dipped headlights, rear
foglights and front foglights, if fitted,
even during the day. Do not drive with
your headlights at full-beam.
IMPORTANTOn stretches of
road with good visibility, switch off
your rear foglights; the brightness of
these lights could annoy the people
travelling in the cars behind.