towing FIAT BRAVO 2013 2.G Owners Manual

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
conver ter 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
turning off the engine serves absolutely
no practical purpose, it wastes fuel and is
damaging especially to turbocharged engines.
156GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

CONDITIONS OF USE
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.
161GETTING 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 mm2.
162GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

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, stop the
engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is, wait
for a few minutes 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. Also check
visually for any fluid leaks. If, when restarting, the
warning light should come 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.
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING
(red)
This warning light (or symbol on the display)
switches on when one or more doors are not
properly shut. An acoustic signal is activated with
the doors open and the car moving.LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT NOT
PROPERLY SHUT
This symbol (for versions/markets where provided)
switches on in the display when the luggage
compartment is not properly shut. On certain
versions warning light
comes on instead.
BONNET NOT PROPERLY SHUT
This symbol (for versions/markets where provided)
switches on in the display when the bonnet is not
properly shut. On certain versions warning light
comes on instead.
171GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING
This procedure must be performed by
exper t 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:
"Impor tant! For temporar y 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.
182GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
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. 195
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. 196–
fig. 197;
❒take the tow hook B from its support;
❒fully screw in the hook on the rear or front
threaded pin.
fig. 195
F0Q0729
fig. 196
F0Q0730
221GETTING 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.
fig. 197
F0Q0731
222GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARNING
Do not star t the engine while towing
the car.
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.
223GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICINGCorrect servicing is essential in guaranteeing a long
life for the car under the best conditions.
Fiat has therefore arranged a series of checks and
service operations to be carried out every 30,000
kilometres (for petrol versions) or every 35,000
kilometres (for 1.6 MultiJet and 2.0 MultiJet
versions).
It is, however, important to remember that
scheduled servicing does not completely cover all
the car's requirements: even in the initial period
before 30,000/35,000 km (the latter for 1.6 MultiJet
and 2.0 MultiJet versions), and then subsequently
between one service and another, ordinary care
is still required such as routine checks involving
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.
224GETTING 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;
229GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX