tow FIAT IDEA 2007 1.G User Guide

FAILURE WARNINGS
See the “Warning lights and messages” chapter.
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
The system is preset for deactivating automatically
when the trailer electric cable plug is fitted into the car
tow hook socket.
Sensors are reactivated when removing the trailer
cable plug.GENERAL WARNINGS
❒When parking, take the utmost care to obstacles
set above or under the sensors.
❒Objects set close to car rear part, under certain
circumstances are not detected and could
therefore cause damages to the car.
❒Indications sent by the sensor can be altered by
dirt, snow or ice deposited on the sensors or by
ultrasound systems (e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes or
pneumatic hammers) set nearby the car.
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For proper operation, the parking sensors set on the bumpers shall be clean from mud, dirt, snow or
ice. When cleaning the sensors, take the utmost care to prevent their damaging; do not use therefore
dry or rough clothes. Sensors shall be washed with clean water and car detergent, if required. In wash-
ing stations, clean sensors quickly keeping the vapour jet/high pressure washing nozzles at 10 cm at least from
the sensors.
WARNINGParking manoeuvres however are always under the driver’s responsibility that shall
always check the absence of people, animals or objects in the manoeuvre space.
This system is just a help for the driver but he shall never reduce important during
dangerous manoeuvres even if performed at low speed.

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ENGINE STARTING ............................................................ 178
PARKING ................................................................................ 181
USING THE GEARBOX...................................................... 182
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS ................................ 183
TOWING TRAILERS ........................................................... 185
SNOW TYRES ....................................................................... 188
SNOW CHAINS ................................................................... 189
CAR INACTIVITY ................................................................ 190
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HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE AFTER IT
HAS JUST STARTED (petrol and Multijet
versions)
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.
EMERGENCY START-UP
If the instrument panel warning light
Ystays on with
fixed light, the emergency start-up can be performed
by using the CODE card code (see section “In an
emergency”).STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition 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.
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Never bump start the engine by pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This could cause fuel to flow
into the catalytic exhaust system and damage it beyond repair.
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.
Remember that the servobrake 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

CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may help you to
keep the running costs of your car down and lower
the amount of toxic emissions released into the
atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Service schedule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely at an
interval of no more than 4 weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as resistance to
rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
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
stability.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof as
soon as they are no longer used. These accessories
lower air penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. When needing to carry
particularly voluminous objects, preferably use a
trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time
needed. Rear heated window, additional headlights,
windscreen wipers and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy, therefore increasing the
requirement of current increases fuel consumption (up
to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load which greatly
affects the engine leading to higher consumption (on
average up to +20%). When the temperature outside
the vehicle permits it, use the air vents where possible.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items may
adversely affect air drag and consumption levels.
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TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT 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 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 braking 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 vehicle 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 belongings.
Do not exceed the speed limits of the country you are
driving in. In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.
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WARNING
Under no circumstances should the vehicle brake system be altered to control the
trailer brake. The trailer braking system must be fully independent of the vehicle’s
hydraulic system.WARNING
The ABS system with which the car may be fitted does not control the trailer
braking system. Great care should therefore be taken when driving on slippery
road surfaces.

INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to the body 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 94/20/EC Directive and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used must match
the towable weight of the vehicle on which it is to be
installed.
For the electric connection a unified connector should
be used which is generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened 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 pins 12VDC
connection is to be used (CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN
Standards). Follow the instructions provided by the car
manufacturer and/or the tow hitch manufacturer.
An electric brake should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a cross section of no less
than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brake or other device shall be
used with running engine.
In addition to the electrical branches, the car’s electric
system can only be connected to the supply cable for
an electric brake and to the cable for an internal light,
though not above 15W.
For connections use a preset control unit with battery
cable no less than 2.5 mm
2.
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ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
The tow hook structure must be fastened in the points
shown by the symbol
Øusing a total of 4 M8 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
WARNINGAfter fitting, screw holes shall be sealed to prevent exhaust gas inlet.
F0H0151m
Full load
Standard ball Existing holes
Existing holes Existing holes
≥65

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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
❒car heavy duty(e.g.: towing trailer uphill or
fully laden car): decrease speed, if the warning
light stays on, stop the car. Wait for 2 or 3
minutes leaving the engine on and slightly
accelerated to further activate the circulation
of the coolant fluid, then switch the engine off.
Check proper coolant level as described
previously.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the car, keep
the engine on and slightly accelerated for few
minutes before switching it off.ç
continued from previous page
red
Warning
light on dial Message on
multifunction displayMessage on reconfigurable
multifunction display

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DOOR OPENING/CLOSING ........................................... 221
ENGINE STARTING ............................................................ 222
FIX & GO automatic (QUICK TYRE REPAIR KIT) ...... 225
IF A TYRE IS PUNCTURED ............................................... 230
WHEN NEEDING TO CHANGE A BULB ................... 237
IF AN EXTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT ......................... 240
IF AN INTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT .......................... 246
IF A FUSE BLOWS................................................................ 248
IF THE BATTERY IS FLAT .................................................. 254
JACKING THE CAR............................................................. 255
TOWING THE CAR .......................................................... 255

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BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine (bu pushing, towing, or
coasting downhill) as this could cause fuel to flow into
the catalytic exhaust system and damage it beyond
repair.IMPORTANT Remember that until the engine has
started the brake booster and electrical power
steering systems will not work and a greater effort will
therefore be required to press the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.
WARNINGAlert other drivers that the car is stationary in compliance with local regulations:
hazard warning lights, warning triangle etc. Any passengers on board should leave
the car, especially if it is heavily laden. Passengers should stay away from
oncoming traffic while the wheel is being changed on. If the wheel is being changed
on a steep or badly surfaced road, place the wedges or other suitable material
under the wheel to stop the car.