towing FIAT IDEA 2012 1.G Owners Manual

111
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ENGINE STARTING ............................................................ 112
PARKING ................................................................................ 114
USING THE GEARBOX...................................................... 115
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS ................................ 116
TOWING TRAILERS ........................................................... 117
SNOW TYRES ....................................................................... 120
SNOW CHAINS ................................................................... 121
CAR INACTIVITY ............................................................... 122
CC C
O O
R R
R R
E E
C C
T T
U U
S S
E E
O O
F F
T T
H H
E E
C C
A A
R R
111-122 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:29 Pagina 111

113
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
❒Turn the ignition key to AVVas soon
as warning light m goes out. If you wait
too long you will lose the benefit of
the work done by the glow plugs. Re-
lease the key as soon as the engine
starts.
IMPORTANT With cold engine, the ac-
celerator pedal shall be completely re-
leased while turning the ignition key to
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 on MAR, warn-
ing light
Yremains lit, turn the key to
STOPand then back to MAR; if the
warning light remains on, try with the oth-
er keys provided with the car.
If you still cannot start the engine, contact
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
at MARwhen the engine is off.The warning light
mwill
flash for 60 seconds at start-
up or during prolonged crank-
ing to signal a fault in the
glow plug heating system. You can use
the car as usual if the engine starts but
you should contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.
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.
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 en-
gine compartment to fall.Never bump start the engine
by pushing, towing or coast-
ing downhill. This could cause
fuel to flow into the catalyt-
ic exhaust system and damage it be-
yond repair.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much ef-
fort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
111-122 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:29 Pagina 113

117
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
with speed. Keep speed as constant as
possible, avoid superfluous braking and ac-
celerating, which cost in terms of both fu-
el and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.CONDITIONS OF USE
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 emission of harmful substances.
Traffic situations
and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied to
situations with heavy traffic, for example
in queues with frequent use of the lower
gears or in cities with many traffic lights.
Also winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces adversely affect consump-
tion.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g.: level
crossings) the engine should be switched
off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. Installa-
tion 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 brak-
ing 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) ac-
count should be taken of the fully laden
trailer, including accessories and person-
al belongings.
111-122 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:29 Pagina 117

118
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Do not exceed the speed limits of the
country you are driving in. In any case do
not exceed 100 km/h.
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 sur-
faces.
Under no circumstances
should the vehicle brake sys-
tem be altered to control the trailer
brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent of the ve-
hicle’s hydraulic system.
WARNING
WARNING
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel ac-
cording to any additional and/or integra-
tive information supplied by the Manufac-
turer of the device.
The towing device must meet current reg-
ulations 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 ve-
hicle 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 fas-
tened 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 (CU-
NA/UNI and ISO/DIN Standards). Follow
the instructions provided by the car man-
ufacturer 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 mm
2.
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 con-
nected 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.
111-122 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:29 Pagina 118

125
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light
¬does not turn on or stays on during
car travel (together with the message
on the multifunctional display, where
provided), a failure may have oc-
curred in the restraint systems. In this
case the airbags or pretensioners may
not be deployed after an impact or,
in a minor number of cases, they may
be deployed accidentally. Contact Fi-
at Dealership immediately to have
the system checked immediately.
WARNING
The failure of the warning
light
¬is indicated by the
warning light flashing longer than the
expected 4 seconds
“thus signalling
that the front passenger airbag is de-
activated. In addition, the airbag sys-
tem automatically disables the airbag
on the passenger’s side (both front
and side airbags, where provided). In
this case, the warning light
¬does
not necessarily indicate a failure in
the restraining systems. Contact Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the
system checked.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE
COOLANT (red)
When the ignition key is
moved to MAR, the warning
light turns on and should go off after a few
seconds.
The warning light turns on when the en-
gine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as
follows:
❒during normal travel: stop the car,
stop the engine and check that the wa-
ter level in the vessel is not under the
MINline. If this is the case, 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 MINand
MAXreference lines on the vessel. Al-
so check for leakages. Should the warn-
ing light turn on again at the next start-
up, contact Fiat Dealership.
u
❒If the vehicle is used under severe
conditions(e.g. towing of trailers up-
hill or fully loaded vehicle): slow down
and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with
the engine running and slightly accel-
erated to favour better coolant circu-
lation. Then stop the engine. Check
correct fluid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly accel-
erated for a few minutes before switching
it off.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
When the ignition key is
moved to MAR, the warning
light turns on and should go out as soon
as the engine is started (with the engine
running at idle speed a brief delay in go-
ing out is allowed). If the warning light
stays on, immediately contact Fiat Deal-
ership.
w
123-132 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:29 Pagina 125

133
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
DOOR OPENING/CLOSING ........................................... 134
ENGINE STARTING ............................................................ 134
FIX & GO automatic (QUICK TYRE REPAIR KIT) ...... 136
IF A TYRE IS PUNCTURED ............................................... 140
WHEN NEEDING TO CHANGE A BULB ................... 144
IF AN EXTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT ......................... 147
IF AN INTERIOR LIGHT BURNS OUT .......................... 152
IF A FUSE BLOWS................................................................ 153
IF THE BATTERY IS FLAT .................................................. 158
JACKING THE CAR............................................................. 158
TOWING THE CAR............................................................ 159
II I
N N
A A
N N
E E
M M
E E
R R
G G
E E
N N
C C
Y Y
In an emergency we recommend that you call the toll-free number found on the
Warranty Booklet. You can also connect to the site www.fiat.com
to search for the nearest Fiat Dealership point.
133-160 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:30 Pagina 133

135
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
fig. 2F0H0718m
IMPORTANT Do not directly connect the
two negative terminals: sparks could ignite
the flammable gas from the battery. If the
other battery is fitted in a vehicle, prevent
accidental contacts between the metal
parts of the two vehicles.Do not carry out this proce-
dure if you lack experience;
if it is not done correctly it can cause
very intense electrical discharges. In
addition, the fluid contained in the
battery is poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. You
are also advised not to put naked
flames or lighted cigarettes near the
battery and not to cause sparks.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should a battery charger be
used to start the engine: it
could damage the electronic
systems and in particular the ignition
and injection control units.BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine (bu push-
ing, towing, or coasting downhill) as this
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
exhaust system and damage it beyond re-
pair.
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.
Alert other drivers that the
car is stationary in compli-
ance 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 on-
coming traffic while the wheel is be-
ing changed on. If the wheel is being
changed on a steep or badly surfaced
road, place the wedges or other suit-
able material under the wheel to stop
the car.
WARNING
133-160 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:30 Pagina 135

159
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TOWING THE CAR
The car is delivered with two tow rings:
the short tow ring shall be fitted at the
front and the long one at the back.
Side figures show how rear (long) ring was
arranged, within spare wheel fig. 44 and
in the container of kit Fix & Go automat-
ic, respectively fig. 45.
HOW TO REMOVE TOW HITCH
CAPS
To avoid damaging the cap A-fig. 46, pro-
ceed as follows:
❒take the screwdriver provided in the
tool kit;
fig. 46F0H0250m
fig. 47F0H0251m
❒insert the screwdriver in the cap slot
B;
❒put the hand thumb on the cap to pre-
vent damaging it fig. 47;
fig. 44F0H0342m
fig. 45F0H0361m
❒remove the cap (without turning it)
making a movement perpendicular to
the supporting surface fig. 47.
133-160 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:30 Pagina 159

160
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TOW RING HOOKING
Proceed as follows:
❒take the tow ring Bfrom its support;
❒tighten the ring on the rear fig. 48 or
front threaded pin fig. 49.
fig. 48F0H0204mfig. 49F0H0205m
Before starting to tow, turn
the ignition key to MAR and
then to STOP. Do not remove the
key. If the key is removed, the steer-
ing lock engages automatically which
prevents the wheels being turned.
WARNING
While the car is being towed
with the engine off, remem-
ber that the brake pedal and steering
will require more effort as you no
longer have the benefit of the brake
booster and the electrical power
steering. Do not use flexible cables to
tow. Avoid jerking. Whilst towing, en-
sure that the coupling to the car does
not damage the surrounding compo-
nents. When towing the car, you must
comply with the specific traffic reg-
ulations regarding the tow hitch and
how to tow on the road.
WARNING
Do not start the engine
when towing the car.
WARNING
133-160 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:30 Pagina 160

162
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance is essential for en-
suring long car life under the best condi-
tions.
This is why Fiat has programmed a series
of checks and maintenance operations
every 20,000 km.
It is however important to remember that
scheduled servicing does not completely
cover all the car’s requirements: also in
the initial period before 20,000 km service
coupon and later, between one coupon
and another, ordinary care is still required
such as for example routine check and
topping up the level of fluids, tyre pressure
check, etc...IMPORTANT The Programmed Mainte-
nance coupons are specified by the Man-
ufacturer. The failure to have them car-
ried out may invalidate the warranty.
Scheduled Servicing is performed by all Fi-
at Dealership, at pre-established times.
If during each operation, in addition to the
ones programmed, the need arises for fur-
ther replacements or repairs, these may
be carried out only with the explicit agree-
ment of the Customer.IMPORTANT You are advised to contact
Fiat Dealership in the event of any minor
operating faults, without waiting for the
next service coupon.
If your car is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one service coupon
and the other must be reduced.
161-180 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:30 Pagina 162