FIAT PANDA 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT NOTES
IMPORTANT Warning lights are accompanied by a specific message and/or sound when applicable. These indications are
indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information contained
in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. In the event of a failure indication, always refer
to the contents of this chapter.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults
are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning "cycle". Less serious faults are indicated by a warning "cycle" with a shorter
duration. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted by pressing the
button. The instrument panel warning
light will stay on until the cause of the malfunction is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Red warning lights
Warning light What it means
redSEAT BELTS REMINDER
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light switches on constantly with the vehicle stationary and the driver's side or passenger side
seat belt (when the passenger is present) not fastened. The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound
if the car is in motion and the front seat belts are not correctly fastened.
For permanent deactivation of the acoustic signal (buzzer) of the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system
contact a Fiat Dealership. The system can be reactivated using the Setup Menu.
39

Warning light What it means
red
amber
amberEBD FAILURE
The simultaneous switching on of the
(red),(amber) and(amber) warning lights with the engine
on indicates either an anomaly of the EBD system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear
wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking hard. On certain versions a dedicated
message is displayed.
Drive very carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have the system inspected immediately.
redAIRBAG FAILURE
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few
seconds.
If the warning light turns on continuously, it indicates a fault in the airbag system. On certain versions a
dedicated message is displayed.37) 38)
WARNING
37)If, when turning the key to MAR, thewarning light does not turn on or if it stays on while driving, there could be a fault in the restraint
systems; in this case, the airbags or pretensioners may not be deployed in the event of impact or, in a few cases, they may deploy
accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
38)A failure of the
warning light is indicated by thewarning light flashing. In this case, any faults of the airbag system might be not
signalled. Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.
40
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means
redLOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few
seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to a leak in the circuit. On certain versions a dedicated message is displayed.
39)
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is engaged. If the vehicle is moving a buzzer will also
sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when travelling, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
redLOW BATTERY CHARGE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on, but it should go off as
soon as the engine is started (if the engine is idling, there may be a short delay before it goes off).
If the warning light stays on constantly or flashing, on some versions along with a dedicated message on
the display, contact a Fiat Dealership.
redDOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN
The warning light comes on, together with a dedicated message on the display on some versions, when
one or more doors, the bonnet or the tailgate are not properly closed. An acoustic signal is activated with
the doors open and the car moving.
WARNING
39)If thewarning light switches on when travelling, stop the car immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
41

Warning light What it means
redINSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL/PRESSURE
When the ignition key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on, but it should go off as
soon as the engine is started.
Low engine oil pressure
The warning light turns on constantly, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display,
when the system detects that engine oil pressure is insufficient.
40)
WARNING
40)If thewarning light switches on when travelling (on certain versions together with the message on the display), stop the engine
immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
42
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means
redEngine oil degraded
(diesel versions with DPF)
The warning light comes on flashing, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display.
The warning light flashes for 3 minute cycles with the warning light off for intervals of 5 seconds until oil is
changed.
After the initial warning, each time the engine is started up, the warning light will continue to flash in the
same mode, until the oil is changed. On certain versions a dedicated message is displayed.
The flashing warning light should not be considered a fault, it simply informs the customer that the oil
needs to be changed following normal car use.
Remember that the deterioration of the engine oil is accelerated by:mainly town use of the vehicle which makes the DPF regeneration process more frequent;
use of the vehicle for short drives, in which the engine does not have time to reach its regular operating
temperature;
repeated interruptions to the regeneration process signalled by the DPF warning light coming on.
41)
WARNING
41)If the warning light switches on, the degraded engine oil must be changed as soon as possible, and never more than 500 km from the
first time that the warning light switches on. Failure to observe the above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the
warranty. Remember that the operation of this warning light is not related to the amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil
when the light starts flashing.
43

Warning light What it means
redENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the engine is
overheated.
In normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. In this case, wait 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 on
the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks. If, when restarting, the warning light switches 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 warning 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 that the coolant level is
correct 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.
red“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably
increased; steering is, however, possible.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the
warning light on the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in
motion), stop the engine for about 20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light, on some
versions along with a dedicated message on the display, remains on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches
on to indicate this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to
the other or drive in a straight line for about a hundred metres.
44
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means
red"DUALOGIC" GEARBOX FAILURE
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light comes on flashing, along with a dedicated message on the display and an acoustic
warning, to indicate transmission failure.25)
WARNING
25)If the gearbox is faulty, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the system checked.
45

Amber warning lights
Warning light What it means
amberABS FAILURE
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the system is
inefficient. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but without the advantage of
the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
amberPASSENGER AIRBAG/SIDE BAGS DEACTIVATED
The warning light is located on the dashboard in central position and switches on deactivating the front
passenger airbag and the side bag. With front passenger airbag on, when the ignition key is turned to
MAR, the warning light switches on constantly for several seconds and then it should switch off.42)
WARNING
42)A failure of thewarning light is indicated by thewarning light switching on. In addition, the airbag system automatically disables the
airbags on the passenger's side (front and side bags where provided). Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the
system checked.
46
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning light What it means
amberCITY BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM DEACTIVATED
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light switches on when the City Brake Control system is deactivated through the Setup Menu.
amberINJECTION/EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE
In normal conditions, when the ignition key is turned to MAR the warning light switches on, but it should
switch off as soon as the engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or switches on whilst driving, the injection system is not working properly; in
particular, if the warning light switches on steadily, this indicates a malfunction in the supply/ignition system
that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high
fuel consumption.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at moderate speed without demanding
excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of the vehicle with the warning light on constantly may
cause damage: contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
The warning light switches off if the malfunction disappears, but is still stored by the system.
NOTE For petrol engines, if the warning light flashes, the catalytic converter may be damaged. In this case,
it is necessary to release the accelerator pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the warning light
stops flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to avoid driving conditions that may cause
further flashing and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
26)
WARNING
26)Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible ifwarning light either does not light up when the key is turned to MAR or if while
travelling the warning light switches on or flashes (along with a message and a symbol on the display on some versions). The operation of the
warning light may be checked by the traffic police using specific devices. Comply with the laws and regulations of the country where
you are driving.
47

Warning light What it means
amberESC SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
If the warning light does not switch off or stays on while driving, on some versions along with a message
on the display, contact a Fiat Dealership. Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the
intervention of the ESC system.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, in the
case of a Hill Holder system fault.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
ELD system failure
(For versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, in the
case of an ELD system failure.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
amberFIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
The warning light (or the symbol on the display) switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated
message on the display, to signal the Fiat CODE system failure.
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
48
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL