FIAT QUBO 2010 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING
The airbag deployment threshold is
high
er than that of the pretensioners.
For collisions in the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only the
pretensioners to be activated.
WARNING
Airbags do not replace seat belts, but
in
crease their efficiency. Furthermore,
since front airbags are not deployed in
low-speed head-on collisions, side-on impacts,
rear-end shunts or roll-overs, the passengers are
protected only by the seat belts which must
therefore be fastened at all times.
110
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
W
ARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE
The vehicle is fitted with an immobiliser: if the engine
fails to start, see the paragraph on “The Fiat CODE
system” in the “Knowing your vehicle” section.
The engine may be noisier during the first few
seconds of operation, particularly after a long period
of inactivity. This is due to the hydraulic tappets,
the timing system chosen for petrol engine versions
to reduce the number of servicing interventions,
and affects neither functionality nor reliability.
It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessive intense braking, etc .) during
the initial period of use.
When the engine is switched off never
leave the key on (at MAR) to prevent
unnecessary consumption and draining
the battery.
WARNING
It is dangerous to have the engine
runnin
g indoors.The engine takes in
oxygen and discharges carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
WARNING
Remember that the brake booster and
elect
ric power steering are not
operational until the engine has been started,
so you need to apply much more force than
usual to the brake pedal and steering wheel.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒apply the handbrake;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒turn the key on (MAR position): instrument panel
warning light
will light up;
❒wait for the warning lights
andto go out.
The hotter the engine is, the quicker this will
happen;
❒press the clutch pedal down to the floor without
touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV as soon as the
warning light goes out. Waiting too long will
waste the heating work carried out by the glow
plugs.
Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
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KNOW YOUR
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SAFETY
STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

IMPORTANT With the engine cold, the accelerator
pedal must be fully released when you turn the
ignition key to AVV.
If the engine does not start at the first attempt,
return the ignition key to STOP before repeating the
procedure.
If the
warning light stays on when the ignition key
is at MAR, turn the key to STOP and then back to
MAR; if the warning light remains on, try with the
other keys provided with the car.
Contact a Fiat Dealership if the engine still does not
start.
Warning lightwill blink for 60
seconds after starting or during prolonged
cranking to indicate a fault to the glow
plug heating system. Use the vehicle normally if
the engine starts, but go to a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.
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 to performance for the first few
kilometres. Wait until the engine coolant gauge
starts moving.EMERGENCY STARTING
Go to a Fiat Dealership immediately if warning light
comes on steady on the instrument panel.
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill.This could
cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is
idling.
IMPORTANT After a long 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
especially damaging to turbocharged engines.
112
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever fig. 112is located between the
two front seats.
Pull the lever upwards to engage the handbrake and
ensure that the vehicle does not move.
WARNING
The vehicle should be secured after
se
veral clicks of the lever. If it is not ,
contact a Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.
When the handbrake lever is engaged and the
ignition key is on MAR, the instrument panel warning
light
will light up.
Proceed as follows to release the handbrake:❒slightly lift the handbrake and press release button
Afig. 112;
❒hold button A pressed and lower the lever. The
instrument panel warning light
will go out.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out this
operation to prevent the vehicle from moving
accidentally.
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
❒engage a gear (1
stgear if parked uphill or reverse if
facing downhill) and leave the wheels turned.
If the vehicle is parked on a steep slope, it is
advisable to block the wheels with a wedge or stone.
To prevent draining the battery, do not leave the
ignition key turned to MAR. Always remove the key
when you leave the vehicle.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Always remove the ignition key when leaving the
vehicle, and take it with you.
fig. 112F0T0043
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KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SNOW TYRES
A Fiat Dealership will be happy to provide advice
concerning the most suitable type of tyre for your
requirements.
For the type, pressures and specifications of the
snow tyre to be used, follow carefully the
instructions given in the “Wheels” paragraph of the
“Technical specifications” section.
The winter performance of these tyres is
considerably reduced when the tread thickness is less
than 4 mm. If this is the case, replace them.
Due to their specific features, the performance of
snow tyres is much lower than that of standard tyres
in normal conditions or on long motorway stretches.
You should therefore use them only in the
conditions for which they were designed.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres with a
maximum speed index below the one that can be
reached by the vehicle (increased by 5%), place
a notice in the passenger compartment, plainly in
view, which states the maximum speed allowed
by the snow tyres (as per EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand and profile)
to ensure greater safety when driving and braking
as well as making the car more responsive.
Remember that you should not change the rotation
direction of the tyres.
WARNING
You must not exceed 160 km/h on snow
t
yres with a “Q” mark; in any case, make
sure you stick to the rules of the highway code.
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KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

USING THE GEARBOX
To engage the gears, press the clutch pedal fully and
shift the gear lever A fig. 113 into one of the
required positions (the diagram is shown on the
knob).
IMPORTANT Reverse may be engaged only when the
vehicle is at a standstill. With the engine running,
wait for at least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal fully
depressed before engaging reverse to prevent
damage to the gears and grating.
WARNING
Depress the clutch pedal fully to change
gear
correctly.There should be no
obstacles on the floor underneath the pedals;
make sure that mats are always flat and do not
interfere with the pedals.
Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even if
slight , could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.The
clutch pedal should be used only for gear
changes. Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal, however slightly.The electronic
clutch control could cut in by interpreting the
incorrect driving style as a fault (for versions/
markets, where provided).
fig. 113F0T0055
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KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SAVING FUEL
Here are some useful tips to save fuel and minimise
harmful emissions of CO2 and other pollutants
(nitric oxides, unburnt hydrocarbons, fine dusts etc.).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
General conditions which influence fuel consumption
are shown below.
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressure at least once every four
weeks: if the pressure is too low, consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight
of the vehicle (especially when driving in town)
and its trim greatly affect fuel consumption
and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories reduce the aerodynamic
coefficient of the vehicle and have a negative effect
on fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer
to transport particularly bulky objects.Electric devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount of time
needed. The heated rear window, auxiliary
headlights, windscreen wipers and fan heater use up
a considerable amount of current, causing increased
fuel consumption (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The air conditioner leads to higher fuel consumption
(on average up to +20%). If the temperature outside
is not too extreme, try and use the air vents.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified spoilers may adversely affect
aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
The main driving styles affecting fuel consumption
are shown below.
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs when
the vehicle is stationary; this causes the engine to
warm up more slowly, thereby increasing fuel
consumption and emissions. It is advisable to set off
immediately and slowly, avoiding high revs: this allows
the engine to warm up more quickly.
116
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when stationary at traffic lights or
before stopping the engine. The latter action, like
double declutching, is unnecessary and increases
consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and road
conditions allow. Using a low gear for faster
acceleration will increase fuel consumption.
In the same way, improper use of a high gear
increases fuel consumption, emissions and engine
wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed
increases. Keep your speed as even as possible,
avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration, which
cause excessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel
consumption and emissions: accelerate gradually.CONDITIONS OF USE
The main conditions of use which negatively affect
consumption are illustrated below.
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups prevent
the engine from reaching its optimum running
temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30%
on the urban cycle) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Heavy traffic, for instance when travelling in a queue
with frequent use of low gears or in cities with
lots of traffic lights, causes fairly high fuel
consumption. Mountain roads and uneven surfaces
also have a negative effect on consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. at level crossings)
the engine should be switched off.
117
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved
tow hitch and adequate electrical system to tow
trailers. Installation must be performed by specialised
personnel who will issue the required papers for
travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors
in accordance with the highway code of the country
in which you are travelling.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, braking distances increase and
overtaking takes longer depending on the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the vehicle tow hitch
will reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle by the
same amount.
Consider the weight at full load, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the
maximum towable weight (shown in the log book).
Respect each country's speed limits for vehicles
towing trailers. In all cases, the top speed must not
exceed 80 km/h.
WARNING
The ABS with which the vehicle may be
equipped
will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
therefore required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
v
ehicle to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be fully
independent from the hydraulic system of the
vehicle.
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KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with
local regulations.
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheel
tyres (drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the first few
metres have been driven.
Keep your speed down when snow chains
are fitted: do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and also
avoid driving for long distances on roads not
covered with snow to avoid damaging the car and
the road surface.
PROLONGED VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle needs to be off the road for longer than
one month, the following precautions must be
taken:
❒park the vehicle indoors in a dry and, if possible,
well-ventilated place;
❒engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not
on;
❒disconnect the battery negative terminal and check
the charge (see “Battery” in the “Maintenance and
care”);
❒clean and protect the painted parts using
protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using
special compounds readily available;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the vehicle with a piece of fabric or
perforated plastic sheet. Do not use compact
plastic tarpaulins, which prevent humidity from
evaporating from the surface of the vehicle;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the normal specified
pressure and check it at intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
119
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX