FIAT SEDICI 2008 2.G Owners Manual

160
POWER ASSISTED BRAKES
Your vehicle has power assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and
you can bring the vehicle to a complete
stop by pressing the brake pedal once and
holding it down. The reserve power is
partly used up when you depress the
brake pedal and reduces each time the
pedal is pressed. Apply smooth and even
pressure to the pedal. Do not pump the
pedal.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if equipped)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering con-
trol when braking on slippery surfaces or
when braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenev-
er it senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal moves a lit-
tle while the ABS is operating.
NOTE The ABS will not work if vehicle
speed is under about 6 km/h (4 mph).
BRAKING
The distance needed to bring any vehicle
to a halt increases with the speed of the
vehicle. The braking distance needed, for
example, at 60 km/h (37 mph) will be ap-
proximately 4 times greater than the brak-
ing distance needed at 30 km/h (19 mph).
Start to brake the vehicle when there is
plenty of distance between your vehicle
and the stopping point, and slow down
gradually.
60G165A
If water gets into the brake
drums, brake performance
may become poor and unpredictable.
After driving through water or wash-
ing the underside of the vehicle, test
the brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have maintained
their normal effectiveness. If the
brakes are less effective than normal,
dry them by repeatedly applying the
brakes while driving slowly until the
brakes have regained their normal ef-
fectiveness.
WARNING
Even without reserve power
in the brake system, you can
still stop the vehicle by pressing the
brake pedal harder than normally re-
quired. However, the stopping dis-
tance may be longer.
WARNING
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161
1.ABS warning light Type 1
2.ABS warning light Type 2
3.Brake system warning light
(1) (2)
(3)
65D451
On some types of loose sur-
faces (such as gravel, snow-
covered roads, etc.) the stopping dis-
tance required for an ABS-equipped
vehicle may be slightly greater than
for a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a con-
ventional brake system, skidding tires
are able to “plow” the gravel or snow
layer, shortening the stopping dis-
tance, ABS minimizes this resistance
effect. Allow for extra stopping dis-
tance when driving on loose surfaces.
On regular paved roads, some drivers
may be able to obtain slightly short-
er stopping distances with conven-
tional brake systems than with ABS.
In both of the above conditions, ABS
will still offer the advantage of help-
ing you maintain directional control.
However, remember that ABS will not
compensate for bad road or weath-
er conditions or poor driver judgment.
Use good judgment and do not drive
faster than conditions will safely al-
low.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light (( 1)
or (2)) on the instrument
panel comes on and stays on while
driving, there may be a problem with
the ABS system. Ask your Fiat Deal-
ership to inspect the ABS system im-
mediately. If the ABS system becomes
inoperative, the brake system will
function as an ordinary brake system
that has no ABS.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light (( 1)
or (2)) and the Brake system
warning light (3) on the instrument
panel simultaneously stays on or
comes on when driving, both anti-lock
function and rear brake force control
function (Proportioning valve func-
tion) of the ABS system may have
failed. If so, the rear wheels may eas-
ily skid or the vehicle can even spin in
the worst case when braking on a slip-
pery road or when hard braking even
on a dry paved road.
Ask your Fiat Dealership to inspect
the ABS system immediately. Drive
carefully, avoiding hard braking as
much as possible.
WARNING
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162
HOW THE ABS WORKS
A computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle af-
ter a stop you may hear a momentary mo-
tor noise as the system checks itself.
The ABS may not work
properly if tires or wheels
other than those specified in the own-
er’s manual are used. This is because
the ABS works by comparing changes
in wheel speed. When replacing tires
or wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
WARNING
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
PROGRAM (ESP®)
(if equipped)
ESP®is a registered trademark of Daim-
lerChrysler AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during cor-
nering if the vehicle is understeering or
oversteering. It also assists you in main-
taining traction while accelerating on loose
or slippery road surfaces. It does this by
regulating the engine’s output, and by se-
lectively applying the brakes. In addition,
ESP
®helps to avoid skidding by controlling
braking pressure.
The ESP®cannot enhance
the vehicle’s driving stabili-
ty in all situations and does not con-
trol your vehicle’s entire braking sys-
tem. The ESP
®cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, or hy-
droplaning. Only a safe and attentive
driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP
®- equipped ve-
hicle must never be used as a substi-
tute for careful driving.
WARNING
The ESP®has the following three systems:
STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti- lock brakes, traction control, en-
gine control, etc. This system automati-
cally controls the brakes and engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road surface
or when turning the steering wheel
abruptly.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of wheels
when the vehicle is started or accelerated
on slippery road surfaces. The system op-
erates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and re-
duces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE You may hear a clicking sound in
the engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
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163
The ESP may not work prop-
erly if tires or wheels other
than those specified in the Owner’s
Manual are used. When replacing
tires or wheels, use only the size and
type specified in this Owner’s Man-
ual.
The ESP
®may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
The ESP
®may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
The ESP
®may not work properly if
the tires are excessively worn. Be sure
to replace tires when the tread wear
indicators in the grooves appear on
the tread surface.
The ESP
®is not a substitute for win-
ter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
WARNING
The ESP®may not work
properly if engine related
parts such as the muffler are not
equivalent to standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion since the ESP
®may not operate
correctly.
WARNING
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering con-
trol when braking on slippery surfaces or
when braking hard. The ABS works au-
tomatically, so you do not have to use any
special braking technique. Just push the
brake pedal down without pumping. The
ABS will operate whenever it senses that
wheels are locking up. You may feel the
brake pedal pulsate while the ABS is op-
erating.
(For more information on ABS, see “Brak-
ing” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHI-
CLE” section.)
NOTE If the ABS system is activated, you
may hear a clunking noise and/ or feel pul-
sating in the brake pedal. This is normal
and indicates that the brake fluid pressure
is being controlled properly.The ESP®indicator lights are described be-
low:
SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT
66J033
When one of the ESP®systems other than
ABS is activated, the SLIP indicator light in
the instrument cluster blinks 5 times per
second.
IMPORTANT If the SLIP indicator light
comes on and stays on while driving, there
may be a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS). You should have the
systems inspected by an authorized Fiat
Dealership.
NOTE When the SLIP indicator light
comes on and stays on while driving, in-
dicating a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS), the brake system will
function as an ordinary ABS with no ad-
ditional ESP
®functions.
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164
NOTE
When you disconnect and re- connect the
battery, ESP
®system functions other than
ABS will be deactivated and the slip indi-
cator light will blink 1 time per second.
In this case, use the following procedure
to reactivate the ESP
®systems:
❒Drive your vehicle straight ahead with-
out tire slippage at a speed greater than
approximately 15 km/ h (9 mph) for a
few seconds
❒The slip indicator light will go out and
the ESP®systems (other than ABS) will
be re- activated
It may take more than few seconds before
the slip indicator light goes out depending
on the road surface condition.
“ESP” Warning LightIMPORTANT If the “ESP” warning light
comes on, or stays on while driving, there
may be a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS). You should have the
systems inspected by an authorized Fiat
Dealership.
NOTE When the “ESP” warning light
comes on, or stays on while driving, indi-
cating a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS), the brake system will
function as an ordinary ABS that has no
additional ESP
®functions.
“ESP OFF” Indicator Light“ESP OFF” switch
When the “ESP OFF” switch located at
the center of the instrument panel is
pushed and held to turn off the ESP
®sys-
tems (other than ABS), the “ESP OFF” in-
dicator light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
When you have turned the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS) off, make sure to turn
them back on before resuming ordinary
driving.
When you push and hold the “ESP OFF”
switch again, the “ESP OFF” indicator light
will go out and all of the ESP
®systems will
be activated.
ABS Warning Light / Brake
System Warning Light
See “Braking” in the “OPERATING
YOUR VEHICLE” section.66J031
When the ESP®systems (other than ABS)
have a system malfunction, the “ESP”
warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
66J032
You should turn the ESP®on during your
ordinary driving, so that you have the ben-
efits of all of the ESP
®systems.
It may be required to turn the ESP
®sys-
tems (other than ABS) off if your vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, or snow where
wheel spin is necessary.
62J142
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165
IMPORTANT To minimize the possibili-
ty of catalyst or other vehicle damage:
❒Maintain the engine in the proper op-
erating condition.
❒In the event of an engine malfunction,
particularly one involving engine misfire
or other apparent loss of performance,
have the vehicle serviced promptly.
❒Do not turn off the engine or interrupt
the ignition when the transaxle is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
❒Do not try to start the engine by push-
ing or towing the vehicle, or coasting
down a hill.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
(if equipped - Petrol
Engine Model)
The purpose of the catalytic converter is
to minimize the amount of harmful pollu-
tants in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of
leaded fuel in vehicles equipped with cat-
alytic converters is prohibited, because
lead deactivates the pollutant- reducing
components of the catalyst system.
The converter is designed to last the life
of the vehicle under normal usage and
when unleaded fuel is used. No special
maintenance is required on the convert-
er. However, it is very important to keep
the engine properly tuned. Engine misfir-
ing, which can result from an improperly
tuned engine, may cause overheating of
the catalyst. This may result in permanent
heat damage to the catalyst and other ve-
hicle components.
54G236
RUNNING-IN
IMPORTANT The future performance
and reliability of the engine depends on the
care and restraint exercised during its ear-
ly life. It is especially important to observe
the following precautions during the initial
960 km (600 miles) of vehicle operation.
❒After starting, do not race the engine.
Warm it up gradually.
❒Avoid prolonged vehicle operation at a
constant speed. Moving parts will break
in better if you vary your speed.
❒Start off from a stop slowly. Avoid full
throttle starts.
❒Avoid hard braking, especially during
the first 300 km (200 miles) of driving.
❒Do not drive slowly with the transaxle
in a high gear.
❒Drive the vehicle at moderate engine
speeds.
❒Do not tow a trailer during the first
960 km (600 miles) of vehicle opera-
tion.
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166
IMPROVING FUEL
ECONOMY
The following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you are to wait for more than a minute
while you are parked, stop the engine and
start it again later. When warming up a
cold engine, allow the engine to idle until
the temperature gauge pointer comes up
to the “C” position (if the idling is not pro-
hibited). In this position, the engine is suf-
ficiently warm for starting off.
Avoid “fast” starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and short-
en engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and
then accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and traf-
fic conditions will permit.Keep the air cleaner clean
A dirty air cleaner will cause the carbu-
retion system to supply too much fuel to
the engine for the amount of air being sup-
plied. The result is waste of fuel due to in-
complete combustion.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage or
cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressures correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the cor-
rect pressure shown on the label on the
driver’s side door or the driver’s door
lock pillar.
60A183
❒Do not idle the engine with any spark
plug wires disconnected or removed,
such as during diagnostic testing.
❒Do not idle the vehicle for prolonged
periods if idling seems rough or there
are other malfunctions.
❒Do not allow the fuel tank to get near
the empty level.
54G071S
Be careful where you park
and drive; the catalytic con-
verter and other exhaust components
can get very hot. As with any vehicle,
do not park or operate this vehicle
in areas where combustible materials
such as dry grass or leaves can come
in contact with a hot exhaust system.
WARNING
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167
D D
R R
I I
V V
I I
N N
G G
T T
I I
P P
S S
60G409
HIGHWAY DRIVING ......................................................... 168
DRIVING ON HILLS ........................................................... 168
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROADS .................................... 169
6
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168
HIGHWAY DRIVING
When driving at high-speed, pay attention
to the following:
❒Stopping distance progressively in-
creases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping
distance.
❒On rainy days, “Aquaplaning” can occur.
“Aquaplaning” is the loss of direct con-
tact between the road surface and the
vehicle’s tires due to a water film form-
ing between them. Steering or braking
the vehicle while “Aquaplaning” can be
very difficult, and loss of control can oc-
cur. Keep speed down when the road
surface is wet.
❒At high speeds, the vehicle may be af-
fected by side winds. Therefore, reduce
speed and be prepared for unexpect-
ed buffeting, which can occur at the ex-
its of tunnels, when passing by a cut of
a hill, or when being overtaken by large
vehicles, etc.
DRIVING ON HILLS
❒When climbing steep hills, the vehicle
may begin to slow down and show a
lack of power. If this happens, you
should shift to a lower gear so that the
engine will again be operating in its nor-
mal power range. Shift rapidly to pre-
vent the vehicle from losing momen-
tum.
❒When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by moving
to next lower gear.
52D078
Wear Your Seat Belts at All
Times. Even though air bags
are equipped at the front seating po-
sitions, the driver and all passengers
should be properly restrained at all
times, using the seat belts provided.
Refer to the “Seat Belts and Child Re-
straint Systems” section for instruc-
tions on proper use of the seat belts.
Never drive while under the influence
of alcohol or other drugs. Alcohol and
drugs can seriously impair your abili-
ty to drive safely, greatly increasing
the risk of injury to yourself and oth-
ers. You should also avoid driving
when you are tired, sick, irritated, or
under stress.
WARNING
Try not to hold the brake
pedal down too long or too
often while going down a steep or
long hill. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency. Failure to take this
precaution could result in loss of ve-
hicle control.
WARNING
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169
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
ROADS
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed than on dry roads
due to possible slippage of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-
ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed
and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
braking, or sharp steering movements.
FOR 4-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
MODELS
Your 4WD is designed to get better trac-
tion on slippery roads than 2-wheel drive
models. However, your 4WD will not
have as much traction in deep snow, mud
or sand as multipurpose 4WD vehicles.
You should not attempt to drive your
4WD in deep snow, mud or sand.
SNOW CHAINS
Snow chains should only be used if they
are needed to increase traction or are re-
quired by law. Make sure that the chains
you use are the correct size for your ve-
hicle’s tires. Also make sure that there is
enough clearance between the fenders
and the chains as installed on the tires.Install the chains on the front tires tight-
ly, according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after dri-
ving about 1. 0 km (1/ 2 mile) if necessary.
With the chains installed, drive slowly.
IMPORTANT
❒If you hear the chains hitting against the
vehicle body while driving, stop and
tighten them.
❒If you vehicle is equipped with full wheel
caps, remove the wheel caps before in-
stalling the chains or the wheel caps can
be damaged by the chain bands. IMPORTANT When descending a down
hill, NEVER turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position. Emission control system
damage may result.
79J00360G089A
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