FIAT SEDICI 2009 2.G Owners Manual

160
2WD/4WD SWITCH
OPERATION
Operate the 2WD/4WD switch accord-
ing to the appropriate procedure de-
scribed below:
How to turn on 2WD/4WD switch
2WD/4WD switch will activate when the
ignition switch is turned on.
From 2WD to 4WD AUTO
Turn the 2WD/4WD switch to the neu-
tral position, and the “4WD AUTO” in-
dicator will come on.
79J040
From 4WD AUTO to 4WD LOCK
Push the “4WD LOCK” switch for a few
seconds until the “4WD LOCK” indica-
tor will come on.
79J100
From 4WD LOCK to 4WD AUTO
Push the “4WD LOCK” switch, and the
“4WD AUTO” indicator will come on.From 4WD AUTO or LOCK to
2WD
Push the “2WD” switch, and the “4WD
AUTO” or “4WD LOCK” indicator will
turn off.
NOTE
The 2WD/4WD switch can be operat-
ed when the vehicle is either stopped
or moving.
Make sure that the front wheels are in
the straight ahead position when op-
erating the 2WD/4WD switch.
While making turns or accelerating and
decelerating, operating the 2WD/
4WD switch or turning off the key
switch in the “4WD AUTO” or “4WD
LOCK” mode may cause a shock, but
this is not a system malfunction.
While driving in the “4WD LOCK”
mode, as the vehicle speed increases,
the driving mode changes to the “4WD
AUTO” mode automatically. Even
when the vehicle speed reduces, on the
other hand, the driving mode does not
return to the “4WD LOCK” mode au-
tomatically. You should press the
“4WD LOCK” switch according to the
driving conditions.
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 160

161
Any forcible operation while driving of-
froad in the sand or water or when a
wheel has run off the road, the differ-
ence of the revolution between front
wheels and rear wheels increases
(wheels run idle). If this state continues,
the oil temperature of the driving sys-
tem parts rises.
In such case, the “4WD AUTO” indi-
cator light blinks and the driving mode
changes to the 2WD mode to protect
the driving system parts.
When you operate your vehicle in the
4WD mode continuously, park the ve-
hicle at a safe place and run the engine
idle. After some time, the “4WD AU-
TO” indicator light turns on again and
the driving mode returns to the “4WD
AUTO” mode.
IMPORTANT
Never use the “4WD LOCK” mode
when driving on dry paved roads.
Avoid using the “4WD LOCK” mode
when driving on wet paved roads as
much as possible. Use of the “4WD
LOCK” mode in above conditions will
apply excessive force to the driving sys-
tem and may cause a critical failure. Also,
the tires may wear faster and fuel con-
sumption may be affected adversely.
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
Note that 4WD vehicles are not al-
laround vehicles. Be sure to observe
following instructions when driving
your vehicle.
– Do not drive through water like
crossing a river.
– Do not drive continuously where
front wheels tend to race such as in
the sand and mud.
– When any wheel is in the air for such
reason as running off the road, do
not race it needlessly.
If the “4WD AUTO” and the “4WD
LOCK” indicator lights stay on and come
on simultaneously when driving, there
may be something wrong the 4WD sys-
tem. Have the system inspected by an au-
thorized Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Unevenly worn tires can
cause problems in the operation of the
2WD/4WD switch. Be sure to rotate the
tires according to the maintenance sched-
ule. Refer to “Tires” and “Maintenance
Schedule” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for proper tire
rotation procedures.
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 161

162
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)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
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).
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
Brake Assist System
When you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency stop
and provides more powerful braking for a
driver who cannot hold down the brake
pedal firmly.
NOTE If you quickly and forcefully de-
press the brakes, you may hear a clicking
sound in the brake pedal. This is normal
and indicates that the brake assist system
is activated properly.
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 162

163
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
surfaces (such as gravel,
snow- covered roads, etc.) the stop-
ping distance required for an ABS-
equipped vehicle may be slightly
greater than for a comparable ve-
hicle with a conventional brake sys-
tem. With a conventional brake sys-
tem, skidding tires are able to
“plow” the gravel or snow layer,
shortening the stopping distance,
ABS minimizes this resistance effect.
Allow for extra stopping distance
when driving on loose surfaces.
– On regular paved roads, some dri-
vers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with con-
ventional brake systems than with
ABS.
– In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
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
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 163

164
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 or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or 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®)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
ESP
®is a registered trademark of Daimler
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.
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 164

165
– The ESP may not work
properly if tires or wheels
other than those specified in the
Owner’s Manual are used. When re-
placing tires or wheels, use only the
size and type specified in this Own-
er’s Manual.
– 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 sus-
pension since the ESP
®may not op-
erate 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
52KM133
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.
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 165

166
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
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 166

167
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.
Do not idle the engine with any spark
plug wires disconnected or removed,
such as during diagnostic testing.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
(for versions/markets, where provided)
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.
68KM085
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 320 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.
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 167

168
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
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, result-
ing in decreased power output and in-
creased fuel consumption.
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.
60A183S
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.
54G584S
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
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 168

169
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 .......................................................... 170
DRIVING ON HILLS............................................................ 170
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROADS ..................................... 171
6
169-172 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 10:47 Pagina 169