Fiat Idea (2012 year). Instruction — part 6

SOUND SYSTEM
(where fitted)

For the operation of the radio with CD or
CD MP3, read the instructions for use giv-
en in the attached Supplement.

PRESET SYSTEM (where fitted)

The system consists of:
❒ radio power cables
❒ front and rear loudspeaker power ca-

bles

❒ aerial power cable
❒ 2 tweeters on front cross members

(power 30W max each);

❒ 2 mid-woofers on front doors (diam-

eter 165 mm, power 30W max each);

❒ 2 full-range on rear doors (diameter

165 mm, power 30W max each).

Sound system installation

The sound system shall be installed in
place of the central lower fig. 129 com-
partment: removing it you can see the
power cables. To remove the glove com-
partment, press the points shown in the
figure next to the retainers.

You are advised to have the
sound system and the radio
interference suppressor in-
stalled at a Fiat Dealership.

fig. 129

F0H0120m

CELLULAR TELEPHONE
PROVISION (where fitted)

The telephone provision is matched to the
radio with CD or CD MP3 and consists
of:
❒ dual-purpose aerial (sound system +

cellular phone 900/1800 MHz), on the
car roof;

❒ dual-purpose aerial connecting cable

and wiring with 10-way connector.

The hands-free kit must be
purchased by the Customer
since it must be compatible
with the owned cellular

phone. You are suggested to have the
microphone installed next to the front
ceiling light.

The maximum power ap-
plicable on the aerial is 20W.

WARNING

Contact Fiat Dealership for
the installation and connec-

tion of the cellular phone on the ve-
hicle, to prevent any faults which
might compromise the car safety.

WARNING

The connector is located between the the
steering column and the central console.

ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER

If, after buying the car, you decide to in-
stall electrical accessories that require a
permanent electric supply (alarm, satellite
antitheft system, etc.) or accessories that
in any case burden the electric supply,
contact Fiat Dealership, whose qualified
personnel, besides suggesting the most
suitable devices belonging to Lineaccessori
Fiat, will also evaluate the overall electric
absorption, checking whether the vehicle
electric system is able to withstand the
load required, or whether it needs to be
integrated with a more powerful battery.

INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC/
ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Electric/electronic devices installed after
buying the car or in aftermarket shall bear
the and marking:

Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installation
of transceivers provided that installation
is carried out at a specialized shop, work-
manlike performed and in compliance with
manufacturer's specifications.

IMPORTANT Installation of devices re-
sulting in modifications of car characteris-
tics may cause driving license seizing by
traffic agents and also the lapse of the war-
ranty as concerns defects due to the
abovementioned modification or traceable
back to it directly or indirectly.

Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibility
for damages caused by the installation of
non-genuine accessories or not recom-
mended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and installed
not in compliance with the specified re-
quirements.

RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND
CELLULAR TELEPHONES

Radio transceiver equipment (e.g.: e-tacs
mobile phones, HAM radio systems and
the like) shall not be used inside the ve-
hicle unless a separate aerial is mounted
on the roof.

IMPORTANT The use of similar devices
inside the passenger compartment (with-
out separated aerial) produces radio-fre-
quency electromagnetic fields which, am-
plified by the resonance effects inside the
passenger compartment, may cause elec-
trical systems equipping the vehicle to mal-
function. This could compromise safety in
addition to constituting a potential hazard
for the passengers.

In addition, transmission and reception of
these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the vehicle body.

As concerns EC-approved mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS), strictly comply with
the instructions for use provided by the
mobile phone’s manufacturer.

Be careful when mounting
additional spoilers, alloy rims

and non original wheel caps: they
may reduce the brake ventilation and
efficiency during sharp and repeat-
ed braking or sloping downhill. Also
make sure that nothing (over-carpet-
ing, etc.) interferes with the pedal
stroke.

WARNING

“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC
POWER STEERING
SYSTEM

The car is fitted with an electrically con-
trolled power steering called “Dualdrive”.
It only works when the ignition key is at
MAR and the engine is running and it can
be customised by the driver according to
the driving conditions.

ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
(CITY function)

To turn this function on/off, press the
CITY fig. 130 button located in the mid-
dle of the instrument panel.

On some versions the activation of this
function is signalled by the lighting up of
the CITY warning light on the instrument
panel, on others by the lighting up of
CITY on the reconfigurable multifunction
display.

With the CITY function, the steering
wheel will be lighter and require less ef-
fort for parking. This operating strategy
is suitable for driving in cities.

fig. 130

F0H0716m

It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out whatever after-

market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifica-
tions (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect per-
formance and safety, cause the lapse
of warranty and result in car non-
compliance with the regulations in
force.

WARNING

In the event of electric power steering fail-
ure, the car can be driven with mechani-
cal steering to the closest Fiat Dealership.

IMPORTANT The steering may become
slightly stiff following parking manoeuvres
including a great deal of steering. This is
normal and caused by the system to pre-
vent motor overheating. No servicing is
required. The electrical power steering
system will return to normal operation
the next time the car is used.

Always switch the engine off,
remove the key from the

starting device and actuate the steer-
ing lock before carrying out any main-
tenance operation, especially when
the wheels are raised from the
ground. In case this is not possible
(e.g. when the key must be in MAR
position or the engine running), re-
move the electric power steering
main fuse before carrying out any
maintenance operation.

WARNING

FAILURE WARNINGS

Any electric power steering failure is in-
dicated by cluster warning light

g

com-

ing on (together, where provided, with the
message on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tion display - see the “Warning lights”
chapter).

PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)

The parking sensors are located on the
rear bumper fig. 131 and their function is
to inform the driver, through an inter-
mittent buzzer, about the presence of ob-
stacles in the rear part of the car.

ACTIVATION

The sensors are automatically activated
when the reverse gear is engaged.

As the distance from the obstacle behind
the car decreases, the acoustic alarm be-
comes more frequent.

BUZZER WARNINGS

Engaging reverse gear, if an obstacle is lo-
cated in the area behind the car, an inter-
mittent sound signal activates.

The acoustic signal:
❒ becomes louder as the reduction of

distance between the car and the ob-
stacle decreases;

❒ becomes continuous when the dis-

tance between the car and the obsta-
cle is less that 30 cm and stops if the
distance raises;

❒ is constant if the distance is unvaried.

If this situation takes place for side sen-
sors, the signal is stopped after about
3 seconds to prevent sound indica-
tions when performing manoeuvres
near walls.

fig. 131

F0H0744m

Direction distances

The central detecting range varies ac-
cording to car engine type/set-up version:
detection range is 140 cm. For small size
obstacles (or in case of parking deterrent
blocks that are round shaped) it is 70 cm.
Side detecting range is 60 cm.

If several obstacles are detected, the con-
trol unit indicates the nearest one.

FAILURE WARNINGS

See the “Warning lights and messages”
chapter.

OPERATION WITH TRAILER

The system is preset for deactivating au-
tomatically when the trailer electric ca-
ble plug is fitted into the car tow hook
socket.

Sensors are reactivated when removing
the trailer cable plug.

For proper operation, the
parking sensors set on the
bumpers shall be clean from
mud, dirt, snow or ice. When

cleaning the sensors, take the utmost
care to prevent their damaging; do not
use therefore dry or rough clothes. Sen-
sors shall be washed with clean water
and car detergent, if required. In wash-
ing stations, clean sensors quickly keep-
ing the vapour jet/high pressure wash-
ing nozzles at 10 cm at least from the
sensors.

Parking manoeuvres howev-
er are always under the dri-

ver’s responsibility that shall always
check the absence of people, animals
or objects in the manoeuvre space.
This system is just a help for the dri-
ver but he shall never reduce impor-
tant during dangerous manoeuvres
even if performed at low speed.

WARNING

GENERAL WARNINGS
❒ When parking, take the utmost care

to obstacles set above or under the
sensors.

❒ Objects set close to car rear part, un-

der certain circumstances are not de-
tected and could therefore cause dam-
ages to the car.

❒ Indications sent by the sensor can be

altered by dirt, snow or ice deposit-
ed on the sensors or by ultrasound
systems (e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes
or pneumatic hammers) set nearby the
car.

The car must only be filled
with diesel fuel for motor ve-
hicles, in compliance with Eu-
ropean Standard EN590. The

use of other products or mixtures may
irreparably damage the engine with in-
validation of the warranty due to the
damage caused. In the event of acci-
dentally filling with another type of fu-
el, do not start the engine and empty
the tank. If the engine has been run
even for only a very short time, in ad-
dition to the tank, it is also necessary
to drain out the whole fuel circuit.

AT THE FILLING
STATION

PETROL ENGINES

Use only unleaded petrol.

To prevent errors, the diameter of the fu-
el tank filler is too small to introduce a lead
petrol pump filler. Use petrol with a rat-
ed octane number (R.O.N.) not lower
than 95.

IMPORTANT An inefficient catalyst leads
to harmful exhaust emissions, thus con-
tributing to air pollution.

IMPORTANT Never use leaded petrol,
even in small amount or in an emergency,
as this would damage the catalyst beyond
repair.

MULTIJET ENGINES

Operation at low temperatures

If the outside temperature is very low, the
diesel thickens due to the formation of
paraffin and could cause the malfunction-
ing of the fuel system.

In order to avoid these problems, differ-
ent types of diesel are distributed ac-
cording to the season: summer type, win-
ter type and arctic type (cold, mountain
areas). If refuelling with diesel fuel not suit-
able for the current temperature, mix
diesel fuel with TUTELA DIESEL ART ad-
ditive in the proportions stated on the can,
putting first the antifreeze in the tank and
then the diesel fuel.

If driving or parking the vehicle for a long
period in cold areas/mountains, refuel with
the diesel fuel available at local filling sta-
tions.

In this situation you are also recom-
mended to have in the tank an amount of
fuel 50% higher than usable capacity.

REFUELLING

To guarantee full tank filling, carry out two
refuelling operations after the first click of
the fuel delivery gun. Avoid further top-
ping up operations that could cause dam-
ages to the fuel system.

FUEL FILLER CAP

Fuel lid opening depends on door lock/un-
lock: if the doors are locked (led on but-
ton ON), to refill the tank it is necessary
to press the button D-fig. 133 (led on the
button OFF).

To fuel, open flap A-fig. 132 and unscrew
cap C.

Cap C is fitted with an anti-loss device B
which fastens it inside the filler so it can-
not be mislaid

The sealing of the tank may cause light
pressurising in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the cap, is absolutely
normal.

fig. 132

F0H0125m

fig. 133

F0H0717m

Do not put naked flames or
lighted cigarettes near the

fuel filler hole as there is danger of
fire. Do not bend too close to the hole
either so as not to breathe in harmful
vapours.

WARNING

EMERGENCY OPENING
OF THE FLAP

In an emergency it is possible to open the
flap by pulling the cord A-fig. 134.

To reach the cord, remove the protective
cover.

fig. 134

F0H0765m

PROTECTING
THE ENVIRONMENT

The devices for curtailing petrol engine
emissions are the following:
❒ three-way catalytic converter;
❒ Lambda sensor;
❒ fuel evaporation system.
In addition, do not let the engine run, even
for a test, with one or more spark plugs
disconnected.

INDEX

TECHNICAL

SPECIFICA

TIONS

CAR

MAINTENANCE

IN AN

EMERGENCY

W

ARNING

LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR

SAFETY DEVICES

92

SAFETY DEVICES

SEAT BELTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

94

PRETENSIONERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

97

CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY . . . . . . . . . .

99

PRESETTING FOR MOUNTING THE
“TYPE ISOFIX” CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM . . . ..

103

FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS. . . . . . . . . . ..

106

SIDE AIR BAGS (SIDE BAG -
FRONT WINDOW BAG). . . . . . . . . . . . ..

108

S

S

S

A

A

F

F

E

E

T

T

Y

Y

D

D

E

E

V

V

I

I

C

C

E

E

S

S

SAFETY DEVICES

SEAT BELTS

USING THE FRONT
AND REAR SIDE SEAT BELTS

The belt should be worn keeping the chest
straight and rested against the seat back.

To fasten the belt, take hold the tongue
A-fig. 1 and insert it into the buckle B,
until hearing the locking click.

At removal, if it jams, let it rewind for a
short stretch, then pull it out again with-
out jerking.

To unfasten the seat belts, press button
C-fig. 1. Guide the seat belt with your
hand while it is rewinding, to prevent it
from twisting.

Through the reel, the belt automatically
adapts to the body of the passenger wear-
ing it, allowing freedom of movement.

When the car is parked on a steep slope
the reel mechanism may block; this is nor-
mal. The reel mechanism prevents the
webbing coming out when it is jerked or
if the car brakes sharply, in a collision or
when cornering at high speed.

The rear seat is fitted with inertial seat
belts with three anchor points and reel.

Rear seat belts shall be worn as shown in
diagram D-fig. 2 (5-seat versions) or as
shown in diagram E-fig. 3 (4-seat ver-
sions).

fig. 1

F0H0126m

fig. 2

F0H0309m

fig. 3

F0H0348m

Do not press button C-fig. 1
during travelling.

WARNING

S.B.R. system

The car is fitted with the S.B.R. system
(Seat Belt Reminder), consisting of a
buzzer which, together with the flashing
of warning light

<

on the instrument pan-

el, warns the driver to fasten the seat
belts.

SAFETY DEVICES

The buzzer can be deactivated (until the
the next engine stop) as follows:
❒ fasten the driver’s seat belt.
❒ turn the ignition key to MAR
❒ wait for over 20 seconds and then re-

lease at least one of the seat belts.

For permanent deactivation, contact Fiat
Dealership.

On versions fitted with reconfigurable
multifunction display (Comfort) it is pos-
sible to reset the S.B.R. system only
through the set-up menu (see “Warning
lights and messages” section at paragraph
“Unfastened seat belts”).

For the other versions system can be re-
set only by Fiat Dealership.

FRONT SEAT BELT HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT (where provided)

Always adjust the height of the seat belt
to fit the person wearing it. This precau-
tion could greatly reduce the risk of injury
in case of collision.

Correct adjustment is obtained when the
belt passes half way between the end of
the shoulder and the neck.

To adjust the seat belt, raise or lower
knob A-fig. 4 of the locking mechanism,
moving at the same time the loop B to the
best of the available positions.

USING THE CENTRAL SEAT
BELT (where provided)

The seat belt has two webbings and a dou-
ble buckle.

To use the seat belt, take tongues H and
P-fig. 5 from their seats in the reel com-
partment and pull the seat belt sliding the
webbing carefully without twisting or jerk-
ing it, then fasten the tongue G-fig. 6 in
buckle L with button M.

Remember that in the event
of a violent collision, back

seat passengers not wearing seat belts
also represent a serious danger for
the front seat passengers.

WARNING

Make the height adjustment
when the car is stationary.

WARNING

After adjustment, always
check that the slider is an-

chored in one of the positions pro-
vided. To do this, with the button re-
leased, exert a further pressure to al-
low the anchor device to catch if re-
lease did not take place at one of the
preset positions.

WARNING

fig. 4

F0H0128m

SAFETY DEVICES

fig. 5

F0H0311m

To wear the seat belt: slide the webbing
and insert the tongue I-fig. 6 into buckle
N.

To fasten the seat belt: press button O
and accompany the webbing to avoid
twisting it.

Extending the luggage compartment: re-
lease the buckle by pressing button M-
fig. 6 and accompany the webbing to
avoid twisting it; insert tongue I in seat P
and tongue G in seat H inside the reel
compartment.

IMPORTANT After putting the seats back
to their travelling position, restore the
seat belt position to make them ready for
use.

fig. 6

F0H0310m

Remember that in the event
of a violent collision, back

seat passengers not wearing seat belts
also represent a serious danger for
the front seat passengers.

WARNING

SAFETY DEVICES

PRETENSIONERS

To increase the efficiency of the seat belts,
the vehicle is fitted with pretensioners.
These devices, in the event of a violent
crash, rewind the seat belts a few cen-
timetres. In this way they ensure that the
seat belt adheres perfectly to the wearer
before the restraining action begins.

The seat belt locks to indicate that the de-
vice has intervened; the seat belt cannot
be drawn back up even when guiding it
instructionly.

IMPORTANT To obtain the highest de-
gree of protection from the action of the
pretensioning device, wear the seat belt
keeping it firmly close to the chest and
pelvis.

A small amount of smoke may be pro-
duced. This smoke is in no way toxic and
presents no fire hazard.

The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or greasing.

Anything that modifies its original condi-
tions invalidates its efficiency.

If due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storm, etc.) the device has been af-
fected by water and mud, it must neces-
sarily be replaced.

LOAD LIMITERS

To increase passenger’s safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter which
allows controlled sag in such a way as to
dose the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining ac-
tion in case of front crash.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING THE SEAT BELTS

The driver must comply with (and have
the vehicle occupants follow) all the local
legal regulations concerning the use of seat
belts. Always fasten the seat belts before
starting.

Seat belts are also to be worn by expec-
tant mothers: the risk of injury in the case
of accident is greatly reduced for them and
the unborn child if they are wearing a seat
belt.

The pretensioner can only
be used once. After a colli-

sion that has triggered it, have it re-
placed at a Fiat Dealership. Preten-
sioner validity is written on the plate
set on the upper oddment compart-
ment on passenger side. Pretension-
ers should be replaced at Fiat Deal-
ership as this date approaches.

WARNING

Operations which lead to
knocks, vibrations or localised
heating (over 100°C for a
maximum of 6 hours) in the

area around the pretensioners may
cause damage or trigger them. These
devices are not affected by vibrations
caused by irregularities of the road sur-
face or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc.
Contact a Fiat Dealership for any as-
sistance.

SAFETY DEVICES

fig. 7

F0H0133m

fig. 8

F0H0134m

fig. 9

F0H0135m

The belt should not be twist-
ed. The upper part should

pass over the shoulder and cross the
chest diagonally. The lower part
should adhere to the pelvis and not
the abdomen of the passenger. Do
not use any objects (pegs, stoppers,
etc.) to keep the belts away from the
body.

WARNING

For maximum safety, keep
the back of your seat up-

right, lean back into it and make sure
the seat belt fits closely across your
chest and hips. Make sure that the
seat belts of the front and rear pas-
sengers are fastened at all times! You
increase the risk of serious injury or
death in a collision if you travel with
the belts unfastened.

WARNING

Under no circumstances
should the components of

the seat belts and pretensioners be
tampered with or removed. Any op-
eration should be carried out by qual-
ified and authorised personnel. Al-
ways contact a Fiat Dealership.

WARNING

If the belt has been subject-
ed to heavy stress, for ex-

ample after an accident, it should be
changed completely together with
the anchors, anchor fastening screws
and the pretensioners. In fact, even if
the belt has no visible defects, it could
have lost its resilience.

WARNING

Never travel with a child sit-
ting on the passenger’s lap

with a single belt to protect them
both. Do not fasten other objects to
the body.

WARNING

Of course they must position the lower
part of the belt very low down so that it
passes under the abdomen (fig. 7).

SAFETY DEVICES

HOW TO KEEP
THE SEAT BELTS ALWAYS
IN EFFICIENT CONDITIONS
❒ Always use the belt with the tape taut

and never twisted; make sure that it is
free to run without impediments.

❒ After a serious accident, replace the

belt being worn at that time, even if
it does not appear damaged. Always
replace the seat belts if pretensioners
have been activated.

❒ To clean the belts, wash by hand with

neutral soap, rinse and leave to dry in
the shade. Never use strong deter-
gents, bleach or dyes or other chem-
ical substance that might weaken the
fibres.

❒ Prevent the reels from getting wet:

their correct operation is only guar-
anteed if water does not get inside.

❒ Replace the seat belt when showing

significant wear or cut signs.

CARRYING CHILDREN
SAFELY

For optimal protection in the event of a
crash, all passengers must be seated and
wearing adequate restraint systems.

This is even more important for children.

According to 2003/20/EC Directive, this
prescription is compulsory for all Euro-
pean Community countries.

Compared with adults, their head is pro-
portionally larger and heavier than the rest
of the body, while the muscles and bone
structure are not completely developed.
Therefore, correct restraint systems are
necessary, other than adult seat belts. The
results of research on the best child re-
straint systems are contained in the Eu-
ropean Standard ECE-R44. This Standard
enforces the use of restraint systems clas-
sified in five groups:

Group 0

0-10 kg in weight

Group 0+ 0-13 kg in weight

Group 1

9-18 kg in weight

Group 2

15-25 kg in weight

Group 3

22-36 kg in weight

As it may be noted, the groups overlap
partly and in fact, in commerce it is pos-
sible to find devices that cover more than
one weight group.

All restraint devices must bear the certi-
fication data, together with the control
brand, on a solidly fixed label which must
absolutely never be removed.

Over 1.50 m in height, from the point of
view of restraint systems, children are
considered as adults and wear the seat
belts normally.

Lineaccessori Fiat offers seats for each
weight group, which are the recommend-
ed choice, as they have been designed and
experimented specifically for Fiat cars.

With passenger’s air bag ac-
tive, never place child’s seats

with the cradle facing backwards
since the air bag activation could
cause to the child serious injuries,
even mortal, regardless of the seri-
ousness of the crash that triggered it.
You are advised to carry children al-
ways with proper restraint systems on
the rear seats, as this is the most pro-
tected position in the case of a crash.

WARNING

SAFETY DEVICES

SIGNIFICANT DANGER If it

is necessary to carry a child
on the passenger side front
seat with a child seat facing
the back of the car, the pas-
senger airbags (front airbag,

where provided, and side airbag on
seat), must be disabled by means of
the menu of the reconfigurable mul-
tifunctional display, directly verifying
the actual disablement by means of
the light “ located on the dashboard
(see section “Instruction disablement of
front and side passenger air bag”).
The passenger seat must be adjusted
in the rearmost position, to avoid any
contact of the child seat with the
dashboard.

WARNING

GROUP 0 and 0+ fig. 10

Babies up to 13 kg must be carried facing
backwards on a cradle seat, which, sup-
porting the head, does not induce stress
on the neck in the event of sharp decel-
eration.

The cradle is restrained by the car seat
belts and in turn it must restrain the child
with its own belts.

fig. 10

F0H0136m

The figure is only an exam-
ple for mounting. Attain to

the instructions for fastening which
must be enclosed with the specific
child restraining system you are using.

WARNING

Seats exist which are suit-
able for covering weight

groups 0 and 1 with a rear connection
to the vehicle belts and their own
belts to restrain the child. Due to their
size, they can be dangerous if in-
stalled incorrectly fastened to the car
belts with a cushion. Carefully follow
the instructions for installation pro-
vided with the seat.

WARNING

fig. 11

F0H0137m

GROUP 1 fig. 11

Starting from 9 kg to 18 kg in weight, chil-
dren may be carried facing forwards, with
seat fitted with front cushion, through
which the car seat belt restrains both child
and seat.

Seats exist which are suit-
able for covering weight

groups 0 and 1 with a rear connection
to the vehicle belts and their own
belts to restrain the child. Due to their
size, they can be dangerous if in-
stalled incorrectly fastened to the car
belts with a cushion. Carefully follow
the instructions for installation pro-
vided with the seat.

WARNING