Fiat Panda (2022 year). Manual in english — page 5

SAFETY

76

GRAVITY CONTROL

SYSTEM

(Panda Cross 4x4 versions)

WARNING This function can be

activated only with "Off Road" mode

activated.

It is an integral part of the ESC system

and is aimed at keeping the vehicle at

a constant speed during a descent,

operating autonomously on the brakes

in various ways at the same time. In

this way, the Gravity Control function

assists the driver on steep gradients

in low-grip conditions and/or on rough

terrain. Noise and vibrations coming

from the wheel sides (brakes) when the

Gravity Control system is activated are

normal.

WARNING The system does not

relieve the driver of the responsibility of

controlling the vehicle and does not

replace attention while driving. The

driver of the vehicle takes the complete

responsibility for the consequences of

their actions and of an incorrect and

not responsible use of the vehicle.

Enabling the system

To arrange operation of the Gravity

Control system, turn ring fig. 85, with

LED (2) on, to the right, and keep it

in this position until LED (3) on the
selector lights up. The

warning light

comes on in the instrument panel and

the dedicated message is displayed.

85

F1D0116

WARNING System intervention set-up

can be engaged only with "Off Road"

mode activated.

System intervention

You must travel at a speed slower than

25 km/h for the system to activate.

After reaching the desired speed,

release the accelerator and brake

pedals completely. If you want to

increase/decrease the speed, press the

accelerator/brake pedals again.

WARNING The system is also available

for very low speeds between 5 km/h

and 9 km/h, but in this interval the

gearbox must be set to neutral to

prevent engine stalling.

WARNING For speeds above 9 km/h,

the Gravity Control system must be

used with a gear that is suitable for

the set speed, in order to prevent

possible engine stalling. While the

Gravity Control system is operating it

is also possible to take control of the

vehicle again by pressing the brake

and accelerator pedals. If the Gravity

Control is not available when system

intervention set-up is engaged, this

could be due to brake overheating. In

this case, wait for a few minutes.

WARNING The Gravity Control system

is available for speeds between 5 km/h

and 25 km/h. It is advisable to use the

system in low gears (first, second and

third).

WARNING On level ground in urban

areas it is advisable to deactivate the

Gravity Control system intervention set-

up, since for speeds below 25 km/h in

some usage conditions, such as when

setting off, shifting gear and driving

over road humps without using the

accelerator pedal, the system might

activate.

77

Disabling the system

To deactivate the system, turn the ring

nut fig. 85 to the left, keeping it in this

position until LED (3) on the selector

switches off.

WARNING If the braking system

overheats the system will deactivate

through a gradual release of the

braking pressure, leaving vehicle

control to the driver. Deactivation of the

Gravity Control system is accompanied
by flashing of the warning light

, by a

dedicated message on the display and

an acoustic warning. To reactivate the

system intervention set-up wait for the

system to cool down and turn the ring

nut again.

WARNING The Gravity Control system

is deactivated when exceeding 25

km/h and at speeds lower than

50 km/h it remains enabled to be

reactivated when the speed returns

under 25 km/h. In this case, the

indication on the instrument panel

is switched off and the LED on the

ring stays on. If car speed exceeds

50 km/h, the Gravity Control system

completely deactivates and each

individual action made by the system

on the brakes is blocked. To reactivate

it, turn the ring again when the speed is

again below 25 km/h.

49)

The ABS gets the most from the

available grip, but it cannot improve it; you

should therefore take every care when

driving on slippery surfaces and not take

unnecessary risks.

50)

When the ABS cuts in and you feel

the brake pedal pulsating, do not remove

your foot, but keep the pedal pushed

down; in doing so you, will stop in the

shortest distance possible under the road

conditions at the time.

51)

If the ABS system intervenes, this

indicates that the traction of the tyres on

the road is nearing its limit. You must slow

down to a speed compatible with the

available traction.

52)

To obtain the maximum efficiency of

the braking system, a bedding-in period

of about 500 km is needed: during this

period it is better to avoid sharp, repeated

and prolonged braking.

53)

The ABS cannot overrule the natural

laws of physics, and cannot increase the

grip available according to the condition of

the road.

54)

The ABS cannot prevent accidents,

including those due to excessive speed

on corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or

aquaplaning.

55)

The capability of the ABS must never

be tested irresponsibly and dangerously,

in such a way as to compromise personal

safety and the safety of others.

56)

For the correct operation of the ABS,

the tyres must of necessity be the same

make and type on all wheels, in perfect

condition and, above all, of the prescribed

type and dimensions.

57)

When the Mechanical Brake Assist

intervenes, noises may be heard from

the system. This is normal. In any case,

while braking keep the brake pedal firmly

depressed.

58)

For the correct operation of the ESC

system, the tyres must necessarily be of

the same make and type on all wheels,

in perfect condition and, above all, of the

prescribed type and size.

59)

The ESC functions even when the

space-saver wheel is being used. Always

remember that the space-saver wheel,

being smaller than the original wheel,

provides less grip.

60)

ESC performance features must not

induce the driver to take unnecessary or

unfounded risks. Your driving style must

always be suited to the road conditions,

visibility and traffic. The driver is always

responsible for road safety.

61)

The ESC system cannot alter the

natural laws of physics, and cannot

increase grip, which depends on the

condition of the road.

62)

The ESC system cannot prevent

accidents, including those due to

excessive speed on corners, driving on

low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.

63)

The capability of the ESC system

must never be tested irresponsibly

and dangerously, in such a way as to

compromise personal safety and the

safety of others.

64)

For the correct operation of the ASR

system, the tyres must of necessity be

the same make and type on all wheels,

SAFETY

78

in perfect condition and, above all, of the

prescribed type and dimensions.

65)

Do not take unnecessary risks, even if

your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.

Your driving style must always be suited

to the road conditions, visibility and traffic.

The driver is always responsible for road

safety.

66)

The ASR cannot overrule the natural

laws of physics, and cannot increase the

grip available according to the condition of

the road.

67)

The ASR system cannot prevent

accidents, including those due to

excessive speed on corners, driving on

low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.

68)

The capability of the ASR must never

be tested irresponsibly and dangerously,

in such a way as to compromise personal

safety and the safety of others.

69)

The HBA system cannot increase tyre

grip on the road over the limits imposed

by laws of physics: always drive carefully

according to the conditions of the road

surface.

70)

The HBA system cannot prevent

accidents, including those due to

excessive speed on bends, travelling on

low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.

71)

The HBA system is an aid for the

driver, who must always pay full attention

while driving. The responsibility always

rests with the driver. The capability of

the HBA system must never be tested

irresponsibly and dangerously, in such a

way as to compromise the safety of the

driver, the other occupants of the car or

any other road user

79

Notifications

Engagement and activation/deactivation of the Gravity Control function are indicated on the ring fig. 104 and on the instrument

panel as shown in the following table:

Operating Mode

Notifications

Descriptions

LED on ring nut

Warning light

on panel

STAND-BY

LED 1 off, LEDs 2-3 on

Off

Function available but not activated (between

25 km/h and 50 km/h)

ACTIVATED

LED 1 off, LEDs 2-3 on

On (green)

Function activated (between 5 km/h and 25

km/h)

DEACTIVATED

LEDs 1-3 off, LED 2 on

Off

Function not available

The activation and deactivation light indications are accompanied by the following information on the display:

Gravity Control on

: function activated manually.

Gravity Control off

: function deactivated manually or automatically.

Gravity Control cannot be set

: the function cannot be activated.

Gravity Control off, wait brake cooling

: function off for brake cooling.

Note

Deactivation of the Gravity Control function is accompanied by an acoustic warning.

SAFETY

80

T+ (Traction Plus)

SYSTEM

(for versions/markets, where provided)

Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful

for setting off in poor grip conditions

(snow, ice, mud, etc.) which allows the

drive force to be distributed in the best

way over the front axle when one wheel

is slipping.

Traction Plus acts by braking the

wheels with poor grip (or those

slipping more than the others), thereby

transferring the drive force to those

which have greater grip on the ground.

On/off

The system is deactivated when

starting.

To activate the Traction Plus system,

press the T+ button fig. 86: the LED

on the button switches on; the display

shows a dedicated message. To

disengage the system press the T+

button again.

86

F1D0039

Operation

This function operates under a

threshold of 30 km/h. Over this speed,

it is automatically deactivated (the

LED on the button is still on) and it is

reactivated again when the speed is

below 30 km/h.

The activation of the Traction Plus

system causes the differential locking

effect on the front axle, through the

braking system, to improve traction on

irregular grounds.

If the "Traction Plus" system is faulty,

the instrument panel warning light

comes on steady.

DRIVING

ASSISTANCE

SYSTEMS

CBC (City Brake

Control) system

(for versions/markets, where provided)

72) 73) 74) 75) 76) 77)

30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36)

This is a driving assistance system,

which includes a laser sensor, located

in the upper part of the windscreen

fig. 87, that can detect the presence of

nearby cars in front of the vehicle and,

in the case of an imminent collision,

intervenes automatically, braking

the vehicle to prevent the impact or

mitigate its effects.

87

F1D0041

The system is only active if:

the ignition key is at MAR;

the vehicle speed is between 5 and

30 km/h;

the front seat belts are fastened.

Anyway, the system can be

deactivated (then reactivated) through

the Setup Menu on the display. The

system intervenes if there is risk of

imminent collision and the driver does

not press the brake pedal promptly.
If the system detects that the car

ahead could be hit, it may prepare the

car to a possible emergency braking.
If the driver does not carry out any

action to prevent the collision, the

system may automatically slow down

the vehicle, in order to prepare it to a

possible impact.
When there is risk of impact, if the

action on the brake pedal by the

driver is not sufficient, the system

81

may intervene in order to improve

the reaction of the braking system,

therefore reducing vehicle speed

further.
When driving uphill on a steep slope,

the system may intervene, activating

the braking system.

Versions equipped with Start&Stop

system

: at the end of the automatic

braking, the Start&Stop system

will activate as described in the

"Start&Stop system" chapter of the

"Starting and driving" section.

Versions equipped with manual

gearbox

: at the end of the automatic

braking the engine may stall and turn

off, unless the driver presses the clutch

pedal.

WARNING After the car is stopped, the

brake callipers may be locked for about

2 seconds for safety reasons. Press the

brake pedal if the car should advance

slightly.

WARNING The system does

NOT

activate when reverse is engaged. The

system does

NOT

activate if the front

seat belts are not fastened.

On/off

The system can be deactivated (then

reactivated) through the Setup Menu

on the display.

Driving in special conditions

In certain driving conditions, such as,

for example:

driving close to a bend

cars with small dimensions and/or

not aligned in the driving lane

lane change by other cars

system intervention can be unexpected

or delayed. The driver must therefore

be very careful, keeping control of the

car to drive in complete safety.

WARNING In particularly complicated

traffic conditions, the driver can

deactivate the system manually with

the Setup menu (see paragraph “Menu

items” in this chapter).

Driving close to a bend

When entering or leaving a wide bend,

the laser sensor may detect a car that

is in front of you, but that is not driving

in the same lane fig. 88: the system

may cut intervene in this case.

Vehicles with small dimensions

and/or not aligned in the driving

lane

The system cannot detect the

presence of vehicles in front of you but

outside the range of action of the laser

sensor and may therefore not react in

the presence of small vehicles, such as

bicycles or motorcycles fig. 89.

Lane change by other vehicles

Vehicles suddenly changing lane,

entering the same lane as your car

fig. 90 and within the operating range

of the laser sensor, may cause the

system to intervene.

WARNING If you are driving on roads

close to trees with protruding branches

it is advisable to deactivate the system

to prevent the branches at the height

of the bonnet or the windscreen from

interfering with the system.

88

F1D0042

SAFETY

82

89

F1D0043

90

F1D0044

iTPMS (indirect Tyre

Pressure Monitoring

System)

(for versions/markets, where provided)

78) 79) 80) 81) 82) 83)

The car can be equipped with

the iTPMS (indirect Tire Pressure

Monitoring System) which monitors

the tyre inflation status thanks to

wheel speed sensors. The system

warns the driver if one or more tyres
are flat by the dedicated

warning

light continuously on and a dedicated

warning message on the display.
If one tyre only is flat, the system can

indicate its position: it is in any case

recommended to check the pressure

on all four tyres.
This warning is displayed also when

turning the engine off and on again until

the RESET procedure is carried out.

Reset procedure

The iTPMS needs an initial "self-

learning" phase (with length depending

on the driving style and road

conditions: optimal conditions being

driving on a straight road at 80 km/h for

at least 20 minutes) which starts when

the Reset procedure is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried

out:

each time tyre pressure is modified;

when even only one tyre is changed;

when tyres are rotated/inverted;

when the space-saver wheel is fitted.

Before carrying out the “Reset”

procedure, inflate the tyres to the

rated pressure values specified in

the inflation pressure table (see the

"Wheels" chapter in the "Technical

specifications" section).
If the Reset procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the

warning

light may give false indications on one

or more tyres.

To carry out the RESET procedure,

with the vehicle stopped and the

ignition device at MAR, use the Main

Menu as follows:

briefly press

button: the display

will show Reset;

press

button or

to select

(“Yes” or “No”);

briefly press the

button: the

display will show "Confirm";

press

button or

to select

("Yes" to reset or "No" to exit the video

page);

hold the

button down again to

return to the standard screen or to the

main menu according to where you are

in the menu.
At the end of the “Reset” procedure,

the display will show the dedicated

message, which indicates that self-

learning has started.

Operating conditions

The system is active for speeds above

15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty

driving, particular conditions of the road

surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced

roads...) the signalling may be delayed

or partial in detecting the contemporary

deflation of more than one tyre.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle

loaded asymmetrically on one side,

towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,

fitting the space-saver spare wheel, use

83

of the "Fix&Go" kit, fitting snow chains,

fitting different tyres on the axles) the

system may give false indications or

be temporarily deactivated. If the

system is temporarily deactivated, the
warning light

flashes for about 75

seconds and then is continuously on;

at the same time, the display shows a

dedicated message.
This warning is also displayed after

the engine has been switched off and

then on again if the correct operating

conditions are not restored.

72)

The system is an aid for the driver,

who must always pay full attention while

driving. The responsibility always rests with

the driver, who must take into account

the traffic conditions in order to drive in

complete safety. The driver must always

maintain a safe distance from the car in

front.

73)

The capability of the City Brake Control

system must never be tested irresponsibly

or dangerously, in such a way as to

compromise personal safety and the

safety of others.

74)

If the driver presses the accelerator

pedal fully or steers abruptly during

system operation, the automatic braking

function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible

manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).

75)

The laser beam is not visible at the

naked eye. Do not look directly, or with

optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the

laser beam from a distance lower than 10

cm: this may cause damage to the sight.

The laser beam is also present when the

key is at MAR but its operation is off, not

available or manually deactivated with the

display Setup Menu.

76)

The system intervenes on cars

travelling in the same lane. Small-sized

vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)

or people, animals and things (e.g.

pushchairs) and more in general all those

obstacles with a low reflection of the light

emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled

with mud) are not taken into consideration.

77)

If the car must be placed on a roller

bench (at a speed within 5 and 30 km/h)

for maintenance interventions or if it is

washed in an automatic roller washing

tunnel with an obstacle in the front part

(e.g. another car, a wall or another

obstacle), the system may detect its

presence and activate. In this case the

system must be deactivated through the

display Setup Menu.

78)

If the system signals a pressure drop

on a specific tyre, it is recommended to

check the pressure on all four tyres.

79)

The iTPMS does not relieve the driver

from the obligation to check the tyre

pressure every month; the system does

not replace servicing or operate as a safety

system.

80)

Tyre pressure must be checked with

tyres cold. Should it become necessary for

whatever reason to check pressure with

warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even

though it is higher than the prescribed

value, but repeat the check when tyres are

cold.

81)

The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden

tyre pressure drops (for example when a

tyre bursts). In this case, stop the vehicle,

braking with caution and avoiding abrupt

steering.

82)

The system only warns that the tyre

pressure is low: it is not able to inflate

them.

83)

Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel

consumption, reduces the tread duration

and may affect the capacity to drive safely.

30)

The laser sensor may have limited

or absent operation due to weather

conditions such as: heavy rain, hail, thick

fog, heavy snow, formation of ice layers on

the windscreen.

31)

Sensor operation may also be

compromised by the presence of

dust, condensation, dirt or ice on the

windscreen, by traffic conditions (e.g. cars

that are driving not aligned with you car,

cars driving in a transverse or opposite

way on the same lane, bend with a small

radius of curvature), by road surface

conditions and by driving conditions

(e.g. off-road driving). Make sure the

windscreen is always clean. Use specific

detergents and clean cloths to avoid

scratching the windscreen. The sensor

operation may also be limited or absent

in some driving, traffic and road surface

conditions.

32)

Projecting loads on the roof of the car

may interfere with the correct operation of

the sensor. Before starting make sure the

SAFETY

84

load is correctly positioned, in order not to

cover the sensor operating range.

33)

If the windscreen must be replaced

due to scratches, chipping or breakage,

contact exclusively a Fiat Dealership.

Do not replace the windscreen on your

own, risk of malfunction! It is advisable to

replace the windscreen if it is damaged in

the laser sensor area.

34)

Do not tamper nor operate on the laser

sensor. Do not close the openings in the

aesthetic cover located under the interior

rear view mirror. In the event of a sensor

failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.

35)

Do not cover the operating range of

the sensor with stickers or other objects.

Also pay attention to other objects on the

bonnet (e.g. a layer of snow) and make

sure they do not interfere with the light

emitted by the laser.

36)

If a trailer or a vehicle is towed the

system must be deactivated with the

display Setup Menu.

OCCUPANT

PROTECTION

SYSTEMS

Some of the most important safety

equipment of the car comprise the

following protection systems:

seat belts;

SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;

head restraints;

child restraint systems;

Front airbags and side bags.

Read the information given the

following pages with the utmost care.

It is of fundamental importance that

the protection systems are used in the

correct way to guarantee the maximum

possible safety level for the driver and

the passengers.

For the description of the head restraint

adjustment, see the "Head restraints"

chapter in the "Knowing your car"

section.

SEAT BELTS

All vehicle seats are equipped with

seat belts with three anchor points

and a retractor. The reel mechanism

operates locking the belt in the event

of sharp braking or strong deceleration

due to an impact. This allows the belt

strap to slide freely and to adapt to the

body of the occupant. In the event of

an accident, the belt will lock reducing

the risk of impact inside the passenger

compartment and of being projected

outside the car.

The driver is responsible for respecting,

and ensuring that all the other

occupants of the vehicle also respect,

the local laws in force in relation to the

use of the seat belts.

Always fasten the seat belts before

setting off.

USING THE SEAT BELTS

The belt should be worn keeping the

torso straight and rested against the

backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold fastening

tongue (A) fig. 91 and insert it into

buckle (B), until it clicks into place. On

removal, if the belt jams, let it rewind for

a short stretch, then pull it out again

without jerking.
Press button (C) to release the belt.

Guide the belt while it is rewinding to

prevent it from twisting. Through the

85

retractor, the belt automatically adapts

to the body of the passenger wearing

it, allowing freedom of movement.

84)

The retractor may lock when the

vehicle is parked on a steep slope: this

is perfectly normal. Furthermore, the

retractor mechanism locks the belt

if it is pulled sharply or in the event

of sudden braking, collisions and

high-speed bends.
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat

belts with three anchoring points and

a retractor. Wear the rear seat belts as

shown in fig. 92 (4-seater versions) or

fig. 93 (5-seater versions).

91

F1D0050

85) 86) 87)

92

F1D0051

93

F1D0052

WARNING When putting the back seat

to its normal position, make sure the

seat belts are positioned so they are

ready to use.

ADJUSTING THE SEAT

BELT HEIGHT

(for versions/markets, where provided)

88) 89)

Four different adjustments in height are

provided. To adjust, press button (A)

fig. 94 and raise or lower the handle

(B).
Always adjust the height of the seat

belt to fit the person wearing it: this

precaution could greatly reduce the risk

of injury in the case of collision.
Correct adjustment is obtained when

the belt passes approximately half

way between the shoulder and the

neck. For some versions, front seat

belts have just one fixed anchor point

located on the door pillar.

94

F1D0053

95

F1D0777

SAFETY

86

84)

Never press button (C) fig. 91 when

travelling.

85)

Remember that in the event of an

accident, the rear seat passengers not

wearing seat belts are exposed to a very

serious risk and also represent a serious

danger for the front seat occupants.

86)

The rear central seat belt (for

versions/markets, where provided) is

provided with a service buckle fig. 95. Do

not use the seat belt with the service

buckle not fastened. In this case there is

a high risk of injury or death in the event

of an accident. Before using the belt,

always make sure that the service buckle

is correctly fastened.

87)

The rear left and right side belts are

provided with an adjustment device for the

metal tongue position (metal hook). Adjust

the tongue position with respect to the

seat belt to improve comfort and reduce

noise inside the passenger compartment.

88)

Make height adjustment of the seat

belts when the car is stationary.

89)

After height adjustment, always

check that the cursor to which the ring

is fastened is locked in one of the preset

positions. To do this, with button (A) fig. 94

released, press downward more to allow

the anchoring device to click if it has

not been released in one of the possible

positions.

SBR (SEAT BELT

REMINDER) SYSTEM

The SBR system warns the

passengers of the front and rear (for

versions/markets, where provided)

seats if their seat belt is not fastened.

The system warnings unfastened seat

belts with visual warnings (warning

lights on in the instrument panel and

icons on the display) and an acoustic

warning (see the following paragraphs).

WARNING Contact a Fiat Dealership

to deactivate this acoustic warning

permanently.

The acoustic warning can be

reactivated at any time through the

display Setup Menu.

Seat belts warning light operation

The icons shown on the display fig. 96

indicate:

1

: driver side front seat belt;

2

: rear left seat belt (*);

3

: rear central seat belt (*);

4

: rear right side seat belt (*);

5

: passenger side front seat belt (*);

A

: seat belt not fastened;

B

: seat belt fastened.

(*) For versions/markets where

provided

96

F1D1021

Operation of front seat belt icons

When the ignition device is turned to
MAR, icon

comes on for a few

seconds, regardless of the status of the

front seat belts.

With car moving slower than 20 km/h,

if the driver side seat belt or the

passenger side seat belt (with

occupant seated) is unfastened, icon

and the corresponding icons on the

display stay on constantly.

87

As soon as a speed of over 20 km/h

is reached, with driver side seat

belt or the passenger side seat belt

(with occupant seated) unfastened,

an acoustic warning is activated
simultaneously with icon

and the

corresponding icons on the display

flashing for about 105 seconds.

Once activated, this indication cycle

stays active for the entire time if the

car is moving faster than 8 km/h or if

reverse gear is not engaged or until the

seat belts are fastened.

If the car speed drops to less than

8 km/h or if reverse gear is engaged

during the warning cycle, the acoustic

warning will be interrupted and icon

and the corresponding icons on

the display switch to constantly on

mode. If the entire time has not elapsed

and reverse gear is not engaged, the

warning cycle is reactivated as soon as

the car speed exceeds 20 km/h again.

Operation of rear seat belt icons

The icons are shown on the display

fig. 96.

With the car travelling as speed lower

than 20 km/h, if a rear seat belt is

unbuckled, the icon stays on with fixed

light for a total of approximately 65

seconds.

The icons are displayed according to

the corresponding seat belts in the

rear seats, and stay on for about 65

seconds from the last seat belt status

change.

If the car is travelling at a speed

faster than 20 km/h and reverse is

not engaged, if a rear seat belt is

unbuckled, an acoustic warning

is sounded when the icon blinks

for approximately 35 seconds.

Successively, the acoustic warning is

deactivated and the icon lights up with

fixed light until the end of the entire

cycle.

Furthermore the icons light up to

indicate the status of the seat belts

whenever one of the rear doors is

opened.

WARNING As far as the rear seats

are concerned, the SBR system will

only indicate whether the seat belts

are unfastened or fastened, not the

presence of any passengers.

The icons will activate a few seconds

after the ignition device has been

turned to MAR, regardless of the status

of the seat belts (even if the seat belts

are all fastened).

All the icons will come on when at least

one belt changes from fastened to

unfastened status or vice versa.

PRE-TENSIONERS

90) 91) 92) 93)

37)

The vehicle is equipped with front seat

belt pretensioners, which draw back

the seat belts by several centimetres

in the event of a strong frontal

impact. This guarantees the perfect

adherence of the seat belts to the

occupant's bodies before the retention

action begins. It is evident that the

pretensioners have operated when the

belt withdraws towards the retractor.

A slight discharge of smoke may be

produced during the activation of the

pretensioner which is not harmful and

does not involve any fire hazard. The

pretensioner does not require any

maintenance or lubrication. Anything

that modifies its original conditions

invalidates its efficiency.

If, due to unusual natural events

(floods, sea storms, etc.), the device

has been affected by water and/or

mud, contact a Fiat Dealership to have

it replaced.

WARNING To obtain the highest

degree of protection from the action of

the pretensioner, wear the seat belt

tight to the chest and pelvis.

SAFETY

88

LOAD LIMITERS

To increase occupant safety, the

retractors contain a load limiter to

dose the force acting on the chest and

shoulders during the belt restraining

action in the case of frontal collisions.

GENERAL

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

USING THE SEAT BELTS

Seat belts are also to be worn by

pregnant women: the risk of injury in

the case of impact is greatly reduced

for them and the unborn child if they

are wearing a seat belt. Pregnant

women must position the lower part

of the belt very low down so that it

passes over the pelvis and under the

abdomen (see fig. 97). While pregnancy

increases, the driver must adjust

both seat and steering wheel to have

full control over the vehicle (pedals

and steering wheel should be easily

accessed). The maximum clearance

should be kept between the abdomen

and the steering wheel.

97

F1D0123

The seat belt strap must not be

twisted. The upper part must pass

over the shoulder and cross the chest

diagonally. The lower part must adhere

to the pelvis (as shown in fig. 98) rather

than the abdomen of the occupant. Do

not use devices (clips, etc.) to hold the

seat belt away from your body.

98

F1D0124

Each seat belt must be used by only

one person. Never travel with a child

sitting on the passenger's lap and a

single belt to protect them both fig. 99.

In general, do not place any objects

between the person and the belt.

99

F1D0125

SEAT BELTS

MAINTENANCE

For keeping the seat belts in efficient

conditions, carefully observe the

following warnings:

always use the seat belt with the

strap well stretched and not twisted;

make sure that it is free to run without

obstructions;

check seat belt operation as follows:

attach the seat belt and pull it hard;

replace the seat belt after an

accident of a certain severity even if

it does not appear to be damaged.

Always replace the seat belt if the

pretensioners were deployed;

prevent the retractors from getting

wet: their correct operation is only

guaranteed if water does not get inside;

89

replace the seat belt when it shows

wear or cuts.

90)

The pretensioner may be used only

once. Contact a Fiat Dealership to have it

replaced after it has been deployed.

91)

For maximum safety, keep the

backrest upright, lean back into it and

make sure the seat belt fits closely across

your chest and pelvis. Always fasten the

seat belts on both the front and the rear

seats! Travelling without wearing seat belts

will increase the risk of serious injury and

even death in the event of an accident.

92)

Removing or tampering with seat

belt and pretensioner components is

strictly prohibited. Any intervention on

these components must be performed

by qualified and authorised technicians.

Always go to a Fiat Dealership.

93)

If the belt has been sharply pulled, for

example as the result of an accident, the

seat belt, together with the anchoring

devices, the anchoring device fixing

screws and the pretensioner must be

completely replaced. Even if the belt does

not present any exterior signs of wear or

damage, it may have lost its restraining

properties.

37)

Operations which lead to impacts,

vibrations or localised heating (over 100

°

C

for a maximum of six hours) in the area

around the pretensioner may cause

damage or make it deploy. Contact a

Fiat Dealership should intervention be

necessary on these components.

CHILD RESTRAINT

SYSTEMS

CARRYING CHILDREN

SAFELY

94) 95) 96) 97)

For optimal protection in the event

of an impact, all occupants must

be seated and wearing adequate

restraint systems, including newborn

and other children! This prescription

is compulsory in all EC countries

according to EC Directive 2003/20/EC.
Children below the height of 1.50

metres and up to 12 years must be

protected with suitable restraint

systems and be seated on the rear

seats.
Statistics on accidents indicate that

the rear seats offer greater safety for

children. Compared with an adult, a

child's head is larger and heavier in

proportion to their body and the child's

muscular and bone structures are not

fully developed. Therefore, correct

restraint systems other than adult seat

belts are necessary to reduce as

much as possible the risk of injuries in

the event of an accident, braking or

sudden manoeuvre.
Children must be seated safely

and comfortably. As far as the

characteristics of the child seats used

allow, you are advised to keep children

in rear facing child seats for as long

as possible (at least until 3

–

4 years

old), since this is the most protected

position in the event of an impact.
The choice of the most suitable child

restraint system depends on the weight

and size of the child. There are various

types of child restraint systems, which

can be secured to the car by means

of the seat belts or with the ISOFIX

anchorages.
It is recommended to always choose

the restraint system most suitable for

the child; for this reason always refer to

the Owner Handbook provided with the

child restraint system, to be sure that it

is of the right type for the children it is

intended for.

94)

SEVERE DANGER When a front

passenger airbag is fitted, do not install

rearward facing child restraint systems

on the front passenger seat. Deployment

of the airbag in a crash could cause fatal

injuries to the child regardless of the

severity of the collision. It is advisable to

SAFETY

90

always carry children in a child restraint

system on the rear seat, which is the

most protected position in the event of a

collision.

95)

There is a symbol on the label on

the sun visor that illustrates the need to

deactivate the air bag if you are installing a

rear-facing child seat. Always comply with

the instructions on the passenger side sun

visor (see the "Supplementary Restraint

System (SRS) - Airbag" chapter).

96)

Should it be necessary to carry a

child on the passenger side front seat in

a rear facing child restraint system, the

passenger side front and side airbags

must be deactivated through the display

main menu, verifying deactivation by
checking that the warning light

located

in the central part of the dashboard has

switched on. Move the passenger's seat

as far back as possible to avoid contact

between the child seat and the dashboard.

97)

Do not move the front or rear seat if

a child is seated on it or on the dedicated

child restraint system.

91

In Europe the characteristics of child restraint systems are ruled by the regulation ECE-R44, dividing them into five weight

groups:

Group

Age

Weight groups

Size class / Fixing

Group 0

Indicatively up to 9 months

up to 10 kg in weight

ISO/L1

ISO/L2

ISO/R1

Group 0+

Indicatively up to 2 years

up to 13 kg in weight

ISO/R1

ISO/R2

ISO/R3

Group 1

Indicatively from 8 months to 4

years

9-18 kg

ISO/R2

ISO/R3

ISO/F2

ISO/F2X

ISO/F3

Group 2

Indicatively from 3 to 7 years

15 - 25 kg

–

Group 3

Indicatively from 6 to 12 years

22 - 36 kg

–

All restraint devices must bear the type-approval data, together with the control mark, on a label solidly fixed to the child

restraint system which must never be removed.
Lineaccessori MOPAR® includes child restraint systems for each weight group. These devices are recommended having been

specifically designed for Fiat vehicles.