Fiat 500 Hybrid (2020 year). Manual in english — page 4

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

56

INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING SYMBOLS

Red symbols

Symbol

What it means

red

red

red

OPEN DOORS / BONNET / BOOT (versions with colour display)

The symbols on the display switches on, together with a dedicated message, on some versions,

when one or more doors, the tailgate or the bonnet (for versions/markets, where provided) are not

properly closed. An acoustic warning is also emitted with the doors open and the car in motion.

red

SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED (for versions with colour display)

The symbol is shown on the display, together with a dedicated message and an acoustic signal,

when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit set in the Setup Menu (e.g. 120 km/h).

Amber symbols

Symbol

What it means

yellow

DECAYED ENGINE OIL

The warning light comes on flashing, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the

display. The warning light flashes for 3 minute cycles with the warning light off for intervals of 5

seconds until oil is changed.

After the initial warning, each time the engine is started up, the warning light will continue to flash in

the same mode, until the oil is changed. On certain versions a dedicated message is displayed.

The flashing of the warning light should not be considered as a fault, it simply informs the customer

that the oil needs to be changed following normal car use.

Remember that engine oil deterioration is accelerated by using the car for short drives, preventing

the engine from reaching its operating temperature.

44) 45)

26)

57

Symbol

What it means

yellow

AUXILIARY (DRIVE) BATTERY FAILURE (versions with colour display only)

This symbol appears in the event of an auxiliary battery failure with the corresponding dedicated

message. The charge state of the auxiliary battery will not be displayed in this case.

Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE
In the event of a hybrid system failure, the same symbol could also appear together with the
and/or

symbol and the corresponding dedicated message. The charge state of the auxiliary

battery will not be displayed in this case.

Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

yellow

POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD

A symbol is displayed when the outside temperature falls to or below 3

°

C. A dedicated message

appears on some versions.

yellow

PARKING SENSOR FAILURE (versions with colour display)

(for versions/markets, where provided)

The symbol is shown on the display together with a dedicated message if there is a fault in the

parking sensors.

yellow

START&STOP SYSTEM FAILURE

The symbol appears, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, to signal

the Start&Stop system failure

Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE

The symbol also appears on the display in the event of a hybrid system failure. For this warning, the
symbol could appear together with the

symbol/warning light and/or

symbol (versions with

colour display only), possibly with the corresponding dedicated message. The charge state of the

auxiliary battery will not be displayed in this case.

Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

58

Symbol

What it means

yellow

SERVICE (SCHEDULED SERVICING) EXPIRED

When the scheduled servicing is nearly due ("scheduled service deadline"), the display will show the

symbol followed by the number of kilometres/miles until the car must be serviced. This is displayed

automatically, with ignition key at MAR-ON, 2000 km (or equivalent value in miles) before servicing

or, where provided, 30 days before servicing. It is also displayed each time the key is turned to

MAR-ON or, for versions/markets, where provided, every 200 km (or equivalent value in miles).

Go to a Fiat Dealership, where the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" operations will be performed and the

message will be reset.

yellow

ASR SYSTEM OFF (colour display)

The symbol lights up on the colour display together with a dedicated message when the ASR

system is deactivated by pressing the ASR-OFF button on the dashboard. The LED in the button

will light up at the same time.

yellow

HILL HOLDER FAILURE (versions with colour display)

(for versions/markets, where provided)

The display will show the symbol together with a dedicated message on some versions when there

is an anomaly in the Hill Holder system.

In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

yellow

FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM (versions with colour display)

The display will show the symbol and a dedicated message if the fuel cut-off system intervenes.

For the fuel cut-off system re-activation procedure, see the "Fuel cut-off system" paragraph, in the

"In an emergency" chapter.

yellow

FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM FAILURE (versions with colour display)

The display will show the symbol and a dedicated message if the fuel cut-off system is faulty.

Contact a Fiat Dealership.

59

Symbol

What it means

yellow

PASSENGER AIRBAG/SIDE BAGS DEACTIVATED

The warning light indicates the passenger airbag protection status. If the warning light is off,

passenger's airbag protection is active: to deactivate it, use the Setup Menu (in this case the LED

lights up). When the engine is started (ignition key turned to MAR position), the warning light turns

on for about 8 seconds, provided that at least 5 seconds have elapsed from when it was switched

off. If not, contact a Fiat Dealership. If the engine is switched off/on again in less than 5 seconds

the warning light may remain off. In this case, to check correct warning light operation, switch the

engine off, wait for at least 5 seconds and switch the engine on again. The warning light may light

up with various intensity levels depending on the vehicle conditions. The intensity may also vary

during the same key cycle.

yellow

EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILURE (versions with colour display)

The symbol is shown on the display together with a dedicated message when there is an anomaly

in one of the following lights:

daytime running lights (DRL)

side lights

direction indicators

rear fog light

number plate lights.

The anomaly relating to these lights could be: one or more blown bulbs, a blown protection fuse or

a break in the relevant electric connection. It is advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership.

yellow

BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE (versions with colour display)

The display will show the symbol together with a dedicated message if there is a fault in the brake

lights.

The fault may be caused by a blown bulb, a blown protection fuse or a break in the relevant

electrical connection. It is advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership.

yellow

RAIN SENSOR FAILURE

The symbol switches on in the case of failure of the rain sensor. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon

as possible.

yellow

DUSK SENSOR FAILURE

The symbol switches on along with a message on the display in the event of dusk sensor failure.

Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

60

Symbol

What it means

yellow

SPEED LIMITER FAILURE

The symbol switches on in the case of failure of the Speed Limiter device. Contact a Fiat Dealership

as soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.

yellow

FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE

The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a

few seconds. The warning light or the symbol switches on in the display when about 5 litres of fuel

are left in the tank. The triangle on the right side of the symbol indicates the side of the car with the

fuel filler.

IMPORTANT If the warning light flashes or the symbol is constantly on, depending on the versions,

there is a fault in the system. If this is the case, go to a Fiat Dealership to have the system checked.

44)

If the warning light switches on, the degraded engine oil must be changed as soon as possible, and never more than 500 km from the first

time that the warning light switches on. Failure to observe the above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the warranty.

The activation of this warning light is not related to the amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil when the warning light

starts flashing.

45)

If the warning light

(or the amber warning light

, for versions/markets, where provided) switches on, the degraded engine oil must

be changed as soon as possible, and never more than 500 km from the first time that the warning light switches on. Failure to observe the

above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the warranty. The activation of this warning light is not related to the amount

of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil when the warning light starts flashing.

26)

To avoid damaging the engine it is advisable to change the engine oil when the warning light

flashes. In this case, contact a Fiat

Dealership.

61

MESSAGES ON INSTRUMENT PANEL

Messages

What it means

CITY

“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM ACTIVATION

The indication CITY switches on when the "Dualdrive" electric power steering system is activated

by pressing the "CITY" button on the dashboard. The CITY indication goes off when the button is

pressed again.

SAFETY

62

SAFETY

The chapter that you are about to

read is very important: it describes the

safety systems with which the vehicle is

equipped and provides instructions on

how to use them correctly.

ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS . . ... 63
DRIVING ASSISTANCE

SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . ... 66
OCCUPANT PROTECTION

SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . ... 68
SEAT BELTS . . . . . . . ... 68
SBR SYSTEM (Seat Belt

Reminder) . . . . . . . . ... 69
PRE-TENSIONERS. . . . . ... 69
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS . ... 71
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT

SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG . . . .. 83

63

ACTIVE SAFETY

SYSTEMS

The vehicle has the following active

safety systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);

EBD (Electronic Brake force

Distribution);

MSR (Motor Schleppmoment

Regelung);

ESC (Electronic Stability Control);

HH (Hill Holder);

ASR (Antislip Regulation);

HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist);

For the operation of the systems, see

the following description.

ABS (Anti-lock Braking

System)

This system, which is an integral part

of the braking system, prevents one

or more wheels from locking and

slipping in any road surface condition,

irrespective of the intensity of the

braking action, ensuring that the

car can be controlled even during

emergency braking thus optimising

stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking

when the wheels are about to lock,

typically in emergency braking or low-

grip conditions, when locking may be

more frequent.
The system also improves control and

stability of the car when braking on a

surface where the grip of the left and

right wheels varies, or on corners.

System intervention

A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and

noise indicates the intervention of the

ABS: this is completely normal when

the system intervenes.

46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54)

EBD (Electronic

Brakeforce Distribution)

SYSTEM

This system (which cannot be

deactivated) recognises emergency

braking conditions according to the

speed of operation of the brake pedal

and provides an additional hydraulic

braking pressure to support that

provided by the driver. This allows

faster and more powerful operation of

the braking system.

MSR (Motor

Schleppmoment

Regelung) SYSTEM

The MSR system is an integral part of

the ABS, that intervenes, if there is

a sudden change to a lower gear,

restoring torque to the engine, thereby

preventing excessive drive at the drive

wheels which, especially in poor grip

conditions, could lead to a loss in

stability of the vehicle.

ESC (Electronic Stability

Control) SYSTEM

This is an electronic system that

controls car stability in the event of loss

of tyre grip, helping maintain directional

control.
The system is capable of recognising

potentially dangerous situations in

terms of the stability and intervenes

automatically on the brakes in a

differentiated manner for the four

wheels in order to provide a stabilising

torque.
The ESC system switches on

automatically when the engine is

started and cannot be switched off.

System intervention

It is signalled by the blinking of the
instrument panel warning light , to

inform the driver that the car is in

critical stability and grip conditions.

55) 56) 57) 58) 59) 60)

HH (Hill Holder) SYSTEM

This is an integral part of the ESC

system and facilitates starting on

slopes, activating automatically in the

following cases:

uphill: car stationary on a road with

a gradient higher than 5%, engine

running, brake pressed and gearbox

in neutral or gear (other than reverse)

engaged;

SAFETY

64

downhill: car stationary on a road

with a gradient higher than 5%, engine

running, brake pressed and reverse

gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system

control unit maintains the braking

pressure on the wheels until the

engine torque necessary for starting is

reached, or in any case for a maximum

of 2 seconds, allowing your right foot to

be moved easily from the brake pedal

to the accelerator.
When the 2 seconds have elapsed,

without starting, the system is

automatically deactivated, gradually

releasing the braking pressure.

During this release stage, the typical

mechanical brake release noise can be

heard, indicating that the car is about

to move.

Moving the car on sloping roads

For optimal starting on very steep

gradients, as follows:

Press the brake pedal to activate the

Hill Holder;

completely press the clutch pedal;

engage the gear;

remove your foot from the brake

pedal;

completely press the accelerator

pedal.
In this manner, the engine goes to

the optimal rpm for taking off uphill.

The Hill Holder remains engaged (car

braked) until the clutch is gradually

released (holding the accelerator pedal

pressed): at this point, the system

switches off and the car starts moving.

The Hill Holder function switches off

automatically if the cars does not

take-off within 2 seconds.
The manoeuvre makes it possible

to avoid pressing the accelerator

(because it must remain fully pressed

during the manoeuvre) and to operate

only the clutch, by gradually releasing

it. Operating the handbrake is not

necessary.
On less steep gradients, the system is

active also with the accelerator pedal

not completely pressed.

61) 62)

ASR (AntiSlip

Regulation) SYSTEM

This is an integral part of the ESC

system and automatically operates in

the event of one or both drive wheels

slipping, loss of grip on wet roads

(aquaplaning) and acceleration on

slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.

Depending on the slipping conditions,

two different control systems are

activated:

if the slipping involves both drive

wheels, the ASR system intervenes,

reducing the power transmitted by the

engine;

if the slipping only involves one of

the drive wheels, it also intervenes

automatically, braking the wheel that is

slipping.

System intervention

This is indicated by the flashing of the

warning light on the instrument panel,

to inform the driver that the car is in

critical stability and grip conditions.

Manual engagement/release

The ASR comes on automatically

whenever the engine is started. While

driving, the ASR can be switched off

and subsequently switched on again

by pressing the (A) fig. 60 (ASR OFF).

When the system is not active, the LED

on the same button turns on and, on

some versions, a message appears on

the display.
If the ASR is turned off while driving,

this is automatically reactivated at the

following car starting. When travelling

on snowy roads with snow chains, it

may be helpful to turn the ASR off: in

fact, in these conditions, the driving

wheels skidding when moving off gives

you better traction.

65

60

F0S0518

63) 64) 65) 66) 67) 68)

HBA (Hydraulic Brake

Assist) SYSTEM

It is an integral part of the ESC system.

The HBA system is designed to

improve the car’s braking capacity

during emergency braking.
The system detects an emergency

braking by monitoring the speed and

strength with which the brake pedal is

pressed, thereby applying the optimal

brake pressure. This can reduce the

braking distance: the HBA system

therefore completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance of the HBA

system is obtained pressing the

brake pedal very quickly; in addition,

the brake pedal should be pressed

continuously during braking, avoiding

intermittent presses, to obtain benefits

from the system.

Do not reduce pressure on the

brake pedal until braking is no longer

necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when

the brake pedal is released.

69) 70) 71) 72) 73)

46)

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.

47)

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.

48)

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.

49)

The ABS cannot overrule the natural

laws of physics, and cannot increase the

grip available according to the condition of

the road.

50)

The ABS cannot prevent accidents,

including those due to excessive speed

on corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or

aquaplaning.

51)

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.

52)

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.

53)

If the space-saver spare wheel (for

versions/markets, where provided) is

used, the ABS keeps operating. Always

remember that the space-saver wheel,

being smaller than the original wheel,

provides less grip.

54)

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.

55)

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.

56)

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.

57)

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.

58)

The ESC system cannot alter the

natural laws of physics, and cannot

increase grip, which depends on the

condition of the road.

59)

The ESC system cannot prevent

accidents, including those due to

excessive speed on corners, driving on

low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.

SAFETY

66

60)

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.

61)

The HH system is not a parking brake,

therefore do not leave the car without

activating the handbrake, switching off the

engine, and engaging first gear, with the

car parked in safe conditions.

62)

With the car laden on small gradients

(less than 8%), there may be situations in

which the HH system may not activate,

causing a slight reversing motion and

increasing the risk of collision with another

car or object. The driver is, in any case,

responsible for safe driving.

63)

For the correct operation of the ASR

system, 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.

64)

If the space-saver wheel (where

provided) is used, the ASR system keeps

operating. Always remember that the

space-saver wheel, being smaller than the

original wheel, provides less grip.

65)

The ASR cannot overrule the natural

laws of physics, and cannot increase the

grip available according to the condition of

the road.

66)

The ASR system cannot prevent

accidents, including those due to

excessive speed on corners, driving on

low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.

67)

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.

68)

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.

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.

72)

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,

occupants or other road users.

73)

When the HBA system intervenes,

noises may be heard from the system.

This is normal. In any case, while braking

keep the brake pedal firmly depressed.

DRIVING

ASSISTANCE

SYSTEMS

iTPMS System (indirect

Tyre Pressure

Monitoring System)

74) 75) 76) 77) 78) 79)

DESCRIPTION

The car can be equipped with the

iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure

Monitoring System) which monitors the

tyre inflation status thanks to wheel

speed sensors. To access the iTPMS

(fig. 61 - fig. 62) screens press the TRIP

button.
The fig. 62 screen will be displayed only

if one or more tyres are flat.

Correct tyre pressure (versions

with colour display)

If pressure of all the tyres corresponds

to the correct value, the display shows

the following screen fig. 61.

61

F0S0496

67

Low tyre pressure

The system warns the driver if one or

more tyres are flat by switching on the

warning light on the instrument

panel. Furthermore, the display will

show “KO” beside the tyres fig. 62

along with a warning message.

62

F0S0506

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 "Wheels" paragraph

in the "Technical specifications"

chapter).
If the RESET 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 car stopped and

the ignition key at MAR, use the setup

menu (see the description of the

"Display" paragraph).
At the end of the “Reset” procedure,

the display will show the dedicated

message, which indicates that self-

learning has started.
If the iTPMS self-learning is not

correctly executed, the message is not

displayed.

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. car

loaded asymmetrically on one side,

damaged or worn tyre, fitting the

space-saver spare wheel, fitting

snow chains, fitting different tyres on

the axles) the system may give false

warnings 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 warning message.
This warning is displayed also after

the engine has been switched off and

then on again if the correct operating

conditions are not restored.

74)

If the system signals a pressure drop

on one or more tyres, it is recommended

to always check the pressure on all tyres.

75)

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.

76)

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.

77)

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.

SAFETY

68

78)

The system only warns that the tyre

pressure is low: it is not able to inflate

them.

79)

Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel

consumption, reduces the tread duration

and may affect the capacity to drive safely.

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"

paragraph in the "Knowing your car"

chapter.

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. 63 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) fig. 63 to release the

belt.

Guide the belt while it is rewinding to

prevent it from twisting. Through the

retractor, the belt automatically adapts

to the body of the passenger wearing

it, allowing freedom of movement.

63

F0S0077

The retractor may lock when the car

is parked on a steep slope: this is

perfectly normal. Furthermore, the

reel 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.
NOTE Wear the rear seat belts as

shown in fig. 64.

69

WARNING When putting the back seat

to its normal position, make sure the

seat belts are positioned so they are

ready to use.

80) 81)

80)

Never press button (C) fig. 63 when

travelling.

81)

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.

SBR SYSTEM (Seat

Belt Reminder)

(for versions/markets, where provided)

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).

NOTE 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 system warns the driver and the

front passenger if their seat belt is not

fastened, as follows:

warning light

switched on flashing

and intermittent acoustic warning for

approximately 100 seconds;

once the cycle has finished, the

warning light remains on constantly

until the seat belts are fastened.

PRE-TENSIONERS

The car is equipped with front seat

belts pretensioners, that reduce slack

in the belts in the event of a severe

frontal collision. This guarantees the

perfect adherence of the seat belts

to the occupants' bodies before the

restraining action begins.

It is evident that the pretensioners have

operated when the belt withdraws

towards the retractor. The vehicle also

features a second pretensioning device

(fitted near the kick plate):

The activation of this device is indicated

by the shortening of the metal cable.

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:

any changes to its original conditions

will invalidate its efficiency.

If, due to unusual natural events

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

has been affected by water or mud,

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.

82) 83) 84)

27)

64

F0S0565

SAFETY

70

LOAD LIMITERS

To increase occupant safety, the

retractors of the safety belts 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

85)

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. 65).
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.

65

F0S0415

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. 66) rather

than the abdomen of the passenger.

Never use devices (clips, clamps, etc.)

that hold the seat belt away from your

body.

66

F0S0079

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. 67.

In general, do not place any objects

between the person and the belt.

67

F0S0080

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

71

replace the seat belt when it shows

wear or cuts.

82)

The pretensioner may be used only

once. Contact a Fiat Dealership to have it

replaced after it has been deployed.

83)

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.

84)

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.

85)

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.

27)

Operations which lead to impacts,

vibrations or localised heating (over 100

°

C

for a maximum of six hours) in the area

around the pretensioners may damage or

deploy them. Contact a Fiat Dealership

should intervention be necessary on these

components.

CHILD RESTRAINT

SYSTEMS

CARRYING CHILDREN

SAFELY

86) 87) 88) 89)

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.
For correct installation on the vehicle,

some universal child restraint systems

require an accessory (base) sold

separately by the restraint system's

producer. Therefore, FCA advises

customers to check that their chosen

child restraint system can be installed

on their vehicle by performing a trial

installation, on the vendor's premises,

before purchase.