2003-2012 Fiat Panda SUV KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL -> WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES User Manual
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL -> WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES for Your Fiat Panda SUV Second Generation (2003-2012)

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES  
IMPORTANT NOTES  
IMPORTANT Warning lights are accompanied by a specific message and/or sound when applicable. These indications are  
indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information contained  
in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in this section in  
the event of a failure indication.  
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults  
are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning "cycle". Less serious faults are indicated by a warning "cycle" with a shorter  
duration. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted by pressing the  
light will stay on until the cause of the malfunction is eliminated.  
button. The instrument panel warning  
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL  
Red warning lights  
Warning light  
What it means  
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on constantly with the vehicle stationary and the driver's side or passenger side  
seat belt (when the passenger is present) not fastened. The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound  
if the car is in motion and the front seat belts are not correctly fastened.  
For permanent deactivation of the acoustic signal (buzzer) of the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system  
contact a Fiat Dealership. The system can be reactivated using the Setup Menu.  
40  
Warning light  
What it means  
EBD FAILURE  
The simultaneous switching on of the  
(red),  
(amber) and  
(amber) warning lights with the engine  
on indicates either an anomaly of the EBD system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear  
wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking sharply. On certain versions a  
dedicated message is displayed.  
Drive very carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have the system inspected immediately.  
AIRBAG FAILURE  
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few  
seconds.  
If the warning light switches on constantly, this indicates a fault in the airbag system. On certain versions a  
dedicated message is displayed.  
37) 38)  
WARNING  
37) If, when turning the key to MAR, the  
warning light does not switch on or if it stays on when travelling, there could be a fault in the  
restraint systems; in this event airbags or pretensioners may not be deployed in the event of impact or, in a lower number of cases, they may  
deploy accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.  
38) A failure of the  
signalled. Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the system checked.  
warning light is indicated by the  
warning light flashing. In this case, any faults of the airbag system might be not  
41  
Warning light  
What it means  
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED  
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few  
seconds.  
Low brake fluid level  
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,  
possibly due to a leak in the circuit. On certain versions a dedicated message is displayed.  
39)  
Handbrake engaged  
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is engaged. If the vehicle is moving a buzzer will also  
sound.  
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when travelling, check that the handbrake is not engaged.  
LOW BATTERY CHARGE  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should go out as soon as the  
engine has started (with the engine running at idle speed a brief delay before going out is acceptable).  
If the warning light stays on constantly or flashing, on some versions along with a dedicated message on  
the display, contact a Fiat Dealership.  
DOORS/BONNET/LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN  
The warning light switches on, on some versions along with a message and a symbol in the display, when  
one or more doors, the bonnet or the tailgate are not properly closed. An acoustic signal is activated with  
the doors open and the car moving.  
WARNING  
39) If the  
warning light switches on when travelling, stop the car immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.  
42  
Warning light  
What it means  
INSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL/PRESSURE  
When the ignition key is turned to MAR the warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon as the  
engine is started.  
Low engine oil pressure  
The warning light turns on constantly, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display,  
when the system detects that engine oil pressure is insufficient.  
40)  
WARNING  
40) If the warning light switches on when travelling (on certain versions together with the message on the display), stop the engine  
immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.  
43  
Warning light  
What it means  
Engine oil degraded  
(diesel versions with DPF)  
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 the deterioration of the engine oil is accelerated by:  
mainly town use of the vehicle which makes the DPF regeneration process more frequent;  
use of the vehicle for short drives, in which the engine does not have time to reach its regular operating  
temperature;  
repeated interruptions to the regeneration process signalled by the DPF warning light coming on.  
41)  
WARNING  
41) If the warning light switches on, the deteriorated 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. Remember that the operation of this warning light is not related to the amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil  
when the light starts flashing.  
44  
Warning light  
What it means  
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH  
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 comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the engine is  
overheated.  
In normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and check that the water level in the  
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. In this case, wait for the engine to cool down, then slowly and  
carefully open the cap, top up with coolant and check that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on  
the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks. If, when restarting, the warning light switches on  
again, contact a Fiat Dealership.  
If the car is used under demanding conditions (e.g. towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow down  
and, if the warning light stays on, stop the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and slightly  
accelerated to further favour the coolant circulation. Then stop the engine. Check that the coolant level is  
correct as described above.  
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a  
few minutes before switching it off.  
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE  
When the key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but it should switch off after a few seconds.  
If the warning light stays on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, you may  
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate the steering wheel could be notably  
increased; steering is, however, possible.  
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.  
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent of the electric power steering could cause the  
warning light on the instrument panel to switch on. In this case, stop the car immediately (should it be in  
motion), stop the engine for about 20 seconds and then restart the engine. If the warning light, on some  
versions along with a dedicated message on the display, remains on, contact a Fiat Dealership.  
IMPORTANT After the battery is disconnected, the steering must be initialised. The warning light switches  
on to indicate this. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to  
the other or drive in a straight line for about a hundred metres.  
45  
Warning light  
What it means  
"DUALOGIC" GEARBOX FAILURE  
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few  
seconds.  
The warning light comes on flashing, along with a dedicated message on the display and an acoustic  
signal, to indicate gearbox failure.  
25)  
WARNING  
25) If the gearbox is faulty, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the system checked.  
46  
Amber warning lights  
Warning light  
What it means  
ABS FAILURE  
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 comes on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when the system is  
inefficient. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but without the advantage of  
the ABS system.  
Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.  
PASSENGER AIRBAG/SIDE BAGS DEACTIVATED  
The warning light is located on the dashboard in central position and switches on deactivating the front  
passenger airbag and the side airbag. With front passenger airbag on, when the ignition key is turned to  
MAR, the warning light switches on constantly for several seconds and then it should switch off.  
42)  
WARNING  
42) A failure of the  
warning light is indicated by the  
warning light switching on. In addition, the airbag system automatically disables the  
airbags on the passenger's side (front and side bags where provided). Before continuing, contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to have the  
system checked.  
47  
Warning light  
What it means  
City Brake Control - "Collision Mitigation" SYSTEM DEACTIVATED  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on when the City Brake Control - "Collision Mitigation" system is deactivated  
through the Setup Menu.  
INJECTION/EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE  
In normal conditions, when the ignition key is turned to MAR the warning light switches on, but it should  
switch off as soon as the engine is started.  
If the warning light remains on or switches on whilst driving, the injection system is not working properly; in  
particular, if the warning light switches on steadily, this indicates a malfunction in the supply/ignition system  
that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high  
fuel consumption.  
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at moderate speed without demanding  
excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of the vehicle with the warning light on constantly may  
cause damage: contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.  
The warning light switches off if the malfunction disappears, but is still stored by the system.  
NOTE For petrol engines, if the warning light flashes, the catalytic converter may be damaged. In this case,  
it is necessary to release the accelerator pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the warning light  
stops flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to avoid driving conditions that may cause  
further flashing and contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.  
26)  
WARNING  
26) Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible if the  
travelling, the warning light switches on or flashes (along with a message and a symbol on the display on some versions). The operation  
of the warning light may be checked by the traffic police using specific devices. Comply with the laws and regulations of the country  
where you are driving.  
warning light either does not light up when the key is turned to MAR or if, while  
48  
Warning light  
What it means  
ESC SYSTEM  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few  
seconds.  
If the warning light does not switch off or stays on while driving, on some versions along with a message  
on the display, contact a Fiat Dealership. Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the  
intervention of the ESC system.  
Hill Holder failure  
This warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, in the  
case of a Hill Holder system fault.  
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.  
ELD system failure  
(For versions/markets, where provided)  
This warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, in the  
case of an ELD system failure.  
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.  
FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAILURE  
The warning light (or the symbol on the display) switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated  
message on the display, to signal the Fiat CODE system failure.  
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.  
49  
Warning light  
What it means  
GLOW PLUG HEATING/GLOW PLUG HEATING FAILURE (diesel versions)  
Plug preheating  
This warning light switches on when the key is turned to MAR. It should switch off as soon as the heater  
plugs have reached a preset temperature. The engine can be started as soon as the warning light switches  
off.  
IMPORTANT At moderate or high ambient temperatures the warning light may stay on for an extremely  
short time.  
Heater plug preheating failure  
The warning light will flash, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, to indicate a  
fault in the plug preheating system.  
Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the fault fixed.  
FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE  
This warning light switches on when 5 to 7 litres of fuel are left in the tank. When the remaining range is  
lower than approx. 50 km (or equivalent value in miles), on some versions, the display will show a  
dedicated message.  
IMPORTANT The warning light will flash to indicate a system fault. If this is the case, go to a Fiat Dealership  
to have the system checked.  
REAR FOG LIGHT  
The warning light switches on when the rear fog light is activated.  
50  
Warning light  
What it means  
DPF (PARTICULATE FILTER) CLEANING IN PROGRESS (Diesel versions with DPF)  
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on but should switch off after a few  
seconds.  
The warning light switches on constantly, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the  
display, to notify the driver that the DPF system needs to eliminate captured pollutants (particulate) through  
the regeneration process.  
The warning light does not come on every time the DPF is being regenerated, rather only when the driving  
conditions are such that the driver needs to know it. To switch the warning light off, the vehicle must be  
kept moving until the regeneration process is completed. On average, the process lasts 15 minutes.  
Optimal conditions for completing the process are achieved by travelling at 60 km/h with engine speed  
above 2000 rpm.  
If this light switches on, it does not mean that the vehicle is defective, so there is no need to take it to a  
workshop.  
43)  
WARNING  
43) The driving speed must always be suitable for traffic and weather conditions and the driver must always comply with the Highway Code.  
The engine can also be switched off if the DPF warning light is on; nevertheless, repeated interruptions of the regeneration process could  
cause an early deterioration of engine oil. For this reason, always wait until the warning light switches off before stopping the engine as  
described above. Do not complete the DPF regeneration process when the vehicle is stopped.  
51  
Warning light  
What it means  
GENERAL FAILURE INDICATION  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light turns on in the following circumstances.  
Speed limit exceeded  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on when the speed limit set in the Setup Menu is exceeded. When the vehicle  
exceeds this value, on some versions a dedicated message is shown in the display and an acoustic signal  
is emitted.  
Fuel cut-off system intervention/failure  
This warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, in the  
case of fuel cut-off system activation/failure.  
Start&Stop system failure  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light comes on when a fault is detected in the Start&Stop system. In the event of a Start&Stop  
system failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.  
Temporary or permanent City Brake Control - "Collision Mitigation" system failure  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on, on some versions along with a message on the display, when a temporary  
or permanent City Brake Control - "Collision Mitigation" system fault is detected. If the fault is permanent:  
contact a Fiat Dealership to have the system checked.  
Airbag fault  
When this warning light starts flashing, for versions/markets where provided, this indicates an airbag  
warning light fault. In this case, the airbag may not indicate possible airbag system malfunctions. Contact a  
Fiat Dealership immediately.  
52  
Warning light  
What it means  
Parking sensor failure  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, when a  
fault is detected in the parking sensors.  
Exterior lights failure  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on when a fault is detected in one of the following lights: side lights, number  
plate lights, rear fog lights, direction indicators, daytime running lights (DRL).  
Engine oil pressure sensor failure  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The engine oil pressure sensor failure is indicated by the activation of the warning light on the instrument  
panel.  
ELD system fault (Panda Cross and Panda 4x4 versions)  
The warning light switches on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, when a  
fault is detected in the 4x4 drive. Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.  
Water in diesel filter (diesel versions)  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
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 switches on when water is detected in the diesel filter. On certain versions a  
dedicated message is displayed.  
27)  
WARNING  
27) If the  
warning light switches on (on some versions together with the dedicated message on the display), contact a Fiat Dealership as  
soon as possible to have the system bled. If the above indication occurs immediately after refuelling, water may have entered the tank: turn  
the engine off immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.  
53  
Warning light  
What it means  
iTPMS  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
Tyre pressure low  
The warning light switches on constantly to indicate that the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended  
value, in order to guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption, or to indicate a slow loss of pressure.  
In this way the iTPMS warns the driver that one or more tyres may be flat and probably punctured. In this  
case it is advisable to restore the correct pressure value. Once the normal operating conditions of the  
vehicle are restored, carry out the Tyre reset procedure.  
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop  
the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering.  
iTPMS failure/iTPMS temporarily deactivated  
The warning light flashes for about 75 seconds and then stays on constantly (along with a dedicated  
message on the display) to indicate that the system is temporarily deactivated or faulty. The system goes  
back to normal operation when the operating conditions allow it. If this is not the case, carry out the Tyre  
reset procedure after restoring the normal operating conditions.  
If the malfunction warning persists, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.  
LPG FUEL RESERVE  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
The warning light switches on when the residual quantity of LPG drops below 1/5 of the tank capacity. On  
certain versions a dedicated message is displayed.  
METHANE RESERVE (Natural Power versions)  
The warning light switches on when the residual quantity of Methane drops below 1/5 of the tank capacity.  
On certain versions a dedicated message is displayed.  
54  
Green warning lights  
Warning light  
What it means  
ELD SYSTEM (Panda Cross and Panda 4x4 versions)  
The warning light on flashing indicates activation of the electronic locking differential (ELD) function.  
HDC SYSTEM (Panda Cross versions)  
The warning light on constantly, along with a dedicated message on the display, indicates activation of the  
HDC function. Deactivation of the function is signalled by flashing of the warning light, by an acoustic  
warning and by a dedicated message on the display.  
PETROL/LPG SWITCHING  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
Warning light on constantly: petrol operation.  
Warning light off: LPG operation.  
PETROL/METHANE SWITCHING  
(for versions/markets, where provided)  
Warning light on constantly: petrol operation.  
Warning light off: Methane operation.  
FRONT FOG LIGHTS  
The warning light comes on when the front fog lights are turned on.  
SIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME  
Side lights and dipped beam headlights  
The warning light switches on when the side lights or dipped headlights are turned on.  
Follow Me Home  
The warning light comes on, on some versions along with a dedicated message on the display, when the  
"Follow me home" device is used.  
55  
Warning light  
What it means  
LEFT DIRECTION INDICATOR  
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator control lever is moved downwards or, together with  
the right indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.  
RIGHT DIRECTION INDICATOR  
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator control lever is moved upwards or, together with the  
left indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.  
Blue warning lights  
Warning light  
What it means  
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS  
The warning light switches on when the main beam headlights are turned on.  
Symbols and messages on the display  
Symbol or message  
What it means  
The symbol is displayed, along with a dedicated message, in the event of an LPG system failure.  
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible, running on petrol.  
The symbol is displayed, along with a dedicated message, in the event of a methane supply system failure.  
In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible, running on petrol.  
56  
Symbol or message  
What it means  
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE  
The symbol appears and all the notches disappear in the event of fuel gauge sensor failure. Contact a Fiat  
Dealership as soon as possible.  
The message is displayed when the Start&Stop system is activated/deactivated by pressing the  
in the central part of the dashboard.  
button  
START&STOP  
(For versions/markets, where  
provided)  
With the Start&Stop system on, the LED on the button is off; if the system is deactivated the LED comes  
on.  
With the "HDC" on, the following messages can be displayed.  
HDC on  
HDC  
HDC off  
(Panda Cross versions)  
HDC cannot be activated  
HDC off, wait for the brakes to cool down  
When the next scheduled service is approaching, the word “Service” appears on the display, followed by  
the number of kilometres or miles left. 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).  
SERVICE  
Go to a Fiat Dealership, where the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" operations will be performed and the  
message will be reset.  
57  
Symbol or message  
What it means  
For versions equipped with "Dualogic" gearbox, the following messages can be displayed:  
Reduce gear changes  
Manual mode unavailable  
Automatic mode not available  
Clutch overheating  
Press the brake pedal  
DUALOGIC GEARBOX  
Press the brake pedal - delayed start-up  
Gear not available  
Manoeuvre not allowed  
Press brake pedal and repeat manoeuvre  
Positioning of the gear lever at N (neutral).  
28) 29)  
WARNING  
28) If the messages continue to be shown in the display, contact a Fiat Dealership.  
29) In order to safeguard the efficiency of the clutch, do not use the accelerator to keep the car stationary (e.g. when stopped on an incline);  
if the clutch overheats it could damage it; use the brake pedal instead and only use the accelerator pedal when you decide to set off.  
58  

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