Get STARTING AND DRIVING Guide for Fiat Panda SUV Second Generation (2003-2012)

STARTING AND DRIVING

Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:

seeing how you can exploit all of its

potential to the full.

STARTING THE ENGINE................. 92

PARKING THE VEHICLE ................. 93

MANUAL GEARBOX ....................... 94

DUALOGIC GEARBOX.................... 95

MODE SELECTOR.......................... 96

We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any

situation, so that it can be a welcome

companion, with our comfort and

our wallets in mind.

DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC POWER

STEERING ...................................... 97

ECO FUNCTION ............................. 98

STOP/START SYSTEM ................... 99

PARKING SENSORS.......................100

REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........101

TOWING TRAILERS ........................103

91

Diesel versions

VERSIONS WITH

DUALOGIC GEARBOX

STARTING THE

ENGINE

Proceed as follows:

118)

engage the handbrake, put the gear

lever into neutral and turn the ignition

Engine starting is allowed both with a

gear engaged and with the gearbox

in neutral (N).

116) 117)

key to MAR: the warning lights

on the instrument panel will turn

and

38) 39) 40) 41)

However, the brake pedal must always

be pressed first if neutral is not

engaged. It is therefore advisable to

place the gear lever in neutral (N) before

starting the engine.

Before starting the engine, adjust the

seat, the interior rear view mirrors,

the door mirrors and fasten the seat

belt correctly.

on;

wait for the warning lights

to turn off and then fully depress

and

the clutch pedal without pressing the

accelerator;

Never press the accelerator pedal for

starting the engine.

LPG AND NATURAL

POWER VERSIONS

turn the ignition key to AVV as soon

switches off.

as warning light

Release the ignition key as soon as the

engine starts.

The engine always starts up on petrol

independently of the mode previously

selected.

VERSIONS WITH MANUAL

GEARBOX

Petrol versions

42)

IMPORTANT If the engine does not

start at the first attempt, return the

ignition key to STOP before repeating

the procedure. If, with the ignition

Proceed as follows:

STOPPING THE ENGINE

engage the handbrake and place

the gear lever in neutral. For 0.9

TwinAir and 0.9 TwinAir Turbo

versions engage the handbrake and

place the gear lever in neutral or fully

press the clutch pedal if a gear other

than neutral is engaged;

43)

Turn the ignition key to STOP while the

engine is idling.

key at MAR, the warning lights

and

(only for petrol versions) stay on

in the instrument panel, the ignition key

must be brought back to STOP and

IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,

before turning the engine off you should

allow it to idle to allow the temperature

in the engine compartment to

decrease.

then to MAR again. If the

warning

for all versions (except 0.9

TwinAir Turbo) fully depress the clutch

pedal, without pressing the accelerator;

light stays on, retry with the other

keys provided. Contact a Fiat

Dealership if you still cannot start the

engine.

turn the ignition key to AVV and

release it as soon as the engine starts.

92

41) Never bump start the engine by

PARKING THE

VEHICLE

pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This

could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic

converter and damage it beyond repair.

WARNING

When parking and leaving the car,

proceed as follows:

42) There must therefore always be some

petrol in the tank to protect the petrol

pump and to guarantee temporary

switching from LPG or Methane to petrol

operation, if high performance is required.

116) It is dangerous to run the engine in

enclosed areas. The engine takes in

oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,

carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.

engage a gear (1st gear if facing

uphill or reverse if facing downhill) and

leave the wheels turned;

117) Remember that the brake servo

and power steering are not operational until

the engine has been started, therefore

you need to apply much more force than

usual to the brake pedal and steering

wheel.

43) A quick burst on the accelerator

before stopping the engine serves no

practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is

especially damaging to turbocharged

engines.

stop the engine and engage the

handbrake;

always remove the ignition key.

Block the wheels with a wedge or a

stone if the car is parked on a steep

slope.

118) If the engine fails to start with a gear

engaged, the potentially dangerous

situation due to the fact that the gearbox is

automatically placed in neutral will be

signalled by an acoustic signal.

On versions equipped with Dualogic

transmission, wait for the letter P to be

displayed before releasing the brake

pedal.

WARNING Never leave the car with the

gearbox in neutral (or, on versions

equipped with Dualogic transmission,

before putting the gear lever in the

P position).

WARNING

38) If the warning light flashes for 60

seconds after starting or during an

extended towing period, this indicates a

problem in the glow plug pre-heating

system. You can use the vehicle as usual if

the engine starts but you should contact

a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.

Handbrake

194) 195) 196)

39) It is advisable not to demand maximum

performance from your vehicle (e.g.

excessive acceleration, long distances at

maximum rpm, excessively intense braking,

etc.) when it is first used.

The handbrake lever is located between

the two front seats.

Handbrake engagement: pull lever A

fig. 77 upwards until the vehicle is

braked.

40) When the engine is off, do not leave

the key turned to MAR to prevent

unnecessary electrical consumption from

draining the battery.

93

IMPORTANT Reverse can only be

engaged when the vehicle is completely

stationary. With the engine running,

wait for at least 2 seconds with the

clutch pedal fully pressed before

engaging reverse to prevent damage to

the gears and grating.

MANUAL GEARBOX

122)

44)

To engage the gears, press the clutch

pedal fully and put the gear lever into

the required position (the diagram

for gear engagement is shown on the

knob fig. 78).

IMPORTANT The clutch pedal should

be used only for gear changes. Do

not drive with your foot resting on the

clutch pedal, however lightly. For

versions/markets where provided, the

electronic clutch pedal control could cut

in, interpreting the incorrect driving

style as a fault.

F1D0146

77

Handbrake disengagement: slightly

raise lever A and hold button B

pressed, checking that the

warning

light switches off in the instrument

panel.

WARNING

F1D0069

78

For 0.9 TwinAir, 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and

1.2 8v 69 HP versions: to engage

reverse R from neutral, raise ring A fig.

78 underneath the knob and, at the

same time, shift the lever to the right

and then backwards.

119) Never leave children unattended in

the car. Always remove the key from the

ignition when leaving the car and take

it with you.

122) Depress the clutch pedal fully to

change gear correctly. It is therefore

essential that there is nothing under the

pedals: make sure the mats are lying

flat and do not get in the way of the

pedals.

120) The car should be braked after a few

clicks of the lever, if it is not, contact a

Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.

For version 1.3 16v MultiJet : to engage

reverse R from neutral position, shift

the lever to the right and then back.

121) In the case of parking manoeuvres on

roads on a gradient, the front wheels

must be steered towards the pavement

(when parking downhill), or in the opposite

direction if the vehicle is parked uphill.

Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if

the car is parked on a steep slope.

WARNING

44) Do not drive with your hand resting on

the gear lever as the force exerted, even

if slight, could lead over time to premature

wear of the internal gearbox components.

94

The unstable positions, in other words

those that are abandoned as soon

as the lever is released, are the

positions for requesting a higher gear

(+), requesting a lower gear (–) and

requesting automatic operating mode

(A/M).

AUTOMATIC MODE

DUALOGIC

GEARBOX

(for versions/markets, where provided)

Proceed as follows:

press the brake pedal;

start the engine;

if AUTO does not appear on the

display, move the gear lever A fig. 79 to

A/M to select AUTOMATIC mode;

45)

The vehicle can be equipped with an

electronically controlled manual

gearbox known as Dualogic which

allows two operating modes: MANUAL

and AUTO.

IMPORTANT With the engine started,

any error between the lever position

and the gear actually engaged is

signalled by a buzzer until consistency

is restored.

push the gear lever towards (+) to

engage 1st gear (if starting from N or R,

simply place the lever in the middle

position) or R to engage reverse;

GEAR LEVER

release the brake pedal and press

the accelerator pedal: the gear most

suited to the vehicle speed will be

engaged.

The gear lever A fig. 79, located on the

dashboard, is floating multistable type,

i.e. it has three stable positions and

three unstable positions.

MANUAL MODE

Proceed as follows:

press the brake pedal and start the

engine;

AUTO-ECO OPERATION

To activate the function press the ECO

button fig. 80 on the central tunnel.

The ECO function can be only activated

only with automatic mode active.

if AUTO appears on the display,

move the lever A fig. 79 to A/M to

select MANUAL mode;

push gear lever A towards (+) to

engage first gear (if starting from N or

R, simply place the lever in the middle

position) or R to engage reverse;

release the brake pedal and press

the accelerator pedal;

F1D0107

79

in driving conditions, push lever A of

the gearbox towards (+) to engage

the next gear up or towards (–) to

engage the next gear down.

The three stable positions correspond

to neutral (N), reverse (R) and the

central position located between the

unstable positions (+) and (-).

F1D0108

80

95

With the ECO function active, the

system will select the most suitable

gear depending on the vehicle speed,

engine rpm and intensity with which the

accelerator pedal is pressed, with the

aim of limiting fuel consumption.

"AUTO" MODE

MODE SELECTOR

(Panda Cross versions)

It is a driving mode aimed at comfort

and safety in normal grip and driving

conditions.

This device allows, using the ring nut of

the knob fig. 81 (on the central tunnel),

three vehicle response modes to be

selected according to driving style and

road conditions:

"OFF ROAD" MODE

It is a driving mode aimed at setting off

in poor grip conditions on low-grip

road surfaces (e.g. snow, ice, mid, etc.).

“Kick Down” FUNCTION

(for versions/markets, where provided)

If necessary (e.g. when overtaking),

the system downshifts one or more

gears when the accelerator pedal

is depressed beyond the point where it

becomes stiff (and if the rpm allow it)

in order to provide suitable power and

torque for the acceleration requested

by the driver.

Engagement

Rotate the ring nut fig. 81 to the right

and hold in this position for half a

second, until the corresponding LED

lights up and “Off Road” mode

activation indicator appears on the

display with a dedicated message.

When the "Off Road" mode is activated,

the presetting for ELD system

IMPORTANT The use of the “Kick

Down” function is recommended only

when overtaking or accelerating quickly,

in order not to increase fuel

F1D0116

81

intervention activates automatically.

1 = AUTO mode;

IMPORTANT When the "Off Road"

mode is activated, the Stop/Start

system is temporarily disabled.

consumption.

2 = OFF ROAD mode;

3 = HDC function.

The ring nut is monostable type. In

other words, it always remains in a

central position. The selected driving

mode is indicated by the corresponding

LED switching on the knob and by an

indication on the display.

Temporary deactivation of the system

switches on the corresponding LED on

the trim (located on the central

WARNING

45) Avoid keeping your hand on this lever

except during gear change or AUTO/

MANUAL mode requests.

dashboard). To activate the Stop/Start

function, with "Off Road" mode on,

press the button on the dashboard

trim. However, when the "Off Road"

mode is deactivated, the Stop/Start

system is enabled again.

96

IMPORTANT When the "Off Road"

mode is activated, the City Brake

Control system is temporarily

"HDC" FUNCTION

DUALDRIVE

ELECTRIC POWER

STEERING

This driving function permits a constant

vehicle speed to be maintained

downhill.

deactivated. Temporarily deactivation of

the system results in the switching on

123) 124)

Engagement/Disengagement

This only operates with the key turned

to MAR and the engine started. The

steering allows the force required at the

steering wheel to be adjusted to suit

driving conditions.

of the

warning light on the

instrument panel. When the "Off Road"

mode is deactivated, the City Brake

Control system is enabled again.

For engaging/disengaging the HDC

function refer to the "Active safety

systems" paragraph in the "Safety"

chapter.

Disengagement

FAILURE OF THE MODE

SELECTOR SYSTEM

IMPORTANT When turning the ignition

key quickly, full power steering

functionality can be achieved after a

few seconds.

To deactivate the "Off Road" mode and

return to the "Auto" mode, rotate the

ring nut to the left and hold in this

position for half a second. In this case,

the LED corresponding to “Auto” mode

will light up and the “Off Road” mode

deactivation indication will appear

on the display.

IMPORTANT In the event of system

failure or a fault with knob, no driving

modes can be selected. The display will

show a dedicated message.

CITY FUNCTION

ACTIVATION/

DEACTIVATION

IMPORTANT In this case it is not

advisable trying to drive down roads

with a steep gradient, the system

cannot help the driver in any way.

Press the CITY fig. 82 button to

activate/deactivate the function. The

activation of the function is signalled by

the word CITY on the display (in some

versions it is signalled by the word CITY

appearing on the instrument panel).

When the CITY function is on, the

steering wheel effort is lighter, making

parking easier: therefore, this function is

particularly useful for driving in city

centres.

IMPORTANT If “Off Road” or “Auto”

mode was active when the engine was

stopped, the next time it is started

the mode that was selected is

reactivated.

97

124) Before servicing the vehicle, switch off

the engine and remove the key from the

ignition switch to activate the steering lock.

This is especially important when the

vehicle wheels are not touching the

ground. If this is not possible (for example if

the key needs to be turned to MAR or the

engine must be running), remove the

main fuse that protects the electric power

steering.

ECO FUNCTION

(for versions/markets, where provided)

To activate the function press the ECO

button fig. 83.

F1D0025

82

IMPORTANT During parking

manoeuvres requiring a lot of steering,

the steering may become harder; this is

normal and is due to the intervention

of the system to protect the electric

steering motor from overheating so no

intervention is required. When the

vehicle is used again later on,

F1D0140

83

When the ECO function is active, the

car is set for driving characterised

by reduced fuel consumption. When

the function is active, the

the power steering will work normally.

corresponding LED on the button

switches on.

This function stays in the memory and,

when the vehicle is started again, the

system keeps the setting it had before

the engine was stopped. Press the

ECO button again to deactivate the

function and restore the normal driving

setting.

WARNING

123) It is absolutely forbidden to carry out

any after-market operation involving

steering system or steering column

modifications (e.g. installation of anti-theft

device) that could adversely affect

performance and safety, invalidate the

warranty and also result in non-compliance

of the vehicle with type-approval

requirements.

98

126) Before opening the bonnet, make

sure that the engine is off and that the

ignition key is in the STOP position. Please

follow the instructions on the decal near

the front crossmember. We recommend

that you remove the key from the ignition if

other people remain in the vehicle. Exit

from the vehicle only after having removed

the ignition key or having rotated it to the

STOP position. During refuelling, make sure

that the engine is off and that the ignition

key is in the STOP position.

MANUAL SYSTEM

ACTIVATION/

DEACTIVATION

STOP/START

SYSTEM

To activate/deactivate the system

manually, press the fig. 84 button on

the dashboard control trim.

125) 126)

46)

The Stop/Start system automatically

stops the engine when the vehicle

is stationary and starts it again when

the driver wants to move off. This

reduces consumption, the emission of

harmful gases and noise pollution.

LED off: system deactivated.

LED on: system deactivated.

WARNING

OPERATING MODE

Engine stopping mode: with the

vehicle stopped, the engine stops with

gearbox in neutral and clutch pedal

released.

46) If climate comfort is to be favoured, the

Stop/Start system can be disabled, for a

continuous operation of the climate control

system.

Note The engine can only be stopped

automatically after exceeding a speed

of about 10 km/h, to prevent the engine

from being repeatedly stopped when

driving at walking pace.

F1D0040

84

WARNING

Restarting the engine: press the

clutch pedal to restart the engine.

125) If the battery needs to be replaced,

always contact a Fiat Dealership. The

replacement battery should be of the same

type (HEAVY DUTY) and should have the

same characteristics.

99

OPERATION WITH A

TRAILER

the presence of ultrasonic systems

(e.g. pneumatic brake systems of

trucks or pneumatic drills) near the

vehicle could alter the signals sent to

the sensor;

PARKING SENSORS

Sensor operation is automatically

deactivated when the trailer's electric

cable plug is fitted in the vehicle's

tow hook socket. The sensors are

automatically reactivated when the

trailer's cable plug is removed.

127)

47)

SENSORS

the variation in sensor position,

caused by variation in ride (due

to suspension or shock absorber wear),

changing tyres, overloaded vehicle, or

tuning that lowers the vehicle, for

example, may affect parking sensor

system performance;

The sensors are located in the rear

bumper fig. 85 and their function is to

detect the presence of any obstacles

near the rear part of the vehicle and

inform the driver, through an

IMPORTANT

INFORMATION

When parking, take the utmost care

over obstacles that may be above

or under the sensor.

intermittent acoustic signal.

the presence of a tow hook without

trailer interferes with the correct

operation of the parking sensors. If a

fixed tow hook is installed, the sensors

cannot be used. If the customer installs

a removable tow hook, this must

always be disconnected from

Objects close to the vehicle are not

detected under certain circumstances

and could therefore cause damage

to the vehicle or be damaged.

The following conditions may influence

the performance of the parking

assistance system:

the crossmember whenever the trailer

is not attached to prevent the activation

of the sensors.

the presence of ice, snow, mud or

multiple layers of paint on the surface of

the sensor may reduce its sensitivity

and the system performance;

F1D0045

85

ACTIVATION/

DEACTIVATION

The sensors are automatically activated

when reverse is engaged. As the

obstacle behind the vehicle gets closer,

the acoustic signal becomes more

frequent.

mechanical interference (e.g.

washing the vehicle, rain, strong wind,

hail) may cause the sensor to detect

a non-existent obstacle ("echo

interference");

100

To refuel proceed as follows:

REFUELLING THE

VEHICLE

open flap A fig. 86, pulling it

outwards;

WARNING

introduce the dispenser in the filler

and refuel;

127) The responsibility for parking and

other dangerous manoeuvres always and

in every case lies with the driver. While

carrying out these manoeuvres, always

make sure that no people (especially

children) or animals are in the area

concerned. The parking sensors are used

to assist the driver, who must never allow

his attention to lapse during potentially

dangerous manoeuvres, even those

executed at low speeds.

128) 129) 130)

Always stop the engine before

refuelling.

after refuelling, before removing the

dispenser, wait for at least 10 seconds

in order for the fuel to flow inside the

tank;

PETROL ENGINES

Only use unleaded petrol, with an

octane number (R.O.N.) not lower than

95. In order to prevent damage to the

catalytic converter never introduce even

the smallest amount of leaded petrol,

even in the event of an emergency.

then remove the dispenser from the

filler and close flap A.

WARNING

DIESEL ENGINES

Only use Diesel for motor vehicles

(EN590 specification).

47) The sensors must be clean of mud,

dirt, snow or ice in order for the system to

operate correctly. Be careful not to scratch

or damage the sensors while cleaning

them. Avoid using dry, rough or hard

cloths. The sensors must be washed using

clean water, with the addition of vehicle

shampoo if necessary. When using special

washing equipment such as high pressure

jets or steam cleaning, clean the sensors

very quickly keeping the jet more than

10 cm away.

When using or parking the car for a

long time in the mountains or cold

areas, it is advisable to refuel using

locally available diesel. In this case, it is

also advisable to keep the tank over

50% full.

REFUELLING

PROCEDURE

48)

Diesel and petrol versions

The refuelling procedure described

below is illustrated on the label B fig. 86

located inside the fuel flap. The label

also indicates the fuel type (UNLEADED

FUEL=petrol, DIESEL=diesel fuel).

F1D0047

86

101

Flap A fig. 86 is provided with a dust

cover gaiter C which prevents deposits

of impurities and dust at the end of

the filler when the flap is closed.

LPG versions

To access the LPG filler, open the

access flap A fig. 88 and undo the cap

B.

Emergency refuelling

Proceed as follows:

open the luggage compartment and

take the adapter B fig. 87 located in

the tool box (versions equipped with

space-saver wheel - for versions/

markets, where provided) or in the

Fix&Go Airflat container (versions

equipped with Fix&Go Airflat);

F1D0114

88

Observe the following precautions

during the refuelling operation:

switch off the engine;

apply the handbrake;

turn the ignition key to STOP;

do not smoke;

F1D0115

89

IMPORTANT Depending on the country,

there are various types of adapters for

LPG refuelling pumps. Filler adapter,

supplied with the vehicle and located in

a special case, is specifically designed

for the country in which the vehicle is

sold. If you are in a different country,

find out what type of adaptor is used

there.

hand the special adapter A fig. 89

over to the qualified LPG refuelling

personnel.

F1D0048

87

open flap A, pulling it outwards;

introduce the adapter B in the filler

and refuel;

after refuelling, remove the adapter

and close the flap, then reintroduce the

adapter in its casing and put it back

in the luggage compartment.

102

130) Do not use a mobile phone near the

refuelling pump: risk of fire.

Natural Power versions

TOWING TRAILERS

49)

131) 132)

To access filler B fig. 90, open the flap

and undo cap A turning it

counterclockwise.

IMPORTANT

WARNING

For towing motorhomes or trailers the

vehicle must be fitted with an approved

tow hook and an adequate electrical

system. Installation must be carried out

by a specialist.

The profile of filler B for refilling is the

universal type, compatible with Italian

and NGV1 standards. In some

European countries adapters are

considered ILLEGAL (e.g. in Germany).

48) For diesel engines, only use diesel fuel

for motor vehicles in accordance with

EN 590 European specifications. The use

of other products or mixtures may damage

the engine beyond repair and

consequently invalidate the warranty, due

to the damage caused. If you accidentally

introduce other types of fuel into the tank,

do not start the engine. Empty the tank.

If the engine has been run for even an

extremely limited amount of time, you must

not only drain the fuel tank, but the rest of

the supply circuit as well.

Install any specific and/or additional

door mirrors as specified by the

Highway Code.

Remember that when towing a trailer,

steep hills are harder to climb, braking

distances increase and overtaking

takes longer depending on the overall

weight of the trailer.

49) The other plates (provided with the

vehicle documents) show the date when

the first cylinder inspection/test is due.

Methane refuelling stations are not

authorised to refill the cylinders when the

inspection date has expired.

Engage a low gear when driving

downhill, rather than constantly using

the brake.

F1D0110

90

The weight the trailer exerts on the

vehicle tow hook reduces the vehicle's

loading capacity by the same amount.

To make sure that the maximum

towable weight is not exceeded (given

in the vehicle registration document)

account should be taken of the fully

laden trailer, including accessories and

luggage.

WARNING

128) Do not apply any object/plug to the

end of the filler which is not provided for

the car. The use of non-compliant

objects/caps could cause a pressure

increase inside the tank, resulting in

dangerous situations.

Do not exceed the speed limits specific

to each country you are driving in, in

the case of vehicles towing trailers.

In any case, the top speed must not

exceed 100 km/h.

129) Do not bring naked flames or lit

cigarettes near to the fuel filler: fire risk.

Keep your face away from the fuel filler to

prevent breathing in harmful vapours.

103

An electric brake (or electric winch)

should be supplied directly by the

battery through a cable with a cross

section of no less than 2.5 mm².

In addition to the electrical branches,

the vehicle electrical system can only

be connected to the supply cable for an

electric brake and to the cable for an

internal light for the trailer, not

exceeding 15 W. For connections, use

the preset control unit with a battery

cable with section not less than 2.5

mm².

WARNING

131) The ABS with which the vehicle is

equipped will not control the braking

system of the trailer. Particular caution is

required on slippery roads.

132) Never modify the braking system of

the vehicle to control the trailer brake.

The trailer braking system must be fully

independent of the vehicle’s hydraulic

system.

On Panda Cross and Panda 4x4

versions, in the event of prolonged

vehicle use at maximum tow capacity

on slopes, replacing engine oil more

frequently (every 10,000 km) is

advisable.

IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads

other than external lights (electric brake,

winch, etc.) must be used with engine

running.

IMPORTANT To install a tow hook

contact a Fiat Dealership.

104

STARTING AND DRIVING for Your Fiat Panda SUV Second Generation (2003-2012)

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