Fiat Palio 2003 User Manual
Dear New Car Owner,
Thank you for selecting Fiat and congratulations on your choice of a Fiat Palio.
We have produced this owner handbook to help you get to know all your Fiat Palio’s new features and use it
in the best possible way.
We suggest you to read it with the utmost attention prior to driving the car for the first time.
Information, suggestions and warnings, important for the use of the car, are contained in this owner handbook
and they will help you to derive the maximum from your Fiat Palio’s technological features. You will find indications for your own safety, the car’s well-being and about how to protect the environment.
You have also been given with Fiat Warranty (Owner’s Service Policy) Booklet, wherein you will find the
Warranty Certificate with the terms and the conditions for the maintenance of the car.
Best regards and happy motoring.
This Owner Handbook describes most of the features of the Fiat Palio. As a consequence, you should consider only that informa-
tion which is related to your version and optional which you have purchased.
Commitment to the Max
WELCOME ABOARD FIAT PALIO
Fiat Palio is a car presenting an original bodyline, designed to offer great driving satisfaction with full safety and
with maximum respect of the environment. Everything, from its new multivalve engine to its safety devices, from
its improved comfort for driver and passengers alike to its practical solutions, with the possibility of a large loading volume contributes to make you appreciate the personality of your new Fiat Palio.
And you will realise it later when you discover that its driving style and performance goes hand in hand with
new manufacturing processes that help cut running costs.
For instance, Fiat Palio only needs you to take it for its first servising
2
* Replace the engine oil every 7,500 kms or every 18 months.
Moving to the Max
THE SIGNS TO HELP YOU DRIVE CORRECTLY
The signs you see on this page are very important. They highlight those parts of the owner handbook where,
more than anywhere else, you should stop for a minute and read carefully.
As you can see, each sign has a different image to make it clear and easy to identify the subjects in the different areas:
Personal safety.
Attention. Total or partial failure to
follow these instructions can cause
serious danger for safety of people.
Protecting the environment.
It indicates the correct procedures to
follow to ensure that the car does not
harm the environment.
Well-being of the car.
Important: Total or partial failure to
follow these instructions will result
in the risk of serious damage to the
car and sometimes invalidates the
warranty as well.
3
4
Expansion tank
Do not remove the cap
when the coolant fluid is boiling.
Climate control tubing
Do not open.
High pressure gas.
Belts and pulleys
Moving parts; do not
expose any part of the
body or clothes.
SYMBOLS
On some components of your Fiat
Palio, or near them, are applied specified coloured labels, whose symbols
attract the attention and indicates
important precautions that the user
must observe towards the components under analysis.
A list of symbols to be found on
your Fiat Palio is given below with
the name of the component to which
it relates besides.
It is also indicates the meaning that
the symbol represents depending on
the subdivision of: danger, prohibition, warning, obligation, to which
the symbol belongs.
DANGER SYMBOLS
Coil
High voltage.
Battery
Corrosive fluid.
Battery
Explosion.
Fan
It can start when the
engine is switched off also.
5
Hydraulic power
steering
Do not exceed the maximum level of the fluid as indicated
on the tank. Use only the fluid prescribed in the “Refueling” chapter.
PROHIBITION SYMBOL WARNING SYMBOLS
Battery
Do not expose to open
flames.
Battery
Keep children away.
Heat guards - belts pulleys - fan
Do not put hands.
Catalytic converter
Do not stay on inflam-
mable surfaces. Refer to
the “Safeguard of the device reducing the emissions” chapter.
INJECTION SYSTEM
FAILURE (red) (diesel
versions)
When there is a fault in the injection
system.
The warning light should come on
when the ignition key is turned to
MAR and go out after a few seconds.
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER versions (amber) (diesel version)
When there is water in the diesel fuel filter. have the condense drained out
by a Fiat Dealership.
GLOW PLUGS
(amber)
(diesel version)
When the ignition key is turned to
the MAR position. The warning light
will go out when the glowplugs reach
the correct temperature
6
OBLIGATION SYMBOLS
Battery
Protect eyes.
Battery
Jack
Refer the owner
handbook.
Expansion tank
Use only the fluid pre-
scribed in the “Refueling” chapter.
Engine
Use only the lubricant
prescribed in the
“Refueling” chapter.
Unleaded fuel car
Use only unleaded fuel
87 R.O.N.
Windscreen wiper
Use only the fluid pre-
scribed in the “Refueling”
chapter.
Brake circuit
Do not exceed the max-
imum level of the fluid as
indicated on the tank. Use only the
fluid prescribed in the “Refueling”
chapter.
7
SUMMARY
READY TO GO
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
DRIVING YOUR CAR
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
READY TO GO
Sit comfortably in your car and get ready to...
read.
The following pages tell you everything you need to
know to start off in the best way: that is to say, in
total safety, right from the start.
In a few minutes you will be confident with warning
lights, instruments and main devices.
All adjustments must be made when the car is stationary.
DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT HOLDER ......... PAGE 9
INSTRUMENT PANEL .......................................... PAGE 10
KEYS............................................................................ PAGE 11
SEATS ........................................................................ PAGE 11
HEAD RESTS ........................................................... PAGE 11
SAFETY BELTS ........................................................ PAGE 12
STEERING COLUMN STALKS ........................... PAGE 13
REARVIEW MIRRORS ........................................... PAGE 14
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL ........................ PAGE 14
HAZARD LIGHTS .................................................. PAGE 14
COMMAND SWITCHES .......................................PAGE 15
ELECTRIC WINDOW WINDER ....................... PAGE 15
BOOT ........................................................................ PAGE 16
ENGINE BONNET ............................................... PAGE 16
DOORS ..................................................................... PAGE 17
AT THE FILLING STATION.................................. PAGE 18
8
9
1. Adjustable side air vents - 2. Vents for air dispatch to side windows - 3. Adjustable central air vents - 4. Commands and
pilot lights - 5. Sound system seat - 6. Switch for hazard lights - 7. Digital clock - 8. Command lever of windscreen/rear win-
dow wiper and washer - 9. Instrument panel and pilot lights - 10. Air bag - 11. External light command lever - 12. Object box -
13. Climate command - 14. Cigar lighter - 15. Ashtray - 16. Horn Pad - 17. Ignition switch - 18. Access to the fuse box -
19. Lever for opening hood to access engine.
P4E02269
DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT HOLDER
The presence and the position of the instruments and indicators may vary according to the version of your car.
fig. 1
10
VERSIONS 1.2 EL - ELX
A
- Fuel level gauge with reserve
warning light.
B - Speedometer, kilometre
counter and trip meter.
C - Engine coolant temp. gauge.
VERSIONS 1.6 - GTX
A
- Fuel level gauge with reserve
warning light.
B - Engine coolant temperature
gauge.
C - Speedometer, kilometre
counter and trip meter.
D - Rev counter.
fig. 2
P4E02270
fig. 3
P4E02271
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VERSION 1.9 D EL-ELX
A
- Fuel level gauge with reserve
warning light.
B - Engine coolant gauge.
C - Speedometer, kilometre
counter and trip meter.
D - Rev counter.
P4E02671
Note: Dial gauge background
colours for illustrative purpose only.
11
KEYS
A set of 2 keys are provided with
the car for fig. 5:
– ignition;
– locking/unlocking the front doors;
– locking/unlocking the boot.
STEERING COLUMN LOCK
It is automatically locked when the
ignition key is removed. It is
unlocked when the key is turned to
MAR; lightly move the steering
wheel in either direction if the rotation of the key is difficult.
fig. 5
P4E02062
HEAD RESTS
Adjust the headrest fig. 7 such that
the nape, and not the neck, rests on
them, making sure that they are
locked in the desired position. Refer
to the “Getting to know the car”
chapter.
SEATS
All adjustments must
be made when the car is
stationary.
Seat adjustment fig. 6.
A - To move the seat forwards or
backwards.
B - Seat back inclination adjust-
ment.
fig. 7
P4E01603
fig. 6
P4E01989
12
Adjusting the central rear seat
belt fig. 10
To tighten:
pull the end A (this
operation can be carried out also
with the seat belt already fastened).
To loosen: pull length B holding
the buckle at right-angles to the belt.
fig. 10
P4E01607
SAFETY BELTS
The adjustments
described below must be
performed before dri-
ving. Avoid performing these
operations when the car is in
motion.
Adjusting the height
of the front seat belts
Fig. 8:
fix the loop in point A or B
fig. 9
P4E01796
Fig. 9
To lift:
lift the loop C.
To lower: keeping the knob
pressed D move the loop C.
fig. 8
P4E01783
To ensure maximum
protection, keep the
backrest in the upright
position, lean back into the seat
and ensure that the seat belt
adheres closely to torso and
hips. Do not use the seat belt
when the seat back is reclined.
13
STEERING COLUMN STALKS
RIGHT-HAND STALK fig. 12
In position A = left turn indicator
lights on.
In position
B = right turn indicator
lights on.
Pulled towards the steering wheel
= flicks.
Ring turned on
O = lights switched
off.
Ring turned on 3
= parking
lights on.
Ring turned on
2
= Low beams.
With ring turned on
2
& stalk
towards the dashboard = high beams.
Fig. 11
To fasten:
insert tongue A in B
on the buckle.
To loosen: press button C.
fig. 11
P4E01355
fig. 12
P4E02023
LEFT-HAND STALK fig. 13
Position A = Windscreen wipers
OFF.
Position
B = Intermittent wipe.
Position
C = Slow continuous
wipe.
Position
D = Quick continuous
wipe.
Position
E (not fixed) = Quick continuous wipe. This is a unique antipanic feature.
Stalk pulled towards the steering
wheel = windscreen washer activated.
Thrust towards the dashboard =
rear window washer/wiper.
Ring on O position = Rearwind
screen wiper OFF.
Ring at
''
position = Rear wind-
screen wiper ON.
fig. 13
P4E01682
14
HAZARD LIGHTS
To switch them on, press the
switch A-fig. 16.
To switch them off, press the
switch again.
The use of the hazard
lights is ruled by the
road code of the
Country in which you are driving and should be followed
accordingly.
fig. 16
P4E02286
fig. 15
P4E02285
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL
CONTROLS fig. 15
A
- To adjust the temperature.
B - Air recirculation selector.
C - Fan speed selector.
D - Air distribution control.
E - System on/off switch.
fig. 14
P4E02007
If the dimension of the
mirror causes difficulties
in a narrow place, fold
from the position 1 to the position 2.
REARVIEW MIRRORS
IMPORTANT The reflecting surface of the left-hand mirror is parabolic to increase viewing range.
Consequently, the dimension of the
reflected image is reduced, giving the
impression that the object is more
distant than it really is.
For the adjustment, operate knob
from inside of car
A-fig. 14.
15
COMMAND
SWITCHES
Switches fig. 17.
A - Rear windscreen heater switch.
B - Front fog light switch with LED.
C - A/C on/off switch.
ELECTRIC WINDOW WINDER
FRONT ELECTRICAL WINDOW WINDERS
Press the switch fig. 18 to lower
the window. Raise the switch to
wind up the window.
A - Switch for adjusting front left
window.
B - Switch for adjusting front right
window.
Each door handle has a switch on it
to raise/lower its window.
fig. 17
P4E02287
fig. 18
P4E02011
fig. 19
P4E02012
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS
fig. 19
A
- Switch on door handle.
B - Rear left-hand window switch.
C - Rear right-hand window switch.
D - Rear window enable switch.
16
ENGINE BONNET
To open: pull lever A-fig. 22.
Press lever B and lift the bonnet.
Insert the end of rod A-fig. 23 in
the recess B on the bonnet.
To close: remove rod
A from
recess B and refit it in its clip. Lower
the bonnet until it is about 20 cm
above the engine compartment and
let it fall. Make sure the bonnet is
locked.
fig. 22
P4E02124
Open the boot only
when the car is stationary.
EXTENDING THE BOOT
For extending the boot space by
adjusting the rear seat refer to the
chapter on “Getting to know your
car”.
fig. 21
P4E01944
BOOT
From outside the car: use ignition
key to open.
From inside the car: pull lever
A-
fig. 21.
Improper use of the
electrical windows can be
dangerous.
Before and during their operation ensure that passengers are
not at risk from the moving glass
either by personal objects getting
caught in the mechanism or by
being injured by it directly.
Always remove the ignition key
when you get out of the car to
prevent the electric windows being operated accidentally and
constituting a danger to the people left in the car.
fig. 20
P4E01791
MANUAL WINDOWS fig. 20
To wind down/up the door windows operate the command A handles.
17
DOORS
Turn the key fig. 24:
1 - door locked.
2 - door unlocked
Pull the handle to open.
From inside:
– to open - pull handle
A-fig. 25;
– safety lock - with the door closed
press the lever
A.
It is possible to insert the safety
lock with open door only on the passenger side on versions without centralized locking.
fig. 24
P4E01367
fig. 25
P4E02015
CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING
SYSTEM
To lock/unlock all the doors at the
same time:
– from outside the car, turn the key
in the lock;
– from inside the car, with closed
door, press (to lock) or pull(to
unlock) one of the front door opening lever.
The bonnet should be
opened only when the
car is stationary.
fig. 23
P4E01365
18
AT THE FILLING
STATION
Refuel the car with unleaded fuel
only with octane-number (R.O.N.)
equal to 87.
Lift the lever
A-fig. 27 to unlock
the access door of fuel tank plug.
fig. 27
P4E01945
When refueling, position the plug in
the adequate seat on the door, as
shown in fig. 28.
CHILD SAFETY LOCK
(rear doors)
This ensures that the rear doors
cannot be opened from inside the
car.
With the head of the ignition key
turn the device
A-fig. 26.
Position
1 - activated device.
Position
2 - deactivated device (a
little yellow mark certificates the
occurred connection).
fig. 26
P4E01612
19
Ideally, refuel the car
before the reserve warning light illuminates.
Driving in fuel shortage conditions can cause irregular supply
with negative effects on the
exhaust and catalytic system.
A damaged catalytic
convertor means harmful emissions and conse-
quent environment pollution.
NEVER go close to the
tank filler with naked
flames or lit cigarettes:
Also avoid going too close to
the fuel tank filler area, to avoid
inhaling harmful vapours.
NEVER fill leaded fuel
in the car (even in an
emergency) as the cat-
alytic muffler will get irrebarably damaged.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
You should read this chapter sitting comfortably in
your new Fiat Palio. This way you can see the parts
described in the handbook at a glance and immediately check out what you have just read for yourself.
You will quickly become familiar with your Fiat Palio,
and its control and other features. Later, when you start
the engine and join the traffic, you will make a host of
other pleasant discoveries.
INSTRUMENTS ......................................................... PAGE 33
WARNING LIGHTS ................................................ PAGE 35
HEATING/
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ............................ PAGE 37
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ....... PAGE 38
STEERING COLUMN STALKS ............................. PAGE 41
CONTROLS ............................................................... PAGE 43
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT ........................................ PAGE 45
DOORS ........................................................................ PAGE 48
BOOT .......................................................................... PAGE 51
BONNET .................................................................... PAGE 54
HEADLIGHTS ............................................................ PAGE 56
ABS ............................................................................... PAGE 56
AIR BAG ...................................................................... PAGE 58
SOUND SYSTEM....................................................... PAGE 60
AT THE FILLING STATION ................................. PAGE 62
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT ............... PAGE 63
20
KEYS ............................................................................. PAGE 21
IGNITION SWITCH ............................................... PAGE 21
INDIVIDUAL SETTINGS ........................................ PAGE 22
SEAT BELTS ............................................................... PAGE 24
TRANSPORTING CHILDREN IN SAFETY ...... PAGE 29
PRETENSIONER ....................................................... PAGE 32
21
IGNITION
SWITCH
The key can turn to 4 different po-
sitions fig. 2:
–
STOP: engine switched off, extractable key, steering column lock.
Some electrical devices (e.g. door centralized lock etc.) remain operational.
–
MAR: ride position. All electrical
devices are operational.
–
AVV: engine starting.
–
PARK: engine switched-off, parking lights switched on, extractable key,
steering column lock. To turn the key
in PARK position, press the button
A.
In the event of a breakin (e.g. attempted theft),
have the car checked at a
Fiat Dealership prior to driving
again.
fig. 1
P4E02062
KEYS
Two keys are provided with the car
& (fig. 1) they are used for:
– the ignition;
– the front doors;
– the boot door.
Together with the keys, a self-stick
label is supplied. On this label is reported the number to be quoted to
Fiat Dealership when ordering duplicate keys.
fig. 2
P4E02017
When getting out of the
car, always remove the
key, to avoid someone ac-
cidentally activating the controls.
Remember to engage the hand
brake, ensuring complete lockup
of the car, engage gear and leave
the wheels steered. If the car is
parked on a very sloping road, we
recommend you lock the wheels
also with a wedge or a stone.
Never leave children alone in an
unattended car.
Once you have released the lever,
check that the seat is firmly locked in
the runners by trying to move it back
and forth. Failure to lock the seat in
place could result the seat moving suddenly and the driver losing control of
the car.
Adjusting the reclining seat
back
Turn knob B-fig. 3 until the back
reaches the reclination you desire.
Do not remove the seats
nor carry out maintenance and/or repair oper-
ations on them. Improper operations can compromise safety device operation. Always go to a Fiat Dealership.
22
Moving the seat backwards or
forwards
Lift the lever A-fig. 3 and push the
seat forwards or backwards; you are
in the correct position for driving
when your hands are resting on the
steering wheel rim and your arms are
slightly bent.
Only make adjustments
when the car is stationary.
STEERING COLUMN LOCK
Engagement:
After turning the key
to position STOP or PARK remove it
and turn the steering wheel till it locks .
To release: Gently move the steering wheel from side to side as you turn
the ignition key to MAR.
Never remove the ignition key while the car is
moving. The steering
wheel will automatically lock as
soon as you turn it. This also applies when the car is being towed.
INDIVIDUAL SETTINGS
FRONT SEATS fig. 3
fig. 3
P4E01989
23
HEAD RESTS
Front seats fig. 4
To improve passenger safety, the
height of the head restraints can be adjusted. They lock into place automatically.
fig. 4
P4E01603
Remember that the
head restraints should be
adjusted to support the
back of your head and not your
neck. Only if they are in this position will they be able to provide
effective protection in the event
of a rear-end shunt.
DRIVING MIRROR fig. 6
This mirror can be adjusted. Move
lever A to shift the mirror to the following positions:
1) anti glare position;
2) standard position.
fig. 6
P4E01375
24
SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS
(for the front seats) fig. 8
To fasten the seat belts, take the
tongue of fastener A and push it into
buckle B, until you hear it click.
Pull the seat belt gently. If it jams, let
it rewind a little then pull it out again
without jerking.
fig. 8
P4E01376
DOOR MIRRORS
To adjust, operate the knob inside
the car A-fig. 7.
Make sure that the car is stationary
and the handbrake is on before you
adjust mirrors.
The reflecting surface
of the left-hand mirror is
parabolic to increase
viewing range. Consequently,
the dimension of the reflected
image is reduced, giving the
impression that the object is
more distant than it really is.
fig. 7
P4E02007
When driving, the door
mirrors must always be in
the extended position 1.
If the mirror makes it
difficult to get through
narrow gaps, fold it from
1-fig. 7 to position 2.
25
To unfasten the seat belts, press button C. Guide the seat belt with your
hand while it is rewinding, to prevent
it from twisting.
The seat belt reel mechanism will
adapt the belt to the body of the person wearing it, offering freedom of
movement.
When the car is parked on a steep
slope the reel mechanism may lock;
this is normal.
The reel mechanism prevents the
webbing coming out when it is jerked
or if the car brakes sharply, as in a collision or when cornering at high speed.
To ensure maximum
protection, keep the
backrest in the upright
position, lean back into the seat
and ensure that the seat belt adheres closely to torso and hips.
Do not use the seat belt when the
seat back is reclined.
Always adjust the height of the seat
belt to fit the person wearing it. This
could greatly reduce the risk of injury
in the case of collision.
The belt is adjusted properly when
the webbing passes approximately
halfway between the edge of the
shoulder and the neck.
ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF
THE SEAT BELTS
Make the height adjustment when the car is stationary.
fig. 9
P4E01783
Adjust the seat belt height only when
the car is stationary.
Fig. 9: fasten the loop in A or B.
Fig. 10: The seat belt can be adjust-
ed on four different heights.
To raise the belt: raise loop C to
the required position.
To lower the belt: press knob (D)
and move loop (C) down to the required position at the same time.
After adjustment always check that
the seat belt is locked by pushing loop
C downwards without pressing knob
D.
fig. 10
P4E01796
26
Releasing knob D, press
a little further to trigger
the anchor device. This
ensures the belt is locked into a
stable position if not already
done.
27
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE USE OF THE SEAT
BELTS
The driver is obliged to respect (and
check that the car occupants respect)
all local traffic laws regarding the use
of seat belts.
Always fasten seat belt.
To travel with seat belts
unfastened increases the
risk of serious injury or death in
the event of a crash.
fig. 13
P4E02064
If the seat belt is subjected to high stress, for
example after a collision,
it must be replaced completely
together with the anchors, anchor fixing screws and the pretensioner, if the car is equipped
with, in fact, even if the seat belt
does not seem damaged, the seat
belt could have lost its resistance
proprieties.
The belt webbing must
not be twisted, make sure
that it is well stretched
out and fits close to the passenger’s body. The upper section
must pass over the shoulder and
cross the chest diagonally. The
lower section must fit close
across the passenger’s hips and
not the abdomen to prevent
them sliding forward fig. 13. Do
not use devices (clips, fasteners
etc.) to prevent the belt adhering
to the passenger’s body.
28
Do not travel with a
child sitting on the lap of
a passenger using one
seat belt to protect both (fig. 14).
Seat belts are also to be worn by expectant mothers: the risk of injury in
the case of accident is greatly reduced
for them and the unborn child if they
are wearing a seat belt.
Of course they must position the
lower part of the belt very low down
so that it passes under the abdomen
fig. 15
HOW TO KEEP THE SEAT
BELTS IN PROPER WORKING
ORDER AT ALL TIMES
1)
When wearing the seat belts, always ensure they are not twisted and
are free to wind in and out.
2) Following a serious accident, replace the belt being worn at the time,
even if it does not seem damaged.
3) When cleaning the belts, wash
them by hand with water and neutral
soap, rinse them and let them dry in
the shade. Do not use strong detergents, bleach, colouring or any other
chemical substance that could weaken
the fibres.
4) Do not allow the reel mechanisms
to get wet: they are only guaranteed
to work properly if they remain dry.
fig. 14
P4E02065
fig. 15
P4E02066
29
TRANSPORTING
CHILDREN
IN SAFETY
For optimal protection in the event
of a crash, all passengers must be seated and wearing adequate restraint systems.
This is especially relevant for children.
A child’s head is larger and heavier
than an adult’s head with respect to
their body weight. Moreover, a child’s
muscular and bone structure is not fully developed. For these reasons, children require specific restraint systems,
different from those required by adult
passengers.
Child’s restraint systems are classified into the following four weight
groups, fig. 16:
Group 0 weight 0-10 kg
Group 0 weight 9-18 kg
Group 0 weight 15-25 kg
Group 3 22-36 weight kg.
The groups partially overlap. This is
because there are systems which cover more than one weight group.
Children weighing more than 36 kg
or taller than 1.5 m are, with reference
to restraint systems, considered adults
and can wear normal seat belts.
fig. 16
P4E00197
The seat shown in fig. 16 is suitable
for children weighing between 18-36
kgs.
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