Fiat 500 Owner's Handbook Manual page 99

GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR
CAR
STARTING THE ENGINE
The car is fitted with an electronic engine lock
SAFETY
device: if the engine fails to start, see the paragraph
"The Fiat CODE system" in the section "Knowing
your car".
STARTING AND
The engine may be noisier during the first few
DRIVING
seconds of operation, especially after a long period
of inactivity. This characteristic feature of the
hydraulic tappet system does not compromise
WARNING
functionality or reliability: the system chosen for
LIGHTS AND
your car was designed to limit maintenance
MESSAGES
interventions.
IN AN
EMERGENCY
We recommend that during the initial
period you do not demand to full
performance from the car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long journeys at top speed, sharp
SERVICING AND
braking etc.).
MAINTENANCE
When the engine is switched off never
TECHNICAL
leave the key turned to MAR to prevent
SPECIFICATIONS
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
INDEX
98
STARTING AND DRIVING
WARNING
It is dangerous to have the engine
running indoors.The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic
gasses.
WARNING
Remember that the brake servo and
power steering are not operational until
the engine has been started, therefore much
effort than usual is required on the brake pedal
and steering wheel.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR PETROL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒ put the gear lever into neutral;
❒ press the clutch pedal down to the floor without
touching the accelerator;
❒ turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon
as the engine starts.