Emergency starting

If the battery is discharged, an emergency start can be carried out using cables and the battery of another vehicle or using a portable battery.

If the warning lightremains lit steadily on the instrument cluster, contact the Fiat Service Network immediately.

WARNINGS

When using a portable battery, follow the instructions and precautions for use provided by its manufacturer.

Do not use a portable battery or any other external power source with a voltage above 12V: the battery, starter motor, alternator or the vehicle's electrical system could be damaged.

Do not attempt emergency starting if the battery is frozen. The battery could rupture or explode!

Preparations for emergency starting

WARNING The positive (+) battery terminal is protected by a protective cover. Lift the cover to access the positive terminal.

Proceed as follows:

• apply the parking brake, move the Dualogic gear lever to position P (Park) or, for versions with manual gearbox, to neutral, and turn the ignition key to STOP;
• turn off all other electrical accessories on the vehicle;
• if using another vehicle for the emergency start, park it within reach of the jump leads, apply the parking brake and make sure the ignition is switched off.

WARNING Avoid contact between the two vehicles, as this could create an earth connection with the risk of serious injury to any persons nearby.

Emergency starting procedure

WARNING If performed incorrectly, the procedure described below may cause serious injury to persons or damage the charging system of one or both vehicles.

Follow the instructions below exactly.

Cable connection

To perform the emergency start, proceed as follows:

• connect one end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the discharged battery;
• connect the opposite end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the auxiliary battery;
• connect one end of the negative (–) cable to the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery;
• Connect the other end of the negative (–) cable to a ground point on the engine (the exposed metal part of the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery), away from the battery and the fuel injection system;
• Start the engine of the vehicle with the auxiliary battery and let it run at idle for a few minutes. Then start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Disconnecting the cables

Once the engine has started, remove the cables as follows:

• disconnect the end of the negative (–) cable from the engine ground of the vehicle with the discharged battery;
• disconnect the other end of the negative (–) cable from the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery;
• disconnect the end of the positive (+) cable from the positive (+) terminal of the auxiliary battery;
• disconnect the end of the positive (+) cable from the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

If emergency starting is needed frequently, have the vehicle's battery and charging system checked by the Fiat Service Network.

WARNING Any accessories (e.g. mobile phones, etc.) connected to the vehicle's power sockets draw current even when not in use. If left connected for too long with the engine off, they can discharge the battery, reducing its service life and/or preventing the engine from starting.

WARNING 149) This starting procedure must be carried out by qualified personnel, as incorrect operations may cause electric shocks of considerable intensity. The liquid contained in the battery is poisonous and corrosive; avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not approach the battery with open flames or lit cigarettes and do not cause sparks. 150) Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings, watches, bracelets) that could cause accidental electrical contact and serious injury. WARNING 56) Do not connect the cable to the negative (–) terminal of the discharged battery.

The resulting spark could cause the battery to explode and cause serious injury. Use only the specific ground point; do not use any other exposed metal part.

57) Never use a fast battery charger for emergency starting: this could damage the electronic systems and the engine ignition and fuel control units.