Segment:
City Car / Subcompact
Target Audience:
Urban dwellers, first-time car buyers, budget-conscious consumers seeking practicality and efficiency.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Up!, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo, Citroën C1, Peugeot 107.
Design Philosophy:
Compact, upright, and functional design prioritizing interior space and maneuverability in urban environments. Known for its distinctive, often playful styling.
Unique Selling Points:
Class-leading interior space for its exterior dimensions, highly customizable options, excellent fuel economy, robust and simple mechanicals.
Engine Systems:
Engine identification, basic operation, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (including injection and ignition), exhaust system, emission controls, engine management system.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission operation and maintenance, automatic transmission (if applicable) operation and maintenance, clutch operation, drivetrain components.
Braking Systems:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and warning lights, parking brake operation.
Electrical Systems:
Battery maintenance, charging system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, dashboard indicators and warning lights, basic starter system.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system components, wheel alignment principles, tire pressure monitoring.
Body Interior:
Door operation, seat adjustment and safety features, climate control system (HVAC), interior lighting, instrument panel layout, body panel care.
Safety Features:
Seat belt operation and adjustment, airbag system overview, child restraint system installation points (ISOFIX), child safety locks.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug checks, coolant level checks, brake fluid level checks, tire rotation and pressure checks, wiper blade replacement.
Fluid Checks Replacements:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid (where applicable).
Tire Maintenance:
Tire pressure recommendations, tire rotation, checking tire wear.
Basic Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights, addressing common drivability issues, basic electrical troubleshooting (e.g., blown fuses).
Driver Assistance Operation:
Explanation of features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Holder (if equipped).
Infotainment Usage:
Operation of the radio/audio system, basic infotainment interface controls (if applicable).
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive guide for the owner on operating, maintaining, and understanding the vehicle's functions. Focuses on routine tasks and user-level diagnostics, not in-depth mechanical repairs.
Accessibility:
Downloadable, instantly accessible after payment.
Compatibility:
Compatible with PC, MAC, Linux, Smartphones, tablets, and any device capable of opening PDF files.
Print Readability:
Digital PDF format allows for clear on-screen reading and printing of individual pages.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital format)
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital format)
Engine Options 2011-2012:
Likely includes the 1.2L 8-valve FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) petrol engine, potentially a 0.9L TwinAir turbocharged engine in later stages of this generation, and possibly a 1.3L Multijet diesel engine for certain markets.
1.2L Fire Engine Power:
Approximately 69 PS (68 hp) at 5500 rpm.
1.2L Fire Engine Torque:
Approximately 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (typically 95 RON), Diesel for Multijet variants.
Emission Standard:
Likely Euro 5 compliant for petrol engines.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Type Optional:
Dualogic (automated manual transmission) may have been available on select models.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios not provided but optimized for city driving and fuel efficiency.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual transmission fluid: GL-4 SAE 75W-85. Dualogic: Specific Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).
Length:
Approx. 3,546 mm (139.6 in).
Width:
Approx. 1,654 mm (65.1 in) excluding mirrors.
Height:
Approx. 1,550 mm (61.0 in).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,300 mm (90.6 in).
Passenger Capacity:
4 or 5 passengers depending on configuration.
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 225 liters (7.9 cu ft).
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 861 liters (30.4 cu ft) with rear seats folded.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 900 - 1000 kg (1984 - 2205 lbs) depending on engine and specification.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Information not explicitly provided, typically around 1300-1400 kg.
Euro Ncap Rating 2011:
4 Stars (for models tested around this period, configuration dependent).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was becoming standard or optional on many Fiat models during this period, likely available on the Panda.
Hill Holder:
Hill Start Assist functionality often integrated with ESC.
Airbags Standard:
Front airbags for driver and passenger.
Airbags Optional:
Side airbags and window airbags may have been optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for front seats, three-point seatbelts for rear seats.
Child Restraint Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats in the rear.
Audio System:
Base models typically feature a radio with CD player and auxiliary input. Higher trims might include MP3 compatibility and steering wheel audio controls.
Display:
Basic display for radio and vehicle information. No integrated touchscreens in lower trims.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional on some models, providing alerts for underinflated tires.
Hill Holder:
Included with ESC on many models, assisting with hill starts.
Bluetooth:
May have been available as an option or part of upgraded infotainment systems for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Port:
Potentially available on higher trims or as an option for media playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first, for petrol engines. Diesel engines may have slightly different intervals (e.g., 20,000 km or 1 year). Refer to manual for specific engine.
Air Filter Interval:
Recommended replacement every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 2 years, or more frequently under dusty conditions.
Cabin Filter Interval:
Recommended replacement every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year.
Spark Plug Interval:
For 1.2L FIRE, typically around 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 4 years. TwinAir engines might have different intervals.
Engine Oil Specification:
Fiat recommends specific SAE viscosity grades and API/ACEA specifications. For 1.2L FIRE petrol, commonly SELENIA K PURE ENERGY 0W-30 or an equivalent meeting Fiat 9.55535-S2 specification. Diesel engines may require different specifications (e.g., 0W-30 with Fiat 9.55535-S1).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, typically Mopar Paraflu UP or an equivalent meeting Fiat specification (e.g., 9.55523). Dilution ratio 50% coolant / 50% distilled water for optimal protection.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, exhaust system components (corrosion), suspension bushings, brake wear components.
Potential Engine Concerns:
Minor oil leaks from gaskets, potential for radiator or coolant hose issues in older vehicles, carbon buildup in some engines under specific driving conditions.
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with window regulators, central locking, or warning light illumination due to sensor faults, but generally reliable electrics.
Fiat History:
Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT) is one of the world's oldest and largest automobile manufacturers, established in 1899. Known for innovative, compact, and affordable vehicles.
Panda Generations:
The 2011-2012 models represent the second generation (Type 169) of the Fiat Panda, which debuted in 2003. This generation introduced a more modern platform and design, including the option of a 4x4 variant.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured at the Fiat Pomigliano d'Arco plant near Naples, Italy.
Key Milestones 2011-2012:
This period saw the continued popularity of the second-generation Panda, with minor updates and continued offering of diverse engine choices. A third generation (Type 319) was introduced in late 2011 for the 2012 model year, so this manual likely bridges both. The manual would cover both the later phase of the Type 169 and the initial launch of the Type 319.