Pull out throttle

[1idman]

Hi I'm new to fiats ,bought a 1974 124 spider about a month ago. I notice that under the steering wheel there are two pull knobs one is marked choke and the other next to the ignition switch marked throttle. Can anyone explain the proper use of the throttle pull knob. Thank You

[rlux4]

You're right, it's a pull out throttle. It's a primitive form of cruise control. You still see something similar on motorcycles, it just takes the form of a throttle lock to hold the throttle in place.
Not sure if I saw you in introductions, so welcome aboard if not.
Ron

[mdrburchette]

It's nice to pull the throttle knob a little when you're letting the car warm up on cold days. I use it in conjuntion with the choke knob.

[jboggess]

Heys guys, i dont mean to butt in on the converstaion but do all of the Fiat Spiders have the cruise control and and choke knob. Thanks

[WarbirdAL]

no, not sure when they did away with it, my 77 has the throttle hold but no choke. I remember my 69 had both and i used it on the long trip from SLC to Las Vegas back in 78. It works as long as you are driving on a relatively level road, you slow down when you go up hill etc. I mainly used it also to hold the throttle on cold days with the choke. I can't say I have used it lately. I even had to go out and look tonight.

[dartme]

Hi, I have to pull the choke out with a little throttle on my '70 to get it started and warmed up in the morning..

[baltobernie]

1idman, in case you haven't figured it out already, turning that knob counterclockwise slightly frees it up. When you pull it out to the intended position, turn clockwise to lock. Remember that it doesn't release when you step on the brake.

The choke has no such lock, but neither does it have a return spring. It's a good idea to use it sparingly and briefly, as the plugs will otherwise foul quickly with the older points-style ignition.