113
ENGINE COOLANT TANK
Fig. 7
: Petrol versions
Fig. 8: Diesel versionsIf the level is low, pour a 70:30 mix-
ture of distilled water and
PARAFLU11produced by the FL
Group
slowly through the filler hole.
fig. 7 - petrol versions
P4E02290
Do not take the cap of
the reservoir off when the
engine is very hot as you
run the risk of scalding yourself.
The coolant level must be checked
while the engine is cold and must be
above the
MIN mark visible on the
reservoir.
Do not add oil with dif-
ferent specifications from
the oil already in the en-
gine.
Used engine oil an re-
placed oil filters contain
substances which can
harm the environment. We rec-
ommend you have the car seen
to at a Fiat Dealership for the oil
and filter change. It is suitably
equipped for disposing of used oil
and filters in an environmentally
-friendly way that complies with
the law.
When the engine is hot
be very careful under the
bonnet: you risk burning
yourself. Remember that when
the engine is hot, the fan may cut
in and cause injuries.
The cooling system is
under pressure. When
changing the cap, use on-
ly genuine spare parts to avoid
damaging the system.
fig. 8 - diesel versions
P4E02675
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114
WINDSCREEN/
REAR WINDOW WASHER
FLUID fig. 9
To add fluid, remove the cap and
pour a mixture of water and 10% of
DPI fluid.
IMPORTANT Do not travel with
the window washer reservoir empty:
the use of the windscreen washer is
fundamental for improving visibility.
fig. 9
P4E01438
fig. 10
P4E01439
Some windscreen wash-
er additives are inflam-
mable. The fluid could ig-
nite if it comes into contact with
parts in the engine compart-
ment.
A dipstick fig. 10 indicates the
amount of fluid in the washer reser-
voir.
When the fluid is fin-
ished, do not operate the
windscreen washer in or-
der to avoid damaging the pump
motor.
fig. 11
P4E02073
POWER STEERING FLUID
Fig. 11:
1.2 version
Fig. 12: 1.6 16v - 1.9 D version
Check that the level is between the
MINand MAXmarks on the reser-
voir or in correspondence of the up-
per mark (max level) on the dipstick
integral with the reservoir plug, with
the car parked on flat ground and the
engine cold.
When the fluid is hot the level may
rise over the
MAX mark.
If necessary, top up ensuring that the
fluid has the same specifications as that
in the reservoir.
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115
Avoid that the highly
corrosive brake fluid drips
onto the paintwork. If it
does, wash immediately with wa-
ter.
fig. 13
P4E02074
With the engine run-
ning, do not push, at the
end of the power steering
stroke, for more than 15 con-
secutive seconds: noises are pro-
duced and the system could be
damaged.
The power steering flu-
id consumption is very
low; if it needs topping up
at short intervals, have the sys-
tem checked for leaks at a Fiat
Dealership.Make sure the power
steering fluid does not
come into contact with
the hot parts of the engine: it is
inflammable.
BRAKE-CLUTCH FLUID
fig. 13
A:
versions 1.2
B: versions 1.6 & 1.9 D
Periodically, check he warning lights
on the instrument panel: when you
press the reservoir cover (with igni-
tion key at
MAR) warning light
x
should come on.
Brake fluid is poisonous
and very corrosive. In the
event of accidental con-
tact, wash the affected part with
neutral soap and water, then
rinse in plenty of water. If the flu-
id is swallowed, call doctor im-
mediately.
If you need to top up, use only the
type classified DOT4. We advise the
use of
TOP4, with which the braking
system was originally filled.
The fluid level in the reservoir must
not exceed the
MAX mark.
fig. 12
P4E01817
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118
The total intake of these systems
(factory and after-market) must be less
than 0,6 mA x Ah (of the battery), as
shown in the following table:
Battery Maximum permissiblestand-by intake
50Ah 30 mA
Furthermore, remember that high in-
take electric devices (such as baby bot-
tle warmer, vacuum cleaners, cellular
phones, mini-fridges, etc.) powered
when the engine is off can deploy the
battery.
IMPORTANTIf you need to fit ad-
ditional systems in the car, remember
that improper wiring connections, in
particular if they affect safety devices,
are dangerous.
USEFUL ADVICE
FOR LENGTHENING
THE LIFE
OF YOUR BATTERY
When you park the car, ensure the
doors, boot and bonnet are closed
properly. The courtesy light must be
off.
Do not keep accessories (e.g. sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running.
IMPORTANTA battery which is
kept at a charge of less than 50% for
any length of time will be damaged by
sulphation leading to a reduction in
cranking power and a higher risk of
the battery electrolyte freezing (this
may even occur at - 10°C).
If the car is inactive for a long peri-
od of time, refer to “Long inactivity of
the car”, in the “Correct use of the
car” chapter.If you want to add electrical acces-
sories after buying the car which need
permanent electric supply(alarm,
free hand phone kit, radio navigator
with satellite antitheft system etc.) vis-
it a
Fiat Dealership. They can sug-
gest the most suitable accessories to
get and check whether the electric
system can support the required load
or whether a larger capacity battery
is required.
These devices will, in fact, run off the
battery even when the key is not in-
serted (car parked, engine stopped)
and can destroy the battery.
104-127 03/03/2003 06:53 PM Page 118
IMPORTANT If the sound system
or car alarm systems are not installed
correctly, they can interfere with the
working of the electronic control
units.
Modifications or repairs
to the electrical system
carried out incorrectly
and without bearing the features
of the system in mind can cause
malfunctions with the risk of fire.
120
ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNITS
When the car is being used normal-
ly, special measures are not necessary.
The following instructions must be
followed very carefully however, if you
work on the electrical system or
where emergency starting is neces-
sary:
– Never disconnect the battery from
the electrical system while the engine
is running.
– Disconnect the battery from the
electrical system if you are recharg-
ing it. Modern battery chargers can
discharge voltage up to 20 V.
– Never perform emergency star-
tups with a battery charger. Always
use an auxiliary battery (see “Startup
with auxiliary battery” in “In an emer-
gency” chapter).– Be particularly careful when con-
necting the battery to the electrical
system. Make sure that the polarity is
correct and the connection is efficient.
After reconnecting the battery, the in-
jection/ignition control unit will need
to readapt its internal parameters.
Therefore, the car’s performance may
change slightly during the first few kilo-
meters.
– Do not connect or disconnect the
terminals of the electronic units while
the ignition key is at
MAR.
– Do not check polarity through
sparking.
– Disconnect the electronic units if
you are electrically welding the car
body. Remove the units if tempera-
tures exceed 80°C (special operations
on the bodywork etc.).
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121
SPARK PLUGS
The cleanness and soundness of the
spark plugs
fig. 19 are very important
for keeping the engine efficient and
polluting emissions down.
The appearance of the spark plug, if
examined by an expert eye, is a good
way of pinpointing a problem even if it
has nothing to do with the ignition sys-
tem. Therefore, if the engine has prob-
lems, it is important to have the spark
plugs checked at a
Fiat Dealership.
The spark plugs must be
changed at the times
specified in the Service
Schedule. Only use the type of
plugs indicated. If the heat ratio is
less than required or the life spec-
ified is not guaranteed, problems
can arise.
Spark plug (type)
1.2
Champion RC7BMCChampion RC8BYC
1.6NGK BKR5EZ
Champion RC10YCC
Bosch FR8DE
fig. 19
P4E01444
WHEELS AND
TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Every two weeks and before long
journeys, check the pressure of each
tyre including the spare.
The pressure must be checked when
the tyre is rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to rise
when you are driving. If you have to
check or to restore the pressure
when the tyres are warm, remember
that the pressure value must be 0.3
bar above the specified value.
Tyre pressure must be
correct to ensure good
road holding.
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127
Detergents pollute wa-
ter. The car must there-
fore be washed in an area
equipped for the collection and
purification of the liquids used
while washing.
IMPORTANT
The engine com-
partment should be washed while the
engine is cold and with the ignition key
at
STOP. After washing make sure
that the various protections (e.g. rub-
ber boots and various guards) have
not been removed or damaged.
IMPORTANTTo prevent damage
to the electric heater element, wipe the
inside of the heated rear window gen-
tly in the same direction as the ele-
ments.
Engine compartment
At the end of each winter season,
carefully clean the engine compart-
ment. Have this done at a garage.
INTERIORS
Periodically check that water has not
collected under the mats (from dip-
ping shoes, umbrellas etc.) which could
cause the steel to rust
CLEANING SEATS AND
FABRIC COMPONENTS
– Remove dust with a soft brush or
vacuum cleaner.
– Brush the seats with a damp
sponge with water and a neutral soap.
Never use flammable
products (petroleum
ether or petrol) to clean
the inside of the car. Electro-
static charges generated by rub-
bing while cleaning could cause
fires.
Do not keep aerosol
cans in the car. There is
the risk they might ex-
plode. Aerosol cans must never
be exposed to a temperature
above 50°C; when the weather
starts to get hot the temperature
inside the car might go well be-
yond that figure.
PLASTIC PARTS INSIDE THE
CAR
Use special products designed not to
alter the appearance of the compo-
nents.
IMPORTANTDo not use alcohol
or petrol to clean the glass of the in-
strument panel.
104-127 03/03/2003 06:53 PM Page 127
145
Dipped beam headlights
- control ..................................... 13-41
- bulb replacement ................. 88
Doors.............................................. 17-48
Electric system ........................... 137
Electric window winder ............ 15-49
Electronic central units ............. 120
Engine compartment .................. 16-54
Engine compartment
(washing) ................................... 127
Engine cooling fluid
thermometer ........................... 34
Engine cooling fluid level ............ 113
Engine oil consumption ............. 112
Engine oil level ............................. 112
Engine oil
- consumption .......................... 112
- checking the level ................. 112
Engine
- power supply/ignition ........... 132
- engine type code .................. 130
- characteristic data ................ 131
- engine compartment
washing ................................... 127
- lubrication ............................... 132- marking .................................... 129
- cooling ...................................... 132
Filling ............................................ 140
First-aid kit ................................... 103
Flashing ........................................... 13-42
Front foglights ............................... 56
Front foglights
- switch on/off button ............ 15-44
- bulb replacement ................. 90
Fuel filler cap ................................ 18-63
Fuel flap opening lever............... 18-63
Fuel flap
- opening lever ......................... 18-63
Fuel level indicator ..................... 33
Fuel lock switch .......................... 44
Fuel
- level indicator ........................ 33
- fuel lock switch ...................... 44
- fuel flap opening level ........... 18-63
Fuses................................................ 93
- replacement ............................ 93
Gearbox
- gearbox use ........................... 68
- transmission ........................... 133Getting to know the car ........... 20
Glove compartment .................... 45
Handbrake ............................... 67-134
Hazard lights ................................. 13-43
Head rest ....................................... 11-23
Headlight trim .............................. 56
Headlights (upward slant
compensation) ......................... 56
Heated rear window .................. 15-44
Heating ........................................... 39
Identification data ..................... 129
If an accident occurs ................... 102
Ignition device .............................. 21
In an emergency .......................... 80
Instrument panel ......................... 10
Interior lights ............................... 92
Interior equipment ..................... 45
Keys ............................................. 11-21
Kilometer counter ....................... 33
Level control ............................. 111
Lubricants(specifications) .......... 141
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