
Electrolyte
filling up
Insufficient
state of charge
Sufficient electrolyte lev-
el and state of chargeContact Fiat Dealership
Recharge (we suggest you
to contact
Fiat Dealership)
No action
119
If the indicator shows a light bright
coloration, or dark but without a
green central area, contact the
Fiat
Dealership
.
Checking the state of charge
Checking the state of charge of bat-
tery can be qualitatively carried out
through the optical indicator, with re-lation to coloration that the indicator
can have. Refer to the following table
or to the plate
fig. 18
located on the battery, in position
B-fig. 17.
fig. 18
P4E01949
BATTERY WITH
OPTICAL HYDROMETER
Description
For versions/markets as provided,
the battery can be equipped with vi-
sual indicator
A-fig. 17for the elec-
trolyte and state of charge control.
The battery is of the “limited main-
tenance” type equipped with control
indicator, therefore under normal
conditions it will not need to be
topped up with distilled water. A pe-
riodical control is however necessary
in order to verify its efficiency through
the optical control indicator located
on the battery cover. It must present
a dark coloration, with a green central
area.
Bright white coloration
Dark coloration
without green area
in the center
Dark coloration
with green area
in the center
fig. 17
P4E02283
104-127 03/03/2003 06:53 PM Page 119

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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126
Detergents pollute wa-
ter. For this reason, the
car must be washed in an
area equipped for the collection
and purification of the liquids
used while washing.
To wash the car properly:
1)Wash the body using a low pres-
sure jet of water.
2)Wipe a sponge with a slightly
soapy solution over the bodywork,
frequently rinsing the sponge.
3) Rinse well with water and dry
with a jet of air or a chamois leather.
When drying the car, be careful to
get at those parts which are not so
easily seen e.g. the door frames, bon-
net and around the headlights where
water can most readily collect. You
should leave the car out in the open
so that any water remaining can evap-
orate more easily.
Do not wash the car after it has been
parked in the sun or while the bon-
net is hot: it could take the shine off
the paint.Outside plastic parts must be cleaned
following the usual car washing pro-
cedure.
Avoid parking the car under trees;
the resinous substances that certain
species of tree shed dull the paintwork
and increase the possibility of rust
forming.
IMPORTANTBird droppings must
be washed off immediately and with
great care as their acid is particularly
aggressive.
Windows
Use specific window cleaners to
clean the windows. Use very clean
cloths to avoid scratching the glass or
damaging its transparency.
TIPS FOR KEEPING THE
BODY IN GOOD CONDITION
Paintwork
The paintwork is not only to make
your car look attractive but also to
protect the steel.
If the paint is scuffed or scratched
deeply you are advised to touch up as
necessary to prevent rust from form-
ing.
Only use genuine products when
touching up the paintwork (see the
“Technical Specifications”).
Ordinary maintenance of the paint-
work means washing it. The frequen-
cy you should do this depends on the
conditions and the environment the
car is driven in. For example:
– in areas with a high level of air pol-
lution;
– on roads sprinkled with road salt-
wash;
– parking under trees which drop
resin. In these cases, you should wash
your car more frequently.
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136
Max speed index
Q
= up to 160 km/h.
R= up to 170 km/h.
S= up to 180 km/h.
T= up to 190 km/h.
U= up to 200 km/h.
H= up to 210 km/h.
V= up to 240 km/h.
W= up to 270 km/h.
Y= up to 300 km/h.
Load index (capacity)
60
= 250 kg
61 = 257 kg
62= 265 kg
63= 272 kg
64= 280 kg
65= 290 kg
66= 300 kg
67= 307 kg
68= 315 kg
69= 325 kg
70 = 335 kg
71= 345 kg
72= 355 kg
73= 365 kg
74= 375 kg
75= 387 kg
76= 400 kg
77= 412 kg
78= 425 kg
79= 437 kg
80= 450 kg
81= 462 kg
82= 475 kg
83= 487 kg
84= 500 kg
85= 515 kg
86= 530 kg
87= 545 kg
88= 560 kg
89= 580 kg
90= 600 kg
91= 615 kg
92= 630 kg
93= 650 kg
94= 670 kg
95= 690 kg
96 = 710 kg
97= 730 kg
98= 750 kg
99= 775 kg
100= 800 kg
101= 825 kg
102= 850 kg
103= 875 kg
104= 900 kg
1CORRECT READING
OF THE RIM fig. 6
The indications, necessary to know
the meaning of the identification ini-
tials printed on the rim, are listed be-
low.
CORRECT READING
OF THE TYRE fig. 6
The indications, necessary to know
the meaning of the identification ini-
tials printed on the tyre, are listed be-
low.
175= Nominal (S, distance in mm
between the sides).
65= height/width ratio (H/S) in per-
centage.
R= Radial tyre.
14= Diameter of the rim in inches
(Ø).
82= Load index (capacity).
T= Max speed index. Example
175/65 R 14 82 S
IMPORTANTThe light alloy
wheels are fixed with specific bolt in-
compatible with any printed steel
wheels, excluding the specific spare
wheel.
SNOW TYRES
Use reduced dimension winter tyres,
see “Snow Chains” chapter.
WHEEL GEOMETRY
Convergence of the front wheel mea-
sured between the rims: –1±1(Power
Steering), +1mm (Mechnical Steering).
The values refer to a car after running in.
WHEELS AND
TYRES
Pressed steel or alloy (as provided)
wheel rims; specific fixing bolts (di-
mensionally different and respective-
ly incompatible) for each of the two
types of rim.
IMPORTANTIn the event of dis-
crepancies between the information in
the Owner Handbook and the Log
Book, consider the specifications giv-
en in the Log Book only.
To ensure safety of the vehicle in
movement, it must be fitted with tyres
of specified size and of the same make
and type on all wheels.
Versions Rim Tyre
1.2 EL-ELX-SPORT5.00Bx13 165/80 R13
1.6 16V GTX51/2 Jx14C(*) 175/65 R14
1.9 D EL-ELX5.00Bx13 165/80 R13
(*) Alloy rims
128-143 03/03/2003 07:39 PM Page 136

Abord instrument ................... 33
ABS ................................................. 56
Accessories Purchased
Air cleaner (replacement) ....... 116
Air bag ........................................... 58
Air re-circulation.......................... 40
Air vents......................................... 38
Alternator (specifications) ........ 137
Ashtray ........................................... 47
Battery
- jump starting ......................... 81
- specifications........................... 137
- with optical hydrometer .... 119
- useful advices .......................... 118
- maintenance ............................ 118
- recharging ................................ 98
Bodywork
- bodywork type code ........... 130
- maintenance .......................... 125Boot
- extending ................................. 52
- tailgate opening/closing ........ 16-51
Brake lights
(bulb replacement) ................. 90
Brake-clutch fluid level ............... 115
Brakes
- service and emergency ....... 134
- fluid level ................................ 115
Bulb (replacement) ..................... 86
- bulb types ............................... 86
By the Owner ............................... 79Car dimensions ......................... 139
Car maintenance ......................... 104
Ceiling lights
- control ..................................... 46
- bulb replacement ................... 92
Centralized locking .................... 17-49
Chassis(marking) ......................... 129
Cheap running that respects
the environment ..................... 73
Checking the levels .................... 111
Children safety ............................ 18-49
Climate control system- climate ..................................... 39
- controls.................................... 14-39
- fast demisting ........................ 40
- maintenance .......................... 125
- air re-circulation .................... 40
- heating ...................................... 39
Climate/heating control
system ........................................ 37
Clutch ............................................. 133
Containing running costs and
pollution .................................... 75
Control switches ........................ 15-44
Correct use of your car ............ 64
Dashboard ................................ 9
Demisting ....................................... 40
- rear window .......................... 40
- windscreen and side
window ...................................... 40
Differential ..................................... 133
Digital clock ................................. 34
INDEX
144
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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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146
Main beam headlights
- control ..................................... 13-41
- flashing...................................... 13-42
- bulb replacement ................... 88
Maintenance
- Additional interventions ..... 108
- servicing schedule.................. 105
- servicing schedule plan......... 106
Max speeds ................................... 138
Paintwork identification
plate ............................................ 130
Paintwork
- maintenance .......................... 126
- Identification plate ............... 130
Parking ........................................... 67
Passenger compartment air vents 38
Performances ................................ 138
Periodic checks and before
long distances........................... 78
Plate light ...................................... 92
Power steering fluid level ......... 114
Pretensioners ................................ 32
Protecting emission control
devices ....................................... 74Protecting the environment ..... 63
Raising the car .......................... 99
Ready to start ............................... 8
Rear mirror
- rear view mirrors .................. 14-24
- driving mirror ......................... 23
Rear window washer
- control ..................................... 13-43
- fluid level ................................ 114
Rear window wiper
- controls.................................... 13-43
- blades ...................................... 127
- sprayer ..................................... 124
Rev counter................................... 34
Reversing lights
(bulb replacement) ................. 90
Roof rack ....................................... 55
Safe driving
- travelling ................................. 70
- driving with ABS ................... 73
- driving in rain.......................... 71
- driving at night ...................... 71
- driving in the mountains ...... 72- driving in fog ........................... 71
- driving on snow and ice .... 72
- before driving ........................ 69
Seat belts ........................................ 12-24
- general warnings .................... 27
- use ..................................... 12-24-26
- maintenance .......................... 28
- adjusting the height of the
seat belts ................................ 12-25
Seats
- cleaning .................................... 127
- adjustments ............................. 11-22
Side/tail lights
- control .................................... 13-41
- front bulb replacement ...... 89
- rear bulb replacement.......... 90
Side/tail lights
- control ..................................... 13-42
- front bulb replacement ...... 89
- side bulb replacement ......... 89
- rear bulb replacement.......... 90
Snow chains ................................. 77
Sound system ............................... 60
- aerial ......................................... 62
- standard equipment .............. 61
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147
Spark plugs ................................... 121
Speedometer................................. 33
Starter (specifications) ............... 137
Starting the engine ...................... 65
- Jump starting ......................... 81
- bump starting ........................ 66-82
- ignition switch ....................... 21
- turning off the engine .......... 66
- starting procedure ................ 65
- engine warm up (just
started) ................................... 66
Steering column lock .................. 11-22
Steering column stalks ............... 13-41
Steering........................................... 135
Storing the car ............................. 78
Sun visors ...................................... 47
Suspensions .................................. 134
Symbols .......................................... 4
Technical specifications ........... 128
Third brake light ......................... 91Towing the car ........................... 101
Transmission ................................. 133
Transporting children in
safety .......................................... 29
Tubing ............................................ 123
Tyre pressure ......................... 121-143
Tyres
- specifications........................... 136
- Correct reading .................... 136
- maintenance .......................... 121
- inflation pressure ............ 121-143
- changing the wheel................ 82
Useful accessories ................... 79
Ventilation.................................. 40
Warning lights
- injection system failure ....... 35
- air bag failure ......................... 36- engaged handbrake .............. 35
- direction indicators ............. 36
- low brake-clutch fluid level 35
- low engine oil pressure........ 35
- low battery recharge ......... 35
- main beam headlights .......... 36
- Exterior lights ......................... 36
- unserviceable ABS ................. 36
Weights .......................................... 138
Wheel rims.................................... 136
- correct reading of the rim .. 136
Wheels
- wheel geometry ..................... 136
- specifications........................... 136
- maintenance .......................... 121
- replacement ........................... 82
Windows
- electric window winder .... 15-49
- manual window winder ...... 16-50
- cleaning operation ................. 126
Windscreen washer
- control .................................... 13-42
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