Page 165 of 218

164VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the vehicle.
If after buying the vehicle, you
want to install electric acces-
sories which require permanent
electric supply (alarm, free-hand
phone kit, etc.) contact Fiat Deal-
ership whose qualified personnel,
in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evalu-
ate the overall electric absorp-
tion, checking whether the vehi-
cle electric system is capable of
withstanding the load required,
or whether it should be integrat-
ed with a more powerful battery.
Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have
the battery changed at a Fiat
Dealership. It is properly
equipped for disposing of used
batteries in an environmentally-
friendly way that complies with
the law.The liquid in the battery
is poisonous and corro-
sive. Avoid contact with
eyes and skin. Do not bring naked
flames or possible sources of
sparks near the battery: risk of
fire and explosion.CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with
a genuine spare part having the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifica-
tions is fitted, the service intervals giv-
en in the “Service schedule” in this
section will no longer be valid. Refer
therefore to the instructions provid-
ed by the battery manufacturer.
Running the battery
with low fluid level can
damage the battery be-
yond repair and could also cause
its explosion.
Page 166 of 218

When working on the
battery or near it, always
wear the
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
lengthen its life, observe the follow-
ing indications:
– when you park the vehicle, ensure
the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly;If the vehicle is left inac-
tive for long periods at
cold, remove the battery
and store it in a warm place to
prevent freezing.
165VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
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 vehicle is inactive for a long pe-
riod of time, refer to the “Vehicle
storage” paragraph in section “Driving
your vehicle”.
If you want to add accessories after
buying the vehicle (alarm system, free-
hand phone kit, etc.) visit a Fiat Deal-
ership. They can suggest the most suit-
able accessories to get and check
whether the electric system can sup-
port 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 (vehicle parked) and can deploy
the battery. – the ceiling lights must be off. The
vehicle is however provided with an
automatic system for switching off in-
ternal lights;
– do not keep accessories (e.g. sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
– before performing any operation
on the electrical system, disconnect
the battery negative cable;
– battery terminals shall always be
perfectly tightened.
Page 209 of 218

208INDEX
I I
N N
D D
E E
X X
- recharging ................................ 144
- replacing ................................... 164
Bodywork
- maintenance ............................ 171
- version codes .......................... 176
Bodywork paint plate .................. 175
Bonnet ............................................ 85
Boot
- anchoring the load .................. 84
- extending .................................. 80
- opening and closing ................ 79
Boot light........................................ 134
Brake fluid level ............................ 160
Brake lights .................................... 134
Brakes
- fluid level ................................... 160
- service and emergency .......... 181
Bulb (replacement) ...................... 130
- bulb types.................................. 131
- general instructions ................ 130
Capacities ..................................... 200Catalytic converter
(oxidising) .................................... 104
Catalytic converter
(three way) .................................. 104
Ceiling light .................................... 66
- control ....................................... 67
- replacement.............................. 137
Cellular telephone setup ............ 99
Central side windows ................. 72
Checking the levels ...................... 154
Child lock
(device)......................................... 77
Cigar lighter ................................. 70
Clutch ............................................ 182
- fluid level .................................. 160
CO
2emissions at exhaust ......... 205
Containing running costs and
pollution ....................................... 110
Control buttons ........................... 68
Dashboard................................... 21
Demisting
- electric mirrors ....................... 61
- front side windows ................. 60
ABS .............................................. 89
Accessories purchased
by the owner .............................. 100
- installation of
electric/electronic devices .... 100
- radio transmitters and
cellular telephones .................. 100
Air filter
- replacement ............................ 162
Air recirculation ........................... 61
Air vents ......................................... 58
Airbags (front and side) .............. 91
- general warnings...................... 94
- passenger airbag manual
deactivation .............................. 93
Annual inspection schedule ....... 152
Ashtray
- front ........................................... 71
At the filling station ..................... 102
Battery
- fluid level (electrolyte) .......... 163
- jump starting ............................ 144