2008 FIAT CROMA Owners Manual

CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a gen-
uine spare part having the same specifi-
cations.
If a battery with different specifications is
fitted, the service intervals given in the
“Service schedule” in this section will no
longer be valid.
Refer to the instructions provided by the
battery manufacturer.
208
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
fig. 16F0L0191m
BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited mainte-
nance” type: under normal conditions of
use the electrolyte does not need topping
up with distilled water.
CHECKING THE CHARGE fig. 16
The battery charge may be checked sat-
isfactorily through the inspection slot us-
ing the indicator A (where provided) and
acting according to the colour the indica-
tor shows.
If the battery does not fit a charge and
electrolyte level gauge, the corresponding
operations must be performed by spe-
cialised personnel only.
Refer to the table below or to the label
Bon the battery.
The liquid in the battery is
poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do
not bring naked flames or possible
sources of sparks near to the battery:
risk of fire and explosion.
WARNING
Running the battery with
low fluid level can damage
the battery beyond repair and could
also cause its explosion.
WARNING
Bright white colourTop up electrolyte Contact Fiat Dealership
Dark colour withoutLow charge level Charge the battery
green area in the centre(advisable to contact
Fiat Dealership)
Dark colour with Electrolyte level and charge No action
green area in the centresufficient
IMPORTANT Check the battery charge
once a year, preferably before the begin-
ning to winter, to prevent freezing of the
electrolyte. Perform this inspection more
frequently if the car is mainly used for
short distances or if electrical devices run-
ning with the key off are installed, partic-
ularly after-market.
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209
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and length-
en its life, observe the following indica-
tions:
❒when you park the car, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly;
❒the ceiling lights must be off. The car
is however provided with an auto-
matic system for switching off internal
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 per-
fectly tightened. Incorrect fitting of electrical
and electronic accessories can
seriously damage the car. If af-
ter buying the car, you want
to install electric accessories which re-
quire permanent electric supply
(alarm, free-hand phone kit, etc.) con-
tact Fiat Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, checking
whether the car electric system is ca-
pable of withstanding the load re-
quired, or whether it should be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Batteries contain substances
that are very harmful for the
environment. You are advised
to have the battery changed
at a Fiat Dealership, which is properly
equipped for disposing of used batter-
ies respecting nature and the law.
If the car is left inactive for
long periods at cold, remove
the battery and store it in a warm
place to prevent freezing.
WARNING
When working on the bat-
tery or near it, always wear
the proper goggles.
WARNINGIMPORTANT A battery which is kept at
a charge of less than 50% (optical indica-
tor with dark colour without green area
in the middle) for any length of time will
be damaged by sulphation leading to a re-
duction in cranking power.
Moreover, this might lead to a higher risk
of the battery electrolyte freezing (this
may even occur at -10°C). If the car is in-
active for a long period of time, refer to
“Car inactivity”, in section “Correct use
of the car”.
If after buying the car, you want to install
electric accessories which require per-
manent electric supply (alarm, etc.) con-
tact Fiat Dealership whose qualified per-
sonnel, in addition to suggesting the most
suitable devices, will evaluate the overall
electric absorption, checking whether the
car’s electric system is capable of with-
standing the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more power-
ful battery.
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210
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
In fact, since these devices continue ab-
sorbing energy even when the ignition key
is off, they gradually run down the battery.
The total intake of these systems (facto-
ry and after-market) must be less than 0,6
mA x Ah (of the battery) as shown in the
following table:
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒As far as possible, avoid sharp brak-
ing and screech starts, etc. Be careful
not to hit the kerb, potholes or oth-
er obstacles hard. Driving for long
stretches over bumpy roads can dam-
age the tyres;
❒Periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear. If any
of these occur, have the car seen to at
a Fiat Dealership;
❒Avoid overloading the car when trav-
elling: this may cause serious damage
to the wheels and tyres;
Battery Maximum
admitted
stand-by intake
70 Ah 42 mA
90 Ah (*) 54 mA
(*) Versions fitted with alarm.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, includ-
ing the spare, every two weeks and before
long journeys. The pressure should be
checked with the tyre rested and cold.
For the correct tyre inflation pressure, see
“Wheels” in “Technical specifications”
section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wear:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
Tyres must be replaced when the tread
wears down to 1.6 mm. In any case, com-
ply with the laws in the country where the
car is being driven.
fig. 17F0L0159m
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211
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
❒If a tyre is punctured, stop immediate-
ly and change it to avoid damage to the
tyre, the rim, suspensions and steering
system;
❒Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are
a sign of ageing. In any case, if the tyres
have been on the car for over 6 years,
they should be checked by specialised
personnel, to see if they can still be
used. Also remember to check the
space-saver spare wheel;
❒In the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of dubious
origin;
❒If a tyre is changed, also change the in-
flation valve;
❒To allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to change
them over every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same
side of the car so as to not reverse the
direction of rotation.
Remember that road holding
depends also on the correct
tyre inflating pressure.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from the
right of the car to the left and vice
versa.
WARNING
If the pressure is too low the
tyre overheats and this can
cause it serious damage.
WARNING
Never submit alloy rims to
repainting treatments re-
quiring to use temperatures exceed-
ing 150°C since the mechanical prop-
erties of the wheels could be im-
paired.
WARNING
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber
hoses are concerned, carefully follow the
“Service schedule” in this section.
Indeed ozone, high temperatures and pro-
longed lack of fluid in the system may
cause hardening and cracking of the hoses,
with possible leaks. Careful control is
therefore necessary.
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212
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
Changing the windscreen wiper
blades fig. 18
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the windscreen wiper arm Aand
position the blade so that it forms an
angle of 90° with the arm;
❒remove the snap fitted blade Afrom
arm B;
❒fit the new blade and check it is prop-
erly locked into place.Changing the rear window blade
fig. 19
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the cover Aand remove the arm
from the car, slackening the nut Bthat
fastens it to the pivot pin;
❒fit the new arm, positioning it cor-
rectly, and fully tighten the nut;
❒lower the cover.
WINDSCREEN/
REAR WINDOW
WIPERS
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using
special products; TUTELA PROFES-
SIONAL SC 35is recommended.
If the rubber blades are bent or worn they
should be replaced. In any case they should
be changed once a year.
A few simple notions can reduce the pos-
sibility of damage to the blades:
❒if the temperature fall below zero,
make sure that ice has not frozen the
rubber against glass. If necessary, thaw
using an antifreeze product;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in ad-
dition to protecting the blades, this
prevents effort on the motor and
overheating;
❒do not operate the windscreen and
rear window wipers on dry glass.
fig. 18F0L0203m
Driving with worn wiper
blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
WARNING
fig. 19F0L0150m
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213
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
Rear window wiper fig. 21
Rear window washer jets can be adjust-
ed in the same way.
The nozzle holder is on the rear window.
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
Regularly check that the spray jets are in-
tact and clean.
The headlight washers are automatically
switched on when the windscreen wash-
er is operated and the headlights are on.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the fol-
lowing:
❒atmospheric pollution;
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas,
or hot humid climates);
❒seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric
dust and sand and mud and gravel raised
by other cars.
On your Fiat Croma, Fiat implemented
the best manufacturing technologies to ef-
fectively protect the bodywork against
corrosion.
These include:
❒Painting products and systems which
give the car particular resistance to
corrosion and abrasion;
❒Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corro-
sion; SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen wiper fig. 20
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly check
that there is fluid in the reservoir: see
“Checking fluid levels” in this section).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged, if necessary use a needle.
Fluid jets shall be directed at about 1/3
height from the window upper edge.
fig. 20F0L0152mfig. 21F0L0151m
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aesteth-
ic purpose, but also protects the under-
lying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you
are advised to have the necessary touch-
ing up carried out immediately to avoid
the formation of rust. Use only original
paint products for touching up (see “Body-
work paint identification plate” in section
“Technical specification”). Normal paint
maintenance consists in washing at inter-
vals depending on the conditions and en-
vironment of use. For example, in highly
polluted areas, or if the roads are sprayed
with salt, it is wise to wash the car more
frequently.
For a correct wash of the vehicle proceed
as follows:
❒soak the body with a low pressure wa-
ter jet;
❒pass on the body a sponge with a li-
ght cleansing solution, frequently rin-
sing the sponge;
❒rinse accurately with water and dry
with air jet or suede.If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car
wash, follow these recommendations:
– remove the antenna from the roof to
avoid damages;
– water with a cleansing solution must be
used for washing;
– rinse accurately to avoid cleansing so-
lution residues which may remain on the
body or hidden parts.
❒Spraying the underbody, engine com-
partment, wheelhouse internal parts
and other parts with highly protective
wax products;
❒Spraying of plastic parts, with a pro-
tective function, in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner fender parts,
edges, etc.;
❒Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of
moisture from triggering rust inside.
BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against
perforation due to rust of any original el-
ement of the structure or body. For the
general terms of this warranty, refer to
the Fiat Warranty booklet.
When drying, take particular care with the
less visible parts like door surrounds, bon-
net and around the headlights where wa-
ter may stagnate. The car should not be
taken to a closed area immediately, but left
in the open so that residual water can eva-
porate. Do not wash the car after it has
been left in the sun or with the bonnet
hot: this may alter the shine of the
paintwork.Some automatic systems pro-
vided with old generation
and/or not correctly maintai-
ned brushes may damage the
varnish, easing the creation of micro-
scratches, especially on dark colours.
To remove those scratches, slightly po-
lish with a specific product.
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215
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
Windows
Use specific window cleaner products.
Use also clean cloths to avoid scratching
the glass or damaging the transparency.
IMPORTANT The inside of the
rearscreen should be wiped gently with a
cloth in the direction of the filaments to
avoid damaging the heating device.
Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed,
without directing the jet against electron-
ic control units. Contact a specialised
workshop to have this done.
IMPORTANT The car should be washed
with the engine cold and the ignition key
at OFF. After washing make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
various covers) have not been damaged or
removed.INTERIORS
Periodically check that water is not
trapped under the mats (due to water
dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which
could cause oxidisation of the sheet met-
al.
CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to re-
move dust. Velvet is cleaned better if the
brush is moistened.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral de-
tergent.
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS
Remove dried on dirt with lightly moist-
ened chamois leather or cloth without
pressing too hard.
Remove liquid or grease stains with a dry
absorbent cloth without rubbing. Then
wipe with a soft cloth or chamois leather
with water and neutral soap. Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the car.
Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substance many species re-
lease give the paint a dull appearance and
increase the possibility of triggering rust
processes.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly ag-
gressive.
Detergents cause water pollu-
tion. Therefore the car should
be washed in areas equipped
for collecting and purifying the
liquid used in the washing process.
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