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.
193-216 Croma TRW GB 28-05-2008 15:19 Pagina 208
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
193-216 Croma TRW GB 28-05-2008 15:19 Pagina 210
