
192
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
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:
Battery Maximum
permissible
loadless
consumption
40 Ah 24 mA
50 Ah 30 mA
60 Ah 36 mA
IMPORTANT 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.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (e.g. already at -10°C). Refer to
the paragraph “Car inactivity” in “Starting
and driving” if the car is left parked for a
long time.
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.
Since these devices continue absorbing en-
ergy even when the ignition key is off, they
gradually run down the battery. 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;
❒switch off all lights inside the car: the
car is however equipped with a system
which switches all internal lights off au-
tomatically;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound sys-
tem, hazard lights, etc.) switched on for
a long time when the engine is not run-
ning;
❒before performing any operation on the
electrical system, disconnect the bat-
tery negative cable;
❒make sure that battery terminals are al-
ways be perfectly tight.
Always wear the proper pro-
tective eyewear when work-
ing on the battery or near it.
WARNING
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197
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 aes-
thetic purpose, but also protects the un-
derlying sheet metal.
Touch up abrasions and scratches immedi-
ately to prevent the formation of rust. On-
ly use genuine spare paint products for
touch-ups (see “Bodywork paint identifi-
cation plate” in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” section).
Normal maintenance of paintwork consists
in washing the car: the frequency depends
on the conditions and environment where
the car is used. For example, it is advisable
to wash the car more often in areas with
a high environmental pollution or on roads
sprinkled with salt.To correctly wash the car:
❒remove the aerial from the roof to pre-
vent damage to it if the car is washed in
an automatic system;
❒wash the body using a low pressure jet
of water;
❒wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy so-
lution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing with the sponge;
❒rinse well with water and dry with a jet
of air or a chamois leather.
Dry the parts less in sight particularly care-
fully, such as the door frames and the
headlight frames, where water may stag-
nate more easily. It is a good idea to leave
the car in the open for a while after wash-
ing it to give time for the water to evap-
orate.Do not wash the car after it has been
parked in the sun or when the engine is
bonnet is hot: this could take the shine off
the paint.
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. The car should be washed
in areas equipped for collect-
ing and purifying the liquid
used in the washing process.
177-200 LINEA 1ed GB 3-09-2008 17:31 Pagina 197

222
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
CAR
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Boot ........................................................ 86
– extension........................................ 87
– opening/closing the tailgate ......... 86
– emergency opening....................... 83
Boot light............................................... 74
Brake assist .......................................... 92
Brakes
– fluid level ........................................ 188
– technical data ................................ 207
Bulb (replacement)
– general instructions ..................... 158
– types of bulbs ................................ 158
Capacities ............................................ 106
Car inactivity ....................................... 132
Car maintenance
– periodical checks........................... 183
– scheduled servicing ...................... 178
– service schedule ...................179-181
– use of the car under
heavy conditions................................ 183
Card box - CD box............................. 72
Carrying children safely ..................... 109
Ceiling lights.......................................... 72
– boot light ....................................... 66
– courtesy ......................................... 66– front ................................................ 64
– puddle/door .................................. 74
– rear ................................................. 65
Central console oddment
compartment..................................... 71
Chassis (marking) ............................... 203
Checking fluid....................................... 184
Child lock.............................................. 83
Child restraint systems
– “Universal Isofix” ......................... 114
– Passenger’s seat compliance ...... 115
Cigar lighter.......................................... 80
Clutch ................................................... 207
CO
2emissions...................................... 221
Code Card ........................................... 6
Consumption
– engine oil ........................................ 186
– fuel ................................................... 219
Controls................................................ 75
Correct use of the car ...................... 127
Cruise Control..................................... 70
Courtesy lights..................................... 74
– bulb replacement .......................... 174
– control button .............................. 74
Current outlet...................................... 73
ABS system.......................................... 92
Accessories purchased
by the owner .................................... 100
Additional heater................................. 56
Air bag
– front................................................. 115
– side .................................................. 118
Air cleaner............................................. 190
Adjustable Air vents ........................... 50
Alarm...................................................... 11
Armrest................................................. 79
Ashtray................................................... 80
ASR system........................................... 95
– activation/deactivation................. 95
At the filling station ............................ 101
Automatic climate
control system .................................. 59
Battery
– checking the charge ..................... 190
– jump starting ................................. 146
– recharging ...................................... 185
– replacing ......................................... 191
Bodywork
– maintenance .................................. 196
– version codes ............................... 204
Bonnet .................................................. 88
II I
N N
D D
E E
X X
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