74
Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
If there is enough oil, the lubrication sys-
tem should be inspected by your Fiat Deal-
ership before you drive the vehicle again.
IMPORTANT
❒If you operate the engine with this light
on, severe engine damage can result.
❒Do not rely on the Oil Pressure Light
to indicate the need to add oil. Be
sure to periodically check the engine
oil level.
Oil Life Monitoring
(for Diesel Engine Model)
Your vehicle also has the oil life monitor-
ing system that let you know when to
change the engine oil and filter.
If the oil pressure light blinks, you should
change the engine oil and oil filter imme-
diately since the monitoring system has
calculated that oil life has been diminished
by detecting a deterioration, increase or
decrease of engine oil. The blinking light
goes out after 1 minute and comes back
on every hour. If the life of engine oil re-
mains 0%, the oil pressure light blinks for
1 minute when the engine is started. You
should change the engine oil and filter at
the first blink. For details on how to
change the engine oil, refer to “Changing
Engine Oil and Filter” in “INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE” section.
Whenever the engine oil is changed, the
light must be reset to monitor the next oil
change timing properly. To reset the light,
consult your Fiat Dealership.
50G051A
66J031
66J032
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there
is insufficient oil pressure. When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the light comes on briefly
so you can check that the light is working.
If the light stays on, or comes on when dri-
ving, there may be something wrong with
the ESP
®systems (other than ABS). You
should have the system inspected by an
authorized FIAT dealer.
For details of the ESP
®systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)” in the
“OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” section.
“ESP OFF” INDICATOR LIGHT
(if equipped)
If the warning light vturns on when the vehicle is
travelling stop the engine immedi-
ately and contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
OIL PRESSURE LIGHT
“ESP” WARNING LIGHT
(if equipped)
(Electronic Stability Program) When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly
so you can check that the light is working.
When the “ESP OFF” switch is pushed to
turn off the ESP
®systems (other than
ABS), the “ESP OFF” light comes on and
stays on.
For details of the ESP
®systems, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)” in
the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE” sec-
tion.
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:20 Pagina 74
75
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LIGHT SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT
(if equipped)
60G049
63J030
This light blinks or comes on for several
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the “ON” position so you can check if
the light is working.
The light will come on and stay on if there
is a problem in the air bag system or the
seat belt pretensioner system (if equipped).
If the “AIR BAG” light does
not blink or come on briefly
when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position, stays on for more
than 10 seconds, or comes on while
driving, the air bag system or the seat
belt pretensioner system (if equipped)
may not work properly. Have both sys-
tems inspected by an authorized Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
65D530
Your vehicle has a computer-controlled
emission control system. A malfunction in-
dicator light is provided on the instrument
cluster to indicate when it is necessary to
have the emission control system serviced.
The malfunction indicator light comes on
when the ignition switch is turned to
“ON” or “START” and goes out when the
engine is started. CHARGING LIGHT
50G052A
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
goes out when the engine is started. The
light will come on and remain on if there
is something wrong with the battery charg-
ing system. If the light comes on when the
engine is running, the charging system
should be inspected immediately by your
Fiat Dealership.When the driver doesn’t buckle his or her
seat belt, this light will come on.
For details about the seat belt reminder,
refer to “Seat Belts and Child Restraint
Systems” in the “BEFORE DRIVING” sec-
tion.
“AIR BAG” LIGHT (if equipped)
Change the engine oil and
filter at the first blink of the
light. If you keep operating the engine
after the light blinks, severe engine
damage can result.
WARNING
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:20 Pagina 75
80
4WD LOCK INDICATOR LIGHT
(if equipped)NOTE
❒When the vehicle speed is increased,
the “4WD LOCK” mode will be
changed to the “4WD AUTO” mode
automatically. The “4WD AUTO” in-
dicator light will come on and stay on.
❒When the ignition switch is turned to
the “OFF” position, the “4WD LOCK”
mode is canceled.
For details of the “4WD LOCK” mode,
refer to “Using the 2WD/4WD Switch”
in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE”
section.
IMPORTANT Do not operate your vehi-
cle in “4WD LOCK” mode on dry hard
surfaces. If the oil temperature of the parts for
4WD system is high, this light will blink.
The “4WD AUTO” or “4WD LOCK”
mode will be changed to the “2WD”
mode automatically to prevent a damage
of the parts for 4WD system.
For details, refer to “Using the 2WD/
4WD Switch” in the “OPERATING
YOUR VEHICLE” section.
NOTE If you restart the engine, the light
will stop blinking temporarily.
NOTE When the vehicle speed is in-
creased, the “4WD LOCK” mode will be
changed to the “4WD AUTO” mode au-
tomatically. The “4WD AUTO” indicator
light will come on and stay on.
79J100
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, this light comes on briefly
so you can check that the light is working.
The light comes on when the 2WD/4WD
switch is changed to the “4WD LOCK”
mode from the “4WD AUTO” mode.
If the light and the “4WD AUTO” indi-
cator light stay on or come on simultane-
ously when driving, there may be some-
thing wrong with the 4WD system. Have
the system inspected by an authorized
Fiat Dealership.
069-128 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:20 Pagina 80
149
O O
P P
E E
R R
A A
T T
I I
N N
G G
Y Y
O O
U U
R R
V V
E E
H H
I I
C C
L L
E E
60G408
EXHAUST GAS WARNING ............................................. 150
DAILY INSPECTION CHECKLIST .................................. 150
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION ....................................... 152
STARTING THE ENGINE ................................................. 152
USING THE TRANSAXLE ................................................. 156
USING THE 2WD/ 4WD SWITCH (if equipped) ........ 157
BRAKING .............................................................................. 160
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP
®)
(if equipped) ........................................................................... 162
RUNNING-IN ....................................................................... 165
CATALYTIC CONVERTER (if equipped)...................... 165
IMPROVING FUEL ECONOMY ...................................... 166
5
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:15 Pagina 149
150
DAILY INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
BEFORE DRIVING
❒Make sure that windows, mirrors,
lights, and reflectors are clean and un-
obstructed.
❒Visually check the tires for the fol-
lowing points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel bolts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
❒Look for fluid and oil leaks.
NOTE It is normal for water to drip from
the air conditioning system after use.
❒Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
❒Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper oper-
ation.
EXHAUST GAS
WARNING
52D147
Avoid breathing exhaust gas-
es. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal
gas that is colorless and odorless.
Since carbon monoxide is difficult to
detect by itself, be sure to take the
following precautions to help prevent
carbon monoxide from entering your
vehicle.
Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
Do not park with the engine running
for a long period of time, even in an
open area. If it is necessary to sit for
a short time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running, make sure the air
intake selector is set to “FRESH AIR”
and the fan is at high speed.
Avoid operating the vehicle with the
tail gate or trunk open. If it is neces-
sary to operate the vehicle with the
tail gate or trunk open, make sure the
sunroof (if equipped) and all windows
are closed, and the blower is at high
speed with the air intake selector set
to “FRESH AIR”.
WARNING
To allow proper operation
of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the air inlet grille in
front of the windshield clear of snow,
leaves, or other obstructions at all
times.
Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust gases
under the vehicle. This is particular-
ly important when parked in blizzard
conditions.
Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be re-
paired immediately.
WARNING
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:15 Pagina 150
151
Once a week, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, perform the following under-
hood checks:
❒Engine oil level
❒Coolant level
❒Brake fluid level
❒Power steering (if equipped) fluid level
❒Windshield washer fluid level
❒Battery solution level
❒Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without re-
leasing the secondary latch. Be sure to
close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See “All
latches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS
AND BODY” in the “Periodic Main-
tenance Schedule” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section
for lubrication schedule.Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.❒Adjust the seat and adjustable head re-
straint (if equipped).
❒Check the brake pedal and the park-
ing brake lever.
❒Adjust the mirrors.
❒Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
❒Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
❒Check all gauges.
❒Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
60A187S
Make sure the hood is fully
closed and latched before
driving. If it is not, it can fly up un-
expectedly during driving, obstructing
your view and resulting in an acci-
dent.
WARNING
149-166 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:15 Pagina 151
185
15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
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Thousands of km
Check exhaust emissions/smoke
Check cleanness of bonnet and boot locks and lever
cleanness and lubrication
Change spark plugs (change iridium spark plugs every 105,000 km)
Change engine oil and oil filter
Check air cleaner conditions
Replace air cleaner cartridge
Change engine coolant
Change accessory drive belt conditions
Sight inspect fuel tank conditions
Check manual transaxle gear oil level
Change manual transaxle gear oil
Check transmission unit oil level (4x4 version)
Check rear differential oil level (4x4 version)
Change rear differential oil (4x4 version)
(just the first time at 15,000 km)
Check suspension operation
Check steering system (electric drive)
Check engine control system operation
(through diagnostic socket)
Change brake and clutch fluid (or every 2 years)
Change pollen filter (or every 2 years)
181-224 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:17 Pagina 185
187
15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
(●)(●)(●)(●)(●)(●)
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●
●
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Thousands of km
Change engine oil and oil filter (Diesel versions - DPF)**
Check air cleaner conditions
Replace air cleaner cartridge
Change engine coolant
Change accessory drive belt conditions
Change timing belt *
Change fuel filter
Sight inspect fuel tank conditions
Check manual transaxle gear oil level
Change manual transaxle gear oil
Check transmission unit oil level (4x4 version)
Check rear differential oil level (4x4 version)
Change rear differential oil (4x4 version)
(just the first time at 15,000 km)
Check suspension operation
Check steering system (electric drive)
Check engine control system operation
(through diagnostic socket)
Change brake and clutch fluid (or every 2 years)
Change pollen filter (or every 2 years)
* Or every 4 years in the event of particularly demanding use (cold climates, driving in the city, idling for a long time, driving on dusty
roads or covered with sand and/or salt), or in any case every 5 years regardless of the km covered.
** Actual interval to change engine oil and oil filter depends on the conditions of use of the vehicle and it is indicated by the relevant in-
strument panel warning light (see section “Warning and indicator lights”), or in any case every 2 years.
181-224 Fiat16 New GB 3-09-2008 8:17 Pagina 187