2009 FIAT IDEA air condition

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SAFETY
STARTING
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
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PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
The devices for curtailing petrol engine
emissions are the following:
❒three-way catalytic converter;
❒Lambda sensor;
❒fuel evaporation system.
In addition, do not let the engine run, even
for a test, with one or more spark plugs
disconnected.
The devices for reducing diesel fuel engine
emissions are the following:
❒oxidising catalytic converter;
❒exhaust gas recirculation system
(E.G.R.);
❒diesel particulate filter (DPF)DPF (DIESEL
PARTICULATE FILTER)
(for 1.3 Multijet 90 HP - 1.3
Multijet 95 HP versions)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechan-
ical filter, integral with the exhaust system,
that physically traps particulates present
in the exhaust gases of Diesel engines. The
diesel particular filter has been adopted to
eliminate almost totally particulates in
compliance with current / future law reg-
ulations.
During normal use of the vehicle, the en-
gine control unit records a set of data (e.g.:
travel time, type of route, temperatures,
etc.) and it will then calculate how much
particulates has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particulate,
it should be regenerated (cleaned) at reg-
ular intervals by burning carbon particles.
The regeneration procedure is controlled
automatically by the engine management
control unit according to the filter condi-
tions and vehicle use conditions.
The catalytic converter de-
velops high temperature dur-
ing operation. Do not park
on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or
other flammable material: fire risk.
WARNING
During the regeneration procedure, the
following situations may occur: limited in-
crease of idle speed, activation of electric
fan, limited increase of smoke, high tem-
peratures at the exhaust.
These are not faults; they do not impair
vehicle performance or damage the envi-
ronment. If the dedicated message is dis-
played, refer to section “Warning lights
and messages”.

99
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LIGHTS AND
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SAFETY
HOW TO KEEP THE
SEAT BELTS ALWAYS IN
EFFICIENT CONDITIONS
❒always use the belt with the tap taut
and never twisted; make sure that it is
free to run without impediments;
❒Replace the belt after a serious acci-
dent even if it does not appear dama-
ged. Always replace the belt if the pre-
tensioners where deployed.
❒To clean the belt, wash by hand with
water and mild soap, rinse and leave
to dry in the shade. Do not use strong
detergents, bleach, paints or any other
substance which could damage the belt
fibres;
❒Keep the reels dry: correct operation
may only be ensured if the reels are
dry.
❒replace the seat belt when showing si-
gnificant wear or cut signs.
CARRYING CHILDREN
SAFELY
For optimum protection in the event of
a crash, all passengers must be seated and
wearing adequate restraint systems.
This is even more important for children.
This prescription is compulsory in all EC
countries according to EC Directive
2003/20/EC.
A child’s head is larger and heavier in pro-
portion to its body and the child’s mu-
scular and bone structures are not fully
developed. For this reason, they require
restraint systems which are different from
those used by adults to protect them in
the event of an accident. The research re-
sults in relation to the best protection for
children is illustrated in European Regu-
lation EEC-R44 which divides the restraint
systems into five groups in addition to
making their use compulsory:
Group 0 - up to 10 kg of weight
Group 0+ - up to 13 kg of weight
Group 1 9-18 kg of weight
Group 2 15-25 kg of weight
Group 3 22-36 kg of weightAs it may be noted, the groups overlap
partly and in fact, in commerce it is pos-
sible to find devices that cover more than
one weight group.
All child restraint devices must bear the
certification data, together with the con-
trol brand, on a solidly fixed label which
must absolutely never be removed.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the
point of view of restraint systems, children
are considered as adults and have to wear
the standard seat belts.
Lineaccessori Fiat includes child restraint
systems for each weight group. These de-
vices are recommended having been spe-
cifically designed for Fiat cars.
Do not place a cradle seat
facing backwards on the
front seat if the passenger side airbag
is on. Deployment of the airbag in an
accident could cause fatal injuries to
the baby regardless of the severity of
the collision. It is advisable to carry
children in an appropriate restraint
system on the rear seat which is the
most protected position in the event
of an accident.
WARNING

116
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
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SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
vehicle down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the atmo-
sphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedu-
le”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least on-
ce every four weeks: excessively low pres-
sure will increase fuel consumption be-
cause rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof after use. These accessories de-
crease aerodynamic penetration of the car
and have a negative effect on consumption.
It is better to use a trailer to transport
particularly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The climate control system requires hi-
gher fuel consumption (up to +20% in ave-
rage): use the air vents when the exter-
nal temperature allows to.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car
standing: the engine warms up very slowly
in these conditions, increasing fuel con-
sumption and emissions. It is advisable to
start off immediately and slowly keeping
the engine speed down: the engine will
warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine. The
latter action, like doubling the clutch, is un-
necessary and causes increase of con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and
road conditions allow. Using a low gear
for faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.

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SAFETY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or stays on whilst
driving (together with the message in
the multifunctional display, where
provided), a failure may have occur-
red in the restraint systems. In this ca-
se the air bags or pretensioners may
not be deployed after an impact or,
in a minor number of cases, they may
be deployed accidentally. Contact
Fiat Dealership immediately to have
the system checked before driving off.
WARNING
The failure of the warning li-
ght ¬is indicated by inter-
mittent blinking of the warning light
“that signals front passenger airbag
deactivated. The airbag system will
automatically deactivate the passen-
ger airbag (front and side, where pro-
vided). In this case, the warning light
¬may not indicate a fault in the sy-
stem. Contact the Fiat Dealership im-
mediately to have the system checked
before driving off.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE
COOLANT (red)
When the ignition key is mo-
ved to MAR, the warning light
turns on and should go off after a few se-
conds.
The warning light turns on when the en-
gine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as
follows:
❒during normal travel: stop the car,
stop the engine and check that the wa-
ter level in the vessel is not under the
MINline. In this case, wait for a few
minutes for the engine to cool down
when slowly and carefully open the
cap, top-up with coolant and check
that the level is between the MINand
MAXreferences on the vessel itself.
Also check for leaks. Should the war-
ning light turn on again at the next
start-up, contact Fiat Dealership.
u
❒If the vehicle is used under seve-
re conditions(e.g. towing of trailers
uphill or fully loaded vehicle): slow
down and stop the car if the warning
light stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minu-
tes with the engine running and sligh-
tly accelerated to assist better coolant
circulation. Then switch the engine off.
Check correct fluid level as described
above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly acce-
lerated for few minutes before switching
it off.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
When the ignition key is mo-
ved to MAR, the warning light
turns on and should go out as soon as the
engine is started (with the engine running
at idle speed a brief delay in going out is
allowed). Go to a Lancia Dealership im-
mediately if the warning light stays on.w

164
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SAFETY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
Thousands of kilometres
Check handbrake stroke adjustment
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness (Multijet engines).
Check emissions in exhaust (petrol versions)
Replace fuel filter (Multijet versions)
Replace air cleaner filter (petrol versions)
Replace air cleaner filter (diesel versions) (❏❒)
Top up fluids (engine coolant, brakes,
battery, windscreen washer, etc.)
Check timing belt conditions (■)
Replace timing belt (*) (■)
Replace timing belt and (1.6 Multijet versions) (*)
Replace auxiliary drive belt
Replace spark plugs (petrol versions)
Check operation of engine management systems
(using diagnostic socket)
Replace engine oil and oil filter (petrol versions)
Change engine oil and oil filter (Multijet versions with DPF) (**)
Change engine oil and oil filter (Multijet versions without DPF) (▲)
Change brake fluid (or every two years)
Replace pollen filter (or once a year).
(*) Or every 4 years if the vehicle is used in one of the following particularly demanding conditions:
- prolonged use in cold/hot climates,
- city use with long standing with engine idling,
- use on particular dusty roads or roads sprinkled with sand and/or salt.
Or every five years regardless of mileage and conditions of use of the car.
(**) The engine oil and the filter must be changed when instrument panel warning light comes on (see “Warning lights and messages” chap-
ter) or however every 2 years.
(
❏) Every 30,000 km for 1.3 Multijet versions.
(
■) Excluding 1.3 Multijet and 1.6 Multijet versions.
(▲) Every 30,000 km
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
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●
●
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166
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
IMPORTANT - Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy con-
ditions:
❒trailer or caravan towing;
❒dusty roads;
❒short repeated distances (less than 7-
8 km) and with external temperatures
below zero;
❒frequently idling engines or long di-
stance low speed driving (e.g. taxis or
door-to-door deliveries) or in case of
a long term inactivity;
change engine oil more frequently than
shown on the “Service Schedule”.
IMPORTANT - Air cleaner
When the car is used on dusty roads,
change the air cleaner more frequently
than shown on the “Service Schedule”.
Call a Fiat Dealership for doubts regarding
engine oil and air cleaner replacement.IMPORTANT - Pollen filter
It is advisable to replace the filtering ele-
ment more frequently if the car is used in
dusty or very polluted places. Specifical-
ly, replace if a lower air flow into the pas-
senger compartment is found.
IMPORTANT - Diesel filter
Using diesel not complying with European
Specification EN590 may lead to the need
to replace the diesel fuel filter more fre-
quently than shown in the “Service Sche-
dule”.IMPORTANT - Battery
Check the battery charge once a year,
preferably before the beginning to winter,
to prevent freezing of the electrolyte.
Perform this inspection more frequently
if the car is mainly used for short distan-
ces or if electrical devices running with the
key off are installed, particularly after-
market. Check the battery level (elec-
trolyte) more frequently than shown on
the “Service Schedule” if the car is used in
hot climates or in particularly demanding
conditions.
Take the car to a Fiat Dea-
lership for servicing. Make su-
re you have the right equip-
ment, genuine Fiat spare
parts and consumables for ordinary,
minor interventions. Do not attempt
the operations if you lack the expe-
rience.

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MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
FUEL FILTER
(green filter)
DRAINING CONDENSATION
(Multijet versions)
The presence of water in the
feeding circuit may cause se-
vere damage to the injection system
and irregular engine operation. If the
warning lights
con the cluster lights
up or a message appears on the re-
configurable multifunctional display
(some versions), contact a Fiat Dea-
lership to have the system bled. Wa-
ter may have been introduced in the
tank if this appears immediately af-
ter refuelling: in this case, stop the en-
gine immediately and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
BATTERY
The car fits a low-maintenance battery: in
normal usage conditions the electrolyte
does not need topping up with distilled
water.
CHECKING CHARGE
AND ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The operations must be carried out as de-
scribed in this Owner’s Handbook only by
specialised personnel. Topping must be
carried out by specialised personnel at a
Fiat Dealership.
The battery fluid is poiso-
nous and corrosive. Avoid
contact with the skin and eyes. Keep
naked flames and sources of sparks
away from the battery: risk of explo-
sion and fire.
WARNING
CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a ge-
nuine 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 apply.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s in-
structions for maintenance.
Running the battery with an
excessively low liquid level
will damage the battery beyond re-
pair and even cause an explosion.
WARNING
Incorrect assembly of electric
and electronic devices may
cause severe damage to your
car. Go to a Fiat Dealership if
you want to install accessories (alarms,
mobile phone, etc.): they will suggest
the most suitable devices and advise
you if a higher capacity battery needs
to be installed.

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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 du-
st and sand and mud and gravel raised by
other cars.
On your car, Fiat implemented the best
manufacturing technologies to effectively
protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❒painting products and systems which
give the car particular resistance to
corrosion and abrasion;
❒use of galvanised (or pre-treated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corro-
sion;
❒spraying of plastic parts with a pro-
tective function in the more exposed
points: under door, inner wing parts,
edges, etc.;
❒boxed parts are designed to prevent
condensation and pooling of water
which can cause corrosion from the
inside.BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against
perforation due to rust of any original ele-
ment of the structure or body. For the ge-
neral terms of this warranty, refer to your
“FIAT SERVICE” Booklet.
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aesthe-
tic purpose, but also protects the un-
derlying sheet metal.
Touch up abrasions and scratches imme-
diately to prevent the formation of rust.
Only use genuine spare paint products for
touch-ups (see “Bodywork paint identifi-
cation plate” in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” section).Normal maintenance of paintwork consi-
sts in washing the vehicle: the frequency
depends on the conditions and environ-
ment where the vehicle is used. For exam-
ple, 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
prevent damage to it if the car is wa-
shed 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 ca-
refully, such as the door frames and the
headlight frames, where water may sta-
gnate more easily. It is a good idea to lea-
ve the car in the open for a while after wa-
shing it to give time for the water to eva-
porate.
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.