2009 FIAT IDEA Owners Manual

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F0H0723mfig. 3 - versions 1.3 Multijet 1. Engine coolant
2. Engine oil
3. Brake fluid
4. Battery
5.Windscreen/rear window/headlamp
washer fluid level
F0H0770mfig. 4 - versions 1.3 Multijet 95 CV 1. Engine coolant
2.Engine oil
3. Brake fluid
4. Battery
5.Windscreen/rear window/headlamp
washer fluid level

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3
12
45
F0H0763mfig. 5 - 1.6 Multijet version
1. Engine coolant
2. Engine oil
3. Brake fluid
4. Battery
5.Windscreen/rear window/headlamp
washer fluid levelENGINE OIL fig. 6-7-8-9-10
Checking engine oil level
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with the
car parked on level ground.
The oil level shall be included between the
MINand MAXmarks on the dipstick .
The range between the MINand MAX-
levels corresponds to approximately 1 li-
tre of oil.
fig. 6 - versions 1.2 16V- 1.4 16VF0H0754m
Waste engine oil and oil filters
contains substances which are
dangerous for the environ-
ment. You are advised to go to
a Fiat Dealership to have the oil and
filters replaced.

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MAINTENANCE
AND CAREProceed very carefully inside
the engine compartment
when the engine is hot: risk of burns.
Remember that the fan may start up
if the engine is hot: risk of injury. Pay
attention to scarves, ties and other
loose fitting garments: they could get
dragged by the moving parts.
WARNING
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is
usually 400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil con-
sumption can only be considered stabili-
sed after the first 5000 - 6000 km.
IMPORTANT The oil consumption de-
pends on driving style and the conditions
under which the car is used.
IMPORTANT Always top up using engine
oil of the same types as that already in the
engine.
fig. 8 - versioni 1.3 MultijetF0H0180mfig. 9 - versioni 1.6 MultijetF0H0764m
fig. 10 - versioni 1.3 Multijet 95 CV F0H0771m
fig. 7 - versions 1.4 8V(where provided)
F0H0258m
Topping up engine oil
If the oil level is near or even under the
MINline, add oil through the filler to rea-
ch the MAXline. Oil level shall never ex-
ceed the MAXline.
IMPORTANT If the engine oil level after
the check is over the MAXlevel, go to
a Fiat Dealership to have the correct level
restored.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine turn over for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after tur-
ning it off before you check the level.

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ENGINE COOLANT fig. 11-12
The coolant level must be checked when
the engine is cold and must be between
the MINand MAXlines on the vessel.
If the level is so, slowly pour a mixture of
demineralised water and FL Selenia PA-
RAFLU UP in a 50-50 proportion.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU UPand
distilled water gives freeze protection to
–35°C.
When the vehicle is used under particu-
larly harsh climate conditions, we recom-
mend using a 60% mixture of PARAFLU
UPand 40% demineralised water.
IMPORTANT Do not remove the cap
from the vessel when the engine is very
hot: risk of burns.
fig. 11 - versioni 1.2 16V, 1.4 8Vwhere provided, 1.4 16V
F0H0210mfig. 12 - versioni 1.3 Multijet,
1.6 MultijetF0H0211m
PARAFLU UP antifreeze is
used in the engine cooling sy-
stem. Use fluid of the same type con-
tained in the cooling system for top-
ups. PARAFLU UP may not be mixed
with other types of fluids. If this ac-
cidentally occurs, do not start the en-
gine and contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
The cooling system is pres-
surised. If required, replace
the cap with an original spare part so
as not to compromise system effi-
ciency.
WARNING
WINDSCREEN / REAR WINDOW
/ HEADLIGHT WASHER LIQUID
To add fluid, lift the cap A-fig. 13 and
pour in a mixture of water and TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC 35fluid in the fol-
lowing proportions:
❒30% of TUTELA PROFESSIO-
NAL SC 35and 70% water in sum-
mer.
❒50% of TUTELA PROFESSIO-
NAL SC 35and 50% water in win-
ter.
At temperature lower than –20°C use
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35
neat.
Check level through the reservoir.

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BRAKE FLUID fig. 14
Release cap: Check that the liquid contai-
ned in the tank is at the maximum level.
Fluid level in the reservoir must not ex-
ceed the MAXmark.
Use the brake fluid shown in the “Fluids
and lubricants” table (see “Technical Spe-
cifications”).
NOTE Carefully clean the cap of reservoir
A and the surrounding surface.
When opening the cap, make sure that no
dirt gets into the reservoir.
Always use a funnel with a built-in filter
with a mesh of 0.12 mm or less for top-
ping up.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs moi-
sture. For this reason, if the car is mainly
used in areas with a high degree of atmo-
spheric humidity, the fluid should be re-
placed at more frequent intervals than
specified in the “Service schedule”.
fig. 14F0H0213m
Brake fluid is poisonous and
highly corrosive. In the event
of accidental contact, wash the parts
immediately with water and mild
soap and rinse with plenty of water.
Call a doctor immediately if swal-
lowed.
WARNING
Symbol πon the contain
indicates a synthetic brake
fluid, which is different from a mine-
ral fluid. Use of a mineral type fluid
will damage the special rubber seals
of the braking system beyond repair.
WARNING
Prevent brake fluid which is
highly corrosive from coming
into contact with painted
parts. Should this occur, im-
mediately wash with water.
Do not travel with the wind-
screen washing reservoir
empty: the action of the windscreen
washer is essential for improving vi-
sibility.
WARNING
Some commercial additives
for windscreen washing are
flammable. The engine compartment
contains hot parts which could start
a fire if they come into contact.
WARNING
fig. 13F0H0212m

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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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IMPORTANT A battery which is kept at
a charge of less than 50% for any length of
time will be damaged by sulphation leading
to a reduction in cranking power.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (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 mo-
st suitable devices from Lineaccessori Fiat,
will evaluate the overall electric absorp-
tion, checking whether the car’s electric
system is capable of withstanding the load
required, or whether it should be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing
energy 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
lengthen its life, observe the following in-
dications:
❒when the car is parked, make sure that
the doors, bonnet and tailgate are clo-
sed properly to make sure that the li-
ghts inside the passenger compart-
ment go out;
❒switch off all lights inside the vehicle:
the car is however equipped with a sy-
stem which switches all internal lights
off automatically;
❒do not keep devices (e.g. sound sy-
stem, hazard lights, etc.) on for a long
time with the engine off;
❒before performing any operation on the
electrical system, disconnect the bat-
tery negative cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be per-
fectly tightened.Batteries contain very dange-
rous substances for the envi-
ronment. You are recommen-
ded to go to a Fiat Dealership
to have the battery replaced where the
old battery will be disposed of respec-
ting both the environment and the laws
in force.
If the vehicle needs to be off
the road for a long period
under conditions of intense cold, re-
move the battery and take it to a
heated place, otherwise it may free-
ze.
WARNING
When performing any ope-
ration on the battery or near
it, always protect your eyes with the
special goggles.
WARNING

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WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including
the spare wheel, approximately once
every two weeks and before setting off on
a long journey: this check must be perfor-
med with the tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for pressure to increase when
the car is used. For the correct tyre in-
flation pressure, see “Wheels” in “Tech-
nical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wearfig. 15:
A: normal pressure: evenly worn tread.
B: low pressure: tread particularly worn
on the edges.
C: excessive pressure: tread particularly
worn in the middle.
The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In all ca-
ses, follow the laws in force in the coun-
try where you are driving.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Avoid braking suddenly, burning starts
and violent knocks against the curb,
potholes or other obstacles if possible.
Long distances on rough roads may da-
mage the tyres;
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the
sides, swelling or irregular tread wear.
Go to a Fiat Dealership if required.
❒Do not overload your vehicle: this may
cause serious damage to wheels and ty-
res;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop the vehicle
immediately and charge it to avoid da-
mage to the tyre, the rim, suspensions
and steering system;
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used mu-
ch. Cracks in the tread and on the si-
dewalls are a sign of ageing. Have the
tyres checked by specialised personnel
if they have been fitted for longer than
6 years. Remember to check the spa-
re wheel very carefully;
❒In case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those with an unknown
origin.
fig. 15F0H0216m
Remember that the road
holding qualities of your car
also depends on the correct inflation
pressure of the tyres.
Excessively low pressure will cause
overheating of the tyre and may cau-
se severe tyre damage.
WARNING
Do not exchange the tyres
from the left to the right of
the car and vice versa.
Do not repaint alloy wheel rims at
temperatures higher than 150°C. The
mechanical characteristics of the
wheels might be disrupted.
WARNING
❒If a tyre is replaced, also change the in-
flation valve.
❒to allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to chan-
ge them over every 10-15 thousand ki-
lometres, keeping them on the same si-
de of the car so as not to reverse the
direction of rotation.