YEARLY INSPECTION SCHEDULEFor cars with an annual mileage of below 20,000 km (for
example about 15,000 km) the following yearly inspec-
tion schedule is advised:❒
check conditions/wear of tyres and adjust pressure if
necessary (including spare wheel);
❒
check lighting system operation (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, boot light, passenger’s
compartment, instrument panel warning lights, etc...);
❒
check wiper/washer system operation, adjust nozzles;
❒
check windscreen/rear window blade position/wear;
❒
check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
❒
check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks and lever
cleanliness and lubrication;
❒
sight inspect the conditions of: engine, gearbox, trans-
mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust – fuel supply – brak-
ing system) rubber parts (boots – sleeves – bushes etc.),
fuel and brake system hoses;
❒
check battery charge;
❒
visually check the various drive belt conditions;
❒
check and top-up liquids if required (engine coolant,
brakes, windscreen washer, battery, etc.);
❒
change engine oil;
❒
change engine oil filter;
❒
change pollen filter (for versions/markets where pro-
vided).
ADDITIONAL INTERVENTIONSEvery 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and, if nec-
essary, top-up the following:❒
engine coolant fluid level;
❒
brake fluid level;
❒
battery fluid level;
❒
windscreen washer fluid level;
❒
tyre pressure and conditions.
Every 3,000 km check the following and top-up, if required:
❒
engine oil level.
You are recommended to use FL Selenia products de-
signed and produced specifically for Fiat cars (see table
“Capacities” in chapter “Technical specifications”).
IMPORTANT – Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under one of the fol-
lowing specially heavy conditions:
❒
trailer or caravan towing;
❒
dusty roads;
❒
short distances (less than 7–8 km) and with external
temperatures below zero;
INDEX TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCAR
MAINTENANCEIN
AN EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESCORRECT USE
OF THE CARSAFETYKNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
172
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Car maintenance should be charged to
a Fiat Dealership. For routine and minor
maintenance operations you wish to carry
out yourself, always make sure you have the prop-
er equipment, genuine Fiat spare parts and the nec-
essary fluids; do not however carry out these
operations if you have no experience.
IMPORTANT – Battery
Check the battery charge once a year, preferably before
at the beginning of winter to limit the risk of electrolyte
freezing.
This check should be carried out more frequently if the
car is used mainly for short journeys, or if it is fitted with
accessories that permanently absorb electricity even with
the ignition key removed, especially in the case of after-
market accessories. If the car is used in hot climates or
particularly harsh conditions it is advisable to check the
level of the battery fluid (electrolyte) more frequently than
specified in the “Scheduled Servicing Programme”.
❒
frequently idling engine or long distance low speed dri-
ving (e.g. taxis or door-to-door deliveries) or in case
of a long term inactivity;
change engine oil more frequently than required on the
“Scheduled Servicing Programme”.
IMPORTANT – Diesel filter
The possibility of topping-up with diesel fuel not comply-
ing with EN 590 European Standard might make it neces-
sary to replace the filter more frequently than indicated in
the “Scheduled Servicing Programme”.
IMPORTANT – Air filter
When the car is used on dusty roads, change the air fil-
ter more frequently than shown on the “Scheduled Ser-
vicing Programme”. If in doubt as to how often the en-
gine oil and air filter should be changed according to how
you use the car, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT – Pollen filter
It is advisable to replace the filtering element more fre-
quently if the car is used in dusty or very polluted places.
Specifically, replace if a lower air flow into the passen-
ger’s compartment is found.
INDEX TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCAR
MAINTENANCEIN
AN EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR SAFETY KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE173
169-190 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 14:14 Pagina 173
176KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0Z0184m
fig. 175 – version 1.1
F0Z0262m
fig. 177 – version 1.3 Multijet
F0Z0106m
fig. 176 – version 1.2-1.2 Euro 5 (C)
IMPORTANT The oil consumption depends on driving
style and the car utilisation conditions.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing the oil, let the en-
gine run for a few seconds and wait a few minutes after
switching it off before checking the level. ENGINE OIL fig. 175 – 176 and 177
Check the oil level a few minutes (about five) after the en-
gine has stopped, with the car parked on level ground.
Check the level is within the MIN. and MAX. marks on the
dipstick B.
The range between the MIN. and MAX. marks corre-
sponds to about 1 litre of oil. If the oil level is close to or
actually below the MIN. mark, pour in the prescribed oil
through the filler A until it reaches the MAX mark. The oil
level must never exceed the MAX mark.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTIONThe maximum engine oil consumption is usually 400 grams
every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs to be run in, there-
fore the engine oil consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5,000 ÷ 6,000 km.
169-190 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 14:14 Pagina 176
182KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Using the battery when the fluid is too low
can damage it irreparably and generate
a risk of explosion.
WARNING
CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a genuine spare part
having the same specifications.
If a battery with different specifications is fitted, the ser-
vice intervals given in the “Scheduled Servicing Pro-
gramme” in this chapter will no longer be valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions for main-
tenance.
Incorrect assembly of electric and electronic
devices may cause severe damage to your
car. Contact a Fiat Dealership if you want
to install accessories (alarms, mobile phone, etc...):
they will suggest the most suitable devices and ad-
vise you if a higher capacity battery needs to be
installed.
If the car must remain unused for a long
time at very low temperature, remove the
battery and carry it to a warm place, to avoid
freezing.
WARNING
Batteries contain substances that can be
very dangerous for the environment. It is
advisable to have battery replaced by a
Fiat Dealership where it will be disposed respecting
the environment and according to law prescription.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last longer, ob-
serve the following instructions:❒
when you park the car, ensure the doors, tailgate and
bonnet are closed properly, to prevent any light switch-
ing-on inside the passenger’s compartment;
When you must perform any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with the special goggles.
WARNING
169-190 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 14:15 Pagina 182
183KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0Z0112m
fig. 185
WHEELS AND TYRESCheck the pressure of each tyre, including the space-saver
wheel, approximately every two weeks and before long
journeys: the pressure should be checked with the tyre
rested and cold.
While driving the car, the pressure increases under stan-
dard conditions: for the correct tyre inflation pressure, see
“Wheels” in “Technical specifications” chapter.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 185:
A standard pressure: tread evenly worn.
B low pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges.
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the centre.
❒
the ceiling lights must be off. The car is however pro-
vided with an automatic system for switching-off inter-
nal lights;
❒
do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, hazard
warning lights, etc...) switched on for a long time when
the engine is not running;
❒
before performing any operation on the electric system,
disconnect the battery negative cable;
❒
battery terminals shall always be perfectly tightened.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains for a long time
under 50%, the battery is damaged by sulphation, reduc-
ing its capacity and starting attitude.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (e.g. al-
ready 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 acces-
sories which require permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.)
or accessories influencing the electrical supply require-
ments, contact Fiat Dealership whose skilled personnel, in
addition to suggesting the most suitable devices included
in Lineaccessori Fiat, will evaluate the overall electric ab-
sorption, checking whether the car’s electric system is ca-
pable of withstanding the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing energy even when
the ignition key is off, they gradually run down the battery.
169-190 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 14:15 Pagina 183
184KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
❒
to allow even wear between the front and rear tyres,
it is advisable to change them over every 10–15 thou-
sand kilometres, keeping them on the same side of the
car so as not to reverse the direction of rotation. The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less than
1.6 mm thick. In all cases, follow the laws in force in the
country where you are driving.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒
Avoid braking suddenly, burning starts and violent
knocks against curbs, potholes or other obstacles if pos-
sible. Driving for long stretches over bumpy roads can
damage the tyres;
❒
check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling
or irregular tread wear. Contact a Fiat Dealership if re-
quired;
❒
avoid overloading the car when travelling: this may cause
serious damage to the wheels and tyres;
❒
if a tyre is punctured, stop the vehicle immediately
and change it to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim, the
suspensions and the steering system;
❒
a tyre will age even if it is not used much. Cracks in
the tread and on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. Have
the tyres checked by skilled personnel if they have been
fitted for longer than six years. Remember to check
also the space-saver wheel very carefully;
❒
in case of replacement, always fit new tyres, avoiding
those with an unknown origin;
❒
if a tyre is replaced, also change the inflation valve;
Remember that the road holding qualities
of your car also depend on the correct in-
flation pressure of the tyres.
WARNING
If the pressure is too low the tyre will
get overheated, with the risk of serious
damage.
WARNING
Avoid moving the tyres from the right side
of the car to the left side and vice versa.
WARNING
Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring to use temperatures
exceeding 150 °C. The mechanical properties of
the wheels could be impaired.
WARNING
169-190 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 14:15 Pagina 184
185KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WIPER/WASHERBLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using special products;
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 is recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is deformed or worn.
In all cases, it is advisable to replace them approximately once
a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility of dam-
age to the blades:❒
make sure that the rubber part is not stuck to the wind-
screen at sub-zero temperatures. Use an antifreeze
product to release it if required;
❒
remove any snow from the glass: in addition to pro-
tecting the blades, this prevents effort on the motor
and overheating;
❒
do not operate the windscreen and the rear screen
wipers on dry glass.
RUBBER HOSESAs far as the brake system and fuel rubber hoses are concerned,
follow the “Scheduled Servicing Programme” in this chapter care-
fully.
Ozone, high temperatures and prolonged lack of fluid in the sys-
tem may cause hardening and cracking of the hoses, with pos-
sible leaks. Careful control is therefore necessary.
Driving with worn wiper blades is a serious
hazard, because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
WARNING
169-190 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 14:15 Pagina 185
188KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
❒
spraying of protective plastic material in the more ex-
posed points: underdoor, inner mudguard parts, edges,
etc...;
❒
Use of “open” boxed sections to prevent condensation
and pockets of moisture which could cause triggering
rust inside.
BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against perforation due
to rust of any original element of the structure or body.
For the general terms of this warranty, refer to the War-
ranty Booklet.
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but
also protects the underlying sheet metal.
Touch-up abrasions and scratches immediately to prevent
the formation of rust. Only use genuine spare paint prod-
ucts for touch-ups (see “Bodywork paint identification plate”
in the “Technical Specifications” chapter).
Standard maintenance of paintwork consists in washing the
vehicle; its frequency depends on the conditions and envi-
ronment where the vehicle is used. For example, in highly
polluted areas, or if the roads are sprayed with salt, it is
advisable to wash the car more frequently.
BODYWORKPROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the following:❒
atmospheric pollution;
❒
salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or hot humid cli-
mates);
❒
seasonal environmental conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abrasive action of
wind-borne atmospheric dust and sand, along with mud
and gravel raised by other vehicles.
On your car, Fiat implemented the best manufacturing
technologies to effectively protect the bodywork against
corrosion.
These include:
❒
painting products and systems which give the car par-
ticular resistance to corrosion and abrasion;
❒
use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel sheets, with high
resistance to corrosion;
❒
spraying the underbody, engine compartment, wheel
housing internal parts and other parts with highly pro-
tective wax products;
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