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Certain commercial additives for wind-
screen washers are inflammable. The en-
gine compartment contains hot parts which could
start a fire if they come into contact.
WARNING
Prevent brake fluid which is highly corrosive
from coming into contact with painted
parts. Should this occur, immediately wash
with water. Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corro-
sive. In the event of accidental contact, im-
mediately wash the affected parts with water
and neutral soap. Then rinse thoroughly. If swal-
lowed call a doctor straight away.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID fig. 181
Undo the cap A and check that the liquid contained in the
reservoir is at the maximum level.
Fluid level in the reservoir must not exceed the MAX
mark.
Use the brake fluid shown in the “Fluids and lubricants”
table (see “Technical Specifications”).
NOTE Carefully clean the reservoir cap A and the sur-
rounding surface.
Take great care that impurities do not enter the reservoir
when the cap is opened.
For topping-up, always use a funnel with integrated filter
with mesh equal to or lower than 0.12 mm.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it absorbs
moisture). For this reason, if the car is mainly used in ar-
eas with a high degree of atmospheric humidity, the fluid
should be replaced at more frequent intervals than spec-
ified in the “Scheduled Servicing Programme”.
fig. 181
F0Z0109m
INDEX TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCAR
MAINTENANCEIN
AN EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR SAFETY KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE179
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180KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0Z0135m
fig. 183
F0Z0134m
fig. 182
AIR FILTERREPLACEMENT (petrol versions) fig. 182 and 183
Release the clips A, remove the cover front side B
and extract the filtering element C to be replaced.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corro-
sive. In the event of accidental contact, im-
mediately wash the affected parts with water
and neutral soap. Then rinse thoroughly. Call a
doctor immediately if swallowed.
WARNING
The symbol
π
on the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, distinguishing it
from the mineral kind. Use of a mineral type flu-
ids will damage the special rubber seals of the
braking system beyond repair.WARNING
The symbol πon the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is different
from a mineral fluid. Use of a mineral-based flu-
id will damage the special rubber seals of the brak-
ing system beyond repair.
WARNING
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Page 182 of 226
181KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
fig. 184
BATTERYThe car fits a low-maintenance battery: no top-ups with
distilled water are needed in standard conditions of use.
INSPECTING THE CHARGE AND
THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The operations must be carried out as described in this
Owner Handbook only by skilled personnel. Any top-up
operations must be carried out by skilled personnel
and by a Fiat Dealership. REPLACEMENT (Diesel versions) fig. 184
Undo the screws D, remove the cover E and extract the
filtering element F to be replaced.
POLLEN FILTERPollen filter replacement shall be carried out at a
Fiat Dealership.
F0Z0263m
Battery liquid is poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with the skin and eyes. Keep
naked flames or possible sources of sparks away
from the battery: risk of explosion or fire.
WARNING
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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186KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN
AN EMERGENCYCAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0Z0218m
fig. 186
F0G0077m
fig. 187
Changing the rear window wiper blade fig. 187
Proceed as follows:❒
raise the cover A and remove the arm from the car,
slackening the nut B that fastens it to the pivot pin;
❒
position the new arm correctly and tighten the nut;
❒
lower the cover. Changing the windscreen wiper blades fig. 186
Proceed as follows:
❒
lift the arm A of the wiper and position the blade so that
it forms an angle of 90° with the arm;
❒
press tab B of the coupling spring and remove the blade
to be replaced from the arm A;
❒
fit the new blade by inserting the tab into the special
slot in the arm. Make sure it is properly locked into
place.
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