2009 FIAT PUNTO EVO technical specifications

227
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IMPORTANT If the battery remains with the charge be-
low 50% for a long time it becomes damaged through sul-
phation and its starting capacity is reduced.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (this can
happen as early as -10°C). Refer to “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 electrical devices
that require a permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.) or
devices that use a lot of electricity, contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship. Their qualified personnel, in addition to suggesting
the most suitable devices from the Lineaccessori Fiat range,
will evaluate the overall electricity consumption, check-
ing whether the car’s electrical system is capable of with-
standing the load required, or whether it should be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue to consume energy even
when the engine is switched off, they gradually run down
the battery.WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including the spare, every
two weeks and before long journeys. The pressure should
be checked with the tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase when the car is used;
for the correct tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in the
“Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 211:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
B low pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges.
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the centre.
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 coun-
try where you are driving.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Where possible, avoid braking suddenly, wheel-spinning
and crashing into kerbs, potholes or other obstacles. Long
distances on uneven roads can damage the tyres;
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228
F0U0289mfig. 211
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Remember that the car’s road holding de-
pends on correct tyre pressures
WARNING
If the pressure is too low, the tyre will over-
heat and could be seriously damaged.
WARNING
Avoid switching the tyres from the right
side of the vehicle to the left side and vice
versa.
Do not re-spray alloy wheel rims at temperatures
higher than 150°C. The mechanical characteris-
tics of the wheels may be compromised.
WARNING
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling
or irregular tread wear. Go to 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, and the
suspension and steering systems;
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used much. Cracks in
the tread and on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. In
any event, have the tyres checked by specialised per-
sonnel if they have been fitted for longer than 6 years.
Remember to check the spare wheel very carefully;
❒in case of replacement, always fit new tyres, avoiding
those with an unknown origin;
❒if a tyre is replaced, you should also change the inflation
valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front and rear tyres,
it is advisable to switch them every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same side of the car so
as not to reverse the direction of rotation.
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229
RUBBER TUBES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber hoses are con-
cerned, stick closely to the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” in
this section.
Ozone, high temperatures and a prolonged lack of fluid
in the system may cause hardening and cracking of the
tubes, which could result in leaks.
Careful inspections are therefore necessary.
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WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Clean the rubber part regularly using special products;
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 is recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is misshapen or
worn. In any event, it is advisable to replace them ap-
proximately 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 frozen to the
windscreen in 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 the electric motor from
overheating;
❒ do not operate the windscreen wipers on dry glass.
Driving with worn wiper blades is a serious
hazard, because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
WARNING
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F0U0291mfig. 213
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer fig. 214
If the jet is not coming out, firstly check that there is flu-
id in the reservoir (see “Checking levels” in this section).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not clogged; use
a needle to unblock them if necessary.
230
F0U0290mfig. 212
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades fig. 212
How to remove the blade:
❒lift the arm A off the windscreen;
❒turn blade B 90° around pin C, located at the end of the
wiper arm;
❒ remove the blade from the pin C.
How to insert the blade:
❒fit pin C into the hole located in the middle of the
blade B;
❒refit the arm with the blade on the windscreen.
Changing the rear window wiper blade fig. 213
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;
❒fit the new arm, positioning it correctly, and fully tight-
en the nut;
❒ lower the cover.
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231
F0U0293mfig. 215
F0U0292mfig. 214
Rear window washer fig. 215
The rear window washer jets are fixed.
The nozzle holder is located above the rear window.KNOWING
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BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the following:
❒atmospheric pollution;
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas or hot and humid
climates);
❒seasonal environmental conditions.
The abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust and
sand, as well as mud and gravel raised by other cars is al-
so not to be underestimated.
Fiat used the best manufacturing technologies on your car
to effectively protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❒painting products and systems which give the car par-
ticular resistance to corrosion and abrasion;
❒use of galvanised (or pre-treated) steel sheets with high
resistance to corrosion;
❒spraying the underbody, engine compartment, wheel-
house internal parts and other elements with highly pro-
tective wax-based products;
❒spraying protective plastic materials in the most exposed
areas: underdoor, inner mudguard parts, edges, etc.;
❒using “open” boxed sections to prevent condensation
and pockets of moisture from triggering rust inside.
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232
VEHICLE BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against perforation, due
to rust, of any original element of the structure or body-
work.
For the general terms of this warranty, refer to your 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. Use only original paint products
for touch-ups (see “Bodywork paint identification plate”
in the “Technical specifications” section).
Normal care for paintwork consists of washing the car;
how often depends on the conditions and environment
where the car is used. For example, it is advisable to wash
the car more often in areas with high atmospheric pollu-
tion or if you are travelling on gritted roads.
To wash the car properly, proceed as follows:
❒if taking your car through an automatic car wash, re-
move the aerial from the roof;
❒wash the body using a low-pressure jet of water;
❒use a sponge to wipe a slightly soapy solution over the
bodywork, frequently rinsing the sponge;
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❒rinse with plenty of water and dry with a jet of air or
a chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts particularly carefully, such as the
door frames, bonnet and the headlight frames, where wa-
ter may stagnate more easily. It is a good idea to leave
the car in the open for a while after washing it to give time
for the water to evaporate.
Do not wash the car after it has been left in the sun or
with the bonnet hot: this may alter the shine of the paint-
work.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the same way as
the rest of the car.
Where possible, do not park under trees; the resinous
substances that fall off many species give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the possibility of triggering rust
processes.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings should be washed off im-
mediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain is par-
ticularly aggressive.
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233
INTERIOR
Check regularly that water is not trapped under the mats
(due to drops from shoes, umbrellas, etc.), as this could
cause the sheet metal to rust.
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Detergents cause water pollution. The ve-
hicle should be washed only in areas
equipped for collecting and purifying the
liquids used in the washing process.
Windows
Use specific detergents to clean the windows.
Also use clean cloths to avoid scratching the glass or al-
tering the transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window gently with a cloth
in the direction of the filaments to avoid damaging the heat-
ing device.
Engine compartment
Wash the engine compartment thoroughly at the end of
every winter. Be careful not to direct the jet of water on-
to electronic control units. Adequately protect the up-
per air vents to prevent damage to the windscreen wiper
motor. Have this operation performed at a specialised
workshop.
IMPORTANT The washing should take place with the en-
gine cold and the ignition key in the STOP position. After
the wash, make sure that the various protective devices
(e.g. rubber caps and guards) have not been removed or
damaged.
Front headlights
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic substances (e.g. petrol)
or ketenes (e.g. acetone) for cleaning the plastic lenses of the
front headlights.
Never use flammable products, such as
petroleum ether or modified petrol, to
clean inside the car. The electrostatic charges
which are generated by rubbing during cleaning
may cause a fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in the vehicle:
these could explode. Aerosol cans must
not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 50°C.
When the vehicle is exposed to sunlight, the tem-
perature inside can greatly exceed this value.
WARNING
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234
PLASTIC PARTS
It is advisable to clean interior plastic parts with a damp
cloth and a solution of water and non-abrasive mild soap.
To remove grease and tough stains, use products designed
specifically for cleaning plastics. These have no solvents
and have been designed so that they do not alter the ap-
pearance and colour of the components.
IMPORTANT Never use spirits or petroleum to clean the
instrument panel.
REAL LEATHER STEERING WHEEL/GEAR
LEVER KNOB
These components must be cleaned with mild soap and
water only.
Never use spirits and/or alcohol-based products.
Before using off-the-shelf products designed for cleaning
vehicle interiors, make sure that they do not contain spir-
its and/or alcohol-based substances.
If window cleaner accidentally drips onto the steering
wheel or gear lever knob, wipe away immediately and then
wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
IMPORTANT When arranging a steering wheel locking
device, be careful not to damage the leather upholstery. SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. It is
advisable to use a damp brush on velvet upholstery.
Wipe the seats with a sponge soaked in a solution of mild
detergent and water.KNOWING
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The fabric upholstery of your car is designed
to withstand normal wear and tear for
a long time. Some precautions are needed
though. Avoid prolonged and/or excessive rubbing
against clothing accessories such as metal buckles
and Velcro strips which, by applying a high pressure
on the fabric in a small area, could cause some
threads to break, thereby damaging the upholstery.
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