2009 FIAT PUNTO EVO check

222
F0U0286mfig. 208
ENGINE COOLANT fig. 208
The coolant level should be checked when the engine is
cold and should be between the MIN and MAX lines on
the reservoir.
If the level is low, slowly pour a mixture of 50% distilled
water and 50% PARAFLU
UP(made by PETRONAS
LUBRICANTS) through the filler neck A until the level ap-
proaches MAX.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU
UPand distilled water gives
freeze protection up to –35°C.
When the vehicle is used in particularly harsh weather con-
ditions, we recommend using a 60-40 mixture of
PARAFLU
UPand distilled water.
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The used engine oil and the replaced oil fil-
ter contain substances that are harmful to
the environment. It is advisable to have oil
and filters changed by a Fiat Dealership, where they
will be disposed of properly and in accordance with
the law.PARAFLUUPanti-freeze is used in the en-
gine cooling system. Use the same fluid as
in the cooling system when topping up.
PARAFLU
UPshould not be mixed with any other
type of fluid. If this accidentally occurs, do not start
the engine and contact a Fiat Dealership.
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223
F0U0287mfig. 209
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The engine cooling system is pressurized.
If the cap needs replacing, do so with an-
other original or the effectiveness of the system
may be compromised. Do not remove the cap
from the reservoir when the engine is hot: you may
get burned
WARNING
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW WASHER/
HEADLIGHT WASHER FLUID fig. 209
To top up, remove the cap A.
Pour in a mixture of water and TUTELA PROFESSION-
AL SC35 liquid, in the following concentrations:
30% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 and 70% water in
summer.
50% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 and 50% water in
winter.
At temperatures below –20°C, use undiluted TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC35 fluid.
Check the level through the reservoir.
Do not travel if the windscreen washer
reservoir is empty: using the windscreen
washer is essential for improving visibility.
WARNING
Some commercial additives for wind-
screen washing are flammable. The en-
gine compartment contains hot parts which could
cause a fire if they come into contact with these
additives.
WARNING
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224
F0U0288mfig. 210
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs moisture. For this rea-
son, if the car is mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should be replaced at
more frequent intervals than specified in the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan”. BRAKE FLUID fig. 210
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.
If you do need to top up, use the brake fluid shown in the
“Fluids and lubricants” table (see “Technical Specifica-
tions”).
NB Carefully clean the reservoir cap A and the sur-
rounding surfaces.
When opening the cap, make sure that no dirt gets into
the reservoir.
For topping up, always use a funnel with integrated filter
that has a mesh inferior or equal to 0.12 mm.KNOWING
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Prevent brake fluid, which is highly corro-
sive, from coming into contact with paint-
ed parts. Should this occur, immediately
wash with water.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corro-
sive. In the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts immediately with water and mild
soap, then rinse with plenty of water. In case of
swallowing, immediately call a doctor.
WARNING
The symbol πon the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is different
from a mineral fluid. Using a mineral-type fluid
will damage the special rubber seals of the brak-
ing system beyond repair.
WARNING
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225
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AIR FILTER
Have the air filter replaced by a Fiat Dealership.
POLLEN FILTER
Have the pollen filter replaced by a Fiat Dealership.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corro-
sive. In the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts immediately with water and mild
soap, then rinse with plenty of water. In case of
swallowing, immediately call a doctor.
WARNING
The symbol πon the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is different
from a mineral fluid. Using a mineral-type fluid
will damage the special rubber seals of the brak-
ing system beyond repair.
WARNING
BATTERY
The battery is of the “limited maintenance” type: under
normal conditions of use, the electrolyte does not need
topping up with distilled water.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
AND THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Inspection operations must be carried out only by spe-
cialised personnel, following the prescriptions contained
in this Owner Handbook. Any top-up operations must
be carried out only by specialised personnel at a Fiat Deal-
ership.
The battery fluid is poisonous and corro-
sive. 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
Using the battery when the fluid is too low
can damage it irreparably and generate
a risk of explosion.
WARNING
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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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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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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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