165
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANTThe charge in the battery
should be checked every year, preferably
at the start of winter to limit the risk of
electrolyte freezing. This check should be
carried out more frequently if the vehi-
cle is used mainly for short trips, or if it
is fitted with accessories that permanent-
ly absorb electricity even with the ignition
key removed, especially in the case of af-
ter market accessories.
fig. 11
A
F0P0242m
Bright whiteTop up electrolyte Contact Fiat colourDealership
Dark colourLow charge level Charge the battery
without green area (advisable to
in the centrecontact Fiat Dealership)
Dark colour Electrolyte level and No action
with green area charge sufficient
in the centre
CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a gen-
uine 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 be valid.
Refer therefore to the instructions pro-
vided by the battery manufacturer.Incorrect fitting of electrical and electronic accessories can seriously
damage the vehicle. If after buying the vehicle, you want to install elec-
tric accessories which require permanent electric supply (alarm, free-
hand phone kit, etc.) contact Fiat Dealership whose qualified person-
nel, in addition to suggesting the most suitable devices, will evaluate the overall
electric absorption, checking whether the vehicle electric system is capable of
withstanding the load required, or whether it should be integrated with a more
powerful battery.
Batteries contain substances
that are very harmful for the
environment. You are advised
to have the battery changed
at a Fiat Dealership, which is properly
equipped for disposing of used batter-
ies respecting nature and the law.
If the vehicle is left inactive
for long periods at cold, re-
move the battery and store it in a
warm place to prevent freezing.
WARNING
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166
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE
VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT A battery which is kept at
a charge of less than 50% (optical indica-
tor with dark colour without green area
in the middle) for any length of time will
be damaged by sulphation leading to a re-
duction in cranking power.
Moreover, this might lead to a higher risk
of the battery electrolyte freezing (this
may even occur at -10° C). If the vehicle
is inactive for a long period of time, refer
to “Vehicle inactivity”, in section “Correct
use of the vehicle”.
If after buying the vehicle, you want to in-
stall electric accessories which require
permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.)
contact Fiat Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, checking
whether the vehicle’s electric system is ca-
pable of withstanding the load required,
or whether it should be integrated with
a more powerful battery. USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and length-
en its life, observe the following indica-
tions:
❒when you park the vehicle, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly, the ceiling lights must be off;
❒turn the ceiling lights off. The vehicle
however, is provided with an automat-
ic system for switching off internal
lights;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound sys-
tem, hazard lights, etc.) switched on for
a long time when the engine is not run-
ning;
❒ before performing any operation on the
electrical system, disconnect the bat-
tery negative cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be per-
fectly tightened.
When working on the bat-
tery or near it, always wear
the proper goggles.
WARNINGIn fact, since these devices continue ab-
sorbing energy even when the ignition key
is off, they gradually run down the battery.
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