❒Push the under-hood release lever
sideways with your finger, as shown
in the illustration. While pushing the
lever, lift up the engine hood.
ENGINE HOOD
To open the engine hood:
❒Pull the hood release handle located on
the outboard side of the driver’s side
of the instrument panel. This will dis-
engage the engine hood lock halfway.
140
ASSIST GRIPS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Assist grips are provided for convenience.
IMPORTANT To avoid damaging the as-
sist grip and the molded headlining, do not
hang down the assist grip.
54G24979J077
80J045
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141
Continue to lift up the hood until it is
high enough to support with the prop
rod.
79JM022
If the supporting rod is not
positioned correctly the bon-
net may fall violently.
WARNING
To close the engine hood:
Lift the hood up slightly and remove the
prop rod from the hole. Put the prop
rod back to the holding clip.
Lower the hood close to the bumper,
then let it drop down. Make sure the
hood is securely latched after closing.
For safety reasons the bon-
net must be closed properly
to avoid its opening while the vehi-
cle is travelling. Therefore, always
check it is properly closed and the
catch engaged. Should you notice
that the catch is not perfectly en-
gaged when travelling, stop the vehi-
cle immediately and close the bonnet.
WARNING
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150
DAILY INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
BEFORE DRIVING
Make sure that windows, mirrors,
lights, and reflectors are clean and un-
obstructed.
Visually check the tires for the fol-
lowing points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel bolts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
Look for fluid and oil leaks.
NOTE It is normal for water to drip from
the air conditioning system after use.
Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper oper-
ation.
EXHAUST GAS
WARNING
52D334
Avoid breathing exhaust gas-
es. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal
gas that is colorless and odorless.
Since carbon monoxide is difficult to
detect by itself, be sure to take the
following precautions to help prevent
carbon monoxide from entering your
vehicle.
– Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
– Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even in
an open area. If it is necessary to sit
for a short time in a parked vehicle
with the engine running, make sure
the air intake selector is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the fan is at high
speed.
– Avoid operating the vehicle with the
tail gate or trunk open. If it is neces-
sary to operate the vehicle with the
tail gate or trunk open, make sure the
sunroof (for versions/markets, where
provided) and all windows are closed,
and the blower is at high speed with
the air intake selector set to “FRESH
AIR”.
WARNING
– To allow proper operation
of your vehicle’s ventilation
system, keep the air inlet grille in
front of the windshield clear of snow,
leaves, or other obstructions at all
times.
– Keep the exhaust tailpipe area
clear of snow and other material to
help reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is par-
ticularly important when parked in
blizzard conditions.
– Have the exhaust system inspect-
ed periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be re-
paired immediately.
WARNING
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151
Brake fluid level
Power steering (for versions/markets,
where provided) fluid level
Windshield washer fluid level
Battery solution level
Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without re-
leasing the secondary latch. Be sure to
close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See “All
latches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS
AND BODY” in the “Periodic Main-
tenance Schedule” in the “INSPEC-
TION AND MAINTENANCE” section
for lubrication schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
Adjust the seat and adjustable head re-
straint (for versions/markets, where
provided).
Check the brake pedal and the park-
ing brake lever.
Adjust the mirrors.
Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
Check all gauges.
Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, perform the following under-
hood checks:
Engine oil level
Coolant level
60A187S
Make sure the hood is fully
closed and latched before
driving. If it is not, it can fly up un-
expectedly during driving, obstructing
your view and resulting in an acci-
dent.
WARNING
ENGINE OIL
CONSUMPTION
It is normal for the engine to consume
some engine oil during normal vehicle op-
eration.
The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the qual-
ity of the oil and the conditions the vehi-
cle is driven under.
More oil is consumed during high- speed
driving and when there is frequent accel-
eration and deceleration. Under high
loads, your engine also will consume more
oil.
A new engine also consumes more oil,
since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder
walls have not yet become conditioned.
New engines reach the normal level of oil
consumption only after approximately
5000 km (3000 miles) driving.
149-168 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 13:33 Pagina 151
236
IF THE ENGINE
OVERHEATS
The engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the en-
gine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating during driving:
❒Turn off the air conditioner, if equipped.
❒Take the vehicle to a safe place and
park.
❒Let the engine run at the normal idle
speed for a few minutes until the indi-
cator is within the normal, acceptable
temperature range between “H” and
“C”.
IF THE ENGINE IS
FLOODED
If the engine is flooded with gasoline, it
may be hard to start. If this happens, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. (Do not operate the starter mo-
tor for more than 15 seconds).
If you see or hear escaping
steam, stop the vehicle in a
safe place and immediately turn off
the engine to let it cool. Do not open
the hood when steam is present.
When the steam can no longer be
seen or heard, open the hood to see
if the coolant is still boiling. If it is, you
must wait until it stops boiling before
you proceed.
WARNING
IF THE STARTER DOES
NOT OPERATE
❒Try turning the ignition switch to the
“START” position with the headlights
turned on to determine the battery
condition. If the headlights go exces-
sively dim or go off, it usually means
that either the battery is flat or the bat-
tery terminal contact is poor. Recharge
the battery or correct battery terminal
contact as necessary.
❒If the headlights remain bright, check
the fuses. If the reason for failure of the
starter is not obvious, there may be a
major electrical problem. Have the ve-
hicle inspected by your authorized
Fiat Dealership.
231-238 SEDICI LUM FL GB 1E 19-06-2009 11:06 Pagina 236
262
– Level check ..................................... 192
– Oil life monitoring......................... 89
– Specifications.................................. 191
Engine oil filter (change)..................... 194
Engine oil life monitoring ................... 89
ESP (Electronic Stability
Program)......................................92-164
Exhaust gas............................................ 150
External lights................................63-222
Fiat CODE (Immobilizer system) .... 11
Frame hooks........................................... 143
Front fog lights ........................................ 91
Fuel
– Average fuel consumption
(gauge)................................................ 87
– Capacities/refuelling...................10-254
– Consumption.................................... 247
– Driving range .................................... 88
– Fuel filter ............................................ 204
– Fuel filler cap ..................................... 132
– Fuel gauge .......................................... 84
– Fuel recommendation.................... 10
– Improving fuel economy ................ 168
– Instantaneous fuel consumption
(gauge).................................................... 85
Fuses.......................................................... 215
Gear oil
– Changing .......................................... 196– Level check ..................................... 195
– Specifications.................................. 195
Gearshift lever...................................... 132
General information............................ 245
Glove box.............................................. 94
Hazard warning lights ....................... 91
Head restraints..................................... 30
Headlight levelling switch ................... 94
Headlights
– Bulb replacement........................... 222
– Headlight levelling switch............. 94
Heated rear window........................... 93
Heating and air conditioning system .. 96
– Air outlet......................................... 96
– Automatic heating and air
conditioning system
(Climate Control).......................... 104
– Heating system............................... 97
– Maintenance.............................110-230
– Manual heating and air
conditioning system...................... 100
Horn ....................................................... 68
Identification data .............................. 246
Ignition switch ...................................... 58
Information display.............................. 85
Inspection and maintenance .............. 183
– Maintenance schedule................... 185
– Severe driving conditions............. 190 – Keyless Start system..................... 15
– Opening/closing............................. 12
Drive belt (servicing).......................... 191
Driving tips............................................ 169
– Driving on hills ............................... 170
– Driving on slippery roads ............ 171
– Highway driving.............................. 170
Emergency service ............................ 231
Engine
– Air cleaner ...................................... 201
– Engine coolant ................................ 198
– Engine oil and filter........................ 191
– If the engine is flooded................. 236
– If the engine overheats ................. 236
– If the starter does not operate... 236
– Jump starting................................... 233
– Oil consumption ............................ 151
– Serial number................................. 246
– Spark plugs...................................... 202
– Starting............................................. 152
– Technical specifications ................ 249
– Temperature gauge ....................... 85
Engine coolant ...................................... 198
Engine coolant temperature gauge .. 85
Engine hood .......................................... 140
Engine oil
– Changing oil and filter................... 193
– Consumption.................................. 151
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