IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs moisture. For this
reason, if the vehicle 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 “Schedule Servicing Plan”.
Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts.Wash with water
immediately if this should happen.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
c
orrosive. In the event of accidental
contact , wash the parts immediately with water
and mild soap, then rinse with plenty of water.
Call a doctor immediately if swallowed.
WARNING
Symbolon the contain 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
braking system beyond repair.POWER STEERING FLUID
Loose the cap A fig. 172: check that the fluid in the
reservoir is included between the MIN and MAX
on the reservoir.
The level may go over the MAX line when the oil is
hot. If topping up is required, make sure the oil
you use has the same specifications as that already in
the system.
WARNING
Prevent power steering fluid from
c
oming into contact with hot engine
parts: it is flammable.
fig. 172F0T0081
176
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USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last
longer, follow these instructions closely:
❒when you park the vehicle, ensure the doors, boot
and bonnet are closed properly so that the ceiling
lights do not stay on;
❒turn off the ceiling lights, although the car does
have an automatic system for switching off internal
lights;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, hazard
lights, etc.) switched on for a long time when the
engine is not running;
❒before performing any operation on the electrical
system, disconnect the battery negative cable;
❒make sure that battery terminals are always be
perfectly tight.
IMPORTANT If the battery remains with the charge
below 50% for a long time it becomes damaged
through sulphation and its starting capacity is
reduced.
The battery is also more prone to the risk of freezing
(at temperatures as high as -10°C).
Refer to the paragraph "Vehicle inactivity" in "Starting
and driving" if the vehicle is left parked for a long
time.
If, after buying the vehicle, you want to install
electric accessories which require permanent electric
supply (alarm, etc.) contact the Fiat Dealershipwhose qualified personnel, 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.
Since these devices continue to use electricity even
when the engine is off, they gradually run down
the battery.
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BODY
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
ELEMENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the following:
❒atmospheric pollution
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or hot humid
climates)
❒seasonal environment conditions.
The abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
and sand, as well as mud and gravel raised by other
cars is also not to be underestimated.
Fiat used the best manufacturing technologies on
your vehicle to effectively protect the bodywork
against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❒painting products and systems which give the
vehicle particular resistance to corrosion and
abrasion;
❒use of galvanised (or pre-treated) steel sheets,
with high resistance to corrosion;
❒spraying the underbody, engine compartment,
wheelhouse internal parts and other parts with
highly protective wax products;❒spraying of plastic materials for protective
purposes in the most exposed points: under the
doors, inside the mudguard, along the edges, etc.
❒use of “open” boxed sections to prevent
condensation and pockets of moisture from
triggering rust inside.
VEHICLE BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your vehicle is covered by warranty against
perforation due to rust of any original element of the
structure or body.
For the general terms of this warranty, refer to your
Warranty 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.
184
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For example, it is advisable to wash the vehicle more
often in areas with high atmospheric pollution or if
you are travelling on roads sprinkled with salt.
To wash the vehicle properly, proceed as follows:
❒wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
❒wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over
the bodywork, frequently rinsing with the sponge;
❒rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
chamois leather.
If you put the vehicle through a car
wash, take heed of the following:
❒remove the antenna from the roof so it does not
get damaged;
❒the car wash should use water added to a soapy
solution;
❒rinse thoroughly to avoid soap marks staying on
the bodywork or less visible parts.
Some car washes with old-style blades
and/or in a poor state of repair can
damage the paintwork, facilitating the
formation of lines that give the paint a dull/misty
appearance, especially on dark colours. If this
happens, lightly polish the paintwork with
appropriate products.
Dry the less visible parts particularly carefully, such
as the door frames, bonnet and the headlight frames,
where water may stagnate more easily. It is a good
idea to leave the vehicle outdoors for a while after
washing it to give water time to evaporate.Do not wash the vehicle after it has been left in the
sun or with the bonnet hot: this may alter the shine
of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts should be cleaned in the same
way as the rest of the vehicle. Where possible, do
not park the vehicle under trees; the resinous
substances released by many species give the paint a
dull appearance and increase the possibility of rust.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings should be washed
off immediately and thoroughly as the acid
they contain is particularly aggressive.
Detergents cause water pollution.The
vehicle should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and purifying the
liquid used in the washing process.
Windows
Use specific detergents to clean the windows. Also
use clean cloths to avoid scratching the glass or
altering the transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window gently with a
cloth in the direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.
Engine compartment
At the end of each winter, thoroughly wash the
engine compartment, taking care to avoid spraying
the water jet directly onto the electronic control
185
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units and the relay/fuse box on the left side of the
engine compartment (as you look from behind
the wheel). Have this operation performed at a
specialist garage.
IMPORTANT The washing should take place with the
engine 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.INTERIORS
Check regularly that water is not trapped under the
mats (from dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which
could cause the metal to rust.
WARNING
Never use flammable products, such as
pet
roleum ether or modified petrol,
to clean the inside of the vehicle.The
electrostatic charges which are generated by
rubbing during the cleaning operation may
cause a fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in the vehicle:
t
hese could explode. Aerosol cans must
not be exposed to temperatures of more than
50°C.When the vehicle is exposed to sunlight ,
the temperature inside can greatly exceed
this value.
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.
Rub the seats with a sponge and a solution of water
and mild soap.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA
We recommend taking note of the identification
codes. The identification data are printed on labels in
the following positions fig. 176:
❒VIN plate.
❒Chassis marking.
❒Bodywork paint identification plate.
❒Engine marking.
VIN PLATE
This is applied on the rear part of the vehicle and
contains the following data fig. 177:
BType-approval number
CVehicle type identification code
DChassis number
EMaximum authorised weight of vehicle fully laden
FMaximum permitted weight of vehicle fully laden
plus trailer
GMaximum permitted weight on first (front) axle
HMaximum permitted weight on second (rear) axle
IEngine type
LBodywork version code
MNumber for spare parts
NCorrect value of smoke coefficient (for diesel
engines)
fig. 176F0T0175fig. 177F0T0011
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CHASSIS MARKING
This is printed on the passenger compartment floor,
near the right front seat.
Slide the hatch A fig. 178 forward to access.
The marking includes:
❒type of vehicle;
❒chassis manufacture number.BODY PAINTWORK IDENTIFICATION
PLATE
This plate is applied inside the bonnet and shows the
following data fig. 179:
APaint manufacturer.
BColour name.
CFiat colour code.
DRespray and touch up code.
ENGINE MARKING
This is printed onto the cylinder block and shows the
type and production serial number.
fig. 178F0T0084fig. 179F0T0012
189
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ENGINE CODES - BODYWORK
VERSIONS
Version Engine code
1.3 Multijet199A2000
The following body version code and key are an
example that may be applied to all body version
codes.
Example:
225BXB1AAX
Key :
225Model
BBody
XBEngine
1Traction
ATransmission
AXVersionBODY
AQubo M1 (5 seat)
CQubo N1 (4 seats)
ENGINES
XA1.4 petrol Euro 4
XB1.3 Multijet 75 HP Euro 4
XCMethane
XD1.3 Multijet 75 HP Euro 5
XE1.3 Multijet 95 HP Euro 5
XF1.4 petrol Euro 5
DRIVE
1Front
TRANSMISSION
AMechanical gearbox
1Comfort/Dualogic gearbox
190
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