2012 FIAT 500C checking oil

WARNING! (Continued)
•If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed and
the climate control BLOWER switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and
about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range markings on the
dipstick. The safe range is indicated by a crosshatch zone.
Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the indicated range will result in the oil level at the full
end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
temperature. This loss of oil pressure and increased
oil temperature could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the engine coolant reservoir
and brake master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
M A I
N T
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N A
N CE
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C
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D
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 353

B-Pillar Location........................ 242
Battery ............................... 313
Jump Starting ....................... 293
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 20
Belts, Seat .............................. 69
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 316
Brake Assist System ...................... 230
Brake Fluid ............................ 349
Brake System ........................ 228,326
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 228,230
Master Cylinder ..................... 327
Parking ........................... 224
Warning Light ....................... 140
Brake, Parking .......................... 224
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 212
Brakes ............................... 326
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 67
Bulbs, Light ............................ 72 Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
........ 347
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 347
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 266
Oil (Engine) ........................ 311
Car Washes ............................ 331
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............68,265
Cargo Area Features ...................... 126
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 161
Cellular Phone .......................... 189
Chains, Tire ............................ 253
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 282
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 238
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............138,306
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 68
Checks, Safety ........................... 68
Child Restraint ........................ 57,58
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 61
10
INDEX 379

Engine Oil......................... 312
Door Locks ............................. 22
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 24
Downshifting ........................... 211
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 220
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 221
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 82
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 121
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 229
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 230
Brake Assist System ................... 230
Traction Control System ................ 231
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 109
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 232
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 144Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 271
Jacking ............................ 282
Jump Starting ....................... 293
Towing ............................ 299
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 306
Engine Break-In Recommendations .............. 67
Checking Oil Level ................... 310
Compartment ....................... 305
Cooling ........................... 321
Exhaust Gas Caution ................68,265
Fails to Start ........................ 208
Flooded, Starting ..................... 208
Fuel Requirements .................... 261
Oil ......................... 310,347,348
Oil Change Interval ................... 310
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 311
Oil Filter ........................... 348
10
INDEX 381

New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 67
Occupant Restraints ..................... 46,52
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........27,44,46,50
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 261
Odometer ............................. 143
Trip .............................. 143
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 149
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 149
Oil, Engine ......................... 310,347
Capacity ........................... 347
Change Interval ..................... 310
Checking .......................... 310
Disposal ........................... 312
Filter ............................. 312
Identification Logo ................... 311
Materials Added to ................... 312
Recommendation .................. 31 1,347
Synthetic .......................... 312 Viscosity
........................... 311
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 306
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Overheating, Engine ................... 142,271
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,373
Paint Care ............................. 330
Parking Brake .......................... 224
Pets .................................. 67
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 242
Power Door Locks ......................... 23
Mirrors ............................ 82
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 121
Steering ........................... 223
Sunroof ........................... 118
Windows ........................... 24
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 349
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 40
386 INDEX