82
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
HEADLIGHTS
ADJUSTING THE HEADLIGHT
BEAM
Proper adjustment of the headlight beams
is of vital importance for your safety and
comfort and also for the other road users.
To ensure you and other drivers have the
best visibility conditions when travelling
with the headlights on, the headlights must
be set properly. Contact Fiat Dealership
to have the headlights properly adjusted.
Headlight aiming device
The device can be operated with the ig-
nition key at MARand dipped beam head-
lights on. When the car is loaded, it slopes
backwards. This means that the headlight
beam rises. In this case, it is necessary to
return it to the correct position.
To adjust the headlight slant
fig. 126
To adjust the headlight slant operate but-
tons
and Òlocated on the dashboard.
The display provides the visual indication
of the positions during the adjustment op-
eration.
fig. 126F0H0736m
Position 0- one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats.
Position 1- five people.
Position 2- five people + load in the boot.
Position 3- driver + maximum permissi-
ble load stowed in the boot.
IMPORTANT Check beam aiming every
time the load carried changes.
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the
vehicle is marketed.
In countries with opposite circulation, to
avoid glaring oncoming vehicles, it is nec-
essary to cover the areas of the headlight
as shown below: this is done using non-
transparent sticker tape.Fig. 127-128refer to passing from right-
hand drive to left-hand drive.
fig. 127F0H0118m
fig. 128F0H0119m
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116
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
car down and lower the amount of toxic
emissions released into the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4 weeks:
if the pressure is too low, consumption
levels increase as resistance to rolling is
higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof as soon as they are no longer
used. These accessories lower air pene-
tration and adversely affect consumption
levels. When needing to carry particular-
ly voluminous objects, preferably use a
trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside
the vehicle permits it, use the air vents
where possible.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at
a standstill or at idle or high speed: under
these conditions the engine warms up
much more slowly, increasing electrical
consumption and emissions. It is therefore
advisable to move off immediately, slow-
ly, avoiding high speeds. This way the en-
gine will warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine.
This and also double declutching is ab-
solutely pointless on modern cars and al-
so increase consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear. Using a low
gear to obtain brilliant performance in-
creases consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.
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144
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WHEN NEEDING TO
CHANGE A BULB
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
❒When a light is not working, check
that it has not fused before changing
the bulb. For the location of the fuses,
refer to “If a fuse blows” in this chap-
ter;
❒Before replacing a bulb that does not
work, check that the contacts are not
oxidised;
❒Burnt bulbs must be replaced by oth-
ers of the same type and power;
❒Always check the height of the head-
light beam after changing a bulb. For versions with alloy rims
❒Make sure that hub contact surfaces
are clean;
❒Refit the standard wheel fitting it on
the pins, refit the fastening bolts and
tighten them using the wrench pro-
vided;
❒Lower the car and remove the jack;
❒Using the wrench provided, tighten
the bolts in the sequence shown pre-
viously for the space-saver spare
wheel fig. 16;
❒Refit the snap-fitted wheel hub cap.
When you have finished
❒Stow the spare wheel C-fig. 11in the
space provided in the boot;
❒Insert the jack partially open in its con-
tainer B-fig. 11forcing it lightly to
prevent it from vibrating when trav-
elling;
❒Put the tools back into their places in
the container;
❒Stow the container complete with
tools on the spare wheel and secure
everything with the clamping device
A-fig. 11;
❒Correctly re-position the stiff cover.
Modifications or repairs to
the electrical system carried
out incorrectly and without bearing
the features of the system in mind can
cause malfunctions with the risk of
fire.
WARNING
Halogen bulbs contain pres-
surised gas which, if broken,
may cause small fragments of glass to
be projected outwards.
WARNING
Only touch the metal part
when handling halogen bulbs.
If the transparent bulb is
touched it reduces the intesi-
ty of the light emitted and can also re-
duce the life of the bulb. If you touch
the bulb accidentally, rub it with a
cloth moistened with alcohol and leave
it to dry.
IMPORTANT The headlight inner surface
may be lightly misted over: this is not a
fault but a natural fact due to low tem-
perature and the level of air humidity. It
will disappear as soon the headlights are
turned on. The presence of drops inside
the headlights means water infiltration,
therefore contact Fiat Dealership.
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146
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
Bulb Ref. Figure Type Power
Main beam headlightsEH1 55W
Dipped beam headlights DH7 55W
Front side lights AW5W 5W
Front fog lights (where provided)EH1 55W
Front direction indicators BPY21W 21W
Side direction indicators AWY5W 5W
Rear direction indicators BPY21W 21W
Taillights BP21/5W 21W/5W
Brake lights BP21/5W 21W/5W
Third brake light (additional brake lights) AW5W 5W
Reversing light BP21W 21W
Rear fog lights BP21W 21W
Number plate lights CC5W 5W
Front ceiling lightAW5W 10W
Rear ceiling lightAW5W 10W
Rear ceiling lights (with sunroof)AW5W 5W
Boot light AW5W 5W
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147
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
IF AN EXTERIOR LIGHT
BURNS OUT
For the type of bulb and power rating, see
“When needing to change a bulb”.
FRONT LIGHT UNITS
The front light units contain the sidelights,
the dipped beam, main beam, direction in-
dicator and fog light bulbs.
To change the bulbs of the sidelights, low
beams, direction indicators and fog lights
it is necessary to remove the cover A-
fig. 18releasing the catch B.
fig. 18F0H0179mfig. 19F0H0180m
The bulbs are arranged inside the light unit
fig. 19 as follows:
G: direction indicators
F: main beam headlights
E: sidelights
D: fog lights
C: dipped beam headlights
After replacement, refit the covers cor-
rectly checking that they are properly se-
cured.MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
❒turn the cap A-fig. 20anticlockwise
and remove it;
❒disconnect the electrical connector B-
fig. 21;
❒release the bulb catch C-fig. 21;
❒remove the bulb D-fig. 21and change
it;
❒refit the catch C-fig. 21, connect the
electrical connector Band fit the cap
A-fig. 20turning it clockwise. Put the
cap ventilation outlet H-fig. 20from
the top downwards.
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
fig. 20F0H0181mfig. 21
C
B
D
F0H0214m
fig. 22F0H0182m
DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
❒remove the protective cover releasing
the relevant catch;
❒disconnect the electrical connector F-
fig. 22;
❒release the bulb catch E;
❒remove the bulb Gand change it;
fig. 23F0H0183m
DIRECTION INDICATORS
Front
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
❒remove the protective cover releasing
the relevant catch;
❒turn the bulb holder A-fig. 23counter-
clockwise and remove it;
❒remove the bulb lightly pushing it and
turning it counter-clockwise (“bayo-
net”);
❒replace the bulb;
❒refit the bulb holder turning it clock-
wise, checking that it is secured cor-
rectly.
❒refit the protective cover correctly
❒fit a new bulb making the tabs of the
metallic part coincide with the grooves
on the reflector, then hook the bulb
holder catch Eand re-connect the
electrical connector F;
❒refit the protective cover correctly.
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
SERVICE SCHEDULE
Thousands of km
Check tyre conditions/wear and
adjust pressure if required
Check light system operation
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard lights, boot lights,
passenger compartment lights, dashboard warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen/washer
(nozzles/and blade position regulation)
Check front disc brake pad condition and wear and operation
of brake pad wear indicator.
Check rear drum brake lining conditions
and wear
Check rear (where provided) disk brake pad
conditions and wear
Sight inspect the conditions of: body external parts, underbody
protection pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel, brakes),
rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check for bonnet and boot lock cleanness, lever cleanness
and lubrication
Check tension and adjust accessory drive belts
(excluding engines with automatic belt tighteners)
Check tension and adjust accessory drive belts
Check and adjust tappet clearance (1.4 8V versions)
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
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178
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the fol-
lowing:
❒atmospheric pollution;
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas,
or hot humid climates);
❒seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric
dust and sand and mud and gravel raised
by other vehicles.
On your Fiat Idea, Fiat implemented the
best manufacturing technologies to effec-
tively protect the bodywork against cor-
rosion.
These include:
❒Painting products and systems which
give the car particular resistance to
corrosion and abrasion;
❒Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corro-
sion;
❒Spraying of plastic parts, with a pro-
tective function, in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner fender parts,
edges, etc.;
❒Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of
moisture from triggering rust inside.
BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your Fiat Idea is covered by warranty
against perforation due to rust of any orig-
inal element of the structure or body. For
the general terms of this warranty, refer
to “FIAT WARRANTY” booklet.
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aesteth-
ic purpose, but also protects the under-
lying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you
are advised to have the necessary touch-
ing up carried out immediately to avoid
the formation of rust. Use only original
paint products for touching up (see “Body-
work paint identification plate” in section
“Technical specification”).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the con-
ditions and environment of use. For ex-
ample, in highly polluted areas, or if the
roads are sprayed with salt, it is wise to
wash the car more frequently.To correctly wash the car:
❒remove the aerial from the roof to
prevent damage to it if the car is
washed in an automatic system;
❒wash the body using a low pressure jet
of water;
❒wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy so-
lution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing with the sponge;
❒rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with the
less visible parts like door surrounds, bon-
net and around the headlights where wa-
ter may stagnate. The car should not be
taken to a closed area immediately, but left
in the open so that residual water can
evaporate.
Do not wash the car after it has been left
in the sun or with the bonnet hot: this may
alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle.
Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substance many species re-
lease give the paint a dull appearance and
increase the possibility of triggering rust
processes.
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