2012 FIAT STRADA power steering

95
CORRECT USE OF THE VEHICLE
STARTING THE ENGINE
The vehicle is fitted with an
electronic engine lock device: if the
engine fails to start, see the
“The Fiat CODE system” paragraph
in the “Know your vehicle” section.
It is advisable not to
demand maximum
performance from your
vehicle (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessively intense
braking, etc.) during the initial
period of use.
When the engine is off,
do not leave the key
turned to MAR to
prevent unnecessary electrical
consumption from draining the
battery.
It is dangerous to run
the engine in enclosed
areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust
contains carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other
toxic gasses.
WARNING
The brake servo and
power steering are not
operational until the engine
has been started, so you need
to apply much more force than
usual to the brake pedal and
steering wheel.
WARNING
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97
HOW TO WARM THE
ENGINE WHICH HAS JUST
STARTED
– Drive off slowly, letting the engine
turn at medium revs. Do not
accelerate abruptly.
– Do not demand maximum
performance for the first few
kilometres. Wait until the engine
coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.EMERGENCY STARTING
Never bump start the
engine by pushing,
towing or driving
downhill. This could cause fuel
to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond
repair.
Remember that the
brake servo and power
steering are not operational
until the engine has been
started, so you need to apply
much more force than usual to
the brake pedal and steering
wheel.
WARNING
TO STOP THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while
the engine is idling.
A quick burst on the
accelerator before
turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to
turbocharged engines.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive,
you should allow the engine to
“catch its breath” before turning it
off by letting it idle to allow the
temperature in the engine
compartment to fall.
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108
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving downhill.
This could cause fuel to flow into
the catalytic converter and damage it
beyond repair.
IMPORTANT The brake servo and
power steering are not operational
until the engine has been started, so
you need to apply much more force
than usual to the brake pedal and
steering wheel.IF A TYRE IS
PUNCTURED
General instructions
To use the jack and
space-saver wheel
correctly, some
precautions are necessary,
described below.
Never use a quick
battery charger to start
the engine as this could
damage the electronic systems,
particularly the ignition and fuel
supply control units.
Incorrect positioning of
the jack may cause the
raised vehicle to fall. Do not
use the jack for loads greater
than that indicated on the jack
itself. The jack is only to be
used for replacing wheels on
the vehicle with which it is
provided. Never use the jack
for other purposes, such as
lifting other vehicles. Never use
the jack to carry out repairs
under the vehicle. Do not
grease the threads of bolts
before fitting them: they might
slip out.
WARNING
This procedure must be
performed by expert
personnel as incorrect actions
may cause high-intensity
electrical discharge.
Furthermore, battery fluid is
poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lit
cigarettes away from the
battery. Do not create sparks.
WARNING
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122
If a general protection
fuse (MEGA-FUSE,
MIDI-FUSE) is activated,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
Before replacing a fuse,
make sure that the
ignition key has been removed
and that all the other services
are switched off and/or
deactivated.
WARNING
If a general protection
fuse for safety systems
(airbag system, braking
system), power unit systems
(engine system, transmission
system) or steering system
blows, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
Refer to the tables on the following
pages to identify the protective fuse.
Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or
other material.
If the replaced fuse
blows again, contact a
Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
Never replace a fuse
with another with a
higher amp rating; DANGER
OF FIRE.
WARNING
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131
Before screwing on the
tow hook, clean the
threaded pin thoroughly.
Before towing the vehicle,
make sure that the tow ring is
fully screwed onto the
threaded pin.
WARNING
Do not start the engine
whilst the vehicle is
being towed.
WARNING
The brake servo and
power steering will not
work while the vehicle is being
towed. You will therefore need
to apply more force to the brake
pedal and steering wheel. Do
not use flexible cables when
towing and avoid jerky
movements. During towing
operations, make sure that the
fixing of the joint does not
damage adjoining components.
WARNINGEXTINGUISHER
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
Some versions may feature an
extinguisher A-fig. 152.
For use and maintenance, follow the
instructions on the extinguisher
itself.
fig. 152
F0X0135m
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138
CHECKING LEVELS
Never smoke while
working in the engine
compartment: inflammable
gases and vapours may be
present, constituting a fire risk.
WARNING
When topping up, take
care not to mix up the
various types of fluids:
they are not compatible with
each other and could seriously
damage the vehicle.
fig. 152 - 1.3 Multijet 16Vversion
F0X0136m
1. engine oil - 2. battery - 3. brake fluid - 4. windscreen washer fluid -
5. engine coolant - 6. power steering fluid - 7. diesel filter
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142
POWER STEERING FLUID
fig. 156
Check that the oil level with the
vehicle on flat ground and the engine
cold is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
The level may exceed the MAX
mark 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.BRAKE FLUID fig. 157
Unscrew the cap A-fig. 157 and
check that the liquid contained in the
reservoir is at the maximum level.
The fluid level in the reservoir must
not exceed the MAX mark.
You are advised to use the brake
fluid shown in the “Fluids and
lubricants” table (see section
“Technical Specifications”) to top up.
When opening the cap A, make sure
that no dirt gets into the reservoir.
For topping up, always use a funnel
with integrated filter with mesh
equal to or lower than 0.12 mm.
fig. 157
F0X0141m
fig. 156
F0X0140m
Power steering fluid
consumption is
extremely low; if
another top-up is required
afteronly a short period of time,
have the system checked for
leaks at a Fiat Dealership.
Prevent power steering
fluid from coming into
contact with hot engine parts:
it is flammable.
WARNING
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148
Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread and on
the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. In
any event, have the tyres checked by
specialised personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than 6 years,
so that they can determine whether
they can still be used. Remember to
check the spare wheel with
particular care.
Always fit new replacement tyres.
Do not use any of dubious origin.
The Fiat Strada uses tubeless tyres.
Do not use inner tubes with these
tyres.
If a tyre is changed, also change the
inflation valve.
To allow even wear between the
front and rear tyres, it is advisable to
change them over every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them
on the same side of the vehicle so as
not to reverse the direction of
rotation.RUBBER HOSES
For the rubber hoses of the brake,
power steering and supply system,
follow the Scheduled Servicing Plan
precisely. Ozone, high temperatures
and prolonged lack of fluid in the
system may cause hardening and
cracking of the hoses, with possible
leaks. Careful checking is therefore
necessary.Do not switch tyres
from the right hand side
of the vehicle to the left hand
side, and vice versa.
WARNING
Do not re coat alloy
wheel rims at
temperatures above 150°C. The
mechanical characteristics of
the wheels could be
compromised.
WARNING
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