2013 FIAT 500C check transmission fluid

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized studio or qualified
repair center.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If a flush is needed because of component malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the flushing
procedure.
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
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.7 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless lubri-
cant has become contaminated with water.
NOTE:If contaminated with water, the fluid should be
changed immediately.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications. It is
important to maintain the transmission fluid at the
correct level using the recommended fluid. No chemical
flushes should be used in any transmission; only the
approved lubricant should be used.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid speci-
fications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized studio can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunc-
tion, visit your authorized studio immediately to have
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the transmission fluid level checked. Operating the ve-
hicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
CAUTION!
•If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your au-
thorized studio immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. Your authorized studio has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the#Maintenance Schedule#for the proper
maintenance intervals. In addition, change the fluid and
filter if the transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Re-
quired” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as
early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission as needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
390 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and
hoses.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
•Check and adjust hand brake.
•Inspect exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 391

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............358
Adding Fuel.............................291
Adding Washer Fluid......................353
Additives, Fuel...........................288
Airbag..................................42
Airbag Deployment........................55
Airbag Light.............................50
Airbag Maintenance........................56
Airbag, Side..............................45
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)................46
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .344
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................346
Air Conditioning..........................208
Air Conditioning Controls...................208
Air Conditioning Filter.....................347
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................346
Air Conditioning System....................208
Air Pressure, Tires.........................269
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............8
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................357
Capacities............................385
Disposal..............................360
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................248
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................156
Appearance Care.........................367
Automatic Dimming Mirror...................93
Automatic Door Locks......................26
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........210
Automatic Transaxle........................11
Automatic Transmission....................229
Adding Fluid..........................366
Fluid and Filter Changes..................367
Fluid Level Check.......................366
Fluid Type............................365
Gear Ranges...........................232
Special Additives.......................366
Autostick...............................237
406 INDEX

Battery.................................345
Jump Starting..........................320
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........20
Belts, Seat...............................81
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................350
B-Pillar Location..........................263
Brake Assist System.......................250
Brake Fluid.............................387
Brake, Parking...........................244
Brakes.................................362
Brake System............................248
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................248
Master Cylinder........................362
Parking..............................244
Warning Light.........................155
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................231
Bulb Replacement.........................380
Bulbs, Light..............................83
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........385
Capacities, Fluid..........................385
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................291
Oil (Engine)...........................342
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................80
Cargo Area Features.......................139
Car Washes.............................368
CD (Compact Disc) Player...................179
Cellular Phone...........................207
Chains, Tire.............................277
Changing A Flat Tire.......................308
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................258
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .153
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............79
Checks, Safety............................79
Child Restraint............................59
Clean Air Gasoline........................286
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INDEX 407