1.3 16V MultiJet versionsA. Engine oil plug/filler - B. Engine oil dipstick - C. Engine coolant - D. Washer fluid for windscreen/rear window - E. Brake
fluid - F. Batteryfig. 153
F0W0090
186
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
ENGINE OIL
Check the oil level a few minutes (about five) after
the engine has stopped, with the vehicle parked
on level ground.
For 1.2 8V 69 HP and 1.3 16V MultiJet
versionsfig. 152 fig. 153
Remove the engine oil dipstick B, clean it with a
cloth that does not leave any trace and reinsert it.
Extract the engine oil dipstick again and check that
the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the
dipstick.
The range between the MIN and MAX marks
corresponds to about 1 litre of oil.
If the oil level is near or under the MIN mark, add oil
through the filler A until it reaches the MAX mark.
The oil level should never exceed the MAX
mark.
For 0.9 TwinAir 65 HP fig. 150 and 0.9 TwinAir
85 HP versions fig. 151
The engine oil dipstick B is integral with plug A.
Loosen the plug, clean the dipstick with a cloth that
does not leave traces, reinsert the dipstick and
re-tighten the plug. Extract the plug again and check
that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks
on the dipstick.Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is
approximately 400 grams every 1,000 km.
During the initial period of usage for the vehicle, the
engine is bedding in, therefore the engine oil
consumption may settle down only after the first
5,000 - 6,000 km.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing the oil, let the
engine run for a few seconds and wait a few minutes
after switching it off before checking the level.
Do not add oil with characteristics that
are different from those of the oil
currently in the engine.Used engine oil and filter contain harmful
substances for the environment .To change
the oil and filters, we advise you to
contact a Fiat Dealership.
ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
The coolant level must be checked when the engine
is cold and must be between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is too low, undo reservoir cap C (see
previous pages) and add the fluid described in the
chapter "Technical Specifications".
187GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
PARAFLU
UP
anti-freeze is used in the
engine cooling system. Use the same fluid
as in the cooling system when topping
up. PARAFLU
UP
cannot be mixed with any other
type of fluid. If this happens, do not start the
engine and contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the cap with
another genuine one or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir cap when the engine is
hot : you risk scalding yourself.
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW WASHING
FLUID
If the level is too low, raise reservoir cap D (see
previous pages) and add the fluid described in the
chapter "Technical Specifications".
WARNING
Do not travel if the windscreen washer
reservoir is empty: using the windscreen
washer is essential for improving visibility. Some
commercial windscreen washer additives are
flammable.The engine compartment contains
hot components which may set it on fire.BRAKE FLUID
Check that the liquid is at the maximum level (the
fluid level in the reservoir must not exceed the MAX
mark). If the fluid level in the tank is too low, undo
reservoir cap E (see previous pages) and add the fluid
described in the chapter "Technical Specifications".
NoteCarefully clean the cap of the reservoir E and
the surrounding surface.
When opening the cap, 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.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it
absorbs moisture). For this reason, if the car 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
“Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
188
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. If contact accidentally occurs,
immediately wash the affected areas with
water and a neutral detergent , and then rinse
thoroughly with water. Call a doctor
immediately if swallowed.
WARNING
The symbol
on the container 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.
AIR CLEANER/POLLEN
FILTER/DIESEL FILTERFor filter replacement, contact a Fiat Dealership.
189GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
BATTERYBattery F (see previous pages) does not require the
electrolyte to be topped up with distilled water. A
periodic check carried out at a Fiat Dealership
is, however, necessary to check efficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If necessary, replace the battery with another
genuine battery with the same specifications. Follow
the battery manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last
longer, observe the following instructions:
❒when you park the car, ensure that the doors,
tailgate and bonnet are closed properly, to prevent
any roof lights from remaining on inside the
passenger's compartment;
❒switch off all roof lights inside the car: the car is
however equipped with a system which switches
all internal lights off automatically;
❒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 negative battery pole;
❒Completely tighten the battery terminals.IMPORTANT If the charge level remains under 50%
for a long time, the battery is damaged by sulphation,
reducing its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (this
can happen as early as -10°C). Refer to the paragraph
"Car inactivity" in "Starting and driving" if the car is
left parked for a long time.
If, after buying the car, you wish to install electrical
accessories which require permanent electrical
supply (alarm, etc.) or accessories which influence
the electrical supply requirements, contact a Fiat
Dealership, whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
WARNING
Battery liquid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin
and eyes. Keep naked flames and sources of
sparks away from the battery: risk of explosion
and fire.
WARNING
Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and
may cause an explosion.
190
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. After purchasing your
vehicle, if you wish to install any accessories (car
alarm, car phone, etc .), please contact your Fiat
Dealership, which will suggest the most
appropriate devices for your vehicle, and will,
most importantly, recommend installing a
oversized battery.Batteries contain substances which are
ver y dangerous for the environment . For
battery replacement , contact a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
If the car will be unused for an extended
period of time in extremely cold
weather conditions, remove the battery and
store it in a heated area to avoid it freezing.
WARNING
Always wear appropriate goggles when
working on or near the battery.
BRAKESThe car is equipped with 4 mechanical wear
detection systems for brake pads: one for each wheel
assembly.
When the brake linings are about to wear out,
pressing the brake pedal, a light hiss is heard: this
indication lasts around 100 km (depending on the
driving style and the route type).
In these circumstances it is still possible, proceeding
with caution, to carry on driving.
In any case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible to have the worn brake pads replaced.
191GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
WHEELS AND TYRESBefore long trips, and every two weeks, check the
tyre and space-saver wheel inflation pressure (for
versions/markets, where provided). Check the tyres
when cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase when the
car is used; for the correct tyre inflation pressure,
see “Wheels” in the “Technical specifications”
section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear
fig. 154:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn;
B low pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges;
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the
centre.The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less
than 1.6 mm thick. In any case, follow the laws
in force in the country where you are driving.
IMPORTANT
Take the following precautions to prevent damage to
the tyres:
❒avoid braking suddenly, racing starts and violent
impact against the curb, potholes or other
obstacles and driving for extended periods on
uneven road surfaces;
❒periodically check that the tyres have no cuts in
the side wall, abnormal swelling or irregular tread
wear;
❒avoid travelling with the car overloaded. If a tyre is
punctured, stop immediately and change it;
❒tyres age even if they are not used much. Cracks in
the tread rubber and at the sides are a sign of
ageing. In any case, if the tyres have been on the
car for over 6 years, they should be checked
by specialised personnel. Also remember to check
the space-saver wheel very carefully (for
versions/markets, where provided);
❒change the position of the tyres every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them on the same
side of the car to avoid inverting the rotation
direction;
❒In the case of replacement, always fit new tyres,
avoiding those of dubious origin;
❒if a tyre is changed, also change the inflation valve.
fig. 154
F0W0018
192
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
WARNING
The road holding qualities of the car
also depend on the correct inflation
pressure of the tyres.
WARNING
If tyre pressure is too low, it may
overheat and be severely damaged as a
result .
WARNING
Do not switch tyres from the righthand
side of the vehicle to the lefthand
side, and vice versa.
WARNING
Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C.The mechanical
properties of the wheels could be impaired.
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WIPERBLADES
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is deformed or
worn. In any event, it is advisable to replace them
approximately once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility
of damage to the blades:
❒if the temperature falls below zero, make sure that
ice has not frozen the rubber against the glass. Use
an antifreeze product to release it if required;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in addition to
protecting the blades, this prevents effort on
the motor and over-heating;
❒do not operate the windscreen/rear window
wipers on dry glass.
WARNING
Driving with worn windscreen/rear
window wiper blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in bad weather.
193GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX