2013 FIAT STRADA Owner handbook (in English)

143
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is
hygroscopic (i.e. it absorbs
moisture). For this reason, if the
vehicle 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.AIR CLEANER
Air cleaner replacement must be
carried out at a Fiat Dealership.
POLLEN FILTER
Pollen filter replacement must be
carried out at a Fiat Dealership.
The symbol πon the
container indicates
synthetic brake fluid,
distinguishing it from the
mineral kind. Use of a mineral
type fluid will damage the
special rubber seals of the
braking system beyond repair.
WARNING
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 143

144
DIESEL FILTER fig. 158
DRAINING CONDENSATION
fig. 158
F0X0142m
fig. 159
F0X0143m
BATTERY
The battery is “limited maintenance”
type: under normal conditions of
use, the electrolyte does not need
topping up with distilled water.
It does, however, need to be
checked periodically at a Fiat
Dealership or by specialist personnel
to make sure it is working correctly.
The presence of water in
the supply circuit may
cause severe damage to
the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the
cwarning light switches on,
contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible to have the
system bled. If this problem is
indicated immediately after
refueling, water may have
entered the fuel tank. In this
case, stop the engine
immediately and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
Dispose of the
diesel/water mixture
discharged by the filter
correctly. You are advised to
contact a Fiat Dealership to
drain the condensation. They
are equipped to dispose of it in
full respect of the environment
and in compliance with legal
regulations.
The bleeding operation,
if not carried out
correctly taking the necessary
precautions, may compromise
the driving safety of the vehicle
as well as leading to dangerous
fuel leaks.
WARNING
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 144

145
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with
an original spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different
specifications is fitted, the service
intervals given in the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan” will no longer be
valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s
instructions for maintenance.
Battery liquid is
poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with
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 battery fluid
may irreparably damage the
battery and may cause an
explosion.
WARNING
When performing any
operation on the
battery or near it, always
protect your eyes with special
goggles.
WARNING
Incorrect assembly of
electrical and electronic
devices may cause
severe damage to your vehicle.
Contact a Fiat Dealership if you
want to install accessories after
purchasing the vehicle (alarms,
radiophone, etc.): they will
suggest the most suitable
devices and advise you whether
a higher capacity battery needs
to be installed.
If the vehicle 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
prevent it from freezing.
Batteries contain
substances which are very
dangerous for the
environment. To replace your
battery, we recommend
contacting a Fiat Dealership to
dispose of your old battery in full
respect of the environment and in
compliance with legal regulations.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 145

146
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery
rapidily and maintain its efficiency
over time, carefully observe the
following instructions:
– when you park the vehicle, ensure
that the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly, to prevent
any roof lights from remaining on
inside the passenger
compartment;
– switch off all roof lights inside the
vehicle: the vehicle is however
equipped with a system which
switches all internal lights off
automatically;
– do not keep accessories (e.g. car
radio, hazard warning 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
cable;– fully tighten the battery terminals.
IMPORTANT If the battery remains
with the charge below 50% for a
long time it becomes damaged
through sulphation and its starting
capacity is reduced.
The battery is also more prone to
the risk of freezing (at temperatures
as high as -10°C).
Refer to the paragraph “Vehicle
inactivity” in the “Correct use of the
vehicle” section if the vehicle is left
parked for a long time.If, after buying the vehicle, you want
to install electrical accessories which
require permanent electric supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories that in
any case burden the electrical
supply, contact a Fiat Dealership,
whose qualified personnel, in
addition to suggesting the most
suitable devices from Lineaccessori
Fiat, will evaluate the overall
electrical consumption, checking
whether the vehicle’s electrical
system is capable of withstanding the
load required, or whether it should
be integrated with a more powerful
battery.
Since some of these devices
continue to consume electricity even
when the engine is off, they gradually
run down the battery.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 146

147
ABC
fig. 160
F0X0144m
WHEELS AND TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Check the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver wheel,
approximately every two weeks and
before long journeys: the pressure
should be checked with the tyre
rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to
increase when the vehicle is used;
for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see “Wheels” in the
“Technical specifications” section.Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 160:
A - Normal pressure: tread evenly
worn.
B - Low pressure: tread particularly
worn at the edges.
C - High pressure: tread particularly
worn in the centre.Remember that the
road holding qualities
of your vehicle also depend on
the correct inflation pressure
of the tyres.
WARNING
If the pressure is too
low the tyre overheats
and can be seriously damaged.
WARNING
The tyres must be replaced when
the tread is less than 1.6 mm thick.
In any case, comply with the laws in
force in the country where you are
driving.
IMPORTANT
Avoid sharp braking, racing starts
etc. where possible.
In particular, avoid striking the kerb,
potholes or other obstacles
violently. Driving for long stretches
over bumpy roads can damage the
tyres.
Periodically check that the tyres
have no cuts in the side wall,
abnormal swelling or irregular tyre
wear. Contact a Fiat Dealership if
required.
Avoid overloading the car when
travelling: this may cause serious
damage to the wheels and tyres.
If you have a puncture, stop
immediately and change the tyre, so
that the tyre itself, the rim, the
suspension and the steering are not
damaged.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 147

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
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 148

149
WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part
using special products; TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC35 is
recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge
is deformed or worn. In all cases, it is
advisable to replace them approximately
once a year.
Driving with worn wiper
blades is a serious
hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather.
WARNING
A few simple precautions can reduce
the possibility of damage to the
blades:
– make sure that the rubber part is
not stuck to the windscreen at
sub-zero temperatures. Use a de-
icing 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
wipers on dry glass.Replacing blades
1) raise the windscreen wiper arm
A-fig. 161 and position the blade
so that it forms an angle of 90°
with the arm;
2) push the wiper downwards
releasing it from arm A;
3) fit the new blade, inserting the tab
in the special housing in the arm.
Make sure that it is properly
locked into place.
fig. 161
F0X0145m
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 149

150
MANUAL
CLIMATE CONTROL
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
In winter, the climate control system
must be turned on at least once a
month for about 10 minutes.
Before summer, have the system
checked at a Fiat Dealership.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are
the following:
– atmospheric pollution;
– salty air and humidity (coastal
areas, or hot humid climates);
– seasonal environmental conditions.
The abrasive action of wind-borne
atmospheric dust and sand, as well
as mud and gravel raised by other
vehicles is also not to be
underestimated.
Fiat has adopted the best technology
on your vehicle to effectively protect
the bodywork against corrosion.
These are the most important:
– painting products and systems
which give the vehicle particular
resistance to corrosion and
abrasion;
– use of galvanised (or
pretreated) steel sheets, with high
resistance to corrosion;
The system uses R134a
coolant which does not
pollute the environment
in the event of accidental
leakage. Under no
circumstances should you use
R12 fluid which, in addition to
being incompatible with the
system’s components, contains
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
NOZZLES
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly
check that there is fluid in the
reservoir: see “Checking levels” in
this section.
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged, if necessary using a
needle.
On some versions, the windscreen
washer jets are adjusted by changing
the angle of the nozzles: rotate the
nozzle holder using a screwdriver in
housing A-fig. 162, so that the jets
are directed towards the highest
point that the blades reach when in
motion.
fig. 162
F0X0146m
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 150