2014 FIAT 500C check engine

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had
time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains
visible sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and
flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS-
12106).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the bottom and top lines marked “COLD FILL
RANGE”.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle. •
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-
12106) and distilled water for proper corrosion protec-
tion of your engine which contains aluminum compo-
nents.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375

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 this section for fluid specifications.
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 dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunc-
tion, visit your authorized dealer immediately to have
the transmission fluid level checked. Operating the ve-
hicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379

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 and
brake master cylinder, and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
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 brake pads, rotors, and hoses.
• 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 405

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............371
Adding Fuel ............................ .298
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .366
Additives, Fuel .......................... .296
Airbag ..................................39
Airbag Deployment ........................52
Airbag Light .............................47
Airbag Maintenance ........................53
Airbag, Side ..............................42
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................43
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .356
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................359
Air Conditioning ......................... .207
Air Conditioning Controls ...................207
Air Conditioning Filter .....................360
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................359
Air Conditioning System ....................207
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .270
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
..................370
Capacities ........................... .399
Disposal ............................. .373
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................249
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................154
Appearance Care ........................ .380
Automatic Dimming Mirror ...................90
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ...............404
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........209
Automatic Transaxle ........................11
Automatic Transmission ....................229
Adding Fluid ......................... .379
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................380
Fluid Change ......................... .380
Fluid Level Check ...................... .379
Fluid Type ........................... .401
Gear Ranges .......................... .233
Special Additives ...................... .379
422 INDEX

Autostick.............................. .238
Battery ................................ .357
Jump Starting ......................... .332
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........18
Belts, Seat ...............................79
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................363
B-Pillar Location ......................... .264
Brake Assist System ...................... .250
Brake Fluid ............................ .401
Brake, Parking .......................... .244
Brakes ................................ .375
Brake System ........................... .248
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .249
Master Cylinder ....................... .375
Parking ............................. .244
Warning Light ........................ .153
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................231
Bulb Replacement ........................ .395Bulbs, Light
..............................82
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........399
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .399
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .298
Oil (Engine) .......................... .355
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................78
Cargo Area Features ...................... .138
Car Washes ............................ .381
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...................177
Cellular Phone .......................... .206
Chains, Tire ............................ .281
Change Oil Indicator ...................... .404
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .319
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .259
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .151
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............78
Checks, Safety ............................78
10
INDEX 423