(Continued)
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not
use a booster battery or any other booster source
with an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not
allow cable clamps to touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals, and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
hands after handling.
• It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the
negative cable is attached to the negative post .
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and nega-
tive (-) and identified on the battery case. Cable
clamps should be tight on the terminal posts and
free of corrosion.
• If a “fast charger ” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger ” to provide star ting volt-
age as battery damage can result . AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized
dealer at the start of each warm season. This service
should include cleaning of the condenser fins and a
performance test. Drive belt tension should also be
checked at this time.
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
• Use only refrigerants and compressor
lubri can
ts approved by the manufac-
turer for your air conditioning system. Some un-
approved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved refrig-
erants or lubricants can cause the system to fail,
requiring costly repairs.
•
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
327
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air con-
ditioning service be performed by authorized dealer or
other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
A/C AIR FILTER
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Car maintenance should be done at a
FIAT Dealership. For routine and minor
maintenance operations you wish to
carry out yourself, we do recommend you have
the proper equipment , genuine FIAT spare parts
and the necessary fluids; do not however carry out
these operations if you have no experience.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the
blower is operating or personal injury
may result .
The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind
the glove box. Perform the following steps to replace
the filter:
1. Open the glove box and remove all contents.
2. Push the retaining tab on each side of the glove box inward while gently pulling the glove box door
outward until both tabs clear the door opening in
the instrument panel. (fig. 194)
(fig. 194)
Glove Box Removal
328
KNOWINGYOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor com-
ing from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant
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 recovery bottle.
• Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also
be protected against freezing.
• If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
• Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery 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. • Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Win-
ter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs
may result in unsatisfactory coolant performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
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 fail-
ure and possibly
an accident . Driving
with your foot resting or riding on the brake
pedal can result in abnormally high brake tem-
peratures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage.You would not have your full brak-
ing capacity in an emergency.
Car maintenance should be done at a
FIAT Dealership. For routine and minor
maintenance operations you wish to
carry out yourself, we do recommend you have
the proper equipment , genuine FIAT spare parts
and the necessary fluids; do not however carry out
these operations if you have no experience.
337
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than
21 days you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery. You may:
• Disconnect the battery negative cable.
• Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out ofservice (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run
the air conditioning system at idle for about five
minutes in the fresh air and high blower setting. This
will ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize
the possibility of compressor damage when the sys-
tem is started again.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of
tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worth-
while with aggressive tread designs such as those on all
season type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help
to maintain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and
contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
NOTE: Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular
wear.
347
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
About Your Brakes..................... 133, 234
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ..........134, 135, 269
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ..............335
Adding Fuel ..............................185
Adding Washer Fluid ........................331
Additives, Fuel ............................359
Airbag .............................. 216, 222
Airbag Deployment ........................223
Airbag Light ....................221, 224, 227, 264
Airbag, Side ....................... 218, 220, 222
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ..........219, 220, 222
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......326
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................327
Air Conditioning Filter ....................85, 328
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................85
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .................71,81
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............327, 328
Air Conditioning System .....................327
Air Pressure, Tires ......................266, 349
Alarm (Security Alarm) ...................15, 269
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ...............15, 17
All Wheel Drive (AWD) .....................247
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle .................5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............334, 335, 361
Disposal .............................336
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..............134, 135
Anti-Lock Warning Light ..............135, 136, 269
Arming System (Security Alarm) .................15
Auto Down Power Windows ..................123
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................63
Automatic Door Locks ......................115 Automatic Headlights
........................86
Automatic Oil Change Indicator .................27
Automatic Transmission .................. 238, 339
Adding Fluid ...........................340
Autostick .............................245
Fluid and Filter Changes ...................341
Fluid Level Check .......................340
Gear Ranges ...........................241
Autostick ..............................
.245
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................115
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) .........106
Auxiliary Power Outlet ......................106
Back-Up Lights ............................295
Battery .................................326
Gas Caution ...........................327
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) .........13
Location .............................326
Belts, Seat ........................... 188, 226
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................329
Brake Assist System ........................137
Brake Control System, Electronic ...............135
Brake, Parking ............................234
Brakes ..............................133, 337
Brake System ......................... 133, 337
Anti-Lock (ABS) .....................134, 135
Fluid Check ...........................338
Master Cylinder ........................338
Parking ..............................234
Warning Light ..........................268
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................240
368
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Exterior Folding Mirrors......................65
Exterior Lighting ...........................86
Exterior Lights ............................228
Fabric Care ..............................345
Filler Location Fuel .........................185
Filters Air Cleaner ...........................326
Air Conditioning .....................85, 328
Engine Oil ............................362
Engine Oil Disposal ......................326
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................101
Turn Signal ......................88, 228, 265
Flash-To-Pass .............................89
Flooded Engine Starting ......................231
Floor Console ............................102
Fluid Capacities ...........................361
Fluid Leaks ..............................228
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ...................340
Brake ...............................338
Cooling System .........................334
Engine Oil ............................324
Power Steering .........................144
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .............362
Fog Lights ......................87, 265, 293, 294
Fog Light Service .......................293, 294
Fog Lights, Rear ........................269, 294
Folding Rear Seat ........................54, 58
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ......................304
Fuel ................................ 358, 360
Adding ..............................185 Additives
.............................359
Conserving ............................27
Diesel ............................360, 362
Ethanol ..............................358
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................185
Gasoline ............................ .358
Gauge .................................7
Light .................................23
Oct
ane Rating ......................358, 362
Requirements ..........................358
SaverMode ............................27
Specifications ..........................362
Tank Capacity ..........................361
Fueling .................................185
Fuel Optimizer ............................27
Fuel Saver ................................27
Fuel System Caution ........................185
Fuses ..................................298
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................143, 185
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) .......................7
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................359
Gasoline (Fuel) ...........................358
Conserving ............................27
Gauges Coolant Temperature ......................8
Fuel ..................................7
Speedometer ............................7
Tachometer .............................7
Gear Ranges .............................241
Gear Select Lever Override ...................303
General Information ...................12, 15, 152
General Maintenance .......................323
371
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................64
Overhead Console ..........................98
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual) ...............4
Paint Care ...............................343
Parking Brake ............................234
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) ........57
Passing Light ..............................89
Pets...................................225
Power Brakes ...............................133
Distribution Center (Fuses) ................300
Door Locks ...........................114
Mirrors ...............................64
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........106
Seats ................................45
Steering ..............................144
Sunroof ..............................111
Transfer Unit ..........................342
Windows .............................122
Power Transfer Unit ........................342
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ................198
Preparation for Jacking ......................275
Pretensioners Seat Belts .............................192
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless Entry) ....12
Radial Ply Tires ...........................351
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ............336
Radio Operation ..........................184
Radio Remote Controls ......................161
Radio (Sound Systems) ......................161 Rear Air Conditioning
.....................71, 81
Rear Axle (Differential) ......................342
RearCamera.............................159
Rear Cupholder ...........................109
Rear Drive Assembly .......................342
Rear Fog Lights ...........................269
RearLiftgate.............................125
Rear Park Assist System .....................153
Rear Seat, Folding ........................54,58
RearviewMirrors...........................63
Rear Window Defroster ......................96
Rear Window Features .......................94
Rear Wiper/Washer .........................94
Reclining Front Seats ........................49
Reclining R ear
Seats .......................56, 58
Recorder, Event Data .......................224
Recreational Towing ........................261
Refrigerant ..............................328
Release, Hood ............................131
Reminder, Lights On .........................87
Reminder, Seat Belt ........................198
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ...................12
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ...........161
Repeater Lights, Side ........................295
Replacement Bulbs .........................291
Replacement Keys ..........................11
Replacement Tires .........................356
Resetting Oil Change Indicator ..............27, 266
Restraint, Head ............................50
Restraints, Child ..........................199
Restraints, Occupant .......................187
Retractable Cargo Area Cover .................129
Reverse Lights ............................295
375
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS