2014 FIAT PANDA maintenance

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
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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.
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Replacing the wiper blades
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the wiper arm, press tab A fig. 155 of the
attachment spring and remove the blade from
the arm;
❒fit the new blade, inserting the tab into the special
slot in the arm, making sure that it is locked;
❒lower the windscreen wiper arm on the
windscreen.
Do not operate the windscreen wiper with
the blades lifted from the windscreen.Replacing the rear window wiper blade
Proceed as follows:
❒raise cover A fig. 156, undo nut B and remove arm
C;
❒correctly position the new arm, fully tighten nut B
then lower cover A.
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer
The windscreen washer jets A fig. 157 can be
adjusted rotating the side notch with a screwdriver
B. If there is no jet of fluid, firstly check that there is
fluid in the reservoir (see "Checking fluid levels" in
this chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not clogged;
use a needle to unblock them if necessary.
fig. 155
F0W0186
fig. 156
F0W0222
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IMPORTANT In versions with a sun roof, make sure
that the sun roof is closed before operating the
window washer jets.
Rear window washer
The rear window washer jets are fixed. The nozzle
holder is on the rear window fig. 158.
BODYWORKPROTECTION AGAINST ATMOSPHERIC
AGENTS
The car is equipped with the best available
technological solutions to protect the bodywork
against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❒painting products and systems which give the car
particular resistance to corrosion and abrasion;
❒use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel sheets, with
high resistance to corrosion;
❒spraying of plastic parts, with a protective function
in the more exposed points: underdoor, inner
wing, edges, etc;
❒use of “open” boxed sections to prevent
condensation and pockets of moisture from
triggering rust inside.
fig. 157
F0W0221
fig. 158
F0W0223
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BODY AND UNDERBODY WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against perforation
due to corrosion of any original element of the
structure or body.
For the general terms of this warranty, refer to your
Warranty Booklet.
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paintwork
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to
prevent the formation of rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of washing the
car: the frequency depends on the conditions and
environment where the car is used. For example, in
highly polluted areas, or if the roads are spread
with salt, it is advisable to wash the car more
frequently.To correctly wash the car, proceed as follows:
❒remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damage
to it if the car is washed in an automatic system;
❒if high pressure jets or cleaners are used to wash
the car, keep a distance of at least 40 cm from
the bodywork to avoid damage or alteration.
It should be remembered that the build up
of water can damage the car over a period of time;
❒wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
❒wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over
the bodywork, frequently rinsing the sponge;
❒rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door frames, bonnet,
headlight frames etc.) with special care, as water may
stagnate more easily in these areas. The car should
not be taken to a closed area immediately, but
left outside so that residual water can evaporate.
Do not wash the car after it has been left in the sun
or with the bonnet hot: this may alter the shine of
the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the same
way as the rest of the car.
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Avoid parking under trees as much as possible; the
resin from trees dulls the paintwork and increases
the possibility of corrosion.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain
is particularly aggressive.
Detergents pollute the environment . Only
wash your car in areas equipped to collect
and treat wastewater from this type of
activity.In order to preserve the aesthetic
appearance of the paint abrasive products
and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the car.
Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths to prevent
scratching or altering the transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window inside gently
with a cloth in the direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.
Front headlights
Use a soft, damp cloth soaked in water and
detergent for washing cars.
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic substances (e.g.
petrol) or ketones (e.g. acetone) for cleaning the
plastic lenses of the front headlights.Engine compartment
At the end of every winter, wash the engine
compartment thoroughly, taking care not to aim the
jet of water directly at the electronic control units or
at the windscreen wiper motors. Have this
operation performed at a specialised workshop.
IMPORTANT The washing should take place with the
engine cold and the ignition key in the STOP
position. After the washing operation, make sure
that the various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
guards) have not been removed or damaged.
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INTERIORSPeriodically check for water puddles under the mats
that could cause the panels to rust.
WARNING
Never use flammable products, such as
petrol ether or rectified petrol to clean
the inside of the car.The electrostatic charges
which are generated by rubbing during the
cleaning operation may cause a fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in the car:
they might explode. Aerosol cans must
not be exposed to a temperature exceeding
50°C .When the car is exposed to sunlight ,
internal temperature can greatly exceed this
value.SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner.
Rub the seats with a sponge and a solution of water
and mild soap.
PLASTIC AND COATED PARTS
Clean interior plastic parts with a damp cloth (if
possible made from microfibre), and a solution
of water and neutral, non-abrasive detergent. To
clean oily or persistent stains, use specific products
free from solvents and designed to maintain the
original appearance and colour of the components.
Remove any dust using a microfibre cloth, if
necessary moistened with water. The use of paper
tissues is not recommended as these may leave
residues.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol, petrols and
derivatives to clean the instrument panel lens.
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LEATHER STEERING WHEEL/GEAR
KNOB/HANDBRAKE
These components must be cleaned with mild soap
and water only. Never use alcohol or alcohol-based
products.
Read the product label carefully before using specific
products for cleaning the interiors: make sure the
product does not contain alcohol or alcohol-based
substances.
If, when cleaning the windscreen with special
products, window cleaner accidentally drips onto the
leather of the steering wheel/gear lever knob/hand
brake, wipe away immediately and then wash the
affected area with mild soap and water.IMPORTANT Be careful when using a steering wheel
lock device, where applicable, to avoid damaging
the leather upholstery by rubbing.
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