Page 183 of 231
POWER STEERING FLUID
Loose the cap A fig. 172: check that the fluid in the
reservoir is included between the MIN and MAX
on the reservoir.
The level may go over the MAX line when the oil is
hot. If topping up is required, make sure the oil
you use has the same specifications as that already in
the system.
WARNING
Prevent power steering fluid from
coming into contact with hot engine
parts: it is flammable.
Power steering fluid consumption is
extremely low; if another top-up should
be required after only a short period
of time, have the system checked for leakage at a
Fiat Dealership.
fig. 172
F0T0081
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Page 184 of 231

AIR CLEANER/ POLLEN FILTERHave the air cleaner or the pollen filter replaced by a
Fiat Dealership.
BATTERYThe battery is of the “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 regularly at a
Fiat Dealership or by specialist personnel to make
sure it is working properly.
WARNING
The battery fluid 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
Running the battery with an excessively
low liquid level will damage the battery
beyond repair and even cause an explosion.
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.
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Page 185 of 231

Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.
Incorrect assembly of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your vehicle. Go to a Fiat
Dealership if you want to install accessories
(alarms, mobile phone, etc .): they will suggest the
most suitable devices and advise you if a higher
capacity batter y needs to be installed.Batteries contain substances that are very
harmful to the environment .You are
recommended to go to a Fiat Dealership
to have the batter y replaced where the old
battery will be disposed of respecting both the
environment and the laws in force.If the vehicle needs to be off the road for
a long period under conditions of intense
cold, remove the battery and take it to
a heated place, otherwise it may freeze.
WARNING
When performing any operation on the
battery or near it , always protect your
eyes with the special goggles.USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last
longer, follow these instructions closely:
❒when you park the vehicle, ensure the doors, boot
and bonnet are closed properly so that the ceiling
lights do not stay on;
❒turn off the ceiling lights, although the car does
have an automatic system for switching off internal
lights;
❒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 battery negative cable;
❒make sure that battery terminals are always be
perfectly tight.
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Page 186 of 231

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 "Starting
and driving" if the vehicle is left parked for a long
time.
If, after buying the vehicle, you want to install
electric accessories which require permanent electric
supply (alarm, etc.) contact the Fiat Dealership
whose qualified personnel, in addition to suggesting
the most suitable devices, will evaluate the overall
electric absorption, checking whether the vehicle
electric system is capable of withstanding the load
required, or whether it should be integrated with
a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue to use electricity even
when the engine is off, they gradually run down
the battery.
WHEELS AND TYRESCheck the pressure of each tyre, including the spare,
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. 173:A
normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow 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 all cases, follow the laws in
force in the country where you are driving.fig. 173
F0T0013
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Page 187 of 231

IMPORTANT
❒Avoid braking suddenly, burning starts and violent
knocks against the curb, potholes or other
obstacles if possible. Long distances on uneven
roads can damage the tyres;
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides,
swelling or irregular tread wear. Go to a Fiat
Dealership if required.
❒avoid overloading the car when travelling: this may
cause serious damage to the wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop immediately and charge
it to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspensions and steering system;
❒a tyre will age even if it is 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 six years. Remember to check the
spare wheel very carefully;
❒in the case of replacement, always fit new tyres,
avoiding those of dubious origin;
❒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.
WARNING
Remember that the road holding
qualities of your vehicle also depend on
the correct inflation pressure of the tyres.
WARNING
Excessively low pressure will cause
overheating of the tyre and may cause
severe tyre damage.
WARNING
Do not exchange the tyres from the left
to the right of the vehicle and vice versa.
WARNING
Do not repaint alloy wheel rims at
temperatures higher than 150°C.The
mechanical characteristics of the wheels might
be compromised.
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Page 188 of 231

RUBBER LINESFollow the requirements in “Scheduled Servicing
Plan” in this section carefully for brake and fuel
rubber lines.
Ozone, high temperatures and a prolonged lack of
fluid in the system may cause hardening and cracking
of the tubes, which could result in leaks. Careful
inspections are therefore necessary.
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WIPERS(for versions/markets, where provided)
BLADES
Regularly clean the rubber part using appropriate
products; TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 is
recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is misshapen 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:
❒make sure that the rubber part is not stuck to the
windscreen at sub-zero temperatures. Use an
antifreeze product to release it if required;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in addition to
protecting the blades, this prevents the electric
motor from overheating;
❒do not operate the windscreen and rear window
wipers on dry glass.
WARNING
Driving with worn wiper blades is a
serious hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather.
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Page 189 of 231
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades
Proceed as follows:
❒lift up the windscreen wiper arm and position the
blade so that it forms a 90° angle with the arm;
❒press tabs A fig. 174 and remove the blade from
the arm;
❒install the new blade by inserting the straps into
the supplied housings of the arm. Make sure that
the new blade is secured in position.Replacing the rear window wiper blade
(for versions/markets, where provided)
❒raise the cover A and remove the arm from the
vehicle by loosening nut B that fastens it to the
pivot pin;
❒correctly position the new arm and tighten the nut
fully;
❒lower the cover.
fig. 174
F0T0087
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Proceed as follows:
Page 190 of 231

SPRAY NOZZLES
If the jet is not coming out, firstly check that there is
fluid in the windscreen/rear window reservoir (for
versions/markets where provided) (see “Checking
levels” in this section).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not clogged;
use a needle to unblock them if necessary.
Windscreen (washer)
The window washer jets are fixed. The nozzle
holders are located under the bonnet (see fig. 175).
Rear window (washer)
The rear window washer jets are fixed. The nozzle
holder is located above the rear window (see ).
BODYPROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
ELEMENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the following:
❒atmospheric pollution
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or hot humid
climates)
❒seasonal environment conditions.
The abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
and sand, as well as mud and gravel raised by other
cars is also not to be underestimated.
Fiat used the best manufacturing technologies 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 pre-treated) steel sheets,
with high resistance to corrosion;
❒spraying the underbody, engine compartment,
wheelhouse internal parts and other parts with
highly protective wax products;
fig. 175
F0T0090
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