2015 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
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead
to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
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.90032).
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank. The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•
Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369

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.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.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• 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. •
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)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371

the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375

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 OilChange Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator sys- tem 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 403

Adding Fluid...................... .375, 376
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................376
Fluid Change ......................... .376
Fluid Level Check ...................... .375
Fluid Type ........................... .400
Gear Ranges .......................... .233
Special Additives ...................... .375
Autostick .............................. .238
Battery ................................ .355
Jump Starting ......................... .329
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........18
Belts, Seat ...............................76
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................360
B-Pillar Location ......................... .263
Brake Assist System ...................... .250
Brake Fluid ......................... .398, 400
Brake, Parking .......................... .244
Brakes ................................ .371Brake System
........................ .248, 371
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .248
Master Cylinder ....................... .372
Parking ............................. .244
Warning Light ........................ .143
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................231
Bulb Replacement ..................... .392, 393
Bulbs, Light .......................... .78, 392
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........397
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .397
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .297
Oil (Engine) ....................352, 353, 402
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................75, 296
Cargo Area Features ...................... .133
Car Washes ............................ .377
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...................177
Cellular Phone .......................... .206
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INDEX 421

Chains, Tire............................ .280
Change Oil Indicator ...................... .402
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .316
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .258
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .143,
347
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............74
Checks, Safety ............................74
Child Restraint ............................54
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................59
Child Restraints .........................54
Child Seat Installation .....................70
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........67
Infants And Child Restraints ................57
Install A LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint ....65
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................68
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......61Older Children And Child Restraints
..........57
Seating Positions ........................60
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .293
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .379
Windshield Wiper Blades ..................360
Climate Control ......................... .206
Clutch ................................ .372
Clutch Fluid ............................ .372
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............205
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .275
Connector UCI................................ .203
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........203
Contract, Service ......................... .412
Convertible Top Maintenance .................383
Coolant (Antifreeze) ....................397, 398
Cooling System .......................... .366
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............368
422 INDEX