BRAKE FLUID
191) 192)
50)
Undo cap E fig. 241 - fig. 242 - fig. 243
- fig. 244 and check that the liquid in
the reservoir is at the maximum level.
The fluid level in the reservoir must not
exceed the MAX mark.
Use the brake fluid shown in the "Fluids
and lubricants" table (see "Technical
Specifications").
NOTE Carefully clean the cap of the
reservoir and the surrounding surface.
Take great care to ensure that
impurities do not enter the reservoir
when the plug is opened.
For topping-up, always use a funnel
with integrated filter with mesh equal to
or lower than 0.12 mm.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the vehicle
is mainly used in areas with a high
degree of atmospheric humidity, the
fluid should be replaced at more
frequent intervals than specified in the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan”.IMPORTANT
47) When topping up, take care not
to mix up the various types of
fluids: they are not compatible
with each other and could
seriously damage the car.
48) The used engine oil and the filter
that has been replaced contain
substances that are harmful to
the environment. To change the
oil and filters, we advise you to
contact a Fiat Dealership.
49) PARAFLU
UPantifreeze is used in
the engine cooling system. Use
fluid of the same type as that
contained in the cooling system
for any top-ups. PARAFLU
UP
cannot be mixed with any other
type of fluid. If this happens, do
not start the engine and contact a
Fiat Dealership.
50) Avoid allowing brake fluid, which
is extremely corrosive, to come
into contact with painted areas.
Should it happen, wash
immediately with water.51) Do not press the power steering
end of travel lock for longer than 8
consecutive seconds with the
engine running because it will
cause noise and risk damaging
the system.
WARNING
185) Never smoke when performing
operations in the engine
compartment. Flammable gases
and fumes may be present and
risk igniting.
186) Be very careful when working in
the engine compartment when
the engine is hot: you may get
burned. Remember that the fan
may start up if the engine is hot:
this could injure you. Scarves, ties
and other loose clothing might
be pulled by moving parts.
187) The cooling system is
pressurised. If necessary, only
replace the plug with another
original one or the operation of
the system may be adversely
affected. Do not remove the
reservoir plug when the engine is
hot: risk of burns.
249
188) Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reservoir
empty: the windscreen washer is
essential for improving visibility.
189) Some commercial windscreen
washer additives are flammable.
The engine compartment contains
hot parts which could start a fire
on contact.
190) Do not release the cap from
the extension without previously
extracting the system using the
ring.
191) Brake fluid is poisonous and
highly corrosive. In the event of
accidental contact, immediately
wash the affected parts with
water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor
immediately if swallowed.
192) The
symbol on the container
indicates a synthetic brake fluid,
which is different from a mineral
fluid. Using a mineral fluid will
damage the special rubber seals
of the braking system beyond
repair.
193) Prevent power steering fluid
from coming into contact with
hot engine parts: it is flammable.
IMPORTANT
3) Power steering fluid consumption
is extremely low; if another top-up
is required after only a short
period of time, have the system
checked for leaks at a Fiat
Dealership.
AIR CLEANER/
POLLEN FILTER
Have the air cleaner replaced by a Fiat
Dealership.
AIR CLEANER – DUSTY
ROADS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The air cleaner for dusty areas is
equipped with a visual filter block
indication device A fig. 247. Check the
reading of the blockage sensor at
intervals (Refer to the "Service
Schedule" in the "Maintenance and
care" section).
247F1A0238
250
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
When the setting is reached the
indicator B fig. 248 is triggered,
changing to red, even with the engine
off. To reset the indicator, clean/replace
the cartridge as on normal versions
and then reset the indicator by pressing
the button C fig. 248.
IMPORTANT To blow the filter use an
air jet, do not use water or liquid
detergents.
Since this cleaner is specific to versions
designed for dusty areas, it is
advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership
to change the cleaner.POLLEN FILTER
Pollen filter replacement must be
carried out at a Fiat Dealership.BATTERY
The battery is “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
periodically at a Fiat Dealership or
by specialist personnel to make sure it
is working correctly.
The battery is located inside the
passenger compartment, in front of the
pedals. Remove the protective cover
to gain access to it.
194) 195)
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.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
52) 53)
196) 197)
4)
248F1A0239
251
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
❒when you park the vehicle, ensure
that the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly, to prevent any
roof lights from remaining on inside
the passenger's compartment;
❒switch off all roof lights inside the
vehicle: the vehicle is however
equipped with a system which
switches all internal lights off
automatically;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched
on for a long time when the engine
is not running;
❒before carrying out any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable through the
suitable terminal;
❒Completely tighten the battery
terminals.IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP and having closed the
driver side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the
electrical supply from the battery. When
reconnecting the electrical supply to
the battery, make sure that the ignition
key is in the STOP position and the
driver side door is closed.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery
is damaged by sulphation, reducing
its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery is also more prone to the
risk of freezing (at temperatures as high
as -10°C).
Refer to the paragraph "Car inactivity"
in "Starting and driving" if the car is
left parked for a long time.If, after buying the vehicle, you want to
install electrical accessories which
require permanent electric supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories that in any
case burden the electrical supply,
contact a Fiat Dealership, whose
qualified personnel, in addition
to suggesting the most suitable devices
from Lineaccessori Fiat, will evaluate
the overall electrical consumption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electrical
system is capable of withstanding the
load required, or whether it should
be integrated with a more powerful
battery.
Since some of these devices continue
to consume electricity even when
the engine is off, they gradually run
down the battery.
IMPORTANT If a tachograph is fitted, if
the vehicle is parked for a long period
of 5 days, it is advisable to disconnect
the negative battery terminal to
maintain its charge.
If the vehicle is equipped with a battery
disconnection function (disconnector),
see the description of the procedure
in the "Controls" paragraph in the
"Dashboard and controls" section.
252
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver wheel,
approximately 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. 249:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn;
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges;
Chigh 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 you are in.
198) 199) 200) 201)
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
❒As far as possible, avoid sharp
braking and screech starts. Be
careful not to hit the kerb, potholes or
other hard obstacles. Driving for
long stretches over uneven roads can
damage the tyres;
❒periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear.
Contact 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 change it to avoid
damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspensions and steering system;❒tyres age even if they are not used a
great deal. Cracks in the tread and
on the side walls are a sign of ageing.
In any event, have the tyres checked
by specialised personnel if they
have been fitted for longer than 6
years. Remember to check the spare
wheel very carefully;
❒in the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of
unknown 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.
IMPORTANT Replacing a tyre, check
that the tyre pressure monitoring
(TPMS) sensor is also taken from the
previous rim, together with the valve.
249F1A0240
254
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
198) Remember that the road
holding qualities of your vehicle
also depend on the correct
inflation pressure of the tyres.
199) If the pressure is too low, the
tyre will overheat and could be
seriously damaged.
200) Avoid switching the tyres from
the right side of the vehicle to the
left side and vice versa.
201) Never submit alloy rims to
repainting treatments requiring
the use of temperatures
exceeding 150°C. The mechanical
properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel
supply system rubber hoses are
concerned, follow the "Scheduled
Servicing Plan" in this chapter carefully.
Ozone, high temperatures and
prolonged lack of fluid in the system
may cause hardening and cracking of
the hoses, with possible leaks. Careful
checking is therefore necessary.
WINDSCREEN
WIPER
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using
special products; TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC 35 is
recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is
deformed or worn. In any case, 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 a
de-icing 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
overheating;
❒do not operate the windscreen and
rear window wipers on dry glass.
202)
255
Replacing the
windscreen wiper
blades
54)
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the wiper arm, press tab A fig.
250 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 wiper arm on the
windscreen.SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen (washer)
fig. 251
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly
check that there is fluid in the reservoir:
(see "Checking levels" in this chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.
The washer jets should be positioned
by adjusting the angle of the sprays
using a small straight-headed
screwdriver.
The jets should be directed at about a
third of the height from the top edge
of the windscreen.HEADLIGHT WASHERS
Check the correct condition and
cleanliness of nozzles at regular
intervals.
The headlight washers come on
automatically when the windscreen
washer is operated with the low beams
on.
WARNING
202) Driving with worn windscreen
wiper blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in
bad weather conditions.
IMPORTANT
54) Do not operate the windscreen
wiper with the blades lifted from
the windscreen.
250F1A0241
251F1A0242
256
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Dry the less visible parts, such as the
door frames, bonnet and the headlight
frames with special care, as in these
areas water may stagnate more easily.
It is a good idea to leave the vehicle
outdoors for a while after washing it to
give the water time to evaporate.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has
been left in the sun or with the bonnet
hot: this may alter the shine of the
paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts should be cleaned
in the same way as the rest of the
vehicle. Where possible, do not park
the vehicle under trees; the resinous
substances released by many species
give the paint a dull appearance and
increase the possibility of corrosion.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
5)
Windows
To clean glasses, use specific cleaning
products. Use clean cloths to avoid
scratching the glass or damaging the
transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window
inside gently with a cloth following the
direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.
Engine compartment
At the end of each winter, thoroughly
wash the engine compartment, taking
care to avoid spraying the water jet
directly onto the electronic control units
and the relay/fuse box on the left side
of the engine compartment (driving
direction). 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.Front headlights
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic
substances (e.g. petrol) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) for cleaning the plastic lenses
of the front headlights.
IMPORTANT
55) Some car washes with old-style
blades and/or in a poor state of
repair can damage the paintwork,
facilitating the formation of lines
that give the paint a dull/misty
appearance, especially on dark
colours. If this happens, lightly
polish the paintwork with
appropriate products.
IMPORTANT
5) Detergents cause water pollution.
The vehicle should be washed in
areas equipped for collecting
and purifying the liquid used in
the washing process.
258
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE