
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 1
year (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance,
the system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh coolant. 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.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle
rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the con-
nection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing
to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose
of the old engine coolant (antifreeze) solution.Selection Of Coolant — Gasoline Engine
Use only the manufacturer's recommended coolant.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Technical Specifications” for further information.
•
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze)
other than specified engine coolant (an-
tifreeze), may result in engine damage
and may decrease corrosion protection. If a non-
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) is intro-
duced into the cooling system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the specified engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) as soon as possible.
• Do not use plain water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant (antifreeze) and may plug the
radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of Propylene Glycol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
346
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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 an d
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.
349
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Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Do not add any materials (other than leak detec-
tion dyes). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Change the manual transmission fluid at the intervals
shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.
REAR DRIVE ASSEMBLY (RDA) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, Check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
354
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YOUR
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Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
APPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTION
FROM CORROSION
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, ex-
treme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-
tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim,
and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will en-
able you to obtain maximum benefit from the corro-
sion resistance built into your vehicle.What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax to protect your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning
materials such as steel wool or scouring
powder that will scratch metal and
painted surfaces.
355
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TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment
tires to help you in determining when your tires should
be replaced.
(fig. 210)
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the
tread grooves. They will appear as bands when the
tread depth becomes 2 mm. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further
information.LIFE OF TIRE
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
• Driving style
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across
the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will
reduce tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle
maintenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be re-
placed af
ter six years, regardless of the
remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning
can result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in serious
injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from con-
tact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
(fig. 210)
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
376
KNOWING YOUR
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STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICINGAND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS

License . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................307
Lights On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . ............94
Low Fuel ............................7,24
LowTire .............................275
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........273
Map Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............96
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ............96
Park ............................... .301
Passing ...............................95
Reading ...............................96
RearFog ..........................278, 303
Rear Servicing . ........................ .305
Rear Tail Lamps ........................ .305
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .276
Service .......................... .300, 301
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) ......273
Side Marker .......................... .301
Side Repeater . . . ...................... .304
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .........151, 275
Traction Control . . . .................... .147
Turn Signal ...............95, 236, 274, 301, 305
Vanity Mirror ...........................69
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) .......273
Load Floor, Cargo ........................ .132
Loading Vehicle Tires ................................366
Locks . ................................ .119
Automatic Door . . . . . . . .................121
Auto Unlock ......................... .121
Child Protection . . . . . . ..................121
Door .............................. .119
Power Door . . . . . . . . . ..................120
Steering Wheel ..........................20 Low Tire Pressure System
................... .151
Lubrication, Body ......................... .341
LuggageRack(RoofRack)................... .137
Lug Nuts .............................. .282
Maintenance Free Battery ................... .338
Maintenance, General ...................... .335
Maintenance Pr
ocedures .................... .335
Maintenance Schedule . . . ................... .321
Maintenance, Sunroof ...................... .119
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .........273
Manual Transaxle ......................... .354
Fluid Level Check ...................... .354
Lubricant Selection ..................... .354
Manual Transmission ....................... .245
Frequency of Fluid Change .................354
Lubricant Selection ..................... .354
Map/Reading Lights ..........................96
Marker Lights, Side ........................ .301
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................... .350
Mini-Trip Computer .........................30
Mirrors............................. .66, 106
Automatic Dimming ......................66
Electric Powered .........................67
Electric Remote .........................67
Exterior Folding .........................68
Heated ...............................69
Outside ...............................66
Rearview ..............................66
Vanity ................................69
Mode Fuel Saver .............................29
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle .................5
397
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Rear Window Features . . . . . . . ...............101
Rear Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...........101
Reclining Front Seats . . . .....................52
Reclining Rear Seats ...................... .59, 62
Recorder, Event Data ...................... .215
Recreational Towing . . . . . . . . . ...............270
Refrigerant . . . .......................... .340
Release, Hood ........................... .136
Reminder, Lights On .........................94
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... .193
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) . . . . . . .............13
Programming Additional Key Fobs ..............14
Programming Additional Transmitters ...........14
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ...........167
Repeater Lights, Side ....................... .304
Replacement Bulbs ........................ .300
Replacement Keys . . . . ......................12
Replacement Tires ........................ .377
Resetting Oil Change Indicator . . . ...........28, 275
Restraint, Head . . ..........................54
Restraints, Occupant . . . ................... .192
Retractable Cargo Area Cover . . . . . . ...........134
Reverse Lights ........................... .305
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck . . . . . .............314
Roof Rack (Luggage Rack) . . . . ................137
Rotation, Tires. . . . ....................... .359
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle . . . . . . . ............234
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle .................236
Safety, Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . .............131, 234
Safety Information, Tire . . ................... .361
Safety Tips . . . . . ........................ .233
Schedule, Maintenance . .................... .321Seat Belt
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ......198
BeltAlert ............................ .193
Energy Management Feature ................199
Lap/Shoulder Belts .......................194
Seat Belt Pr
etensioner ................... .199
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .193
Seat Belt System ....................... .192
Seat Belt Maintenance ...................... .358
Seat Belt Reminder ........................ .193
Seat Belts ........................... .193, 234
Adjustable Shoulder Belt ..................198
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage .........198
Front Seat .................... .193, 194, 196
Inspection ........................... .234
Operating Instructions ................... .196
Pretensioners ......................... .199
Rear Seat ............................ .194
Reminder ............................ .276
Untwisting Procedure ................... .197
Seats ...................................48
Adjustment ............................48
Easy Entry .............................60
Heated ...............................50
Height Adjustment . . .................. .48, 53
Power ................................48
Rear Folding ........................ .57, 62
Reclining ..............................52
Reclining Rear ....................... .59, 62
Seatback Release ................... .53, 57, 62
Tilting ................................48
Security Alarm ........................ .16, 278
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........346, 347, 385
399
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
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STARTING
AND
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WARNING
LIGHTS
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