
On a bumpy or rutted road
Drive as slow as possible when driving
on bumpy or rutted roads.
146)
WARNING
292)Do not press the accelerator pedal
rapidly. If the wheels break free of the ice,
the vehicle could suddenly start moving
and possibly cause an accident.
IMPORTANT
146)The impact on tyres and/or wheels
when driving on a bumpy or rutted road
can damage the tyre and/or wheel.
FUSIBLE LINKS
The fusible links will melt to prevent a
fire if a large current attempts to flow
through certain electrical systems. In
case of a melted fuse link, we
recommend you to have your vehicle
inspected. For the fusible links, please
refer to “Passenger compartment fuse
location table” and “Engine
compartment fuse location table”.
293)
WARNING
293)Fusible links must not be replaced by
any other device. Failing to fit the correct
fusible link may result in fire in the vehicle,
property destruction and serious or fatal
injuries at any time.
FUSES
Fuse block location
To prevent damage to the electrical
system due to short-circuiting or
overloading, each individual circuit is
provided with a fuse. There are fuse
blocks in the passenger compartment
and in the engine compartment.
Passenger compartment (LHD
vehicles)
The fuse blocks in the passenger
compartment are located behind the
fuse lid in front of the driver’s seat at the
position shown in the illustration. Pull
the fuse lid to remove it.
R L
341AHA102612
205

PERIODIC CHECKS
Before long journeys, check and, if
necessary, restore:
engine coolant level;
brake fluid level;
windscreen washer fluid level;
operation of lighting system
(headlamps, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
tyre alignment;
operation of screen washer/wiper
system and positioning/wear of
windscreen/rear window wiper blades.
To ensure that the vehicle is always
efficient and well maintained, it is
advisable to make sure that you carry
out the above operations regularly
(approximately every 1000 km and
every 3000 km for checking and
topping up engine oil is advisable).
DEMANDING
VEHICLE USE
If the vehicle is mostly used in one of
the following conditions:
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
check front disc brake pad
conditions and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
boot locks, cleanliness and lubrication
of linkage;
visually inspect conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - sleeves -
bushes - etc.);
check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter.
240
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ENGINE COOLANT
To check the coolant level
A transparent coolant reserve tank (A) is
located in the engine compartment. The
coolant level in this tank should be kept
between the “L” (LOW) and “F” (FULL)
marks when measured while the engine
is cold.
To add coolant
The cooling system is a closed system
and normally the loss of coolant should
be very slight. A noticeable drop in the
coolant level could indicate leakage. If
this occurs, we recommend you to
have the system checked as soon as
possible. If the level should drop below
the “L” (LOW) level on the reserve tank,
open the lid and add coolant.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely
empty, remove the radiator cap (B) andadd coolant until the level reaches the
filler neck.316)
Anti-freeze
The engine coolant contains an
ethylene glycol anti-corrosion agent.
Some parts of the engine are cast
aluminium alloy, and periodic changing
of the engine coolant is necessary to
prevent corrosion of these parts.
Use the recommended coolant by Fiat
or equivalent*. *: similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non-silicate,
non-amine, nonnitrate and nonborate
coolant with long life hybrid organic
acid technology Fiat genuine coolant
has excellent protection against
corrosion and rust formation of all
metals including aluminium and can
avoid blockages in the radiator, heater,
cylinder head, engine block, etc.
Because of the necessity of this
anti-corrosion agent, the coolant must
not be replaced with plain water even in
summer. The required concentration of
anti-freeze differs depending on the
expected ambient temperature.
148) 149) 150) 151)
FULL
LOW
A
B
395AHA105394
247

Ambient temperature
(minimum) °CPetrol-powered vehicles
Anti-freeze concentration %Diesel-powered vehicles
Anti-freeze concentration %
-15 30
50 -20 35
-25 40
-30 45
-35 50
-50 60 60
During cold weather
If the temperatures in your area drop below freezing, there is the danger that the coolant in the engine or radiator could freeze
and cause severe damage to the engine and/or radiator. Add a sufficient amount of antifreeze to the coolant to prevent it from
freezing.
The concentration should be checked before the start of cold weather and anti-freeze added to the system if necessary.
WARNING
316)Do not open the radiator cap (B) while
the engine is hot. The coolant system is
under pressure and any hot coolant
escaping could cause severe burns.
IMPORTANT
148)Do not use alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze or any engine coolants mixed
with alcohol or methanol anti-freeze. The
use of an improper anti-freeze can cause
corrosion of the aluminium components.149)For effective anti-corrosion and
anti-freeze performance, keep the
anti-freeze concentration within the range
of 30 to 60 %. Concentrations exceeding
60 % will result in a reduction of both the
anti-freeze and cooling performance thus
adversely affecting the engine.
150)Do not top up with water only. Water
by itself reduces the rust-protective and
anti-freeze qualities of the coolant and has
a lower boiling point. It can also cause
damage to the cooling system if it should
freeze. Do not use tapwater, as it can
cause corrosion and rust formation.151)PARAFLU UP anti-freeze 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 under any circumstances and
contact a Fiat Dealership.
248
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WASHER FLUID
Open the washer fluid reservoir cap and
check the level of washer fluid with the
dipstick. If the level is low, replenish the
container with washer fluid.
NOTE The washer fluid container
server serves the windscreen and
headlamps (if so equipped).
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the
washers at low temperatures, use a
fluid containing an anti-freezing agent.
317) 318)
WARNING
317)Do not travel if the windscreen
washer reservoir is empty: using the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Repeated operation of
the system without fluid could damage or
cause rapid deterioration of some system
components.
318)Some commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluid are flammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may start a fire.
BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level
Check the brake fluid level in the
reservoir. The brake fluid level must be
between the “MAX” and “MIN” marks
on the reservoir.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a
float. When the brake fluid level falls
below the “MIN” mark, the brake fluid
warning lamp lights up.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of
the brake pads, but this does not
indicate any abnormality.
If the brake fluid level falls markedly in a
short length of time, it indicates leaks
from the brake system. If this occurs,
we recommend you to have the vehicle
checked.
108kPa
EMPTYE 1/4 1/2
396AHA104599
MAX
MIN
397AHA102566
249

BATTERY
155) 156)
4)
The condition of the battery is very
important for quick starting of the
engine and proper functioning of the
vehicle’s electrical system. Regular
inspection and care are especially
important in cold weather.
Battery precautions
325) 326) 327) 328) 329) 330) 331) 332) 333) 334) 335)
Checking battery electrolyte level
The electrolyte level must be between
the specified limit on the outside of the
battery. Replenish with distilled water as
necessary. The inside of the battery is
divided into several compartments;
remove the cap from each
compartment and fill to the upper mark.
Do not top up beyond the upper markbecause spillage during driving could
cause damage.
Check the electrolyte level at least once
every four weeks, depending on the
operating conditions. If the battery is
not used, it will discharge by itself with
time.
Check it once every four weeks and
charge with low current as necessary.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced
at low temperatures. This is an
inevitable result of its chemical and
physical properties. This is why a very
cold battery, particularly one that is not
fully charged will only deliver a fraction
of the starter current which is normally
available.
We recommend you to have the battery
checked before the start of cold
weather and, if necessary, have it
charged or replaced. This does not only
ensure reliable starting, but a battery
which is kept fully charged also has a
longer life.
Disconnection and connection
157) 158) 159) 160)
To disconnect the battery cable, stop
the engine, first disconnect the negative
(-) terminal and then the positive (+)
terminal. When connecting the battery,
first connect the positive (+) terminal
and then the negative (-) terminal.NOTE Open the terminal cover (A)
before disconnecting or connecting the
positive (+) terminal of the battery.
NOTE Loosen the nut (B), and then
disconnect the battery cable from the
positive (+) terminal.
NOTE Keep the terminals clean. After
the battery is connected, apply terminal
protection grease. To clean the
terminals, use lukewarm water.
NOTE Check to see if the battery is
securely installed and cannot be moved
during travel. Also check each terminal
for tightness.
NOTE When the vehicle is to be left
unused for a long period of time,
remove the battery and store it in a
place where the battery fluid will not
freeze. The battery should be stored
only in a fully charged condition.
400AHA102595
A
B
401AHZ101072
252
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING
325)Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames
away from the battery because the battery
could explode.
326)The battery electrolyte is extremely
caustic. Do not allow it to come in contact
with your eyes, skin, clothing, or the
painted surfaces of the vehicle. Spilt
electrolyte should be flushed immediately
with ample amounts of water. Irritation to
eyes or skin from contact with electrolyte
requires immediate medical attention.
327)Ventilate when charging or using the
battery in an enclosed space.
328)Always wear protective eye goggles
when working near the battery.
329)Keep it out of reach of children.
330)When you handle the battery, carefully
observe the following cautions for safety.
331)Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames
away from the battery because the battery
could explode. Also, do not short-circuit
the battery terminals. Doing so could
create sparks.
332)Always wear protective eye goggles
when working near the battery. Battery
electrolyte contains sulphuric acid, so
getting it in your eyes is dangerous.
333)Battery electrolyte contains sulphuric
acid, so you must wear gloves and eye
protection when handling the battery. If
battery electrolyte gets in your eyes or on
your skin, rinse it away with clean water
and immediately see a doctor. If you
accidentally swallow battery electrolyte,
immediately see a doctor. If battery
electrolyte splashes on your clothing or on
the vehicle, rinse it off with lots of water.334)The battery emits highly explosive
hydrogen gas. Ventilate when charging the
battery in an enclosed space.
335)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
IMPORTANT
155)Do not bring the nearby parts, the
plastic parts and so on into contact with
sulphuric acid (battery electrolyte) which
may crack, stain or discolour them. If they
are in contact, wipe off with soft cloth,
chamois or the like and an aqueous
solution of neutral detergent then
immediately rinse the affected parts with
plenty of water.
156)If the vehicle must remain unused for
a long time at a very low temperature,
remove the battery and take it to a warm
place, to avoid freezing.
157)Never disconnect the battery when
the ignition switch or the operation mode is
in the “ON” position; doing so could
damage the vehicle’s electrical
components.
158)Never short-circuit the battery. This
could cause it to overheat and be
damaged.
159)If the battery is to be quick-charged,
first disconnect the battery cables.
160)In order to prevent a short circuit, be
sure to disconnect the negative (-) terminal
first.
IMPORTANT
4)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
253

CLEANING THE
INTERIOR OF YOUR
VEHICLE
After cleaning the interior of your vehicle
with water, cleaner or similar, wipe and
dry in a shady, well-ventilated area.
To clean the inside of the rear window,
always use a soft cloth and wipe the
window glass along the demister heater
element so as not to cause damage.
338)
162)
Plastic, fabric and flocked parts
1. Lightly wipe these off with a soft
cloth soaked in a mild soap and water
solution.
2. Dip cloth in fresh water and wring it
out well. Using this cloth, wipe off the
detergent thoroughly.
Do not use cleaners, conditioners, and
protectants containing silicones or wax.
Such products, when applied to the
instrument panels or other parts, may
cause reflections on the windscreen
and obscure vision. Also, if such
products get on the switches of the
electrical accessories, it may lead to
failure of these accessories.
Upholstery
1. To maintain the value of your new
vehicle, handle the upholstery carefully
and keep the interior clean. Use a
vacuum cleaner and brush to clean theseats. If stained, synthetic leather
should be cleaned with an appropriate
cleaner. Cloth fabrics can be cleaned
with either upholstery cleaner or a mild
soap and water solution.
2. Clean the carpeting with a vacuum
cleaner and remove any stains with
carpet cleaner. Oil and grease can be
removed by lightly dabbing with a clean
colourfast cloth and stain remover.
Genuine leather
1. To clean, lightly wipe the leather with
a soft cloth soaked in a mild soap and
water solution.
2. Dip cloth in fresh water and wring it
out well. Using this cloth, wipe off the
detergent thoroughly.
3. Apply leather protecting agent to the
genuine leather surface.
If genuine leather is wet with water or is
washed in water, wipe off water as
quickly as possible with a dry, soft
cloth. If left damp, mildew may grow.
Organic solvents such as benzine,
kerosene, alcohol and petrol, acid or
alkaline solvents may discolour the
genuine leather surface. Be sure to use
neutral detergents.
Remove dirty patches or oil substances
quickly as they can stain genuine
leather.
The genuine leather surface may
harden and shrink if it is exposed todirect rays of the sun for long hours.
When your vehicle is parked, place it in
the shade as much as possible.
When the temperature of the vehicle
interior rises in summer, vinyl products
left on the genuine leather seat may
deteriorate and stick to the seat.
WARNING
338)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.
IMPORTANT
162)Do not use organic substances
(solvents, benzine, kerosene, alcohol,
petrol, etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions.
These chemicals can cause discolouring,
staining or cracking of the surface. If you
use cleaners or polishing agents, make
sure their ingredients do not include the
substances mentioned above.
256
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE