USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
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 car, ensure that
the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly, to prevent any lights
from remaining on inside the
passenger's compartment;
switch off all roof lights inside the car:
the car is however equipped with a
system which switches all internal lights
off automatically;
do not keep accessories (e.g. radio,
hazard warning lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable.
If, after purchasing the vehicle, you wish
to install electrical accessories which
require permanent electrical supply (e.g.
alarm, etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact a Fiat Dealership,
whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
49)
IMPORTANT After the battery is
disconnected, the steering must be
initialised. The
warning light on the
instrument panel (or symbol on the
display) switches on to indicate this. To
carry out this procedure, simply turn the
steering wheel all the way from one end
to the other or drive in a straight line for
about a hundred metres.
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 "Vehicle inactivity"
paragraph in "Starting and driving"
chapter if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time.
WARNING
142)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
143)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned. Do not get too
close to the radiator cooling fan: the
electric fan may start; danger of injury.
Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.144)If the engine oil is being topped up,
wait for the engine to cool down before
loosening the filler cap, particularly for
vehicles with aluminium cap (where
provided). WARNING: risk of burns!
145)The cooling system is pressurised. If
the cap needs replacing, do so with
another original or the effectiveness of the
system may be compromised. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
146)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.
147)Some commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluid are flammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may start a fire.
148)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.
149)The symbol, on the brake fluid
container indicates if a brake fluid is
synthetic or mineral-based. Use of mineral
type fluids will damage the special rubber
seals of the braking system beyond repair.
150)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin and
eyes. Keep open flames away from the
battery and do not use objects that might
create sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
151)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
138
SERVICING AND CARE
