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
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(where provided)
57)
Use only a gearbox oil with the same
characteristics as those indicated in the
"Fluids and lubricants" table (see
"Technical specifications" chapter).
Special additives
Do not use any type of additive with the
automatic transmission oil. The
automatic transmission oil is a product
designed specially for this vehicle and
its performance may be compromised
through the use of further additives.
Avoid the use of transmission sealers,
since they may compromise the
efficiency of the automatic transmission
seals.
IMPORTANT Do not use chemicals to
flush the transmission, since this may
damage its components.
Frequency of oil changes
In normal vehicle operating conditions,
it is not necessary to change the
transmission oil.
If oil leaks are noticed or irregular
operation of the transmission is
detected, have it checked immediately
at a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Driving the vehicle with an
insufficient oil level may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
WARNING
153)The air intake system (air cleaner,
rubber hoses, etc.) can be a protection in
the case of blowbacks from the engine. DO
NOT REMOVE this system unless you
need to carry out repair or servicing
operations. Before starting the engine,
ensure that the system has not been
removed: failure to observe this precaution
may result in serious injury.
154)Exhaust emissions are very
dangerous, and may be lethal. They
contain carbon monoxide, a colourless,
odourless gas which can cause fainting
and poisoning if inhaled.
155)The exhaust system may reach high
temperatures and may cause a fire if the
vehicle is parked on flammable material.
Dry grass or leaves can also catch fire if
they come into contact with the exhaust
system. Do not park or use the vehicle in a
place in which the exhaust system might
come into contact with flammable material.
IMPORTANT
50)It is recommended to have the vehicle
serviced by a Fiat Dealership. When
carrying out normal periodic operations and
small servicing interventions personally on
the vehicle, it is recommended to use
suitable equipment, genuine spare parts
and the necessary fluids. Do not carry out
any interventions if you don't have the
necessary experience.
51)Incorrect servicing of the vehicle or
failure to carry out operations or repairs
(when necessary) may lead to more
expensive repairs, damage to other
components or have a negative impact on
the vehicle performance. Have any
malfunction inspected immediately by a Fiat
Dealership.
52)The vehicle is equipped with fluids
which are optimised or protecting its
performance and life and extending service
intervals. Do not use chemicals for washing
these components since they may damage
the engine, the gearbox or the climate
control system. This damage is not covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. If any component
needs to be washed due to malfunctioning,
use only the specific liquid for that
procedure.
53)An excessive or insufficient amount of
oil inside the base is extremely damaging to
the engine. Make sure it is always at an
adequate level.
142
SERVICING AND CARE