2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER Owners Manual

Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one
to two hours. After removing the
newspaper, rinse off the loosened
debris with water.
Water marks
Problem:
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt
and lime. If moisture containing these
minerals settles on the vehicle and
evaporates, the minerals will
concentrate and harden to form white
rings. The rings can damage your
vehicle's finish.
Prevention:
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according
to the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you find water marks on your vehicle's
finish.
Paint chipping
Problem:
Paint chipping occurs when gravel
thrown in the air by another vehicle's
tires hits your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping:
Keeping a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead reduces the
chances of having your paint chipped
by flying gravel.Note:
The paint chipping zone varies with
the speed of the vehicle. For example,
when travelling at 55 mph (90 km/h),
the paint chipping zone is 164 ft
(50 m).
In low temperatures a vehicle's
finish hardens. This increases the
chance of paint chipping.
Chipped paint can lead to rust
forming on your vehicle. Before this
happens, repair the damage by using
FCA touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or
polish. Read all warnings and cautions.
Maintaining The Finish
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your vehicle
thoroughly and frequently, at least once
a month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here
are some examples of how scratching
could occur:
The vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.
The vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
The vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
Cleansers or wax containing
abrasives are used.
Note: FCA is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.
When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is placed in the
ON mode, the wipers may move
automatically in the following cases:
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Note:
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper lever is
in the AUTO position and the ignition is
placed in the ON mode as fingers
could be pinched or the wipers and
wiper blades damaged when the
wipers activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be sure
the wipers are turned off completely
(when it is most likely that the engine is
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left running) this is particularly
important when clearing ice and snow.
Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could
result in engine-starting problems or
damage to electrical parts.
When washing and waxing the
vehicle, be careful not to apply
excessive force to any single area of
the vehicle hood. Otherwise, you could
dent the vehicle.
Do not use automatic car washing
machines and car washing devices
using high water pressure.
Make sure that the fuel door is
closed and lock the doors. Otherwise,
the fuel flap may be forcefully opened
by water pressure causing damage to
the vehicle or fuel door.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
Rinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
Rub gently when washing or drying
the vehicle.
Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
Do not use abrasive cleansers or
wax that contain abrasives.
Caution!
Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or
strong detergents containing highly alkaline
or caustic agents on chrome plated or
anodized aluminium parts. This may
damage the protective coating; also,
cleaners and detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material
from the underside of the fenders, and
make sure the drain holes in the lower
edges of the doors and rocker panels
are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits
can damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing
with plain water is ineffective, use a mild
soap made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots
from forming.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish. Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle
body, wax the metal trim to maintain its
lustre:
Use wax which contains no
abrasives. Waxes containing abrasive
will remove paint and could damage
bright metal parts.
Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.
When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
Note: A spot remover to remove oil,
tar, and similar materials will usually also
take off the wax. Rewax these areas
even if the rest of the vehicle does not
need it.
Repairing Damage To
The Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to
major repairs.
Note:
If your vehicle is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies corrosion
prevention materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Bright-Metal
Maintenance
Use tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
To prevent corrosion on brigh-tmetal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high lustre.
During cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
Caution!
Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or
strong detergents containing highly alkaline
or caustic agents on chrome plated or
anodized aluminium parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and cause
discoloration or paint deterioration.
Underbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice
and snow removal and solvents used
for dust control may collect on the
underbody. If not removed, they will
speed up rusting and deterioration of
such underbody parts as fuel lines,
frame, floor pan, and exhaust system,
even though these parts may be coated
with anti-corrosive material.Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt.
It will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker
panels, and frame members have drain
holes that should not be clogged.
Water trapped there will cause rusting.
Aluminium Wheel
Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over
the aluminium wheels. Special care is
needed to protect this coating.
Note:
Do not use any detergent other
than mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminium wheels.
Caution!
Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminium wheels. They may damage the
coating.
Note:
Always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels. Rinse the wheels
thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water.
Also, be sure to clean the wheels after
driving on dusty or salted roads to help
prevent corrosion.
Convertible Top
Maintenance
The convertible top is made of a special
high-grade material, but if it's not taken
good care of, hardening, staining, and
loss of lustre will result. Maintain it
under these guidelines.
Washing
Do not wait until the convertible top
gets really dirty before cleaning it. Dirt
that's there too long will cause
deterioration.
Before washing, remove dust and
coarse particulate with a soft brush.
Gently clean the convertible top with
a synthetic neutral detergent, lots of
water, and a soft brush.
Rinse it thoroughly with clean water
to remove all the soap.
Wipe it as dry as you can before the
water dries on it.
Then allow it to dry completely before
lowering it.
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Caution!
Automatic and high-pressure car
washes are harmful to a convertible top.
Avoid them.
Do not spray water directly on the area
where the window glass and the
convertible top meet. This would probably
cause water to enter the interior.
Do not spray water directly on the seam
area of the body and the convertible top as
it could result in water penetrating the
interior.
Do not wipe the convertible top using
alcohol, chlorine bleach, or organic
solvents such as thinner, benzene, or
gasoline. Otherwise, they may cause
discoloration or stains.
Too much treatment on the convertible
top can be as damaging as too little. Follow
the manufacturer's directions. Do not over
do it!
Note:
Some leather treatment products
can ruin the convertible top's gloss. Be
careful of the one you choose.
Test on an inconspicuous, small
corner of the convertible top if you are
not sure.
Do not get any car wax on the
convertible top.
If you do, remove it with a good
leather cleaner or mild detergent
(about 5% solution).
Let the convertible top dry
completely before lowering after
applying treatment or dressing.
Drain Filter Cleaning
If leaves or other matter block the drain
filter, water may enter the vehicle. Clean
the drain filter at least once a year.
Proceed as follows:
1. Check the position of the drain filter
with your hand from behind the bow. 2. Remove the drain filter while
pressing the tab.
3. Remove leaves and other matter
accumulated in the drain filter.
GUID-07040110122001Drain Filter
GUID-07040110123001Drain Filter Location
1 — Drain Filter
2 — Bow
GUID-07040110124001Drain Filter Tab
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

4. Reinstall the drain filter in the reverse
order of the removal procedure.
Note:Make sure that the drain filter is
securely attached to its designated
position by pushing it until the tab
locks. Water may enter the vehicle if the
drain filter is not secured to its
designated position. For this operation
go to an Authorized Dealer.
Plastic Part
Maintenance
When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, paraffin,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents.
Otherwise, these chemical agents can
discolor or damage the surfaces
resulting in a significant loss in
functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
Caution!
High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure car
washer device. If the car washer nozzle is
put too close to the vehicle or aimed at one
area for an extended period of time, it
could deform plastic parts or damage the
paint.
Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in paint
damage.
In addition, do not use an electrical or air
tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the frictional
heat generated could result in deformation
of plastic parts or paint damage.
INTERIORS
Seats And Fabric Parts
Warning!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable,
and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
Do not keep aerosol cans in the car: they
might explode. Aerosol cans must not be
exposed to a temperature exceeding
122°F (50°C). When the vehicle is exposed
to sunlight the internal temperature can
greatly exceed this value.
Caution!
Direct contact of air fresheners, insect
repellents,suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers
to the plastic, painted, or
decoratedsurfaces of the interior may
cause permanent damage. Wipe away
immediately.
Damage caused by these type of
products may notbe covered by your New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets.
Remove fresh spots immediately with a
fabric spot cleaner.
To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.
Note:Use only recommended cleaners
and procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.
Caution!
Rubbing the interior side of the convertible
top vigorously with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage.
Interior Panels
When the interior panels need to be
cleaned, use soft material such as a
soft cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well and lightly wipe off dirt
from the surface.
If a panel requires further cleaning, wipe
dirt off using a soft cloth soaked in mild
detergent (about 5% solution) and wipe
off any remaining detergent using a
cloth soaked in clean water and wrung
out well.
Caution!
Do not wipe leather parts using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents such
as thinner, benzene, or gasoline. Otherwise,
it may cause discoloration or stains.
Note:
Scratches or nicks on the panels
and metallic trim resulting from the use
of a hard brush or cloth may not be
repairable.
Be particularly careful when
cleaning high gloss panels and metallic
trim as they can be easily scratched. Lap / Shoulder Belt
Warning!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a
collision and leave you with no protection.
Inspect the belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify
the system. Seat belt assemblies must be
replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.).
Clean the webbing with a mild soap
solution recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Follow instructions. Do not
bleach or dye the belts, this may
weaken them.
After cleaning the belts, thoroughly dry
the belt webbing and make sure there
is no remaining moisture before
retracting them.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Plastic And Coated
Parts
Clean interior plastic parts with a damp
cloth (if possible made from microfiber),
and a solution of water and neutral,
non-abrasive detergent.
To clean oily or persistent stains, use
specific products free from solvents and
designed to maintain the original
appearance and color of the
components.
Remove any dust using a microfiber
cloth, if necessary moistened with
water. The use of paper tissues is not
recommended as these may leave
residues.
Instrument panel precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as
perfume and cosmetic oils from
contacting the instrument panel. They
will damage and discolor the instrument
panel. If these solutions get on the
instrument panel, wipe them off
immediately.
Note:Never use alcohol, gasoline and
derivatives to clean the instrument
panel lens.
Caution!
Do not use glazing agents. Glazing agents
contain ingredients which may cause
discoloration, wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
Instrument Panel Top
When cleaning, it is recommended that
you use a clean towel dampened in a
mild detergent to remove debris.
Caution!
If the surface is rubbed harshly, it could
result in the surface being damaged leaving
white scratch marks.
Window Interiors
If the windows become covered with an
oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them
with glass cleaner. Follow the directions
on the container.
Note: Do not scrape or scratch the
inside of the window glass. It could
damage the thermal filaments.
Caution!
When washing the inside of the window
glass, use a soft cloth dampened in
lukewarm water, gently wiping the thermal
filaments. Use of glass cleaning products
could damage the thermal filaments.
Leather Parts(If — Equipped)
Caution!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based
and/or Keton based cleaning products to
clean leather seats, as damage to the seat
may result.
Remove dust and sand first using a
vacuum cleaner or other means, then
wipe dirt off using a soft cloth with a
leather cleaner or a soft cloth soaked in
mild soap.
Wipe off the remaining cleaner or soap
using a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
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Remove moisture with a dry, soft cloth
and allow the leather to further dry in a
well-ventilated, shaded area.
If the leather gets wet such as from
rain, also remove moisture and dry it as
soon as possible.
Note:
Because genuine leather is a natural
material, its surface is not uniform and
it may have natural scars, scratches,
and wrinkles.
To maintain the quality for as long
as possible, periodical maintenance,
about twice a year, is recommended.
Caution!
Sand and dust on the seat surface may
damage the overcoat of the genuine
leather surfaces and accelerate wear
.
Greasy soiling on genuine leather may
cause molding and stains.
Rubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage.
Do not wipe the leather using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents such
as thinner, benzene, or gasoline. Otherwise,
it may cause discoloration or stains.
If the seats get wet, promptly remove
moisture with a dry cloth. Remaining
moisture on the surface may cause
deterioration such as hardening and
shrinkage.
Exposure to direct sunlight for long
periods may cause deterioration and
shrinkage. When parking the car under
direct sunlight for long periods, shade the
interior using sunshades.
Do not leave vinyl products on the seats
for long periods as they may affect the
leather quality and coloring. If the cabin
temperature becomes hot, the vinyl may
deteriorate and adhere to the genuine
leather.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE