IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the vehicle
is mainly used in areas with a high
degree of atmospheric humidity, the
fluid should be replaced at more
frequent intervals than specified in the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
34)
140) 141)
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check that the oil level with the vehicle
on flat ground and the engine cold is
between the MIN and MAX marks
on the reservoir body G fig. 212 - fig.
213 - fig. 214 - fig. 215 - fig. 217 - fig.
218 - fig. 219.
The level may exceed the MAX mark
when the oil is hot.
If topping up is required, make sure the
oil you use has the same specifications
as that already in the system.
142)
5)
35)
WARNING
136)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
137)When the engine is hot, take care
when working inside the engine
compartment to avoid burns. Remember
that when the engine is hot, the fan may
operate: danger of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
138)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
139)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Some commercial
windscreen washer additives are
flammable. The engine compartment
contains hot components which may set it
on fire.
140)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.141)The symbol
, on the brake fluid
container indicates if a brake fluid is
synthetic or mineralbased. Using
a mineral-type fluid will damage the special
rubber seals of the braking system beyond
repair.
142)Prevent power steering fluid from
coming into contact with hot engine parts:
it is flammable.
WARNING
31)When topping up, take care not to mix
up the various types of fluids: they are
not compatible with each other and could
seriously damage the vehicle.
32)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already existing in
the engine.
33)PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze is used in the
engine cooling system. Use the same
fluid as in the cooling system when topping
up. PARAFLU
UPcannot be mixed with
any other type of fluid. If this occurs, do not
start the engine and contact your Fiat
Dealership immediately.
34)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
35)Do not press on the power steering
end of travel with engine on for more than
8 consecutive seconds, since noise is
produced and there is a risk of system
damages.
193
WARNING
4)Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. Contact a Fiat Dealership to
have the oil and filters changed. They
are equipped to dispose of the used oil
and filters respecting nature and the law.
5)Power steering fluid consumption is
extremely low; if another top-up is required
after only a short period of time, have the
system checked for leaks at a Fiat
Dealership.
AIR CLEANER/
POLLEN FILTER
Have the air cleaner or the pollen filter
replaced by a Fiat Dealership.
DIESEL FILTER
DRAINING
CONDENSATION
(MultiJet versions)
36)
WARNING
36)The presence of water in the supply
circuit may cause severe damage to the
injection system and irregular engine
operation. If the
warning light comes
on, go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible to have the system bled. If this
problem is indicated immediately after
refuelling, water may have entered the fuel
tank. In this case, immediately turn off
the engine and contact a Fiat Dealership.
194
SERVICING AND CARE
BATTERY
The battery is of the “limited
maintenance” type: under normal
conditions of use, the electrolyte does
not need topping up with distilled water.
It does, however, need to be checked
periodically at a Fiat Dealership or
by specialist personnel to make sure it
is working correctly.
143) 144)
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with an
original spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” will no
longer be valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
37) 38)
6)
145)
USEFUL TIPS FOR
EXTENDING BATTERY
LIFE
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
when you park the vehicle, ensure
that the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly, to prevent any roof
lights from remaining on inside the
passenger's compartment;
switch off all roof lights inside the
vehicle: the vehicle 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 pole;
completely tighten the battery
terminals.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery
is damaged by sulphation, reducing
its capacity and efficiency at starting.The battery is also more prone to the
risk of freezing (already at temperatures
of -10°C). Refer to the paragraph
"Vehicle inactivity" in "Starting and
driving" if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time.
If, after buying the vehicle, you want to
install electric accessories which require
permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.)
contact a Fiat Dealership whose
qualified personnel, in addition to
suggesting the most suitable devices
from the Lineaccessori Fiat, will
evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle's
electrical system is capable of
withstanding the load required, or
whether it should be integrated with a
more powerful battery.
Since some of these devices continue
to consume electricity even when
the engine is off, they gradually run
down the battery.
WARNING
143)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames or possible
sources of sparks away from the battery:
risk of explosion or fire.
144)Using the battery when the fluid is too
low can damage it irreparably and generate
a risk of explosion.
195
145)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
WARNING
37)Incorrect assembly of electrical and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your vehicle. Contact a Fiat
Dealership if you want to install
accessories (alarms, radiophone, etc.):
they will suggest the most suitable devices
and advise you if a higher capacity battery
needs to be installed.
38)If the vehicle needs to be off the road
for a long period under conditions of
intense cold, remove the battery and take it
to a heated location, otherwise it may
freeze.
WARNING
6)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. To
replace your battery, we recommend
contacting your Fiat Dealership to dispose
of your old battery in full respect of the
environment and in compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations.
RECHARGING THE
BATTERY
IMPORTANT The battery recharging
procedure is provided for information
purposes only. This operation should be
performed at a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Charging should be slow
at a low ampere rating for
approximately 24 hours. Charging for a
longer time may damage the battery.
IMPORTANT If a "quick-type" battery
charger is used with the battery fitted
on the car, before connecting it
disconnect both cables of the battery
itself. Do not use a "quick-type" battery
charger to provide the starting voltage.
To recharge, proceed as follows:
IN THE ABSENCE OF THE
START&STOP SYSTEM
disconnect the terminal from the
negative battery pole;
connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the poles;
turn on the charger;
when you have finished, turn the
charger off before disconnecting the
battery;
reconnect the terminal to the
negative battery pole.WITH START&STOP
SYSTEM
Versions with dummy pole fig. 220
disconnect the quick release
negative terminal A from the dummy
negative terminal B; this is because
a battery status monitoring sensor D is
fitted on the negative battery terminal
C and should never be disconnected
except for when the battery is actually
replaced;
connect the positive cable of the
charger to the positive pole of the
battery and the negative cable to the
dummy negative terminal B;
turn on the charger;
after the recharge, turn the charger
off before disconnecting it from the
battery;
220F0V0381
196
SERVICING AND CARE
after disconnecting the battery
charger, reconnect the quick-release
negative terminal A to the dummy pole
B.
Versions without dummy pole
fig. 221
To recharge proceed as follows, paying
great care:
press button A to detach connector
B from battery status monitoring sensor
C (this is located on the negative pole
of the battery itself);
connect the positive cable (+) of the
battery charger to the battery positive
terminal (+);
connect the negative cable (–) of the
battery charger to the pin D of the
negative battery terminal (–);
turn on the charger;
when you have finished, turn the
charger off before disconnecting the
battery;
reconnect the connector B to the
sensor C of the battery.
146) 147)
WARNING
146)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with your skin and
eyes. The battery should be charged in a
well ventilated place, away from naked
flames or possible sources of sparks:
danger of explosion and fire.
147)Do not attempt to charge a frozen
battery: it must be thawed first, otherwise it
may explode. If freezing has occurred, the
battery should be checked by specialised
technicians to make sure that the internal
elements are not damaged and that the
body is not cracked, with the risk of leaking
poisonous and corrosive acid.
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WIPER
(for versions/markets, where provided)
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using
special products; PETRONAS
DURANCE SC 35 is
recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is
deformed or worn. In any case, it is
advisable to replace them
approximately once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce
the possibility of damage to the blades:
if the temperature falls below zero,
make sure that ice has not frozen
the rubber against the glass. Use a
de-icing product to release it if required;
remove any snow from the glass: in
addition to protecting the blades, this
prevents effort on the motor and
overheating;
do not operate the windscreen and
rear window wipers on dry glass.
148)
Replacing the windscreen wiper
blades fig. 222
Proceed as follows:
lift up the windscreen wiper arm;
221F0V0380
197
push retaining device A and, at the
same time, slide the blade from the arm
by pushing it in the direction shown in
the diagram.
Replacing the rear window wiper
blade fig. 223-fig. 224
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Wing door versions fig. 223
Proceed as follows:
press the retaining tag A and pull the
brush out making it slide in the
direction indicated by the arrow.
Swing door versions fig. 224
Proceed as follows:
press the retainer reversely operating
as shown, then remove the blade.SPRAY NOZZLES
If the jet is not coming out, firstly check
that there is fluid in the windscreen/rear
window reservoir (for versions/markets
where provided) (see “Checking levels”
in this section).
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.Windscreen (washer)
The window washer nozzles are fixed.
The nozzle holders are located under
the bonnet (see fig. 225).
Rear window (washer)
The rear window washer jets are fixed.
The nozzle holder is located above
the rear window.
WARNING
148)Driving with worn windscreen wiper
blades is a serious hazard, because
visibility is reduced in bad weather
conditions.
222F0V0090
223F0V0250
224F0V0211
225F0V0091
198
SERVICING AND CARE
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver wheel,
approximately every two weeks and
before long journeys: the pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested
and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the vehicle is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in
the “Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 226:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn;
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges;
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In
any case, follow the laws in force in the
country you are in.
IMPORTANT
As far as possible, avoid sharp
braking, screech starts and violent
shocks against pavements, potholes or
other hard obstacles. Driving for long
stretches over bumpy roads can
damage the tyres;
periodically check that the tyres
have no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear. Contact
a Fiat Dealership if required;
avoid overloading the vehicle when
travelling: this may cause serious
damage to the wheels and tyres;
if a tyre is punctured, stop
immediately and change it to avoid
damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspensions and steering system;
tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread and on
the side walls are a sign of ageing.
Have the tyres checked by specialised
personnel if they have been fitted for
longer than 6 years. Remember to
check the spare wheel very carefully;
in the case of replacement, always
fit new tyres, avoiding those of
unknown origin;
If a tyre is changed, also change the
inflation valve;
to allow even wear between the
front and rear tyres, it is advisable to
change them over every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them on
the same side of the vehicle so as
not to reverse the direction of rotation.
149) 150) 151) 152)
WARNING
149)Remember that the road holding
qualities of your vehicle also depend on the
correct inflation pressure of the tyres.
150)If tyre pressure is too low, the tire may
overheat and be severely damaged as a
result.
151)Do not switch tyres from the
righthand side of the vehicle to the
lefthand side, and vice versa.
152)Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C. The
mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
226F0V0161
199
Exterior plastic parts should be cleaned
in the same way as the rest of the
vehicle. Where possible, do not park
the vehicle under trees; the resinous
substances released by many species
give the paint a dull appearance and
increase the possibility of corrosion.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings should be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
7)
Windows
To clean glasses, use specific cleaning
products. Use clean cloths to avoid
scratching the glass or damaging the
transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the inside surface of
the rear window gently with a cloth in
the direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heater coils.
Engine compartment
At the end of each winter, thoroughly
wash the engine compartment, taking
care to avoid spraying the water jet
directly onto the electronic control units
and the relay/fuse box on the left side
of the engine compartment (driving
direction). Have this operation
performed at a specialised workshop.IMPORTANT The washing should take
place with the engine cold and the
ignition key in the STOP position. After
the washing operation, make sure
that the various protections (e.g. rubber
caps and guards) have not been
removed or damaged.
Headlights
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic
substances (e.g. petrol) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) for cleaning the plastic lenses
of the front headlights.
WARNING
39)Some car washes with old-style blades
and/or in a poor state of repair can
damage the paintwork, facilitating the
formation of lines that give the paint
a dull/misty appearance, especially on dark
colours. If this happens, lightly polish the
paintwork with appropriate products.
WARNING
7)Detergents cause water pollution. The
vehicle should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and purifying the
liquid used in the washing process.
INTERIORS
Regularly check that water is not
trapped under the mats (due to water
dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.),
as this could cause oxidation of the
sheet metal.
153) 154)
SEATS AND FABRIC
PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a
vacuum cleaner. It is advisable to use a
moist brush on velvet upholstery.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and mild soap.
PLASTIC PARTS
It is advisable to clean interior parts with
a moist cloth and a solution of water
and non-abrasive mild soap. Use
specific products for cleaning plastic,
without solvents and specifically
designed to prevent damage to the
appearance and colour of the treated
parts, to remove grease and tough
stains.
IMPORTANT Do not use alcohol,
petrols or their derivatives to clean the
instrument panel glass.
202
SERVICING AND CARE