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
