Page 257 of 312

WASHER FLUID
Open the washer fluid reservoir cap and
check the level of washer fluid with the
dipstick. If the level is low, replenish the
container with washer fluid.
NOTE The washer fluid container
server serves the windscreen and
headlamps (if so equipped).
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the
washers at low temperatures, use a
fluid containing an anti-freezing agent.
363) 364)
WARNING
363)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.
364)Some commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluid are flammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may start a fire.
BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level
Check the brake fluid level in the
reservoir. The brake fluid level must be
between the “MAX” and “MIN” marks
on the reservoir.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a
float. When the brake fluid level falls
below the “MIN” mark, the brake fluid
warning lamp lights up.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of
the brake pads, but this does not
indicate any abnormality.
If the brake fluid level falls markedly in a
short length of time, it indicates leaks
from the brake system. If this occurs,
we recommend you to have the vehicle
checked.
457AHA104599
458AHA102566
255
Page 258 of 312

Fluid type
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT3 or
DOT4. The brake fluid is hygroscopic.
Too much moisture in the brake fluid will
adversely affect the brake system,
reducing the brake performance.
In addition, the brake fluid reservoir is
equipped with a special cap to prevent
the entrance of air, and this cap should
not be removed.
365) 366) 367) 368) 369) 370) 371) 372)
185) 186) 187)
WARNING
365)Prevent power steering fluid from
coming into contact with hot engine parts:
it is flammable.
366)Some commercial windscreen washer
additives are flammable. The engine
compartment contains hot parts which
could start a fire on contact.
367)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer reservoir empty: the windscreen
washer is essential for improving visibility.
368)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original one or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: risk of burns.
369)Take care in handling brake fluid as it
is harmful to the eyes, may irritate your skin
and also damage to painted surfaces.370)Use only the specified brake fluid. Do
not mix or add different brand of brake fluid
to prevent chemical reaction. Do not let
any petroleum-based fluid touch, mix with,
or get into the brake fluid. This will damage
the seals.
371)Clean the filler cap before removing
and close the cap securely after
maintenance.
372)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.
IMPORTANT
185)Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to
prevent the brake fluid from deteriorating
except maintenance.
186)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
187)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.
CLUTCH FLUID
To check the fluid level
The clutch fluid in the master cylinder
should be checked when performing
other underhood service. In addition,
the system should be checked for
leakage at the same time.
Check to make certain that the clutch
fluid level is always between the “MAX”
and “MIN” level markings on the fluid
reservoir.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in the
clutch system which should be
immediately inspected by a Fiat
Dealership.
459AHA106519
256
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Page 259 of 312

Fluid type
Brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or
DOT 4 should be used. The reservoir
cap must be fully tightened to avoid
contamination from foreign matter or
moisture. DO NOT ALLOW
PETROLEUM- BASED FLUID TO
CONTACT, MIX WITH, OR OTHERWISE
CONTAMINATE THE BRAKE FLUID.
SEAL DAMAGE WILL RESULT.
373)
WARNING
373)Clutch 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.
POWER STEERING
FLUID
374)
3)
To check the fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir
while the engine is idling. Check to
make certain that the power steering
fluid level is always between the “MAX”
and “MIN” level markings on the fluid
reservoir and top up the fluid, if
necessary.
WARNING
374)Prevent power steering fluid from
coming into contact with hot engine parts:
it is flammable.
IMPORTANT
3)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.
460AHA102582
257
Page 260 of 312

BATTERY
4)
The condition of the battery is very
important for quick starting of the
engine and proper functioning of the
vehicle’s electrical system. Regular
inspection and care are especially
important in cold weather.
375) 376) 377) 378) 379) 380) 381) 382)
Checking battery electrolyte level
The electrolyte level must be between
the specified limit on the outside of the
battery. Replenish with distilled water as
necessary. The inside of the battery is
divided into several compartments;
remove the cap from each
compartment and fill to the upper mark.
Do not top up beyond the upper mark
because spillage during driving could
cause damage.Check the electrolyte level at least once
every four weeks, depending on the
operating conditions. If the battery is
not used, it will discharge by itself with
time.
Check it once every four weeks and
charge with low current as necessary.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced
at low temperatures. This is an
inevitable result of its chemical and
physical properties. This is why a very
cold battery, particularly one that is not
fully charged will only deliver a fraction
of the starter current which is normally
available.
We recommend you to have the battery
checked before the start of cold
weather and, if necessary, have it
charged or replaced. This does not only
ensure reliable starting, but a battery
which is kept fully charged also has a
longer life.
Disconnection and connection
188) 189) 190) 191) 192) 193) 194) 195)
To disconnect the battery cable, stop
the engine, first disconnect the negative
(-) terminal and then the positive (+)
terminal. When connecting the battery,
first connect the positive (+) terminal
and then the negative (-) terminal.
NOTE Open the terminal cover (A)
before disconnecting or connecting the
positive (+) terminal of the battery.NOTE Loosen the nut (B), and then
disconnect the battery cable from the
positive (+) terminal.
NOTE Keep the terminals clean. After
the battery is connected, apply terminal
protection grease. To clean the
terminals, use lukewarm water.
461AHA102595
462AHZ101072
463AHZ101157
258
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Page 261 of 312

NOTE Check to see if the battery is
securely installed and cannot be moved
during travel. Also check each terminal
for tightness.
NOTE When the vehicle is to be left
unused for a long period of time,
remove the battery and store it in a
place where the battery fluid will not
freeze. The battery should be stored
only in a fully charged condition.
WARNING
375)Battery liquid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and sources of
sparks away from the battery: risk of
explosion and fire.
376)Before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable through the suitable
terminal, after having waited at least one
minute from turning the ignition key to
STOP.
377)Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames
away from the battery because the battery
could explode.
378)The battery electrolyte is extremely
caustic. Do not allow it to come in contact
with your eyes, skin, clothing, or the
painted surfaces of the vehicle. Spilt
electrolyte should be flushed immediately
with ample amounts of water. Irritation to
eyes or skin from contact with electrolyte
requires immediate medical attention.
379)Ventilate when charging or using the
battery in an enclosed space.380)Always wear protective eye goggles
when working near the battery.
381)Keep it out of reach of children.
382)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
IMPORTANT
188)Incorrect assembly of electrical and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your vehicle. Contact a Fiat
Dealership if you want to install accessories
after purchasing the vehicle (alarms,
radiophone, etc.): they will suggest the
most suitable devices and advise you
whether a higher capacity battery needs to
be installed.
189)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.
190)Do not bring the nearby parts, the
plastic parts and so on into contact with
sulphuric acid (battery electrolyte) which
may crack, stain or discolour them. If they
are in contact, wipe off with soft cloth,
chamois or the like and an aqueous
solution of neutral detergent then
immediately rinse the affected parts with
plenty of water.
191)If the vehicle must remain unused for
a long time at a very low temperature,
remove the battery and take it to a warm
place, to avoid freezing.192)Never disconnect the battery when
the ignition switch or the operation mode is
in the “ON” position; doing so could
damage the vehicle’s electrical
components.
193)Never short-circuit the battery. This
could cause it to overheat and be
damaged.
194)If the battery is to be quick-charged,
first disconnect the battery cables.
195)In order to prevent a short circuit, be
sure to disconnect the negative (-) terminal
first.
IMPORTANT
4)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
259
Page 262 of 312

WIPER BLADE
REPLACEMENT
383)
196)
1. Lift the wiper arm off the windscreen.
2. Pull the wiper blade until its stopper
(A) disengages from the hook (B). Then,
pull the wiper blade further to remove it.
NOTE Do not allow the wiper arm to
fall onto the windscreen; it could
damage the glass.
3. Attach the retainers (C) to a new
wiper blade. Refer to the illustration to
ensure that the retainers are correctly
aligned as you attach them.4. Insert the wiper blade into the arm,
starting with the opposite end of the
blade from the stopper. Make sure the
hook (B) is fitted correctly in the
grooves in the blade.
NOTE If retainers are not supplied with
the new wiper blade, use the retainers
from the old blade.
5. Push the wiper blade until the hook
(B) engages securely with the stopper
(A).
IMPORTANT
196)Do not operate the windscreen wiper
with the blades lifted from the windscreen.
WARNING
383)Driving with worn windscreen/rear
window wiper blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
464AG0005274
465AA3001992
466AG0006284
260
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Page 263 of 312

GENERAL
MAINTENANCE
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and
exhaust gas leakage
Look under the body of your vehicle to
check for fuel, engine coolant, oil and
exhaust gas leaks.
Exterior and interior lamp operation
Operate the combination lamp switch
to check that all lamps are functioning
properly. If the lamps do not illuminate,
the probable cause is a blown fuse or
defective lamp bulb. Check the fuses
first. If there is no blown fuses, check
the lamp bulbs. For information
regarding the inspection and
replacement of the fuses and the bulbs,
refer to “Fuses” and “Replacement of
lamp bulbs”.
Meter, gauge and indicator/
warning lamps operation
Start the engine to check the operation
of all instruments, gauges, and indicator
and warning lamps. If there is anything
wrong, we recommend you to have
your vehicle inspected.
Hinges and latches lubrication
Check all latches and hinges, and, if
necessary, have them lubricated.
VEHICLE CARE
PRECAUTIONS
384)
197)
5)
In order to maintain the value of your
vehicle, it is necessary to perform
regular maintenance using the proper
procedures.
Always maintain your vehicle in
compliance with any environmental
pollution control regulations.
Carefully select the materials used for
washing, etc., to be sure that they do
not contain corrosives. If in doubt, we
recommend you to consult a specialist
for the selection of these materials.
WARNING
384)Cleaning products can be dangerous.
Always follow the instructions of the
cleaning product supplier.
IMPORTANT
197)To avoid damage, never use the
following to clean your vehicle: Petrol; Paint
Thinner; Benzine; Kerosene; Turpentine;
Naphtha; Lacquer Thinner; Carbon
Tetrachloride; Nail Polish Remover;
Acetone.
IMPORTANT
5)Detergents pollute the environment. Only
wash your vehicle in areas equipped to
collect and treat wastewater from this type
of activity.
261
Page 264 of 312

CLEANING THE
INTERIOR OF YOUR
VEHICLE
After cleaning the interior of your vehicle
with water, cleaner or similar, wipe and
dry in a shady, well-ventilated area.
NOTE If your vehicle has the demister
heater element of the rear window, to
clean the inside of the rear window,
always use a soft cloth and wipe the
window glass along the demister heater
element so as not to cause damage.
385) 386)
198)
Plastic, fabric and flocked parts
1. Lightly wipe these off with a soft
cloth soaked in a mild soap and water
solution.
2. Dip cloth in fresh water and wring it
out well. Using this cloth, wipe off the
detergent thoroughly.
NOTE Do not use cleaners,
conditioners, and protectants
containing silicones or wax. Such
products, when applied to the
instrument panels or other parts, may
cause reflections on the windscreen
and obscure vision. Also, if such
products get on the switches of the
electrical accessories, it may lead to
failure of these accessories.NOTE Do not use synthetic fiber or dry
cloth. They can cause discolouring or
damaging the surface.
NOTE Do not place a deodorizer on
the instrument panel or near lamps and
instruments. The ingredients for
deodorizer can cause discolouring or
cracking.
Upholstery
1. To maintain the value of your new
vehicle, handle the upholstery carefully
and keep the interior clean. Use a
vacuum cleaner and brush to clean the
seats. If stained, synthetic leather
should be cleaned with an appropriate
cleaner. Cloth fabrics can be cleaned
with either upholstery cleaner or a mild
soap and water solution.
2. Clean the carpeting with a vacuum
cleaner and remove any stains with
carpet cleaner. Oil and grease can be
removed by lightly dabbing with a clean
colourfast cloth and stain remover.
Genuine leather
1. To clean, lightly wipe the leather with
a soft cloth soaked in a mild soap and
water solution.
2. Dip cloth in fresh water and wring it
out well. Using this cloth, wipe off the
detergent thoroughly.
3. Apply leather protecting agent to the
genuine leather surface.NOTE If genuine leather is wet with
water or is washed in water, wipe off
water as quickly as possible with a dry,
soft cloth. If left damp, mildew may
grow.
NOTE Organic solvents such as
benzine, kerosene, alcohol and petrol,
acid or alkaline solvents may discolour
the genuine leather surface. Be sure to
use neutral detergents.
NOTE Remove oil substances quickly
as they can stain genuine leather.
NOTE The genuine leather surface may
harden and shrink if it is exposed to
direct rays of the sun for long hours.
When your vehicle is parked, place it in
the shade as much as possible.
NOTE When the temperature of the
vehicle interior rises in summer, vinyl
products left on the genuine leather
seat may deteriorate and stick to the
seat.
WARNING
385)Do not keep aerosol cans in the
vehicle: they might explode. Aerosol cans
must not be exposed to a temperature
exceeding 50°C. When the vehicle is
exposed to sunlight, the internal
temperature can greatly exceed this value.
262
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE