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.
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
In winter, the climate control system
must be turned on at least once a
month for about 10 minutes. Before
summer, have the system checked at a
Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
149)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
150)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine
is hot: you may get burned. Remember
that the fan may start up if the engine
is hot: this could injure you. Scarves, ties
and other loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
151)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 car.
152)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!153)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.
154)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: 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.
155)Some commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluid are flammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may start a fire.
156)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and neutral soap. Then
rinse thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately
if swallowed.
157)The symbol
, on the brake fluid
container indicates if a brake fluid is
synthetic or mineralbased. Use of mineral
type fluids will damage the special rubber
seals of the braking system beyond repair.
158)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.
159)Using the battery with low fluid will
irreparably damage the battery and may
cause an explosion.160)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.
161)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
WARNING
69)Be careful not to confuse the various
types of fluids while topping up: they
are not compatible with each other!
Topping up with an unsuitable fluid could
severely damage your car.
70)The oil level must never exceed the
MAX reference.
71)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already in the engine.
72)PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze fluid is used
in the engine cooling system; use the same
fluid type as that already in the cooling
system when topping up. PARAFLU
UP
may not be mixed with other types of
anti-freeze fluids. In the event of topping up
with an unsuitable product, under no
circumstances start the engine and contact
a Fiat Dealership.
73)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
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74)Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. After purchasing your
vehicle, if you wish to install any
accessories (e.g. anti-theft, radio phone,
etc.), go to a Fiat Dealership, which will
suggest the most suitable devices and
advise you whether a higher capacity
battery needs to be installed.
WARNING
3)Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. To change the oil and filters,
we advise you to contact a Fiat Dealership.
4)Used transmission oil contains
substances that may be dangerous for the
environment. It is advisable to contact a
Fiat Dealership to have the oil changed.
5)Batteries contain substances which are
very harmful for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
BATTERY
RECHARGING
162) 163)
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP and having closed the
driver side door, wait at least 1 minute
before disconnecting the electrical
supply from the battery. When
reconnecting the electrical supply to the
battery, make sure that the ignition
device is in the STOP position and the
driver side door is closed.
IMPORTANT Charging should be slow
at a low ampere rating for
approximately 24 hours. Charging for a
longer time may damage the battery.IMPORTANT Make sure that the cables
of the electrical system are correctly
reconnected to the battery: the positive
cable (+) to the positive terminal and
the negative cable (-) to the negative
terminal. The battery terminals are
marked with the positive (+) and
negative (–) symbols, and are shown on
the battery cover. The battery terminals
must also be corrosion-free and firmly
secured to the terminals. If a "quick-
type" battery charger is used with the
battery fitted on the vehicle, before
connecting it disconnect both cables of
the battery itself. Do not use a
"quick-type" battery charger to provide
the starting voltage.
IMPORTANT The battery recharging
procedure is given as information only.
You are advised to contact a Fiat
Dealership to have this operation
carried out.
VERSIONS WITHOUT
Start&Stop SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To recharge, proceed as follows:
disconnect the terminal from the
negative battery pole;
connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity;
turn on the battery charger;
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SERVICING AND CARE