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BATTERY
161) 162) 163)
64)
4)
The battery does not require the
electrolyte to be topped up with distilled
water.
A periodic check carried out at a Fiat
Dealership is, however, necessary to
check efficiency.
Replacing the battery
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the same
specifications. Follow the battery
Manufacturer’s instructions for
maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
Useful advice for extending the life
of your battery
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
when you park the car, ensure that
the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly, to prevent any lights
from remaining on inside the
passenger's compartment;
switch off all roof lights inside the car:
the car 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 cable.
If, after purchasing the vehicle, you wish
to install electrical accessories which
require permanent electrical supply (e.g.
alarm, etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact a Fiat Dealership,
whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
65)
IMPORTANT After the battery is
disconnected, the steering must be
initialised. The
warning light on the
instrument panel (or symbol on the
display) switches on to indicate this. To
carry out this procedure, simply turn the
steering wheel all the way from one end
to the other or drive in a straight line for
about a hundred metres.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. The
battery is also more prone to the risk of
freezing (at temperatures as high as
-10°C). Refer to the "Vehicle inactivity"
paragraph in "Starting and driving"
chapter if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time.
WARNING
153)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
154)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned. Do not get too
close to the radiator cooling fan: the
electric fan may start; danger of injury.
Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
155)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!
156)The cooling system is pressurised. If
the cap needs replacing, do so with
another original or the effectiveness of the
system may be compromised. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
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157)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.
158)Some commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluid are flammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may start a fire.
159)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.
160)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.
161)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.
162)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
163)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
IMPORTANT
59)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 vehicle.
60)The oil level must never exceed the
MAX. mark.
61)Always top up using engine oil of the
same specifications as that already in the
engine.
62)PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze is used in the
engine cooling system. Use fluid of the
same type as that contained in the cooling
system for any top-ups. PARAFLU
UP
cannot be mixed with any other type of
fluid. If this happens, do not start the
engine under any circumstances and
contact a Fiat Dealership.
63)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
64)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.
65)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.
IMPORTANT
2)The used engine oil and the filter that has
been replaced contain substances that are
harmful to the environment. To change the
oil and filters, we advise you to contact a
Fiat Dealership.
3)Used transmission fluid contains
substances that are harmful to the
environment. It is advisable to contact a
Fiat Dealership to have the fluid changed.
4)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
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SERVICING AND CARE
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BATTERY
RECHARGING
IMPORTANT NOTES
IMPORTANT The battery recharging
procedure is given as information only.
To carry out this operation contact a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After setting the ignition
device to STOP and having closed the
driver side door, wait at least one
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 The cables of the
electrical system must be correctly
reconnected to the battery, i.e. 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.
VERSIONS WITHOUT
STOP/START SYSTEM
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 charger;
when it is recharged, turn the
charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery;
reconnect the terminal to the
negative battery pole.
VERSIONS WITH
STOP/START SYSTEM
(where provided)
To recharge, proceed as follows:
disconnect the connector 1
fig. 172 (pressing the button 2) from the
sensor 3 monitoring the battery
conditions, on the negative pole (–) 4 of
the battery;
connect the positive cable (+) of the
battery charger to the positive battery
terminal 5 and the negative cable (–) to
sensor terminal 4 as shown;
turn on the battery charger. At the
end of the charging process, switch the
battery charger off;
after having disconnected the
charging device, reconnect connector
1 to the sensor 3 as shown.
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SERVICING
PROCEDURES
66) 67) 68)
The following pages contain the rules
on therequiredmaintenance
envisaged by the technical personnel
who designed the vehicle.
In addition to these specific
maintenance instructions specified for
routine scheduled servicing, there are
other components which may require
intervention or replacements over the
vehicle’s life cycle.
ENGINE OIL
Engine oil level check
69)
To ensure correct engine lubrication, the
oil must always be kept at the
prescribed level (see "Engine
compartment" in this chapter).
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replacing the engine oil filter
The engine oil filter must be replaced
each time the engine oil is changed.
It is advisable to replace it with a
genuine spare part, specifically
designed for this vehicle.
AIR FILTER
164)
Replacing the air cleaner
See the "Scheduled servicing plan" for
the correct servicing intervals.
It is advisable to replace it with a
genuine spare part, specifically
designed for this vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
70) 71)
To ensure the best possible
performance, the air conditioning
system must be checked and undergo
maintenance at a Fiat Dealership at the
beginning of the summer.
WINDOWS
When cleaning the heated rear window
be careful, if the defrosting function is
active, regarding the temperature of the
window; also make sure that children
do not come into contact with the
heated surface. The window may be
hot.
Never use an abrasive detergent to
clean the surface of the windows.
Do not use scrapers or sharp items that
might scratch the windows.Spray the detergent on the cloth to be
used for cleaning the rear view mirror.
Do not spray the detergent directly on
the window.
Cleaning the window with hot water
could cause the removal of any labels.
WINDSCREEN WIPER
Replacing the windscreen wiper
blades
Proceed as follows:
raise the wiper arm, press button 1
fig. 173 of the attachment spring and
remove the blade from the arm;
fit the new blade, inserting the tab in
the dedicated housing in the arm and
checking that it is locked;
lower the wiper arm onto the
windscreen.
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IMPORTANT Do not operate the
windscreen wiper with the blades lifted
from the windscreen.
Windscreen washer
The window washer nozzles are fixed
fig. 174. If there is no jet of fluid, firstly
check that there is fluid in the reservoir
(see paragraph “Engine compartment”
in this chapter). Only use the prescribed
fluid; do not use only water.
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
165) 166)
72)
Adequate maintenance of the engine
exhaust system represents the best
protection against leaks of carbonmonoxide into the passenger
compartment.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(where provided)
73)
Use only a gearbox oil with the same
characteristics as those indicated in the
"Fluids and lubricants" table (see
"Technical specifications" chapter).
Special additives
Do not use any type of additive with the
automatic transmission oil. The
automatic transmission oil is a product
designed specially for this vehicle and
its performance may be compromised
through the use of further additives.
Avoid the use of transmission sealers,
since they may compromise the
efficiency of the automatic transmission
seals.
IMPORTANT Do not use chemicals to
flush the transmission, since this may
damage its components.
Frequency of oil changes
In normal vehicle operating conditions,
it is not necessary to change the
transmission oil.If oil leaks are noticed or irregular
operation of the transmission is
detected, have it checked immediately
at a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Driving the vehicle with an
insufficient oil level may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
WARNING
164)The air intake system (air cleaner,
rubber hoses, etc.) can be a protection in
the case of blowbacks from the engine. DO
NOT REMOVE this system unless you
need to carry out repair or servicing
operations. Before starting the engine,
ensure that the system has not been
removed: failure to observe this precaution
may result in serious injury.
165)Exhaust emissions are very
dangerous, and may be lethal. They
contain carbon monoxide, a colourless,
odourless gas which can cause fainting
and poisoning if inhaled.
166)The exhaust system may reach high
temperatures and may cause a fire if the
vehicle is parked on flammable material.
Dry grass or leaves can also catch fire if
they come into contact with the exhaust
system. Do not park or use the vehicle in a
place in which the exhaust system might
come into contact with flammable material.
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IMPORTANT
66)It is recommended to have the vehicle
serviced by a Fiat Dealership. When
carrying out normal periodic operations and
small servicing interventions personally on
the vehicle, it is recommended to use
suitable equipment, genuine spare parts
and the necessary fluids. Do not carry out
any interventions if you don't have the
necessary experience.
67)Incorrect servicing of the vehicle or
failure to carry out operations or repairs
(when necessary) may lead to more
expensive repairs, damage to other
components or have a negative impact on
the vehicle performance. Have any
malfunction inspected immediately by a Fiat
Dealership.
68)The vehicle is equipped with fluids
which are optimised or protecting its
performance and life and extending service
intervals. Do not use chemicals for washing
these components since they may damage
the engine, the gearbox or the climate
control system. This damage is not covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. If any component
needs to be washed due to malfunctioning,
use only the specific liquid for that
procedure.
69)An excessive or insufficient amount of
oil inside the base is extremely damaging to
the engine. Make sure it is always at an
adequate level.70)Always require the use of only
compressor coolants and lubricants
approved and suitable for the specific air
conditioning system fitted on the vehicle.
Some non-approved coolants are
flammable and may explode, with the risk
of injuries. The use of non-approved
coolants or lubricants may adversely affect
system efficiency, leading to expensive
repairs.
71)The air conditioner system contains
coolant under high pressure: to avoid
injuries to people or damage to the system,
any coolant addition or repair that requires
to disconnect the cables must be carried
out by a Fiat Dealership.
72)Vehicles equipped with catalytic
converter must be fuelled only with
unleaded petrol. Leaded petrol would
permanently damage the catalytic
converter and eliminate its ability to reduce
polluting emissions, seriously
compromising the engine performance,
which would be irreparably damaged. If the
engine does not work correctly, especially if
it starts irregularly or if there is a reduction
of its performance, immediately go to a Fiat
Dealership. Prolonged and faulty operation
of the engine may cause overheating of the
converter and, as a consequence, possible
damage to the converter and the vehicle.
73)Using a gearbox fluid different from that
approved may compromise gearshifting
quality and/or cause vibration of the
gearbox itself.
LIFTING THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle needs to be jacked up, go
to a Fiat Dealership, which is equipped
with shop jacks and jack arms.
The vehicle lifting points are marked on
the side panels with the
symbols
(see illustration in fig. 175 ).
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WHEELS AND TYRES
167) 168) 169) 170) 171)
RIMS AND TYRES
For the type of wheel rims and tyres
fitted on the vehicle see the "Wheels"
paragraph in the "Technical data"
chapter.
SNOW CHAINS
74)
205/55 R16 and 195/65 R15 tyres can
be fitted with 9 mm snow chains.
7 mm chains can be fitted to
225/45 R17 tyres.
Chains cannot be fitted on
225/40 R18 92W XL tyres.
Important notes
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations of
each country. In certain countries, tyres
marked with code M+S (Mud and
Snow) are considered as winter
equipment; therefore their use is
equivalent to that of the snow chains.
The snow chains may be applied only
to the front wheel tyres.
Check the tension of the snow chains
after the first few metres have been
driven.
IMPORTANT Using snow chains with
tyres with non-original dimensions may
damage the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Using different size or type
(M+S, snow, etc.) tyres between front
and rear axle may adversely affect
vehicle driveability, with the risk of losing
control of the vehicle and resulting
accidents.
SUGGESTIONS ABOUT
THE ROTATION OF THE
TYRES
The front and rear tyres are subject to
different loads and stress due to
steering, manoeuvres and braking. For
this reason they are subject to uneven
wear.
To resolve this problem, tyres should be
rotated at the appropriate time. Tyre
rotation means moving the wheels to a
different position, with respect to the
vehicle. The single wheel will therefore
operate on a different axle of the
vehicle.
Tyre rotation contributes to the
preservation of the grip and traction
performance on wet, muddy or snowy
roads, guaranteeing optimal driveability
of the vehicle.In the case of irregular wear of the tyres
identify the cause and correct it as soon
as possible, by contacting a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
167)The road holding qualities of the car
also depend on the correct inflation
pressure of the tyres.
168)If tyre pressure is too low, it may
overheat and be severely damaged as a
result.
169)If the tyres are "unidirectional", do not
switch tyres from the right-hand side of the
vehicle to the left-hand side, and vice
versa. This type of tyres can only be
switched from the front axle to the rear axle
and vice versa, keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle.
170)Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C. The
mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
171)Travelling with partially or completely
deflated tyres can cause safety problems
and damage the concerned tyre beyond
repair.
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IMPORTANT
74)Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h.
Avoid potholes, do not drive over steps or
sidewalks and do not drive long distances
over roads without snow, to avoid
damaging both your vehicle and the road
surface.
BRAKES
The vehicle is provided with four
mechanical wear detectors for brake
pads, one for each wheel assembly (for
versions with disc brakes on all wheels)
and two mechanical wear detectors
only on the front brakes (for versions
with drum brakes on the rear wheels).
When the brake linings are close to
wearing out, pressing the brake pedal
will generate a slight squeal: this lasts
for about 100 km (the mileage varies
with the driving style and route).
In this case, it is still possible to
continue driving, with caution.
However, contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible to have the worn
brake pads changed.
BODY
PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paint
75)
5)
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of
washing the car: the frequency
depends on the conditions and
environment where the car is used. For
example, it is advisable to wash the
vehicle more often in areas with high
levels of atmospheric pollution or salted
roads.
Some parts of the vehicle may be
covered with a matt paint which, in
order to be maintained intact, requires
special care: see the instructions in the
warning at the end of this paragraph
76)
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
if the vehicle is washed remove the
aerial from the roof;
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