2020 FIAT 500 Owner handbook (in English)

Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Spark plug replacement(4)●●●●●
Replace accessory drive belt/s(5)
Replace toothed timing drive belt (1.2 8V versions)(5)
Replace air cleaner cartridge (6)●●●●●
Change the brake fluid(7)
Replace filter inside the pressure regulator (LPG versions
only)●
Replace paper filter (LPG in gaseous state) (LPG versions
only)●●●●●
Replace the passenger compartment cleaner (6) (O) (●)
●●●●●
(4) For the 0.9 TwinAir versions, the following are essential to ensure correct operation: only use spark plugs of the same make and type which are specially certified
for these engines (see the information in the “Engine” paragraph in the “Technical specifications” chapter); strictly comply with the spark plug replacement
interval given in the Scheduled Servicing Plan; for spark plug replacement, it is advisable to contact a FIAT Dealership.
(5) The maximum mileage is 120,000 km. Regardless of the mileage, the belt must be replaced every 6 years. If the vehicle is used in heavy conditions (dusty areas,
especially severe weather conditions, very low or very high temperatures for extended periods, urban driving, long periods of idling), the maximum mileage is
60,000 km. The belt must be replaced every 4 years regardless of the mileage.
(6) If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, you are advised to change this filter every 15,000 km
(7) The brake fluid replacement has to be done every two years, irrespective of the mileage.
(O) Recommended operations
(●) Obligatory operations
143

REGULAR CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long
journeys, check and, if necessary, top
up:
engine coolant level;
brake fluid level;
windscreen washer fluid level;
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of windscreen washer/
wiper system and positioning/wear of
rear window wiper blades.
Every 3,000 km check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
You are advised to use PETRONAS
LUBRICANTS products, which have
been designed and produced
specifically for Fiat cars (see table
“Capacities” in the “Technical
specifications” section).DEMANDING USE OF THE
CAR
If the vehicle is mainly used in one of
the following particularly harsh
conditions:
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 Km) at sub-zero outdoor
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
perform the following inspections more
frequently than shown on the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect conditions of:
engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes)
and rubber elements (gaiters/sleeves/
bushes, etc.);
check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter;
check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
144
SERVICING AND CARE

CHECKING LEVELS
174) 175)59) 60)
.
0.9 TwinAir 85 HP version
A. Engine coolant – B. Engine oil cap/filler – C. Brake fluid – D. Battery – E. Engine oil dipstick – F. Windscreen washer fluid
130F0S0395
145

1.2 8V versions
A. Engine coolant – B. Engine oil cap/filler – C. Brake fluid – D. Battery – E. Engine oil dipstick – F. Windscreen washer fluid
131F0S0396
146
SERVICING AND CARE

ENGINE OIL
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with
the vehicle parked on level ground.
NOTE The dipstick is integrated in the
engine oil cap on 0.9 TwinAir 85 HP
versions.
For 1.2 8V versions:pull out the
engine oil dipstick B, clean it with a
cloth that does not leave any trace and
reinsert it..
For 0.9 TwinAir 85 HP version:The
engine oil dipstick A is integral with plug
A. Loosen the plug, clean the dipstick
with a cloth that does not leave traces,
reinsert the dipstick and re-tighten
the plug.
Extract the engine oil dipstick again and
check that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
If the oil level is near or under the MIN
line, add oil through the filler A until
it reaches the MAX line.
The range between the MIN. and MAX.
marks corresponds to about 1 litre of
oil.
The oil level must never exceed the
MAX mark.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 400 grams every 1000 km.When the car is new, the engine needs
to be run in; therefore the engine oil
consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5000 - 6000
km.
IMPORTANT The oil consumption
depends on driving style and the
conditions under which the car is used.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine turn over for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
turning it off before you check the level.
61)
3)
ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM FLUID
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is too low, undo the reservoir
plug C (see previous pages) and add
the fluid as described in the chapter
"Technical Specifications".
176)
62)
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Check fluid level through the reservoir.
If the level is too low, lift the plug D (see
previous pages) and add the fluid as
described in the chapter "Technical
Specifications".
After topping up, close cap D, making
sure it is correctly locked.
177)
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum
level (the fluid level in the reservoir
must not exceed the MAX mark).
If the fluid level in the tank is too low,
undo reservoir cap E (see previous
pages) and add the fluid as described
in the "Technical Specifications"
section.
NOTE Carefully clean the plug of the
reservoir E and the surrounding surface.
Take great care to ensure that
impurities do not enter the reservoir
when the cap is opened.
Always use a funnel with a built-in filter
with a mesh of 0.12 mm or less.
147

IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic
(i.e. it absorbs moisture). For this
reason, if the car is mainly used in areas
with a high degree of atmospheric
humidity, the fluid must be replaced at
more frequent intervals than specified in
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan".
178) 179)
63)
DUALOGIC GEARBOX
HYDRAULIC ACTIVATION
SYSTEM OIL
4)
The fluid level should only be checked
at a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
174)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
175)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.176)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.
177)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.
178)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.
179)The
symbol on the reservoir
identifies synthetic brake fluids,
distinguishing them from the mineral type.
Use of mineral type fluids will damage
the special rubber seals of the braking
system beyond repair.
WARNING
59)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.
60)The use of products with specifications
other than those indicated above could
cause damage to the engine not covered
by the warranty.61)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already existing in
the engine.
62)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.
63)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
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 fluid contains
substances that are harmful to the
environment. It is advisable to have the oil
changed by a Fiat Dealership where it
will be disposed of respecting the
environment and according to legal
requirements.
148
SERVICING AND CARE

BATTERY
The car is fitted with a low-maintenance
battery: no electrolyte top-ups with
distilled water are needed in standard
conditions of use.
INSPECTING THE
CHARGE AND THE
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The operations must be carried out as
described in this Owner Handbook only
by specialised personnel. Topping
must be carried out by specialised
personnel at a Fiat Dealership.
180) 181)
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the "Service Schedule" will no longer be
valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
182) 183) 184)
64)
5)
CAR INACTIVITY (CARS
EQUIPPED WITH
START&STOP SYSTEM)
In the event of vehicle inactivity (or if the
battery is replaced), special attention
must be paid to the disconnection
of the battery power supply.
Proceed as follows: detach the
connector A fig. 132 (by pressing
button B) from sensor C for monitoring
the status of the battery installed on
the negative battery pole D. This sensor
should never be disconnected from
the battery pole except if the battery is
replaced.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP and having closed the
driver's side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the battery
and then reconnecting the electrical
supply to the battery.
WARNING
180)Battery fluid 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.
181)Running the battery with an
excessively low liquid level will damage the
battery beyond repair and could even
cause its explosion
182)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.
183)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
184)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 skilled
personnel 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.
132F0S0372
149

WARNING
64)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 (anti-theft, 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
5)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. It is
advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership
for battery replacement.
BRAKES
Depending on the version/market, the
vehicle may be equipped with
mechanical wear detectors for the
brake pads: one for each wheel
assembly.
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.
REPLACING THE
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WIPER
BLADES
WIPER BLADES
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is
deformed or worn. In any case, it is
advisable to replace them
approximately once a year.
185) 186)
RAISING THE
WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Lift the windscreen wiper arm and
position the blade so that it forms a 90°
angle with the arm.
REPLACING THE
WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Proceed as follows:
raise the wiper arm A fig. 133 and
position the blade so that it forms
an angle of 90° with the arm;
press the button A and extract the
blade C from the arm B;
insert the new blade making sure it
is locked into place.
150
SERVICING AND CARE