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
REPLACING THE REAR
WINDOW WIPER BLADE
Proceed as follows:
raise cover A fig. 134 and remove
the arm from the car undoing the nut B
that fastens it to the pivot pin;
correctly position the new arm and
tighten the nut fully;
lower the cover.WINDSCREEN WASHER
NOZZLES
If there is no jet, first check that there is
fluid in the reservoir (see the "Checking
fluid levels" paragraph in this chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.
The screen washer jets can be oriented
by adjusting the nozzle angles.
The jets should be directed at about
1/3 of the height from the top edge of
the windscreen fig. 135.
IMPORTANT In versions with a sun
roof, make sure that the sun roof is
closed before operating the front jets.REAR WINDOW WASHER
NOZZLE
The rear window washer jets are fixed.
The nozzle holder is on the rear window
fig. 136.
WARNING
185)Driving with worn windscreen wiper
blades is a serious hazard, because
visibility is reduced in bad weather
conditions.
186)If the window needs to be cleaned,
make sure the device is deactivated or the
key is on STOP.
133F0S0137
134F0S0109
135F0S0110
136F0S0111
151
WHEELS AND TYRES
187) 188) 189) 190)
Check the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver spare wheel,
approximately every two weeks and
before long journeys: the pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested
and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see the “Wheels”
paragraph in the “Technical
specifications” chapter.
WARNING
187)Remember that the road holding
qualities of your car also depend on
correct tyre pressures.
188)If tyre pressure is too low, the tyre
may overheat and be severely damaged as
a result.
189)Do not switch tyres from the
righthand side of the vehicle to the
lefthand side, and vice versa.
190)Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C. The
mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
BODYWORK
PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paintwork
Paintwork does not only serve an
aesthetic purpose, but also protects the
underlying sheet metal.
Normal care for paintwork consists of
washing the car; how often depends on
the conditions and environment where
the car is used. For example, in highly
polluted areas, or if the roads are
spread with salt, it is advisable to wash
the car more frequently.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
6)
Versions with matt paintwork
These versions have exclusive matt
paintwork which requires special care
for its preservation. The instructions for
good preservation follow below:
avoid washing with rollers and/or
brushes in washing stations. Then,
wash the vehicle, only by hand, using
pH-neutral detergents; dry it with a wet
chamois leather. Abrasive products
and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the car.
Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the
acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
Avoid (if at all possible) parking the
car under trees; remove vegetable
resins immediately as, when dried, it
may only be possible to remove them
with abrasive products and/or polishes,
which is highly inadvisable as they
could alter the typical opaqueness of
the paint.
Do not use pure windscreen washer
fluid for cleaning the windscreen and
the rear window: dilute it to at least
50% with water.
Some versions are fitted with exclusive
decorations on the door mirror covers;
do not use pressurised or high-
temperature jets of water when
washing them.
152
SERVICING AND CARE
Versions with stickers or wrapping
To correctly clean and wash the car,
proceed as follows:
avoid washing with rollers and/or
brushes in washing stations. Then,
wash the vehicle, only by hand, using
pH-neutral detergents; dry it with a wet
chamois leather. Abrasive products
and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the car.
If high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a
distance of at least 40 cm from the
bodywork to avoid damage or
alteration. It should be remembered
that a build up of water could cause
damage, in the long term, to the car.
Wet the bodywork with a low-
pressure water jet.
Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge.
Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois leather. Dry the
less visible parts with special care, such
as the door frames, bonnet and the
headlight frames, where water may
stagnate more easily. The car should
not be taken to a closed area
immediately, but left outside so that
residual water can evaporate.
Do not wash the car after it has been
parked in the sun.Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned
in the same way as the rest of the
vehicle.
Where possible, do not park under
trees; the resinous substances that
many species release give the paint a
dull appearance and increase the
possibility of triggering rusting
processes.
IMPORTANT In case of water stains
(rings) on the wrapping, remove it,
washing again and drying it with
a non-abrasive soft cloth.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the
acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
Avoid (if at all possible) parking the
car under trees; remove vegetable
resins immediately as, when dried, it
may only be possible to remove them
with abrasive products and/or polishes,
which is highly inadvisable as they
could alter the paint, the stickers or the
wrapping.
Do not use pure windscreen washer
fluid for cleaning the windscreen and
the rear window: dilute it to at least
50% with water.
65) 66)
WARNING
65)It is not advisable to wash with
pressure washer or, in case of use, it is
necessary to maintain at least a minimum
distance of 40 cm with water at room
temperature.
66)Abrasive products and/or polishes
should not be used for cleaning the vehicle
WARNING
6)Detergents pollute the environment.
Only wash your vehicle in areas equipped
to collect and treat wastewater from this
type of activity.
153