
205
Maintenance Plan — 2.0L Engine
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped)1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper
instrument
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge
condition and expiration date
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid,
passenger compartment, glove compartment,
instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via
diagnostic tool) and, if equipped, engine oil
degradation
2●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (sleeves, bushes,
etc.)
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer
system and adjust nozzles, if necessary
●●●●●●●●
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 205

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
208
Maintenance Plan — 2.9L Engine
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped).1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper
instrument.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge
condition and expiration date.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid,
passenger compartment, glove compartment,
instrument panel warning lights, etc.).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via
diagnostic tool).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (sleeves, bushes,
etc.).
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade.●●●●●●●●
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
214
Engine Coolant
If the level is too low, remove the cap of reser-
voir and add the fluid described on
Ú
page 267.
Washer Fluid For Windshield/Headlights
The windshield and headlights washer fluid
reservoir has a telescopic filler.
If the level is too low, remove reservoir cap and
lift the filler. Then, add the fluid described on
Ú
page 267.
NOTE:
The headlight washing system will not work if
the liquid level is low (as indicated by the
symbol on the instrument cluster display). On
vehicles equipped with headlight washers,
there is a reference notch on the dipstick:
ONLY the windshield/rear window washer
operates with the level below this reference.
Brake Fluid
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If
the fluid level in the tank is low, contact an
authorized dealer to have the system checked.
Automatic Transmission Activation System Oil
The transmission control oil level should only
be checked at an authorized dealer.
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 and trunk are closed properly to
prevent any lights from remaining on inside
the passenger's compartment.
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 you wish to install electrical accessories
after purchasing the car that require perma -
nent electrical supply (e.g. alarm, etc.), or
accessories which influence the electrical
supply requirements, contact an authorized
dealer, whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
WARNING!
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for
the engine to cool down before loosening
the filler cap, particularly for vehicles with
aluminum cap (if equipped). WARNING: risk
of burns!
CAUTION!
The oil level must never exceed the MAX
mark.
If the MAX mark is exceeded (last notch on
the right turns red) after the fill-up, go to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the oil in excess removed.
Do not add oil with specifications different
from those of the oil already in the engine.
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 an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
If the charge level remains under 50% for a
long time, the battery may be damaged by
sulphation, reducing its capacity and
efficiency during a vehicle start. The battery
is also more prone to the risk of freezing (at
temperatures as high as 14°F (-10°C).
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 214

215
(Continued)
NOTE:
After the battery is disconnected, the steering
must be initialized. The warning light on the
instrument panel switches on to indicate this.
To carry out this procedure, simply turn the
steering wheel all the way from one end to the
other, and then turn it back to the central posi-
tion.
Battery
The battery does not require the electrolyte to
be topped up with distilled water. A periodic
check carried out at an authorized dealer,
however, is necessary to check efficiency.
Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions
for maintenance.
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with another
original battery with the same specifications.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions
for maintenance.
NOTE:
It will not be possible to open the trunk with a
key or by pushing the button in the passenger
compartment when the battery is discon
-
nected. So, always position the manual trunk
opening strap on the trunk lock before discon -
necting the battery
Ú
page 250.
Pressure Washing
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
BATTERY RECHARGING
Important Notes
NOTE:
Before using the charging device, always
make sure that it is appropriate for the
installed battery, with constant voltage
(below 14.8 Volts) and low amperage
(maximum 15 Amps).
Recharge the battery in a well ventilated
environment.
Before using any devices to charge or to
maintain the charge of the battery, carefully
follow the instructions provided with the
device in order to properly and safely
connect it to the car battery.
WARNING!
Battery acid is a corrosive solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery acid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps
Ú
page 199. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area
immediately with large amounts of water.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
Precautions have been taken to safeguard
all parts and connections however, the
pressures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against
water ingress cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Never charge or recharge a frozen battery:
it may explode because of the nitrogen
trapped inside the ice crystals.
At all times while charging or recharging
the battery, make sure that any sparks or
open flames are kept sufficiently far away
from the battery.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
216
You can recharge the battery without discon-
necting the wires of the vehicle's electrical
system.
To reach the battery, remove the access
panel inside the trunk.
Battery Access Panel
Remove the protective cover and connect
the positive cable terminal of the charger
(usually red) to the positive terminal (+) of
the battery.
Connect the negative terminal of the
charger (usually black) to nut next to the
negative terminal (-) of the battery. Battery
The vehicle is equipped with an IBS (Intelligent
Battery Sensor), which is able to measure the
charge and discharge voltage and calculate
the charge level and the general condition of
the battery. The sensor is placed next to the
negative terminal (-) of the battery. For a correct charge/discharge procedure, the
charge voltage must go through the IBS
sensor.
1. Turn the charger on and follow the instruc
-
tions on the user's manual to completely
recharge the battery.
2. When the battery is charged, turn the charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery.
3. Disconnect the black cable terminal of the battery charger and then the red cable
terminal.
4. Refit the protective cover of the positive terminal of the battery and the access
cover to the battery compartment.
NOTE:
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.
1 — Protective Cover
2 — Negative Post (Nut)
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
218
Replace The Cabin Air Cleaner
For the correct servicing intervals
Ú
page 204. For cabin air cleaner replace -
ment, contact an authorized dealer.
Lubricating Moving Parts Of The Bodywork
Ensure that the locks and bodywork junction
points, including components such as the seat
guides, door hinges (and rollers), trunk and hood
are periodically lubricated with lithium-based
grease to ensure correct, silent operation and to
protect them from rust and wear.
Thoroughly clean the components, eliminating
every trace of dirt and dust. After lubricating,
eliminate excess oil and grease. Also pay
particular attention to the hood closing
devices, to ensure correct operation. During
operations on the hood, to be carried out with
the engine cold, also remember to check,
clean and lubricate the locking, release and
safety devices. Lubricate the external lock barrels twice a
year. Apply a small amount of high-quality
lubricant directly into the lock barrel.
If necessary, contact an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Windshield Wiper
Periodically clean the windshield and rear
window and rubber profile of the windshield
wiper blades, using a sponge or a soft cloth
and a non-abrasive detergent. This eliminates
the salt or impurities accumulated when
driving.
Prolonged operation of the windshield window
wipers with dry glass may cause the deteriora
-
tion of the blades, in addition to abrasion of
the surface of the glass. To eliminate the impu -
rities on the dry glass, always operate the
windshield washers.
In the event of very low outdoor temperatures,
below 0°F (-17.8°C) , ensure that the move -
ment of the rubber part in contact with the
glass is not obstructed. Use a suitable deicing
product to release it if required.
Avoid using the windshield wipers to remove
frost or ice.
Also avoid contact of the rubber profile of the
blades with petroleum derivatives such as
engine oil, gas, etc.
NOTE:
The life of the windshield wiper blades varies
according to the usage frequency. In any case,
it is advised to replace the blades approxi
-
mately once a year. When the blades are worn,
noise, marks on the glass or streaks of water
may be noticed. In the presence of these
conditions, clean the windshield wiper blades
or, if necessary, replace them.
Raising The Windshield Wiper Blades
(“Service Position” Function)
The “service position” function allows the
driver to replace the windshield wiper blades
more easily. It is also recommended to acti -
vate this function when it is snowing and to
make it easier to remove any dirt deposits in
the area where the blades are normally posi -
tioned, when washing.
Activation Of The Function
To activate this function, disable the wind -
shield wiper before setting the ignition device
to OFF.
This function can only be activated within two
minutes of placing the ignition in OFF.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by FCA US LLC for your air conditioning
system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Warranty Information Book, located in your
owner’s information kit, for further warranty
information.
WARNING!
Driving with worn windshield wiper blades
is a serious hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather conditions.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 218

223
(Continued)
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with another
battery with the same specifications. It is
advised to contact an authorized dealer for
replacement.
Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions
for maintenance.
NOTE:
It will not be possible to open the trunk with a
key or by pressing the button in the passenger
compartment when the battery is discon-
nected. So, always position the manual trunk
opening strap on the trunk lock before discon -
necting the battery
Ú
page 250.
FUSES
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.
When a device does not work, you must check
the electrical circuit inside of the fuse for a
break/melt.
Also, please be aware that using power outlets
for extended periods of time with the engine
off may result in vehicle battery discharge. Blade Fuses
J-CASE Fuse
WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, always use
an appropriate replacement fuse with the
same amp rating as the original fuse.
Never replace a fuse with another fuse of
higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other mate -
rial. Do not place a fuse inside a circuit
breaker cavity or vice versa. Failure to use
proper fuses may result in serious
personal injury, fire and/or property
damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that
the ignition is off and that all the other
services are switched off and/or disen -
gaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact
an authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety
systems (air bag system, braking system),
power unit systems (engine system, trans -
mission system) or steering system blows,
contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING! (Continued)
1 — Electrical Circuit
2 — Blade Fuse With Good Electrical Circuit
3 — Blade Fuse With Bad Electrical Circuit
1 — Electrical Circuit
2 — Case Fuse With Good Electrical Circuit
3 — Case Fuse With Bad Electrical Circuit
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
224
Fuse Extracting Pliers
To replace a fuse, use the pliers hooked to the
fuse box.Fuse Box
Grab the pliers from the upper tabs, press
them, and extract the pliers pulling upwards.
The pliers have two different ends, both of
which are specifically designed to remove the
different types of fuses present in the vehicle: Fuse Extracting Pliers
After use, return the pliers to their proper posi -
tion by following the below procedures:
Grab the pliers from the upper tabs and
insert them into their housing.
Push downward on the pliers into their
housing until they click into place.
Fuse Location
The fuses, which can be replaced by the user,
are grouped in two boxes below the passenger
side foot board and inside the trunk.
Control Unit Under Passenger Side
Footboard
To access the fuses, proceed as follows:
1. Lift the upper end of the footboard on the passenger side, pulling to release the two
buttons.
Release Buttons On Footboard
1 — MINI fuse
2 — J-CASE fuse
1 — Footboard
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 224