Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in theAUTO
position, the rain sensor senses the
amount of rainfall on the windshield and
turns the wipers on or off automatically
(off/intermittent/low speed/high speed).
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal),
rotate the switch 1 fig. 21 downward for
higher sensitivity (+) (faster response) or
rotate it upward for less sensitivity (-)
(slower response).
When the wiper lever is in theAUTO
position and the ignition is switched
ON, the wipers may move automatically
in the following cases:
if the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth;
if the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
OFFto theAUTOposition while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount.
The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about –10°C or lower, or about 85°C or
higher.If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and auto-wiper control may
not operate properly.
If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres to
the windshield above the rain sensor or
if the windshield is iced, it could cause
the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the
auto-wiper control will stop operation.
In this case, set the wiper lever to the
low speed position or high speed
position for manual operation, or
remove the ice, dirt or foreign matter by
hand to restore the auto-wiper
operation.
WINDSCREEN WASHER
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.
NOTE If the windscreen washer is
turned on when the windscreen wipers
are not operating, the windscreen
wipers operate a few times.
If the washer does not work, inspect
the fluid level. If the fluid level is normal
contact a Fiat Dealership.
NOTEWith headlight washers. When
the headlights are on, the headlight
washers operate automatically once
every fifth time the windscreen washer
operates. Refer to “Headlight washer”.
2204110109-115-001
31
If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
AUTOposition, the wipers could
operate automatically from the effect of
strong light sources, electromagnetic
waves, or infrared light because the rain
sensor uses an optical sensor.
It is recommended that the auto-wiper
lever be switched to theOFFposition
other than when driving the vehicle
under rainy conditions.
The auto-wiper control functions can be
turned off.
HEADLIGHT WASHER(where provided)
The ignition must be switched ON and
the headlights must be turned on.
The headlight washers fig. 23 operate
automatically once every fifth time the
windshield washer operates. If you
want to operate headlight washers,
double flick the wiper lever.WARNING
43)Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir. Using radiator
antifreeze as washer fluid is dangerous. If
sprayed on the windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and could
result in an accident.
44)Only use windshield washer fluid mixed
with anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions. Using windshield
washer fluid without antifreeze protection in
freezing weather conditions is dangerous
as it could freeze on the windshield and
block your vision which could cause an
accident. In addition, make sure the
windshield is sufficiently warmed using the
defroster before spraying the washer fluid.
45)Make sure the device is switched off
whenever the windscreen must be
cleaned.
IMPORTANT
8)Do not use the screen wiper to remove
layers of snow or ice from the windscreen.
In such conditions, the windscreen wiper
may be subjected to excessive stress and
the motor cut-out switch, which prevents
operation for a few seconds, may
intervene. If operation is not subsequently
restored, even after the vehicle is restarted,
contact a Fiat Dealership.
9)Do not operate the windscreen wiper
with blades lifted from the windscreen.
10)Do not activate the rain sensor while
washing the vehicle in an automatic
washing system.
11)If ice is found on the windscreen, make
sure that the device was disconnected
properly.
2304110102-L37-007
32
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Warning lights What it means What to do
LED HEADLIGHT WARNING LIGHT (where
provided)
This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in
the LED headlight.Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT
The light turns on when the remaining fuel is
about 9.0 litres.
The light illumination timing may vary because
fuel inside the fuel tank moves around
according to the driving conditions and the
vehicle posture.Add fuel.
LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL WARNING
LIGHT (where provided)
This warning light indicates that little washer
fluid remains.Add washer fluid.
CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATION (where
provided)
The warning light illuminates when the cruise
control system is activated.
64
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
OWNER MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
197) 198) 199)
38)
Routine service
We highly recommend that these items
be inspected daily, or at least every
week:
Engine oil level
Engine coolant level
Brake and clutch fluid Level
Washer fluid level
Battery maintenance
Tire inflation pressure
Improper or incomplete service may
result in problems. This section gives
instructions only for items that are easy
to perform.
As explained in the “Introduction”
paragraph, several procedures can be
done only by a qualified service
technician with special tools.
Improper do-it yourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect
warranty coverage. For details, read the
separate Warranty statement provided
with the vehicle. If you are unsure about
any servicing or maintenance
procedure, have it done by an expert
repairer, we recommend a Fiat
Dealership.There are strict environmental laws
regarding the disposal of waste oil and
fluids. Please dispose of your waste
properly and with due regard to the
environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil
and fluid changes of your vehicle to a
Fiat Dealership.
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every1,000 kmor before long trips
check and, if necessary, top up:
engine coolant level;
brake fluid level;
windscreen washer fluid level;
tire 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 windscreen window
wiper blades.
Every 3,000 km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions:
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in 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.
164
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECKING LEVELS
200) 201)
39)
1. Window and headlight washer fluid 2. Engine oil dipstick 3. Engine oil cap 4. Engine coolant fluid 5. Brake/clutch
fluid 6. Battery
14507030300-121-003-high.jpg
169
coolant is required frequently, contact a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Radiator coolant will
damage paint. Rinse it off quickly if
spilled.
IMPORTANT Use only soft
(demineralised) water in the coolant
mixture. Water that contains minerals
will cut down on the coolant's
effectiveness.
IMPORTANT Do not add only water.
Always add a proper coolant mixture.
IMPORTANT The engine has aluminium
parts and must be protected by an
ethylene-glycol-based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.
IMPORTANT DO NOT USE coolants
Containing Alcohol, methanol, Borate
or Silicate. These coolants could
damage the cooling system.
IMPORTANT DO NOT MIX alcohol or
methanol with the coolant. This could
damage the cooling system.
IMPORTANT Do not use a solution that
contains more than 60% antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
IMPORTANT If the “FL22” mark
fig. 148 is shown on or near the cooling
system cap, use of FL-22 isrecommended when replacing engine
coolant. Using engine coolant other
than FL-22 may cause serious damage
to the engine and cooling system.
BRAKE / CLUTCH FLUID
208)
42)
It should be kept between the MAX and
MIN lines fig. 149.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and
clutch linings. If it is excessively low,
have the brake/clutch system contact a
Fiat Dealership.
NOTE On right-hand drive versions the
reservoir is located on the left side of
the engine compartment.
WINDOW AND
HEADLIGHT WASHER
FLUID
214)
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir fig. 150; open the cap and
add fluid if necessary.
14807030501-121-002
14907030601-121-002
15007030901-121-001
171
201)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.
202)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). IMPORTANT: risk of burns!
203)Do not use a match or live flame in
the engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT: a
hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has
been running, parts of the engine
compartment can become very hot. You
could be burned. Carefully inspect the
engine coolant in the coolant reservoir, but
do not open it.
204)Do not remove either cooling system
cap when the engine and radiator are hot.
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot out
under pressure and cause serious injury.
205)The cooling system is pressurized. If
necessary, only replace the cap with
another original one or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir cap when the engine
is hot: risk of burns.
206)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the washer
operation is essential for improving visibility.
Repeated operation of the system without
fluid could damage or cause rapid
deterioration of some system components.207)Certain commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluids are inflammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may set it on fire.
208)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.
209)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.
210)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
211)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.
212)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
213)If the brake/clutch fluid level is low,
have the brakes inspected. A low
brake/clutch fluid level is dangerous. A low
level could indicate brake lining wear or a
brake system leak which could cause the
brakes to fail and lead to an accident.
214)Use only windscreen washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir. Using radiator
antifreeze as washer fluid is dangerous. If
sprayed on the windscreen, it will dirty the
windscreen, affect your visibility, and could
result in an accident.IMPORTANT
39)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 severly
damage your vehicle.
40)The oil level should never exceed the
MAX mark.
41)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already in the engine.
42)Avoid allowing brake fluid, which is
extremely corrosive, to come into contact
with painted areas. Should it happen, wash
immediately with water.
43)Incorrect assembly of electrical and
electronic accessories may cause severe
damage to your vehicle. Go to a Fiat
Dealership if you want to install accessories
(e.g. anti-theft, radio phone, etc.): they will
suggest the most suitable devices and
advise you whether a higher capacity
battery needs to be installed.
173
IMPORTANT Do not use steel wool,
abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chromeplated or anodised
aluminium parts. This may damage the
protective coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolour or deteriorate
the paint.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
225)
WARNING
225)Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator
pedal and lightly applying the brakes
several times until the brake performance
returns to normal. Driving with wet brakes
is dangerous. Increased stopping distance
or the vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious accident.
Light braking will indicate whether the
brakes have been affected.
IMPORTANT
47)In order to preserve the appearance of
the paint abrasive products and/or polishes
should not be used for cleaning the vehicle.
48)Avoid washing with rollers and/or
brushes in washing stations. Wash the
vehicle only by hand using neutral pH
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 vehicle
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
front windscreen and rear window; dilute it
min. 50% with water. Only use pure screen
washer fluid when strictly necessary due to
outside temperature conditions.
IMPORTANT
7)Detergents cause water pollution. Only
wash your vehicle in areas equipped to
collect and treat wastewater from this type
of activity.
179