Abarth Punto 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

187
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
KNOWING
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WARNING LIGHTS
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
fig. 166
Never smoke while
working in the engine
compartment: inflammable
gases and vapours may be
present, constituting a fire risk.
WARNING
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.
1. Engine coolant – 2. Battery – 3. Windscreen washer fluid – 4\
. Brake
fluid – 5. Engine oil.
13 2
4
5
F0U170Ab
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188
KNOWING
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CONTENTS
F0U171Abfig. 167
ENGINE OIL fig. 167
Check the oil level a few minutes (about five) after the
engine has stopped, with the car parked on level ground.
Check that the level is within the MIN and MAX marks
on the dipstick B.
The range between the MIN. and MAX. marks
corresponds to about 1 litre of oil.
If the oil level is near or under the MIN line, add oil
through the filler A until it reaches the MAX line.
The oil level should never exceed the MAX line. ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
The maximum engine oil consumption is usually 400
grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs to run in,
therefore the engine oil consumption can only be
considered stabilised after the first 5,000 - 6,000 km.
IMPORTANT The oil consumption depends on driving
style and the car usage conditions.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing the oil, let the
engine run for a few seconds and wait a few minutes
after switching it off before checking the level.
When the engine is hot, take care when
working inside the engine compartment
to avoid burns. Remember that when the engine
is hot, the fan may operate: danger of injury.
Pay attention to scarves, ties and other loose
fitting garments: they may get caught by moving
components.
WARNING
Do not add any oil with different
specifications to those of the existing
engine oil.
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189
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
F0U172Abfig. 168
ENGINE COOLANT fig. 168
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 low, slowly pour a mixture of 50%
demineralised water and 50% PARAFLU
UPby
PETRONAS LUBRICANTS through the filler neck A
until the level reaches MAX.
The used engine oil and the replaced oil
filter contain substances that may be
dangerous for the environment. It is
advisable to have oil and filters changed by an
Abarth Dealership where they will be disposed in
accordance with nature and the law.
PARAFLUUPanti-freeze is used in the
engine cooling system. Use the same fluid
as in the cooling system when topping up.
PARAFLU
UPmay not be mixed with any other
types of fluids. If this accidentally occurs, do not
start the engine and contact an Abarth
Dealership.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLUUPand demineralised
water gives freeze protection to -35°C.
When the vehicle is used under particularly harsh
weather conditions, we recommend using a 60-40
mixture of PARAFLU
UPand demineralised water.
The engine cooling system is pressurised.
If necessary, only replace the cap with
another genuine one or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the cap from the reservoir when the
engine is hot: danger of scalding.
WARNING
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F0U173Abfig. 169190
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
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STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WASHER FLUID fig. 169
To top up, remove the cap A.
Pour a mixture of water and TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC35, in the following concentrations:
30% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 and 70% water in
summer.
50% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 and 50% water in
winter.
At temperatures below -20°C, use undiluted TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC35 fluid.
Check level using the reservoir.
Do not travel with the windscreen
washer reservoir empty: the windscreen
washer is fundamental for improving visibility.
WARNING
Certain commercial additives for
windscreen washers are inflammable.
The engine compartment contains hot parts
which could start a fire on contact.
WARNING
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191
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
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WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
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EMERGENCY
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AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
F0U174Abfig. 170
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs moisture. For this
reason, if the vehicle is mainly used in areas with a high
degree of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should be
replaced at more frequent intervals than specified in the
“Scheduled servicing plan”.
BRAKE FLUID fig. 170
Undo the cap A and check that the liquid contained in
the reservoir is at the maximum level.
Fluid level in the reservoir must not exceed the MAX
mark.
Use the brake fluid shown in the “Fluids and lubricants”
table (see “Technical Specifications”).
Note Carefully clean the cap of the reservoir A and the
surrounding surface.
Take great care that impurities do not enter the
reservoir when the cap is opened.
For topping up always use a funnel with integrated filter
that has a mesh inferior or equal to 0.12 mm.
Prevent brake fluid which is highly
corrosive from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should this occur,
immediately wash with water.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected parts
with water and neutral soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. If swallowed call a doctor
immediately.
WARNING
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192
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
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WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
AIR FILTER
Have the air filter replaced by an Abarth Dealership.
POLLEN FILTER
Have the pollen filter replaced by an Abarth Dealership.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected parts
with water and neutral soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. If swallowed call a doctor
immediately.
WARNING
The symbol π on the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is different
from a mineral fluid. Use of a mineral type
fluids will damage the special rubber seals of
the braking system beyond repair.
WARNING
The symbol π on the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is different
from a mineral fluid. Use of a mineral type
fluids will damage the special rubber seals of
the braking system beyond repair.
WARNING
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193
KNOWING
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TECHNICAL
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CONTENTS
BATTERY
The car is fitted with a low-maintenance battery: no
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 skilled personnel. Any top-up
operations must be carried out by skilled personnel and
by an Abarth Dealership.
Battery liquid is poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames or possible sources of sparks
away from the battery: risk of explosion or fire.
WARNING
Using the battery when the fluid is too
low can damage it irreparably and
generate a risk of explosion.
WARNING
CHANGING 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 “Scheduled Servicing
Programme” in this chapter will no longer be valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions for
maintenance.
Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. Contact an Abarth
Ford Dealership if you want to install accessories
(alarms, mobile phone, etc.): they will suggest the
most suitable devices and advise you if a higher
capacity battery needs to be installed.
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194
KNOWING
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CONTENTS
Batteries contain substances that can be
very dangerous for the environment. It is
advisable to have the battery changed by
an Abarth Dealership, where it will be disposed
of correctly and in accordance with nature and
the law.
If the vehicle must remain unused for a
long time at very low temperatures,
remove the battery and take it to a warm place
to avoid freezing.
WARNING
If you have to perform any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect
your eyes with special goggles.
WARNING
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 flaps are closed properly, to prevent any
light from switching on inside the passenger’s
compartment;
❒the courtesy lights must be off. The car is however
provided with an automatic system for switching off
internal lights;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, hazard
warning lights, etc...) switched on for a long time
when the engine is not running;
❒before performing any operation on the electric
system, disconnect the negative battery cable;
❒make sure that the battery terminals are fully
tightened.
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195
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
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 will also be more at risk of freezing (e.g.
already at -10°C). Refer to the paragraph “Car
inactivity” in “Starting and driving” if the car is left
parked for a long time.
If after buying the car, you want to install electrical
accessories which require permanent electrical supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories influencing the electrical
supply requirements, contact an Abarth Dealership
whose qualified personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices available in Lineaccessori Abarth,
will evaluate the overall electric absorption, checking
whether the car’s electric system is capable of
withstanding the load required, or whether it should be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing energy even with
the engine off, they gradually run down the battery.WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including the space-saver,
every two weeks and before long journeys. The pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested and cold.
While driving the car, the pressure increases under
standard conditions: for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see “Wheels” in the “Technical specifications”
chapter.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 171:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn;
B low pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges;
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the centre.
The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less than
1.6 mm thick. In all cases, follow the laws in force in the
country where you are driving.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Avoid braking suddenly, high-powered starts and
violent impacts against curbs, potholes or other
obstacles if possible. Driving for long stretches over
bumpy roads can damage the tyres;
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196
F0U175Abfig. 171
KNOWING
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STARTING
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WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
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CONTENTSRemember that road holding also
depends on the correct tyre inflation.
WARNING
If the pressure is too low the tyre
overheats and this can cause it serious
damage.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the tyres, moving
them from the right of the car to the left
and vice versa.
Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of temperatures
exceeding 150°C.
The mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WARNING
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling
or irregular tread wear;. Contact an Abarth Dealership
if required;
❒avoid overloading the car when travelling: this may
cause serious damage to the wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop the vehicle immediately and
change it to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim, the
suspensions and the steering system;
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used much. Cracks in the
tread and on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. Have
the tyres checked by skilled personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than six years. Also remember
to check the space-saver wheel very carefully;
❒in case of replacement, always fit new tyres, avoiding
those with an unknown origin;
❒if a tyre is replaced, also change the inflation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front and rear tyres,
it is advisable to change them over every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them on the same side
of the car so as not to reverse the direction of
rotation.
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