check engine FIAT IDEA 2009 1.G User Guide

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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
vehicle down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the atmo-
sphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service schedu-
le”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least on-
ce every four weeks: excessively low pres-
sure will increase fuel consumption be-
cause rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof after use. These accessories de-
crease aerodynamic penetration of the car
and have a negative effect on consumption.
It is better to use a trailer to transport
particularly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The climate control system requires hi-
gher fuel consumption (up to +20% in ave-
rage): use the air vents when the exter-
nal temperature allows to.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car
standing: the engine warms up very slowly
in these conditions, increasing fuel con-
sumption and emissions. It is advisable to
start off immediately and slowly keeping
the engine speed down: the engine will
warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine. The
latter action, like doubling the clutch, is un-
necessary and causes increase of con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and
road conditions allow. Using a low gear
for faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.

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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
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TECHNICAL
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AND
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SAFETY
STARTING
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STORING THE CAR
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if pos-
sible well-ventilated premises;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not enga-
ged;
❒disconnect the negative battery ter-
minal and check battery charge. Re-
peat this check once every three
months during storage. Recharge the
battery if the indicator is dark and the
middle area is not green;
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts
using special compounds readily avai-
lable;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber
windscreen and rear window wiper
blades and lift them off the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a fabric or perfo-
rated plastic terrapin. Do not use
compact plastic sheets which do not
allow humidity to evaporate from the
surface of the car.
❒inflate tyres to a pressure of +0,5 bar
above the normal specified pressure
and check it at intervals;
❒if you don’t disconnect the battery
from the electric system, check its
charge every month and recharge it if
the optical indicator shows a dark co-
lour without the central green area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling sy-
stem.

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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or stays on whilst
driving (together with the message in
the multifunctional display, where
provided), a failure may have occur-
red in the restraint systems. In this ca-
se the air bags or pretensioners may
not be deployed after an impact or,
in a minor number of cases, they may
be deployed accidentally. Contact
Fiat Dealership immediately to have
the system checked before driving off.
WARNING
The failure of the warning li-
ght ¬is indicated by inter-
mittent blinking of the warning light
“that signals front passenger airbag
deactivated. The airbag system will
automatically deactivate the passen-
ger airbag (front and side, where pro-
vided). In this case, the warning light
¬may not indicate a fault in the sy-
stem. Contact the Fiat Dealership im-
mediately to have the system checked
before driving off.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE
COOLANT (red)
When the ignition key is mo-
ved to MAR, the warning light
turns on and should go off after a few se-
conds.
The warning light turns on when the en-
gine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as
follows:
❒during normal travel: stop the car,
stop the engine and check that the wa-
ter level in the vessel is not under the
MINline. In this case, wait for a few
minutes for the engine to cool down
when slowly and carefully open the
cap, top-up with coolant and check
that the level is between the MINand
MAXreferences on the vessel itself.
Also check for leaks. Should the war-
ning light turn on again at the next
start-up, contact Fiat Dealership.
u
❒If the vehicle is used under seve-
re conditions(e.g. towing of trailers
uphill or fully loaded vehicle): slow
down and stop the car if the warning
light stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minu-
tes with the engine running and sligh-
tly accelerated to assist better coolant
circulation. Then switch the engine off.
Check correct fluid level as described
above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly acce-
lerated for few minutes before switching
it off.
The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
When the ignition key is mo-
ved to MAR, the warning light
turns on and should go out as soon as the
engine is started (with the engine running
at idle speed a brief delay in going out is
allowed). Go to a Lancia Dealership im-
mediately if the warning light stays on.w

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MAINTENANCE
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
fig. 6F0H0357mfig. 7F0H0177mfig. 8F0H0748m
❒make sure that the switch D-fig. 6
of the compressor is in position 0(off),
start the engine, insert plug A-fig. 7
into the cigar lighter (or 12V socket)
and operate the compressor by taking
the switch Dto position I(on). In-
flate the tyre to the pressure specified
in the “Inflation pressure” paragraph,
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
For a more accurate reading, check
pressure gauge F-fig. 13with the
compressor off;
❒if after 5 minutes it is still impossible
to reach at least 1.5 bar, disengage
compressor from valve and current
outlet, then move the car forth for ap-
prox. ten metres in order to distribu-
te the sealing fluid inside the tyre
evenly, then repeat the inflation ope-
ration;
❒If after this operation it is still impos-
sible after 5 minutes to reach at least
1.8 bar, do not start driving since the
tyre is excessively damaged and the
quick tyre repair kit cannot guarantee
suitable sealing, contact Fiat Dealer-
ship;
❒if reaching the tyre pressure specified
in paragraph “Inflation pressure” in
section “Technical Specifications”,
start driving immediately;
Apply the adhesive label in a
position clearly visible by the
driver as a reminder that the tyre has
been treated with the quick repair kit.
Drive carefully, particularly on bends.
Do not exceed 80 km/h. Do not ac-
celerate or brake suddenly.
WARNINGStop if the pressure has
dropped to less than 1.8 bar:
The automatic Fix & Go fast repair
kit cannot work properly if the tyre is
excessively damaged. Go to a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
❒after driving for about 10 minutes stop
and check again the tyre pressure; pull
up the handbrake;
❒if at least 1.8 bar pressure is read, re-
store proper pressure (with engine
running and handbrake on) and re-
start;
❒drive with the utmost care to the nea-
rest Fiat Dealership.

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LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
The jack may only be used to
replace wheels on the car
which it equips or other cars of the
same model. Never use the jack for
other purposes, such as lifting other
models of vehicle. Never use the jack
to carry out repairs under the car. In-
correct positioning of the jack may
cause the car to fall. Do not use the
jack for loads higher than those
shown on the label. Snow chains can-
not be fitted on a space saver spare
wheel. Therefore, if a front wheel
(drive wheel) is punctured and you
need to use snow chains, swap with a
rear wheel. In this way, you will ha-
ve two normal wheels on the front on
which you can fit snow chains and
solve the emergency.
WARNING
Incorrect wheel cup assem-
bly may cause it to come off
when the car is travelling. Never tam-
per with the inflation valve. Never in-
troduce tools of any kind between the
rim and the tyre. Check tyre and spa-
ce saver spare wheel pressure regu-
larly referring to the values shown in
the “Technical Specifications” chap-
ter.
WARNINGImportant notes:
❒the jack cannot be repaired: replace
with an original spare part if damaged;
❒no tool other than its cranking devi-
ce may be fitted on the jack.
To change a wheel proceed as follows:
❒stop the car in a position so that it is
not a danger for on-coming traffic and
where you can replace the wheel sa-
fely. The ground must be flat and com-
pact;
❒Turn the engine off and pull up the
handbrake.
❒Engage first gear or reverse;
❒lift the boot mat;
❒loosen the fastening device A-fig. 11;
❒take out the tool container Band take
it near to the wheel to be changed;
❒take the space saver spare wheel C;

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MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
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SERVICE SCHEDULE
Thousands of kilometres
Check tyre condition/wear and, if necessary,
adjust pressure
Check lighting system operation
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard lights, boot, passenger
compartment, oddment compartments, instrument panel warning
lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper/washer
(nozzle direction and blade wear)
Check conditions and wear of front disk brake pads and
operation of pad wear indicator
Check rear drum brake linings
and wear
Check condition and wear of rear brake discs
(where provided)
Visually inspect the condition of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, flexible and stiff piping (exhaust, fuel
feed, brakes), rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushings, etc.)
Check cleanness of locks, bonnet and boot and lever
cleanness and lubrication
Check tension and conditions of various accessory drive belts
except for engines with automatic take-up devices)
Inspect conditions of various drive belts
Check and adjust tappets
(1.48Vversions)

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LIGHTS AND
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MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
Thousands of kilometres
Check handbrake stroke adjustment
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness (Multijet engines).
Check emissions in exhaust (petrol versions)
Replace fuel filter (Multijet versions)
Replace air cleaner filter (petrol versions)
Replace air cleaner filter (diesel versions) (❏❒)
Top up fluids (engine coolant, brakes,
battery, windscreen washer, etc.)
Check timing belt conditions (■)
Replace timing belt (*) (■)
Replace timing belt and (1.6 Multijet versions) (*)
Replace auxiliary drive belt
Replace spark plugs (petrol versions)
Check operation of engine management systems
(using diagnostic socket)
Replace engine oil and oil filter (petrol versions)
Change engine oil and oil filter (Multijet versions with DPF) (**)
Change engine oil and oil filter (Multijet versions without DPF) (▲)
Change brake fluid (or every two years)
Replace pollen filter (or once a year).
(*) Or every 4 years if the vehicle is used in one of the following particularly demanding conditions:
- prolonged use in cold/hot climates,
- city use with long standing with engine idling,
- use on particular dusty roads or roads sprinkled with sand and/or salt.
Or every five years regardless of mileage and conditions of use of the car.
(**) The engine oil and the filter must be changed when instrument panel warning light comes on (see “Warning lights and messages” chap-
ter) or however every 2 years.
(
❏) Every 30,000 km for 1.3 Multijet versions.
(
■) Excluding 1.3 Multijet and 1.6 Multijet versions.
(▲) Every 30,000 km
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
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SAFETY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
YEARLY INSPECTION
PLAN
The following yearly inspection plan is re-
commended for cars clocking less than
20,000 km a year (e.g. approximately
15.000 km):
❒check tyre conditions/wear and pres-
sure (included spare wheel)
❒check lighting system operation (head-
lights, direction indicators, hazard li-
ghts, boot, passenger compartment,
instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
❒check windscreen wiper/washer
(nozzle direction and blade wear)
❒check front disk brake pad conditions
and wear;
❒visually inspect the conditions of: en-
gine, gearbox, flexible and stiff piping
(exhaust, fuel feed, brakes), rubber
parts (boots, sleeves, bushings, etc.)
❒check cleanness of locks, bonnet and
boot and lever cleanness and lubrica-
tion
❒check battery charge;
❒visually check the various drive belt
conditions;
❒check and top up liquids if required
(engine coolant, brakes, windscreen
washer, battery, etc.)
❒change engine oil;
❒change engine oil filter;
❒change pollen filter (where provided).
ADDITIONAL
INTERVENTIONS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys,
check and, if necessary, top up:
❒engine coolant fluid level;
❒brake fluid level;
❒windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre pressure and conditions.
Every 3,000 km check and, if necessary,
top up: engine oil level.
You are recommended to use FL Selenia
products, designed and produced specifi-
cally for Fiat cars (see table “Capacities”
in section “Technical specifications”).

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MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
IMPORTANT - Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy con-
ditions:
❒trailer or caravan towing;
❒dusty roads;
❒short repeated distances (less than 7-
8 km) and with external temperatures
below zero;
❒frequently idling engines or long di-
stance low speed driving (e.g. taxis or
door-to-door deliveries) or in case of
a long term inactivity;
change engine oil more frequently than
shown on the “Service Schedule”.
IMPORTANT - Air cleaner
When the car is used on dusty roads,
change the air cleaner more frequently
than shown on the “Service Schedule”.
Call a Fiat Dealership for doubts regarding
engine oil and air cleaner replacement.IMPORTANT - Pollen filter
It is advisable to replace the filtering ele-
ment more frequently if the car is used in
dusty or very polluted places. Specifical-
ly, replace if a lower air flow into the pas-
senger compartment is found.
IMPORTANT - Diesel filter
Using diesel not complying with European
Specification EN590 may lead to the need
to replace the diesel fuel filter more fre-
quently than shown in the “Service Sche-
dule”.IMPORTANT - Battery
Check the battery charge once a year,
preferably before the beginning to winter,
to prevent freezing of the electrolyte.
Perform this inspection more frequently
if the car is mainly used for short distan-
ces or if electrical devices running with the
key off are installed, particularly after-
market. Check the battery level (elec-
trolyte) more frequently than shown on
the “Service Schedule” if the car is used in
hot climates or in particularly demanding
conditions.
Take the car to a Fiat Dea-
lership for servicing. Make su-
re you have the right equip-
ment, genuine Fiat spare
parts and consumables for ordinary,
minor interventions. Do not attempt
the operations if you lack the expe-
rience.

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LEVELS CHECK
IMPORTANT Be careful not to confuse
the various types of fluids while topping
up: they are all reciprocally incompatible
and may severely damage your car.
IMPORTANT Never smoke while
working in the engine compartment. Flam-
mable gases may be present. Risk of fire.
F0H0721mfig. 1 - versions 1.2 16V and 1.4 16V
F0H0722mfig. 2 - versions 1.4 8V (where provided) 1. Engine coolant
2. Engine oil
3. Brake fluid
4. Battery
5.Windscreen/rear window/headlamp
washer fluid level