engine coolant FIAT SPIDER ABARTH 2017 User Guide
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IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS If Your Engine Overheats
In any of the following situations, you
can reduce the potential for overheating
by taking the appropriate action.
On highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place
the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do
not increase engine idle speed.
Note: There are steps that you can
take to slow down an impending
overheat condition:
If your air conditioner (A/C) is on,
turn it off. The A/C system adds heat
to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode
control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to
act as a supplement to the radiator
and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system. Warning!You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Caution!Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge
reads “H”, pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, turn the engine off immediately,
and call for service. If Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment:
Do not go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine. Wait until the steam
dissipates, then open the hood and
start the engine.
If Neither Coolant Nor Steam Is
Escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
Note:
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine continues to overheat
or frequently overheats, have the
cooling system inspected. The engine
could be seriously damaged unless
repairs are made. Contact an
authorized dealer.
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INTRODUCTION Be extremely careful and prevent injury
to yourself and others or damage to
your vehicle when using this Owner’s
Manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you are unsure about any procedure it
describes, we strongly urge you to have
a reliable and qualified service shop
perform the work, preferably at your
authorized dealer.
Factory-trained FCA technicians and
genuine FCA parts are best for your
vehicle. Without this expertise and the
parts that have been designed and
made especially for your vehicle,
inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient
servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an
accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service,
contact your authorized dealer.
Note: Under no circumstances should
oil change intervals exceed 10,000
miles (16,000 kilometers) or 1 year.
To continue New Vehicle Limited
Warranty eligibility and to protect your
investment, it is your responsibility to
properly maintain your vehicle
according to factory recommended
schedules outlined in this Owner’s
Manual. As part of this you must keep
your maintenance records, receipts,
repair orders and any other documents
as evidence this maintenance was
performed. You must present these
documents, should any New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage
disagreement occur. Failure to do so
can result in your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty being voided either in whole
or in part.
This evidence may consist of the
following:
The FCA Scheduled Maintenance
Record, refer to the Warranty Booklet,
must be completely filled out showing
mileage, repair order number, date for
each service, and signed by a qualified
automotive service technician who
service vehicles.
Original copies of repair orders or
other receipts that include the mileage
and date the vehicle was serviced.
Each receipt should be signed by a
qualified automotive service technician.
For self maintenance, a statement
that you completed the maintenance
yourself, displaying mileage and the
date the work was performed. Also,
receipts for the replacement parts (fluid,
filters, etc.) indicating the date and
mileage must accompany this
statement.
Note: If you elect to perform
maintenance yourself or have your
vehicle serviced at a location other than
an authorized dealer, FCA requires that
all fluids, parts and materials must meet
FCA standards for durability and
performance as described in this
Owner’s Manual. Claims against the warranty resulting
from lack of maintenance, as opposed
to defective materials or authorized FCA
workmanship, will not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts
equivalent to your vehicle's original
equipment may perform maintenance.
But we recommend that it always be
done by an authorized dealer using
genuine FCA parts. Selecting
“Maintenance Monitor” enables the
system to notify you of your vehicle's
approaching inspection/servicing
period.
Owner Maintenance
Precautions
The owner or a qualified service
technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to
ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an
authorized dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
When refueling perform inspection
of:
Brake and clutch fluid level
Engine coolant level
Engine oil level
Washer fluid level
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At least monthly perform inspection
of:
Tire inflation pressures
At least twice a year (for example,
every spring and fall) perform
inspection of:
Engine coolant
Engine oil
As explained in the “Introduction”
paragraph, several procedures can be
done only by a qualified service
technician with special tools.
For details, read the separate Warranty
Booklet provided with the vehicle. If you
are unsure about any servicing or
maintenance procedure, have it done
by an authorized dealer.
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 an
authorized dealer. Periodic Checks
Every 620 miles (1,000 km) or before
long trips check and, if necessary, top
off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Tire inflation pressure and condition.
Operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.).
Operation of windshield
washer/wiper system and
positioning/wear of windshield wiper
blades.
Every 1860 miles (3,000 km) check
and top off the engine oil level if
required.
Heavy-Duty Use Of The
Vehicle
If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions:
Dusty roads.
Short, repeated trips less than 4.4 -
5 miles ( 7-8km)atsub -zero outside
temperatures.
Engine idling for long periods of time
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 underhood area
and all door and trunk locks, cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage.
Visually inspect conditions of the:
engine, transmission, lines and hoses
(exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and
rubber elements (hoses/belts/etc.).
Check battery charge and battery
fluid level.
Visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts.
Check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace
cabin air filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a
dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only
very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
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Scheduled Servicing Plan
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 123 456789101112131415
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Check tire condition/wear
and adjust pressure, if
necessary, check TIREKIT
expiration date (if
provided). •••••••••••••••
Check operation of lighting
system (headlamps,
direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, luggage
compartment, passenger
compartment, glove
compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.). •••••••••••••••
Check and, if necessary,
top up fluid levels
(brakes/hydraulic clutch,
windshield washer, battery,
engine coolant, etc.). •••••••••••••••
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 123 456789101112131415
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Replace engine air filter.
# ••• • •
Replace Cabin Air Filter – If
Equipped.
*** •••• • • •
Flush and replace the
engine coolant at 10 years
or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever
comes first. ••
Replace the timing belt
(1.4L Turbo Engine). •
#The engine air cleaner should be inspected at every oil change if used in dusty areas.
***Replace every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or two years. Replacement every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or one year in dusty conditions or as optional/suggested
replacement.
Warning!You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT Checking Levels 07030300-121-003
1 — Window Washer Reservoir 4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 5 — Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Cap 6 — Battery
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Engine Oil
Warning!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.
Loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
Recommended Oil
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for further
information.
Inspecting engine oil level
Proceed as follows:
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least five
minutes for the oil to return to the
sump.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and reinsert it fully. 5. Pull the dipstick out again and
examine the level. The level is normal if
it is between Low and Full. If it is near
or below Low, open the engine oil
cap/filler 2 and add enough oil to bring
the level to Full.
Note: Do not overfill the engine oil.
This may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick
is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine oil consumption
During the initial period of use the
engine oil consumption conditions
should stabilize after the first 3000 –
3500 miles (5000 – 6000 km). Engine Coolant
Warning! Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan
motor lead before working near the radiator
cooling fan.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts
automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot. 07030403-121-001
Engine Compartment
1 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Engine Oil Cap
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Inspecting Coolant Level
Note: Changing the coolant should be
done by your authorized dealer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year, at the beginning of
the winter season, and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections
of all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are worn or
deteriorated.
Warning!Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than
the one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F (Full) and L
(Low) marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool. If it is at or near L (Low), add coolant by
mixing a minimum solution of 50%
Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate
for FIAT Spider. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are
anticipated. Bring the level to F (Full).
Please contact your authorized dealer
for assistance.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir
tank cap after adding coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, contact
your authorized dealer.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid
from the same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept between the MAX
and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with
accumulated use, a condition
associated with wear of brake and
clutch linings. If it is excessively low,
have the brake/clutch system
inspected. Contact your authorized
dealer.
Warning! Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir. 07030501-121-001
Coolant Reservoir 07030601-121-002
Brake Fluid Reservoir
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2. Remove the drain filter while
pressing the tab. 3. Remove leaves and other matter
accumulated in the drain filter.
4. Reinstall the drain filter in the reverse
order of the removal procedure.
Note: Make sure that the drain filter is
securely attached to its designated
position by pushing it until the tab
locks. Water may enter the vehicle if the
drain filter is not secured to its
designated position. For this operation
go to an authorized dealer.
Plastic Part
Maintenance
When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, paraffin,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents.
Otherwise, these chemical agents can
discolor or damage the surfaces
resulting in a significant loss in
functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately. Caution! High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure car
washer device. If the car washer nozzle is
put too close to the vehicle or aimed at one
area for an extended period of time, it
could deform plastic parts or damage the
paint.
Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in paint
damage.
In addition, do not use an electrical or air
tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the frictional
heat generated could result in deformation
of plastic parts or paint damage.07040110123001
Drain Filter Location
1 — Drain Filter
2 — Bow 07040110124001
Drain Filter Tab
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FLUID CAPACITIES Item Capacities
Fuel tank 11.9 (gallons)
/ 45 (liters)
Engine oil (without oil filter replacement) 3.3 (quarts) / 3.2 (liters)
Engine oil (with oil filter replacement) 4.0 (quarts) / 3.8 (liters)
Coolant (with manual transmission) 7.6 (quarts) / 7.2 (liters)
Coolant (with automatic transmission) 7.5 (quarts) / 7.1 (liters)
Manual transmission oil 2.2 (quarts) / 2.1 (liters)
Automatic transmission fluid 7.8 (quarts) / 7.5 (liters)
Rear differential oil 0.63 (quarts) / 0.6 (liters)
Limited slip differential oil 0.63 (quarts) / 0.6 (liters)
Brake fluid (& clutch fluid) 0.57 (quarts) / 0.55 (liters)
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