check engine FIAT 500C 2012 2.G Owner's Manual
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rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the bottom and top lines marked “COLD FILL
RANGE”.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
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•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and
distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) per-
formance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the engine coolant reservoir
and brake master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 353
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32,000 Miles (52,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
Included in the Maintenance Program
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 32,000 miles (52 000 km).
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Replace the spark plugs.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace cabin filter.
❏ Clean and lube sun roof tracks.
❏ Check and adjust hand brake.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect CV joints.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; re-
place if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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56,000 Miles (91,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
56,000 miles (91 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Replace the spark plugs.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace cabin filter.
❏ Clean and lube sun roof tracks.
❏ Check and adjust hand brake.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect CV joints.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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88,000 Miles (143,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
88,000 miles (143 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
96,000 Miles (156,000 km) or 72 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
96,000 miles (156 000 km).
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Replace the spark plugs.
❏ Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace cabin filter.
❏ Clean and lube sun roof tracks.
❏ Check and adjust hand brake.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect CV joints.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or
90 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
128,000 Miles (208,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
128,000 miles (208 000 km).
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Replace the spark plugs.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace cabin filter.
❏ Clean and lube sun roof tracks.
❏ Check and adjust hand brake.
❏ Inspect brake linings.
❏ Inspect CV joints.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 323
Adding Fuel ........................... 266
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 318
Additives, Fuel ......................... 263
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 312
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 315
Air Conditioning ........................ 190
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 190
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 315
Air Conditioning System .............190,194,315
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 200
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 247
Airbag .............................. 40,50
Airbag Deployment ....................... 52
Airbag Light ..................... 48,55,70,135
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 54
Airbag, Side ...................... 44,46,49,50
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........44,46,50
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
.............. 228
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 141
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........322,347,348
Capacities .......................... 347
Disposal ........................... 324
Appearance Care ........................ 330
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 81
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 24
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 194
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Automatic Transmission ................ 211,329
Adding Fluid ....................... 330
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 330
Fluid Level Check .................... 330
Fluid Type ......................... 329
Gear Ranges ........................ 213
Special Additives ..................... 330
Autostick ............................. 218
378 INDEX
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B-Pillar Location........................ 242
Battery ............................... 313
Jump Starting ....................... 293
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 20
Belts, Seat .............................. 69
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 316
Brake Assist System ...................... 230
Brake Fluid ............................ 349
Brake System ........................ 228,326
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 228,230
Master Cylinder ..................... 327
Parking ........................... 224
Warning Light ....................... 140
Brake, Parking .......................... 224
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 212
Brakes ............................... 326
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 67
Bulbs, Light ............................ 72 Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
........ 347
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 347
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 266
Oil (Engine) ........................ 311
Car Washes ............................ 331
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............68,265
Cargo Area Features ...................... 126
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 161
Cellular Phone .......................... 189
Chains, Tire ............................ 253
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 282
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 238
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............138,306
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 68
Checks, Safety ........................... 68
Child Restraint ........................ 57,58
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 61
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INDEX 379