maintenance FIAT 500C 2019 User Guide

CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
• To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Dealer
Service” in “Servicing And Maintenance”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the manual
transmission in REVERSE or first gear.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 163

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................225
▫ Maintenance Plan ...................... .226
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO .....229
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................230
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................230
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................231
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .232
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .232
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .234
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................234
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............235
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .238
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................239
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .241▫
Cooling System ....................... .242
▫ Brake System ........................ .247
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........248
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......248
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................250
 TIRES ............................... .250
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................250
▫ Tires — General Information ..............258
▫ Tire Types ........................... .264
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................265
▫ Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..............268
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............269
▫ T

ire Rotation Recommendations ............270
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ..................271
▫ Treadwear ........................... .271
▫ Traction Grades ....................... .271
▫ Temperature Grades .....................271
 VEHICLE STORAGE .....................272
 BODYWORK .......................... .273
▫ Protection From Atmospheric Agents ........273▫
Body And Underbody Maintenance ..........273
▫ Preserving The Bodywork .................274
 INTERIORS ........................... .276
▫ Seats And Fabric Parts ...................276
▫ Plastic And Coated Parts ..................277
▫ Leather Parts ......................... .277
▫ Glass Surfaces ........................ .278
224 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Change Oil” message is displayed. Severe
operating conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the
next 500 miles (805 km).Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 225

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.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Plan on the following pages for
required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By OilChange Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system
turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and park brake.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road
conditions.
226 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
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
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
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
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints. XX X XX
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, boot seals,
and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect brake linings, replace if needed. X X X X X X X
Inspect parking brake function, adjust as necessary. X X X X X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace cabin/air conditioning filter. X X X X X X X
Clean and lube sun roof tracks. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Replace engine air filter. XX X XX
Replace the spark plugs. ** XX X XX
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 227

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
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
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
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
240,000
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
Replace accessory drive belt and tensioner. X
Replace the timing belt. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
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 me-
chanic.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
228 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir6 — Battery
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir Pressure Cap 7 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 229

Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are three possible dipstick types,
•Crosshatched zone.
• Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
• Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of
the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
• Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN and
the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE: Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick. Adding 1 quart (1.0 liters) of oil when the reading is at the
low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the
high end of the range marking.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment, and the fluid level should be checked at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent
(not engine coolant/ antifreeze). Refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in this section for further information.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.
230 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over
a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump Starting
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame
or sparks away from the battery. Do not use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
CAUTION!
• It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal
posts and free of corrosion.
• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before
connecting the charger to the battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 231