brake fluid FIAT 500L 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal on the instrument panel,
when applicable. These indications are concise and precautionary and, as such, must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
an alternative to the information contained in this Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. In
the event of a failure indication, always refer to the contents of this chapter.
IMPORTANT The failure indicators which are shown on the display are divided into two categories: very serious and less
serious failures. Very serious failures are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning “cycle”. Less serious failures are
indicated by a limited "warning" cycle. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning
light will stay on until the cause of the failure is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Red warning lights
Warning light What it means
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to a leak in the circuit. On some versions a message and a symbol are shown on the display.
Restore the brake fluid level, then check that the warning light has switched off. If the warning light stays
on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
Handbrake applied
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on when the handbrake is engaged. On certain
versions, if the car is moving the buzzer will also sound. Release the handbrake, then check that the
warning light has switched off. If the warning light stays on, contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on when the vehicle is in motion, check that the handbrake is not
engaged.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

a pair of gloves located in the hose
compartment of the cartridge D.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
stop the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic where
you can change the wheel safely. The
car must be stopped in a lay-by,
car-park or parking or service area, and
the ground must be as level as possible
and sufficiently compact;
switch off the engine, pull up the
handbrake and engage the 1stgear or
reverse. Make sure that any passengers
get out of the car and go to a safe
place where they will not obstruct traffic
or be exposed to the risk of injury.
Wear the reflective safety jacket
(compulsory by law) before getting out
of the car;
Insert the cartridge A fig. 130
containing the sealant in the proper
compartment of the compressor B,
pressing it down hard. Remove the
adhesive speed label C and apply it in a
visible position;
wear the gloves;
remove the cap from the tyre valve
and connect and firmly tighten the
transparent tube of the sealing fluid D
fig. 130. If a 250 ml cartridge is present
the housing of the transparent tube is
provided with removable ring to
facilitate extraction. Make sure that the
ON-OFF button F fig. 132 is in the off
position (button not pressed);
insert the electrical connector E fig.
131 in the 12 V current socket of the
car and start the engine;
operate the compressor by pressing
the ON-OFF button F fig. 132. When
the pressure shown in the "Wheels"
paragraph in the “Technical data”
chapter or on the specific label appears
on the pressure gauge G, stop the
compressor by pressing the ON-OFF
button again;
disconnect the cartridge A fig. 133
from the compressor, by pressing
the release button H and lifting the
cartridge upwards.
130F0Y0624C
131F0Y0625C
132F0Y0626C
133F0Y0627C
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IN AN EMERGENCY

If the pressure gauge G fig. 132
indicates a pressure lower than 1.8 bar
/ 26 psi 15 minutes after starting the
compressor, switch off the compressor,
disconnect the sealing fluid tube D fig.
130 from the tyre valve and remove
the cartridge A from the compressor.
Move the car by approximately 10
metres to allow the distribution of the
sealant. Stop the vehicle safely, operate
the handbrake and restore pressure
using the black inflation pipe L fig. 134
to reach the required pressure. If also
in this case, the pressure is lower
than 1.8 bar / 26 psi 15 minutes after
turning on, do not resume driving
but contact a Fiat Dealership.
After driving for about 8 km / 5 miles
fig. 135, move the car to a safe and
suitable area and engage the
handbrake. Take the compressor and
restore pressure using the black
inflation tube L fig. 134.If the pressure shown is higher than 1.8
bar / 26 psi, restore the pressure and
drive safely to a Fiat Dealership as soon
as possible. If, however, the pressure
is lower than 1.8 bar / 26 psi, do not
resume driving but contact a Fiat
Dealership.
INFLATION PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
stop the car safely, as described
above, and operate the handbrake;
extract the black inflation tube and
screw it firmly onto the tyre valve. Then
follow the instructions below.
Press the air release button M fig. 132
to adjust any excessive tyre pressure.CARTRIDGE
REPLACEMENT
Proceed as follows:
only use original cartridges, which
can be purchased from the Fiat
Dealership;
to remove the cartridge, press the
release button and lift it (see description
above).
WARNING
130)WARNING Do not exceed 80 km/h.
Avoid sudden acceleration or braking. The
kit provides a temporary repair, therefore
the tyre must be examined and repaired by
a specialist as soon as possible. Before
using the kit, ensure that the tyre is not
excessively damaged and that the rim is in
good condition, otherwise do not use it
and call roadside assistance. Do not
remove foreign bodies from the tyre. Do
not let the compressor turned on for more
than 20 consecutive minutes - overheating
hazard.
131)The information required by the
applicable regulation is indicated on the
Fix&Go kit package label. Carefully read the
label on the cartridge before use, avoid
improper use. The kit should be used by
adults and cannot be used by children.
134F0Y0629C
135F0Y0628C
129

Cable disconnection
Once the engine has been started,
remove the cables proceeding as
follows:
disconnect the end of the cable
used for negative (–) from the engine
earth of the car with flat battery;
disconnect the other end of the
cable used for negative (–) from the
negative terminal (–) of the auxiliary
battery;
disconnect the end of the cable
used for positive (+) from the positive
terminal (+) of the auxiliary battery;
disconnect one end of the cable
used for positive (+) from the positive
terminal (+) of the car with flat battery.
If it is often necessary to perform a
jump starting, have the car battery and
the recharging system checked by a
Fiat Dealership.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake
servo and electric power steering are
not active until the engine is started. A
much greater effort will therefore be
required to use the brake pedal or turn
the steering wheel.IMPORTANT Any accessories (e.g.
mobile phones, etc.) connected to the
vehicle power sockets draw current
even if they are not used. These
devices, if left connected too much time
with engine off, may cause the battery
to drain with following reduction of
its life and/or failure to start the engine.
WARNING
140)Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury. Scarves, ties and other
loose clothing might be pulled by moving
parts.
141)Remove any metal objects (e.g. rings,
watches, bracelets), that might cause an
accidental electrical contact and cause
serious injury.
142)The batteries contain acid that can
burn skin or eyes. Batteries produce
hydrogen, which is easily flammable and
explosive. Thus keep away flames or
devices which may cause sparks.
143)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
WARNING
67)Do not connect the cable to the
negative terminal (–) of the flat battery. The
following spark could lead to battery
explosion and cause serious harm. Only
use the specific earth point; do not use any
other exposed metallic part.
68)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
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IN AN EMERGENCY

SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions. For this
reason, Fiat has planned a series of
checks and services at fixed distance
intervals and, where provided, at fixed
time intervals, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each coupon however you
always need to pay attention to what is
written in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check liquid
levels, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all
Fiat Dealerships according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in
addition to the ones scheduled, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out with
the owner's explicit agreement only.
If your car is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one scheduled
servicing operation and the next should
be reduced.IMPORTANT The Scheduled Servicing
coupons are prescribed by the
Manufacturer. Failure to carry them out
can cause the guarantee to decline. It is
advisable to inform a Fiat Dealership of
any small operating irregularities without
waiting for the next scheduled service
deadline.PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 kmor before long trips
check and, if necessary, top up:engine coolant level;
brake fluid level;
windscreen washer fluid level;
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of windscreen washer/
wiper system and positioning/wear of
rear window wiper blades.
Every3,000km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.For 0.9
TwinAir Turbo versionsevery3,000
km check the engine oil level and
top it up to the maximum level, if
necessary.
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SERVICING AND CARE

DEMANDING USE OF THE
CAR
If the vehicle is used in one of the
following conditions:
law enforcement (or security
service), taxi service;
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling 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
Service Schedule:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect conditions of:
engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes)
and rubber elements (gaiters/sleeves/
bushes, etc.);
check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter;
check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
149

SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN (petrol version)
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/8 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from
the first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary; check the
expiry date of the “Fix&Go Automatic”
repair kit (for versions/markets, where
provided)●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, boot,
passenger compartment, glove
compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid
levels (engine coolant, hydraulic
clutch/brakes, windscreen washer,
battery, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check exhaust emissions●●●●●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management systems
operation, emissions and, for
versions/markets, where provided,
engine oil degradation●●●●●●●●●●
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SERVICING AND CARE

Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Replace the spark plugs (3)●●●●●
Change the brake fluid (4)●●●●●
Replace filter inside the pressure
regulator (LPG versions only)●
Replace paper filter (LPG in gaseous
state) (LPG versions only)●●●●●
Replace the accessory drive belt(s)(5)
(3) For 0.9 TwinAir Turbo 105 HP versions, to guarantee correct operation and prevent serious damage to the engine, it is essential to proceed as follows: only use
spark plugs specifically certified for these engines; all spark plugs should be of the same type and brand (see the "Engine" paragraph in the "Technical
specifications" chapter); strictly comply with the spark plugs replacement intervals in the Scheduled Servicing Plan. It is advisable to contact a FIAT Dealership
for plug replacement.
(4) The brake fluid replacement has to be done every two years, irrespective of the mileage
(5) Areas that are not dusty: recommended maximum distance 120,000 km. The belt must be replaced every 6 years, regardless of distance travelled. Dusty areas
and/or demanding use of the vehicle (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling): advised maximum mileage 60,000 km. Regardless of the mileage, the belt
must be replaced every 4 years.
154
SERVICING AND CARE

SERVICE SCHEDULE (Diesel versions)
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/6 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from
the first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Thousands of kilometres 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary; check “Fix&Go
Automatic” kit recharge expiry date
(for versions/markets, where provided)●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, boot,
passenger compartment, glove
compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid
levels (engine coolant, hydraulic
clutch/brakes, windscreen washer,
battery, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check exhaust emissions●●●●●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management systems
operation, emissions and, for
versions/markets, where provided,
engine oil degradation●●●●●●●●●●
156
SERVICING AND CARE

Thousands of miles 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Thousands of kilometres 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Years12345678910
Replace the accessory drive belt(s)(4)
Replace timing drive belt (excluding
1.3 16V Multijet versions)(4)
Replace fuel filter cartridge (5)●●●
Replace the air filter cartridge (6)●●●●●
Change the brake fluid (7)●●●●●
Replace the passenger compartment
filter (6) (O) (●)
●●●●●
(4) Areas that are not dusty: recommended maximum distance 120,000 km. The belt must be replaced every 6 years, regardless of distance travelled. Dusty areas
and/or demanding use of the vehicle (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling): advised maximum mileage 60,000 km. Regardless of the mileage, the belt
must be replaced every 4 years.
(5) If the car runs on fuel with quality below the relevant European specification, this filter must be replaced every 20,000 km
(6) If the car is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 20,000 km.
(7) The brake fluid replacement has to be done every two years, irrespective of the mileage
(O) Recommended operations
(●) Obligatory operations
159