change FIAT BARCHETTA 2003 1.G Owner's Manual

119
Used engine oil and re-
placed oil filters contain
substances that can harm
the environment. We recom-
mend you have the car seen to at
a Fiat Dealership for the oil and
filter change. It is suitably
equipped for disposing of used oil
and filters in an environmentally-
friendly way that complies with
the law.ENGINE COOLANT SYSTEM
fig. 3If there is not enough coolant, pour
a 50-50 mixture of distilled water and
a PARAFLU
11liquid of FL Selenia
slowly through the filler hole in the
reservoir.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU
11
and distilled water gives freeze pro-
tection to –35° C. Do not add oil with dif-
ferent specifications from
the oil already in the en-
gine.
IMPORTANT After adding or
changing the oil, let the engine turn
over for a few seconds and wait a few
minutes after turning it off before you
check the level.
fig. 3
P5S00613m
The coolant level must be checked
while the engine is cold and must not
be below the MINmark on the reser-
voir.
Do not take the cap of the
reservoir off when the en-
gine is very hot as you run the risk
of scalding yourself.
WARNING
The cooling system is under
pressure. When changing
the cap, use only genuine spare
parts to avoid damaging the sys-
tem.
WARNING

122
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hy-
groscopic (meaning it absorbs humid-
ity). This is why the fluid should be
changed more frequently than shown
in the Service Schedule if the car is
mainly driven in areas with a high per-
centage of humidity in the air.AIR CLEANER
REPLACEMENT fig. 7
Unscrew knob A, remove the cap
and pull out the filter element Bto be
replaced.
Have the filter element replaced at
a Fiat Dealership.
fig. 7
P5S00719m
Brake fluid is poisonous
and very corrosive. In the
event of accidental contact, wash
the effected part with water and
mild soap and rinse. If the fluid is
swallowed, call a doctor immedi-
ately.
WARNING
The symbol πon the con-
tainer indicates synthetic
type brake fluid distinguishing it
from the mineral kind. Using min-
eral type fluids damages the special
rubber braking system gaskets be-
yond repair.
WARNING

123
If the vehicle is to stand
for a long time in the cold,
remove the battery and
store it in a warm place to avoid
it freezing.
BATTERY
The Fiat barchetta’s battery is of the
“Limited Maintenance” type: under
normal conditions, it requires no top-
ping up with distilled water.
The level of the battery liquid (elec-
trolyte) should be between the two
marks on the battery when the car is
parked on level ground.
If the level is lower than the MIN
mark fig. 8 have the car seen to
at a Fiat Dealership.
Running the battery on
low electrolyte can dam-
age the battery beyond
repair, crack the casing and spill
all the liquid.
For the recharging of the battery, see
the “In an emergency” section.
fig. 8
P5S00690m
POLLEN FILTER
(where fitted)
Have the filter changed at the fre-
quency specified in the Service Sched-
ule.
Have the change made at a Fiat
Dealership.
IMPORTANTIf the car is often
used in dusty or extremely polluted
environments, you should change the
filter more frequently. It should be
changed especially if the amount of air
introduced into the passenger com-
partment has decreased.
The liquid in the battery is
poisonous and corrosive.
Do not let it touch the skin or eyes.
Do not bring naked flames or pos-
sible sources of sparks near to the
battery: fire and explosion risk.
WARNING

124
USEFUL ADVICE
FOR LENGTHENING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
When you park the car, ensure the
doors, boot and bonnet are closed
properly. The courtesy light must be
off.
Do not keep accessories (e.g. radio,
hazard lights etc.) switched on for a
long time when the engine is not run-
ning.
IMPORTANT A battery which is
kept at a charge of less than 50% for
any length of time will be damaged by
sulphation leading to a reduction in
cranking power and a higher risk of
the battery electrolyte freezing (this
may even occur at –10°C).
If the car is inactive for a long peri-
od of time, refer to “Storing the car”
in the “Driving your car” chapter.If, after purchasing your car you
would like to add electrical accessories
that require a permanent power sup-
ply (alarm systems, hands-free phone,
radio navigator with satellite anti-theft
system, etc.), visit a Fiat Dealership.
The staff of experts, besides suggest-
ing the most suitable accessories in the
Lineaccessori range, will also check
whether the car electrical system can
support the required load or if a larg-
er size battery needs to be installed.
These devices will, in fact, run off the
battery even when the key is not in-
serted (car parked) and can deploy the
battery.
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the car.Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have the
battery changed at a Fiat Dealer-
ship. It is properly equipped for
disposing of used batteries in an
environmentally-friendly way that
complies with the law.
Do not attempt to recharge
a frozen battery. Thaw it
first otherwise it could explode. If
the battery froze, make sure the in-
ternal elements are not broken
(short-circuit risk) and that the cas-
ing is not cracked (risk of spilling
the poisonous and corrosive fluid).
WARNING

126
WHEELS
AND TYRES
TYRES PRESSURE
Every two weeks and before long
journeys, check the pressure of each
tyre including the spare.
The pressure must be checked when
the tyre is rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to rise
when you are driving. If you have to
check or restore the pressure when
the tyres are warm remember that the
pressure value must be 0.3 bar above
the specified value.
SPARK PLUGS
The cleanness and soundness of the
spark plugs fig. 9are very important
for keeping the engine efficient and
polluting emissions down.
The appearance of the spark plug, if
examined by an expert eye, is a good
way of pin-pointing a malfunction even
if it has nothing to do with the ignition
system. Therefore, if the engine has
problems, it is important to have the
spark plugs checked at a Fiat Deal-
ership.The spark plugs must be
changed at the times
specified in the Service
Schedule. Only use the type of
plugs indicated: if the heat ratio
is less than required or the life
specified is not guaranteed, prob-
lems can arise.
fig. 9
P5S00684m
Spark plug (type)
Champion RC10YCC
NGK BKR6EZ
Tyre pressure must be cor-
rect to ensure good road
holding.
WARNING

127
Wrong pressure causes uneven wear
of the tyresfig. 10:
A- Correct pressure: tyre wears
evenly.
B- Underinflated tyre: shoulder
tread wear.
C- Overinflated tyre: centre tread
wear.If you get a flat tyre, stop immediately
and change it so as not to damage the
tyre, the wheel, the suspension and
the steering.
Tyres age even if they are not used
very much. Cracking of the tread rub-
ber and the side-walls are a sign of this
ageing. In any case, if the tyres have
been fitted for more than six years
they should be examined by an expert
who can judge whether they are still
fit for use. Remember to check the
spare tyre particularly carefully too.
If a replacement is necessary, always
use new tyres and avoid using ones the
origin of which you are not certain
about.
The Fiat barchetta uses Tubeless
tyres. Under no circumstances use an
inner tube with these tyres.
If you replace a tyre it is a good idea
to change the inflation valve, too. Tyres must be replaced when the
tread wears down to 1.6 mm. Comply
with the laws in the country where the
car is being driven.
IMPORTANT
As far as possible avoid sharp brak-
ing and screech starts.
Be careful not to hit the pavement,
potholes or other obstacles hard. Dri-
ving for long stretches over bumpy
roads can damage the tyres.
Periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear. If any
of these occur, have the car seen to at
a Fiat Dealership.
Avoid travelling with an overloaded
car: this can seriously damage wheels
or tyres.
fig. 10
P5S00685m
If the pressure is too low
the tyre overheats and this
can cause it serious damage.
WARNING

128
RUBBER TUBING
Follow the Service Schedule careful-
ly in the case of the braking, power
steering and fuel supply systems' rub-
ber hoses. Ozone, high temperatures
and long absence of liquid in the sys-
tem can in fact cause the hardening
and cracking of the hoses with possi-
ble losses of fluid. A careful check is
therefore essential.
WINDSCREEN
WIPER
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part
with suitable liquid; TUTELA PRO-
FESSIONAL SC 35is recommend-
ed.
Change the blades if the rubber edge
is warped or worn out. You should in
any case change them approximately
once a year. To ensure the front and rear tyres all
wear evenly, you are advised to change
the tyres over every 10-15 thousand
kilometres (6-10 thousand miles)
keeping them on the same side of the
car so as not to reverse the direction
of rotation.
Do not change the tyres
over in criss-cross fashion
by moving a tyre from the left hand
side of the car to the right and vice
versa.
WARNING
Travelling with worn wiper
blades is dangerous be-
cause it reduces visibility in bad
weather.
WARNING

OIL CHANGE?
THE EXPERTS
RECOMMEND
SELENIA.
The car you have just bought was built
with the latest FL Group lubricant tech-
nology.
You will find Selenia at all FL Group ap-
pointed dealers the next time you need
to change the oil in your car.
35,000 motoring experts all over
Europe recommend Selenia as be-
ing the best protection for your
car’s engine.
ASK YOUR SERVICE
MANAGER FOR SELENIA.

Dedicated to the new generation of engines, the high
levels of chemical stability that are characteristic of
Selenia 20K result in an extended oil change interval
of up to 20,000 km, guaranteeing long lasting engine
cleaning.
SELENIA 20K COMPARATIVE PRODUCT
(*) ASTM D445
The engine in your new car was developed with
Selenia 20K, a synthetic-base oil which meets with
the most advanced international specifications.
Selenia 20K enhances the characteristics of the en-
gine guaranteeing optimum performance and maxi-
mum protection.
SELENIA 20K
Top quality fuel economy API SJ specification oil, for
normally aspirated, turbocharged or multi-valve petrol
engines. It saves up to 2% on fuel and gives maximum
stability at high temperatures.
SELENIA PERFORMER
Specific oil for optimum petrol engine operation in
particularly severe climate conditions (startup as low
as –35°C).USED OIL ANALYSIS:
INCREASE IN VISCOSITY AT 40°C (*)
SELENIA THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR YOUR CAR
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2500 0 5000 7500 10000 12500 15000 17500 20000 %
km
SELENIA. FOR THE HEART THAT BEATS IN YOUR ENGINE
Non disperdere l’olio usato nell’ambiente. Per informazioni telefonare al numero verde 800/863048