FIAT IDEA 2007 1.G Owners Manual

WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW/HEADLIGHT WASHER
FLUID
To top up, remove the cap (A) and then pour a mixture of water and
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35, in the following concentrations:
❒30% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 and 70% water in summer;
❒50% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 and 50% water in winter.
In case of temperatures below –20°C, use undiluted TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC 35.
Check level through the reservoir.
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WARNINGDo not travel with the windscreen washer reservoir empty: the windscreen washer
is fundamental for improving visibility.
WARNINGCertain commercial additives for windscreen washers are inflammable. The engine
compartment contains hot components which may set it on fire.

BRAKE FLUID
Unscrew cap: check that the fluid level in the reservoir is at maximum.
Fluid level in the reservoir shall not exceed the MAXmark.
If fluid has to be added, it is suggested to use the brake fluid in table
"Fluids and lubricants" (see chapter "Technical characteristics").
NOTE Clean accurately the tank cap and the surrounding surface.
At plug opening, pay maximum attention in order to prevent any
impurities from entering the tank.
For topping up, always use a funnel with integrated filter with mesh equal to or lower than 0.12 mm.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs moisture, for this reason, if the vehicle is mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should be replaced at more frequent intervals than specified in the “Service
schedule”.
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Make sure that the highly corrosive brake fluid does not drip onto the paintwork. If it does, wash it
off immediately with water.
Symbol πon the container indicates synthetic brake fluid, distinguishing it from
the mineral kind. Using mineral fluids irreversibly damages the special braking
system rubber seals.WARNING
WARNINGBrake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive. In the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts involved immediately with neutral soap and water, then rinse
thoroughly. Call the doctor immediately if the fluid is swallowed.

DIESEL FUEL FILTER
(“green filter”)
DRAINING THE CONDENSE (diesel versions)
IMPORTANT The presence of water in the fuel circuit
may cause serious damage to the entire injection
system and cause irregular engine operation. If the
warning light
cturns on (or on certain versions, adedicated message is shown on the reconfigurable
multifunction display) contact a Fiat Dealership as soon
as possible to have the bleeding operation carried out.
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WARNINGThe presence of water in the fuel circuit may cause serious damage to the entire
injection system and cause irregular engine operation. If the warning light
cturns
on (or on certain versions, a dedicated message is shown on the reconfigurable
multifunction display) contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to have the
bleeding operation carried out. Should the above indications take place after
refuelling, water has probably been poured into the tank: turn the engine off
immediately and contact a Fiat Dealership.

BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited maintenance” type: under normal conditions
of use the electrolyte does not need topping up with distilled water.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
The battery charge may be checked satisfactorily through the inspection slot
using the indicator (where fitted) and acting according to the colour the
indicator shows.
If the battery is not fitted with electrolyte level indicator, the relevant
checks must only be carried out by authorised personnel.
To check the battery charge, slacken the two fastening screws and open
the cover. Check the battery charge and then reclose the cover, take
care to prevent pinching and short circuits.
Refer to the table below or to the label on the battery (see figure).
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Bright white colour
Dark colour
without green area in the centre
Dark colour
with green area in the centreTop up electrolyte
Low charge level
Electrolyte level and charge sufficientContact Fiat Dealership
Charge the battery (advisable to con-
tact Fiat Dealership)
No action
WARNING
The liquid in the battery is poisonous and corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes and
skin. Do not bring naked flames or possible sources of sparks near to the battery:
risk of fire and explosion.WARNING
Running the battery with low fluid level can damage the battery beyond repair and
could also cause its explosion.

CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a genuine spare
part having the same specifications.If a battery with different specifications is fitted, the
service intervals given in the “Service schedule” in this
section will no longer be valid. Refer to the
instructions provided by the battery manufacturer.
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WARNING
If the car is left inactive for long periods at cold, remove the battery and store it in
a warm place to prevent freezing.WARNING
When working on the battery or near it, always wear the proper goggles. Batteries contain substances that are very harmful for the environment. You are advised to have the
battery changed at a Fiat Dealership, which is properly equipped for disposing of used batteries
respecting nature and the law.
Incorrect fitting of electrical and electronic accessories can seriously damage the car.
If after buying the car, you want to install electric accessories which require permanent electric
supply (alarm, free-hand phone kit, etc.) contact Fiat Dealership whose qualified personnel, in
addition to suggesting the most suitable devices, will evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the car’s electric system is capable of withstanding the load required, or whether
it should be integrated with a more powerful battery.

USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF YOUR
BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and lengthen its life,
observe the following indications:
❒when you park the car, ensure the doors, tailgate
and bonnet are closed properly;
❒the ceiling lights must be off. The car is however
provided with an automatic system for switching off
internal lights;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g.: sound system, hazard
lights, etc.) switched on for a long time when the
engine is not running;
❒before performing any operation on the electrical
system, disconnect the battery negative cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be perfectly
tightened.IMPORTANT A battery which is kept at a charge of
less than 50% (optical indicator with dark colour
without green area in the middle) for any length of
time will be damaged by sulphation leading to a
reduction in cranking power. Moreover, this might
lead to a higher risk of the battery electrolyte freezing
(this may even occur at -10°C).
If the car is left inactive for a long period of time, refer
to “Car inactivity”, in section “Correct use of the car”.
If after buying the car, you want to install electric
accessories which require permanent electric supply
(alarm, free-hands set, etc.) contact Fiat Dealership
whose qualified personnel, in addition to suggesting
the most suitable devices of the Lineaccessori Fiat, will
evaluate the overall electric absorption, checking
whether the car’s electric system is capable of
withstanding the load required, or whether it should
be integrated with a more powerful battery.
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In fact, since these devices continue absorbing energy
even when the ignition key is off, they gradually run
down the battery.The total intake of these systems (factory and after-
market) must be less than 0.6 mA x Ah (of the
battery) as shown in the following table:
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Battery Maximum admitted stand-by intake
40 Ah 24 mA
44 Ah 27 mA
50 Ah 30 mA

WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including the spare, every two weeks
and before long journeys. The pressure should be checked with the tyre
rested and cold.
For the correct tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in “Technical
specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear:
(A): normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
(B): low pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges.
(C): high pressure: tread particularly worn in the centre.
Tyres must be replaced when the tread wears down to 1.6 mm. In any
case, comply with the laws in the country where the car is being driven.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒As far as possible, avoid sharp braking and screech starts, etc. Be
careful not to hit the kerb, potholes or other obstacles hard. Driving
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;
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❒Avoid overloading the vehicle when travelling: this
may cause serious damage to the wheels and tyres;
❒If a tyre is punctured, stop immediately and change
it to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim, suspensions
and steering system;
❒Tyres age even if they are not used much. Cracks
in the tread rubber are a sign of ageing. In any case,
if the tyres have been on the car for over 6 years,
they should be checked by specialised personnel, to
see if they can still be used. Also remember to
check the spare wheel;
❒In the case of replacement, always fit new tyres,
avoiding those of dubious origin;
❒If a tyre is changed, also change the inflation valve;
❒To allow even wear between the front and rear
tyres, it is advisable to change them over every 10-
15 thousand kilometres, keeping them on the same
side of the car so as to not reverse the direction of
rotation.
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Never submit alloy rims to repainting treatments requiring to use temperatures
exceeding 150°C since the mechanical properties of the wheels could be impaired.WARNING
If the pressure is too low the tyre overheats and this can cause it serious damage.
WARNINGRemember that road holding depends also on the correct tyre inflating pressure.
WARNINGDo not cross switch the tyres, moving them from the right of the car to the left and
vice versa.

RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber hoses are
concerned, carefully follow the “Service schedule” in
this section.
Indeed ozone, high temperatures and prolonged lack
of fluid in the system may cause hardening and
cracking of the hoses, with possible leaks. Careful
control is therefore necessary.
WINDSCREEN/
REAR WINDOW WIPERS
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using special
products; TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 is
recommended.
If the rubber blades are bent or worn they should be
replaced. In any case they should be changed once a
year.
A few simple notions can reduce the possibility of
damage to the blades:
❒if the temperature fall below zero, make sure that
ice has not frozen the rubber against glass. If
necessary, thaw using an antifreeze product;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in addition to
protecting the blades, this prevents effort on the
motor and overheating;
❒do not operate the windscreen and rear window
wipers on dry glass.
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WARNINGDriving with worn wiper blades is a serious hazard, because visibility is reduced in
bad weather.