FIAT STRADA 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

139
ENGINE OIL fig. 153
Engine oil level checkCheck the oil level a few minutes
(about 5) after the engine has
stopped, with the vehicle parked on
level ground.
Take out the engine oil dipstick
A-fig. 153, clean it and then fully
reinsert it, take it out again and
check that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the
dipstick. The interval between MIN
and MAX corresponds to about
1 litre of oil.
AB
fig. 153
F0X0137m
Always top up using
engine oil of the same
specifications as that
already in the engine.
Be very careful when
working in the engine
compartment when the engine
is hot: you may get burned.
Remember that the fan may
start up if the engine is hot:
this could injure you. Scarves,
ties and other loose clothing
may be pulled by moving parts.
WARNING
Topping up the engine oil
If the oil level is near or under the
MIN mark, add oil through the filler
B-fig. 153 until it reaches the MAX
mark.
The oil level must never exceed the
MAX mark.
IMPORTANT If the engine oil level,
after a routine check, is above the
MAX level, contact a Fiat Dealership
to have the correct level restored.
IMPORTANT After adding or
changing the oil, let the engine turn
over for a few seconds and wait a
few minutes after stopping it before
you check the level.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 139

140
When the vehicle is used in
particularly harsh weather
conditions, we recommend using a
60-40 mixture of PARAFLU
UPand
demineralised water.
fig. 154
F0X0138m
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
The maximum engine oil
consumption is usually 400 grams
every 1000 km.
When the vehicle is new, the engine
needs to be run in, therefore the
engine oil consumption can only be
considered stabilised after the first
5,000–6,000 km.
IMPORTANT The oil consumption
depends on the driving style and the
conditions under which the vehicle is
used.ENGINE COOLANT fig. 154
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must be
above the MIN mark on the
reservoir.
If the level is low, slowly pour a
mixture of 50% demineralised water
and 50% PARAFLU
UPby PETRONAS
LUBRICANTS through the filler A
until the level is nearly at MAX.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU
UPand
distilled water gives freeze
protection to –35°C.
Used engine oil and the
oil filter contain harmful
substances for the
environment. It is advisable to
have oil and filters changed by a
Fiat Dealership, where they will
be disposed of properly and in
accordance with the law.
The engine cooling
system uses PARAFLUUP
protective antifreeze
fluid. Use fluid of the same type
contained in the cooling system
for any top-ups. PARAFLU
UP
cannot be mixed with any other
type of fluid. If this happens, do
not under any circumstances
start the engine and contact a
Fiat Dealership.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 140

141
WINDSCREEN WASHER
FLUID fig. 155
To add fluid, remove the cap and
pour in a mixture of water and
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35
fluid in the following proportions:
– 30% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC35 and 70% water in summer.
– 50% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC35 and 50% water in winter.
At temperatures below –20°C, use
undiluted TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC35 fluid.
fig. 155
F0X0139m
Do not remove the cap
of the tank when the
engine is hot as there is a risk
of scalding. The cooling system
is pressurised. If the cap needs
replacing, do so with another
original or the effectiveness of
the system may be
compromised.
WARNING
Some commercial
windscreen washer
additives are flammable. The
engine compartment contains
hot parts which could cause a
fire if they come into contact
with these additives.
WARNING
Do not travel if the
windscreen washer
reservoir is empty: using the
windscreen washer is essential
for improving visibility.
WARNING
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 141

142
POWER STEERING FLUID
fig. 156
Check that the oil level with the
vehicle on flat ground and the engine
cold is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
The level may exceed the MAX
mark when the oil is hot.
If topping up is required, make sure
the oil you use has the same
specifications as that already in the
system.BRAKE FLUID fig. 157
Unscrew the cap A-fig. 157 and
check that the liquid contained in the
reservoir is at the maximum level.
The fluid level in the reservoir must
not exceed the MAX mark.
You are advised to use the brake
fluid shown in the “Fluids and
lubricants” table (see section
“Technical Specifications”) to top up.
When opening the cap A, make sure
that no dirt gets into the reservoir.
For topping up, always use a funnel
with integrated filter with mesh
equal to or lower than 0.12 mm.
fig. 157
F0X0141m
fig. 156
F0X0140m
Power steering fluid
consumption is
extremely low; if
another top-up is required
afteronly a short period of time,
have the system checked for
leaks at a Fiat Dealership.
Prevent power steering
fluid from coming into
contact with hot engine parts:
it is flammable.
WARNING
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 142

143
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is
hygroscopic (i.e. it 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 Scheduled Servicing Plan.AIR CLEANER
Air cleaner replacement must be
carried out at a Fiat Dealership.
POLLEN FILTER
Pollen filter replacement must be
carried out at a Fiat Dealership.
The symbol πon the
container indicates
synthetic brake fluid,
distinguishing it from the
mineral kind. Use of a mineral
type fluid will damage the
special rubber seals of the
braking system beyond repair.
WARNING
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 143

144
DIESEL FILTER fig. 158
DRAINING CONDENSATION
fig. 158
F0X0142m
fig. 159
F0X0143m
BATTERY
The battery is “limited maintenance”
type: under normal conditions of
use, the electrolyte does not need
topping up with distilled water.
It does, however, need to be
checked periodically at a Fiat
Dealership or by specialist personnel
to make sure it is working correctly.
The presence of water in
the supply circuit may
cause severe damage to
the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the
cwarning light switches on,
contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible to have the
system bled. If this problem is
indicated immediately after
refueling, water may have
entered the fuel tank. In this
case, stop the engine
immediately and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
Dispose of the
diesel/water mixture
discharged by the filter
correctly. You are advised to
contact a Fiat Dealership to
drain the condensation. They
are equipped to dispose of it in
full respect of the environment
and in compliance with legal
regulations.
The bleeding operation,
if not carried out
correctly taking the necessary
precautions, may compromise
the driving safety of the vehicle
as well as leading to dangerous
fuel leaks.
WARNING
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 144

145
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with
an original spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different
specifications is fitted, the service
intervals given in the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan” will no longer be
valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s
instructions for maintenance.
Battery liquid is
poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with
skin and eyes. Keep naked
flames and sources of sparks
away from the battery: risk of
explosion and fire.
WARNING
Using the battery with
insufficient battery fluid
may irreparably damage the
battery and may cause an
explosion.
WARNING
When performing any
operation on the
battery or near it, always
protect your eyes with special
goggles.
WARNING
Incorrect assembly of
electrical and electronic
devices may cause
severe damage to your vehicle.
Contact a Fiat Dealership if you
want to install accessories after
purchasing the vehicle (alarms,
radiophone, etc.): they will
suggest the most suitable
devices and advise you whether
a higher capacity battery needs
to be installed.
If the vehicle will be
unused for an extended
period of time in
extremely cold weather
conditions, remove the battery
and store it in a heated area to
prevent it from freezing.
Batteries contain
substances which are very
dangerous for the
environment. To replace your
battery, we recommend
contacting a Fiat Dealership to
dispose of your old battery in full
respect of the environment and in
compliance with legal regulations.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 145

146
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery
rapidily and maintain its efficiency
over time, carefully observe the
following instructions:
– when you park the vehicle, ensure
that the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly, to prevent
any roof lights from remaining on
inside the passenger
compartment;
– switch off all roof lights inside the
vehicle: the vehicle is however
equipped with a system which
switches all internal lights off
automatically;
– do not keep accessories (e.g. car
radio, hazard warning lights, etc.)
switched on for a long time when
the engine is not running;
– before performing any operation
on the electrical system,
disconnect the negative battery
cable;– fully tighten the battery terminals.
IMPORTANT If the battery remains
with the charge below 50% for a
long time it becomes damaged
through sulphation and its starting
capacity is reduced.
The battery is also more prone to
the risk of freezing (at temperatures
as high as -10°C).
Refer to the paragraph “Vehicle
inactivity” in the “Correct use of the
vehicle” section if the vehicle is left
parked for a long time.If, after buying the vehicle, you want
to install electrical accessories which
require permanent electric supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories that in
any case burden the electrical
supply, contact a Fiat Dealership,
whose qualified personnel, in
addition to suggesting the most
suitable devices from Lineaccessori
Fiat, will evaluate the overall
electrical consumption, checking
whether the vehicle’s electrical
system is capable of withstanding the
load required, or whether it should
be integrated with a more powerful
battery.
Since some of these devices
continue to consume electricity even
when the engine is off, they gradually
run down the battery.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 146

147
ABC
fig. 160
F0X0144m
WHEELS AND TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Check the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver wheel,
approximately every two weeks and
before long journeys: the pressure
should be checked with the tyre
rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to
increase when the vehicle is used;
for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see “Wheels” in the
“Technical specifications” section.Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 160:
A - Normal pressure: tread evenly
worn.
B - Low pressure: tread particularly
worn at the edges.
C - High pressure: tread particularly
worn in the centre.Remember that the
road holding qualities
of your vehicle also depend on
the correct inflation pressure
of the tyres.
WARNING
If the pressure is too
low the tyre overheats
and can be seriously damaged.
WARNING
The tyres must be replaced when
the tread is less than 1.6 mm thick.
In any case, comply with the laws in
force in the country where you are
driving.
IMPORTANT
Avoid sharp braking, racing starts
etc. where possible.
In particular, avoid striking the kerb,
potholes or other obstacles
violently. 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. Contact a Fiat Dealership if
required.
Avoid overloading the car when
travelling: this may cause serious
damage to the wheels and tyres.
If you have a puncture, stop
immediately and change the tyre, so
that the tyre itself, the rim, the
suspension and the steering are not
damaged.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 147

148
Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread and on
the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. In
any event, have the tyres checked by
specialised personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than 6 years,
so that they can determine whether
they can still be used. Remember to
check the spare wheel with
particular care.
Always fit new replacement tyres.
Do not use any of dubious origin.
The Fiat Strada uses tubeless tyres.
Do not use inner tubes with these
tyres.
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 vehicle so as
not to reverse the direction of
rotation.RUBBER HOSES
For the rubber hoses of the brake,
power steering and supply system,
follow the Scheduled Servicing Plan
precisely. Ozone, high temperatures
and prolonged lack of fluid in the
system may cause hardening and
cracking of the hoses, with possible
leaks. Careful checking is therefore
necessary.Do not switch tyres
from the right hand side
of the vehicle to the left hand
side, and vice versa.
WARNING
Do not re coat alloy
wheel rims at
temperatures above 150°C. The
mechanical characteristics of
the wheels could be
compromised.
WARNING
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 148