battery FIAT STRADA 2012 Owner handbook (in English)
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FIAT, Model Year: 2012, Model line: STRADA, Model: FIAT STRADA 2012Pages: 187, PDF Size: 8.06 MB
Page 129 of 187

127
IF THE BATTERY 
RUNS DOWN
First of all, you are advised to
consult the “Vehicle maintenance”
section, which contains a list of
precautions to prevent the battery
from running down and ensure long
battery life.
RECHARGING THE BATTERY
IMPORTANT The battery
recharging procedure is given for
information purposes only. You are
advised to contact a Fiat Dealership
to have this operation performed.
Charging should be slow at a low
ampere rating for approximately 24
hours. Charging for a longer time
may damage the battery.To recharge, proceed as follows:
– disconnect the negative battery
terminal;
– connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the
polarity;
– switch on the charger;
– when it is recharged, turn the
charger off before disconnecting it
from the battery;
– reconnect the negative battery
terminal.
Battery fluid is
poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with
skin and eyes. The battery
should be charged in a well
ventilated place, away from
naked flames or possible
sources of sparks: danger of
explosion and fire.
WARNING
Do not attempt to
charge a frozen battery:
it must be thawed first,
otherwise it may explode. 
If freezing has occurred, the
battery should be checked by
skilled personnel to make sure
that the internal elements are
not damaged and that the
body is not cracked, with the
risk of leaking poisonous and
corrosive acid.
WARNING
107-132 STRADA LUM GB 1ed  9-01-2012  14:52  Pagina 127 
Page 136 of 187

21 42 63 84 105
35 70 105 140 175
24 48 72 96 120
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●
134
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN
Service coupons must be performed every 35,000 km.
Thousands of miles
Thousands of kilometres 
Months
Check battery charge status and recharge if necessary
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure, if required
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction 
indicators, hazard warning lights, passenger compartment, glove compartment, 
instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
Check operation of windscreen washer system and adjust jets 
if necessary
Check windscreen wiper blade position/wear
Check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, as well as 
cleanliness and lubrication of linkages
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, underbody protection, 
pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes), rubber 
elements (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads 
and operation of pad wear indicator
Check rear drum brake lining condition and wear
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed  9-01-2012  14:53  Pagina 134 
Page 137 of 187

135
Thousands of miles
Thousands of kilometres 
Months
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine coolant, 
hydraulic clutch/brakes, windscreen washer, battery, etc.)
Visual check of accessory drive belt(s) conditions 
(versions without automatic tensioner)
Check tension of accessory drive belt 
(versions without automatic tensioner)
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if required
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness
Check operation of engine management systems 
(using diagnosis socket)
Check manual gearbox oil level
Replace fuel filter cartridge (diesel versions)
Replace accessory drive belt(s)
Replace air cleaner cartridge
21 42 63 84 105
35 70 105 140 175
24 48 72 96 120
●●●●●
●
●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●
●
●●●●●
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed  9-01-2012  14:53  Pagina 135 
Page 139 of 187

137
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long
journeys, check and, if necessary, top
up the following:
– engine coolant level;
– brake fluid level;
– windscreen washer fluid level;
– tyre pressure and conditions;
– operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
– operation of windscreen
washer/wiper system and
position/wear of windscreen/rear
window wiper blades;
Every 3,000 km check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
You are advised to use PETRONAS
LUBRICANTS products, which have
been designed and produced
specifically for Fiat vehicles (see table
“Capacities” in the “Technical
specifications” section).
DEMANDING 
VEHICLE USE
If the vehicle is mostly used in one of
the following conditions:
– towing a trailer or caravan;
– dusty roads;
– short, repeated journeys (less
than 7-8 km) at sub-zero
temperatures;
– engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long
periods of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more frequently than indicated
in the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
– check front disc brake pad
conditions and wear;
– check cleanliness of bonnet and
boot locks, and cleanliness and
lubrication of linkages;– visually inspect the conditions of:
engine, gearbox, transmission,
pipes and hoses
(exhaust/fuel/brakes), rubber parts
(boots/sleeves/bushes, etc.);
– check battery charge and fluid
level (electrolyte);
– visually inspect the condition of
the accessory drive belts;
– check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
– check pollen filter and replace, if
required;
– check air cleaner and replace, if
required.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed  9-01-2012  14:53  Pagina 137 
Page 140 of 187

138
CHECKING LEVELS
Never smoke while
working in the engine
compartment: inflammable
gases and vapours may be
present, constituting a fire risk.
WARNING
When topping up, take
care not to mix up the
various types of fluids:
they are not compatible with
each other and could seriously
damage the vehicle.
fig. 152 - 1.3 Multijet 16Vversion
F0X0136m
1. engine oil - 2. battery - 3. brake fluid - 4. windscreen washer fluid - 
5. engine coolant - 6. power steering fluid - 7. diesel filter
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed  9-01-2012  14:53  Pagina 138 
Page 146 of 187

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 
Page 147 of 187

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 
Page 148 of 187

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 
Page 181 of 187

179
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
ABS ............................................................................................... 80
ABS system ................................................................................... 80
- fault indications ...................................................................... 81
Air cleaner .................................................................................... 143
Air diffusers .................................................................................. 56
Air vents ........................................................................................56
Airbags ........................................................................................... 82
- deactivation ........................................................................... 84
- driver ...................................................................................... 83
- important information ..................................................85-86-87
- passenger ............................................................................... 83
Ashtray............................................................................................ 68
Battery
- maintenance .......................................................................... 146
- recharging .............................................................................. 127
- replacement .......................................................................... 145
Bodywork
- bodywork type code ...........................................................157
- maintenance .......................................................................... 150
Bonnet ........................................................................................... 75
Brake fluid level............................................................................. 142
Brake lights
- bulb replacement............................................................118-119
Brakes
- fluid level ................................................................................ 142
- service and parking brakes ..........................................98-160
Bulb replacement.......................................................................... 113
Bulbs
- changing.............................................................................115-120
- general information.............................................................. 113- specifications.......................................................................... 114
- types ....................................................................................... 113
Capacities ...................................................................................... 168
Changing a wheel...................................................109-110-111-112
Chassis (marking) ........................................................................ 156
Chassis marking............................................................................ 156
Checking fluid levels.....................................................................138
Cigar lighter (power socket) ..............................................67-68
CO
2(exhaust emissions) ........................................................... 172
Compass ......................................................................................... 30
- recalibration .......................................................................... 31
Control buttons............................................................................ 32
Correct use of the vehicle.................................................. 95
Dashboard ...................................................................................12-13
Diesel filter (draining condensation) ....................................... 144
Diesel
- filter ........................................................................................ 144
- specification............................................................................ 168
Dimensions .............................................................................165-166
Dipped beam headlights
- bulb replacement ................................................................. 115
- control ..................................................................................... 60
Dipped headlights
- bulb replacement ................................................................. 115
- control ................................................................................... 60
Direction indicators
- control ................................................................................... 61
Direction indicators
- control ................................................................................... 61
155-184 STRADA LUM GB 1ed  20-01-2012  9:34  Pagina 179 
Page 185 of 187

Rear fog lights
- bulb replacement............................................................118-119
- control ..................................................................................... 64
Rear roof light
- bulb replacement ................................................................. 121
- control ..................................................................................... 67
Rear roof light
- bulb replacement ................................................................. 121
- control ..................................................................................... 67
Rear view mirrors
- door mirrors ..........................................................................19
- interior .................................................................................... 18
Refuelling........................................................................................ 92
- filling the tank......................................................................... 93
- fuel cap .................................................................................... 93
- saving....................................................................................... 102
Remote control battery (replacement) ................................... 10
Remote control ............................................................................ 8
- additional................................................................................. 9
- ministerial approval............................................................... 10
- replacing the battery ............................................................ 10
Rev counter .................................................................................. 29
Reversing lights
- bulb replacement............................................................118-119
Right stalk ....................................................................................... 60
Rim Protector (tyres) ................................................................. 162
Rims
- correct reading ..................................................................... 163
- specifications ......................................................................... 163
Roll and pitch meters
- pitch meter............................................................................. 30
- recalibrating the instruments ............................................ 31
- roll meter................................................................................30
Rubber tubes................................................................................. 148Scrappage ................................................................................. 171
Scrapping the vehicle................................................................... 173
Seat belts .......................................................................................20
- front ........................................................................................ 20
- general instructions .............................................................. 22
- height adjustment ................................................................. 20
- maintenance .......................................................................... 24
- rear ......................................................................................... 21
Seats
- adjusting ..................................................................................16-17
- cleaning ....................................................................................153
Set-up menu................................................................................... 34
Side lights
- control ..................................................................................... 61
- front bulb replacement ....................................................... 117
- rear bulb replacement..........................................................118
Snow chains .................................................................................. 104
Socket ............................................................................................. 67
Speed ratings (tyres) ................................................................... 162
Speedometer................................................................................. 27
Starting the engine ......................................................................95-96
- bump starting ........................................................................ 108
- ignition switch ....................................................................... 11
- jump starting ......................................................................... 107
Steering lock ................................................................................. 11
Steering wheel ...............................................................................18
Steering........................................................................................... 160
Sun visors ...................................................................................... 68
Sun visors ....................................................................................... 68
Sunroof........................................................................................... 71
Suspension...................................................................................... 160
Symbols........................................................................................... 7
183
155-184 STRADA LUM GB 1ed  20-01-2012  9:34  Pagina 183