brake fluid FIAT STRADA 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

BRAKE FLUID LOW
(red) / HANDBRAKE
ENGAGED (red)
When the key is turned to
MAR, the warning light switches on
but should switch off after a few
seconds.
Brake fluid low
The warning light switches 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, the display shows
a dedicated message.
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
The warning light switches on
together with (where the instrument
panel permits) a specific message
and/or acoustic signal. These
indications are precautionary and as
such must not be considered as
exhaustive and/or alternative to the
information contained in the Owner
Handbook, which you are advised to
read carefully in all cases. Always
refer to the information in this
section in the event of a failure
indication.
IMPORTANT The failure indications
displayed are divided into two
categories: very serious and less
serious faults.
Very serious faults prompt a
prolonged cycle of signals.
Less serious faults prompt a shorter
cycle of signals.Warning lights (or the symbol on
the display) on the instrument panel
will stay on until the cause of the
failure is eliminated.
If the
xwarning light
switches on when
travelling (together with the
message on the display on
certain versions), stop the
vehicle immediately and
contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
x
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when
the handbrake is engaged.
On certain versions, if the vehicle is
in motion, the warning light switches
on together with an acoustic signal.
IMPORTANT If the warning light
switches on when travelling, check
that the handbrake is not engaged.
45
045-094 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 23-01-2012 9:10 Pagina 45

When the ABS
intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do
not raise your foot, but keep it
pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of
space possible depending on
the current road conditions.
WARNING
If the ABS system
intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of
the tyres on the road is nearing
its limit. You must slow down
to a speed compatible with the
available traction.
WARNING
The ABS gets the most
from the available grip,
but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every
care when driving on slippery
surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
WARNING
FAULT INDICATIONS
ABS failure
This is indicated by the >warning
light switching on in the instrument
panel (together with a message on
the display on some versions) (see
“Warning lights and messages”
section).
In this case, the braking system will
still be effective, although without
the extra capacity offered by the
ABS system. Drive carefully to the
nearest Fiat Dealership to have the
system checked. EBD failure
This is indicated by the >and x
warning lights switching on in the
instrument panel (together with a
message on the display on some
versions) (see “Warning lights and
messages” section).
In this case, the rear wheels may
suddenly lock and the vehicle may
swerve when braking sharply.
Therefore, drive very cautiously to
the nearest Fiat Dealership to have
the system checked.
If only the xwarning
light switches on in the
instrument panel (together
with a message on the display
on some versions), stop the
vehicle immediately and
contact the nearest Fiat
Dealership. Leakage of
hydraulic fluid from the
braking system will
compromise the operation of
the braking system, whether it
is of the conventional type or
with ABS.
WARNING
81
045-094 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 23-01-2012 9:10 Pagina 81

108
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving downhill.
This could cause fuel to flow into
the catalytic converter and damage it
beyond repair.
IMPORTANT The brake servo and
power steering are not operational
until the engine has been started, so
you need to apply much more force
than usual to the brake pedal and
steering wheel.IF A TYRE IS
PUNCTURED
General instructions
To use the jack and
space-saver wheel
correctly, some
precautions are necessary,
described below.
Never use a quick
battery charger to start
the engine as this could
damage the electronic systems,
particularly the ignition and fuel
supply control units.
Incorrect positioning of
the jack may cause the
raised vehicle to fall. Do not
use the jack for loads greater
than that indicated on the jack
itself. The jack is only to be
used for replacing wheels on
the vehicle with which it is
provided. Never use the jack
for other purposes, such as
lifting other vehicles. Never use
the jack to carry out repairs
under the vehicle. Do not
grease the threads of bolts
before fitting them: they might
slip out.
WARNING
This procedure must be
performed by expert
personnel as incorrect actions
may cause high-intensity
electrical discharge.
Furthermore, battery fluid is
poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lit
cigarettes away from the
battery. Do not create sparks.
WARNING
107-132 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:52 Pagina 108

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

136
If the vehicle is driven mainly in towns, the engine oil and oil filter must be changed every
12 months.
21 42 63 84 105
35 70 105 140 175
24 48 72 96 120
●●
●●●●●
Thousands of miles
Thousands of kilometres
Months
Change engine oil and oil filter (versions with DPF) (*)
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)
Replace pollen filter (or every 24 months)
(*) The actual interval for changing the oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is
signalled by the warning light vor message (if present) on the instrument panel or, in any case, every 24 months.
133-154 STRADA LUM GB 1ed 9-01-2012 14:53 Pagina 136

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

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

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

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