SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE -> DEALER SERVICE for Your Fiat 500 C 2 Door Second Generation (2016-2020)

230 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Checking Oil Level  
CAUTION!  
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be  
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at  
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to  
check the engine oil level is approximately five minutes  
after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil  
level before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.  
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will give  
you an incorrect reading.  
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the  
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can lead  
to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil tempera-  
ture. This loss of oil pressure and increased oil tem-  
perature could damage your engine.  
Adding Washer Fluid  
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the  
engine compartment, and the fluid level should be checked  
at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer  
solvent (not engine coolant/ antifreeze). Refer to “Engine  
Compartment” in this section for further information.  
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and  
approximately five minutes after a fully warmed engine is  
shut off, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.  
Maintain the oil level between the range markings on the  
dipstick. The safe range is indicated by a crosshatch zone.  
Adding 1 quart (1 Liter) of oil when the reading is at the  
low end of the indicated range will result in the oil level at  
the full end of the indicator range.  
WARNING!  
Commercially available windshield washer solvents  
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care  
must be exercised when filling or working around the  
washer solution.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 231  
Maintenance-Free Battery  
WARNING! (Continued)  
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain  
lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.  
The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that  
should not be disconnected and should only be  
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).  
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.  
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-  
nance required.  
WARNING!  
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can  
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to  
contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over  
a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in  
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with  
large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump Starting  
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further  
information.  
Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame  
or sparks away from the battery. Do not use a booster  
battery or any other booster source with an output  
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to  
touch each other.  
CAUTION!  
It is essential when replacing the cables on the  
battery that the positive cable is attached to the  
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the  
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)  
and negative (-) and are identified on the battery  
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal  
posts and free of corrosion.  
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the  
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before  
connecting the charger to the battery. Do not use a  
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.  
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(Continued)  
232 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
DEALER SERVICE  
Engine Oil  
An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,  
special tools, and equipment to perform all service opera-  
tions in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available  
which include detailed service information for your ve-  
hicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any  
procedure yourself.  
Change Engine Oil  
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is  
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.  
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for further information.  
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change inter-  
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or  
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The  
350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a  
concern for fleet customers.  
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-  
tems may void your warranty and could result in civil  
penalties being assessed against you.  
Engine Oil Selection — 1.4L LA Engine  
WARNING!  
For best performance and maximum protection under all  
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-  
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the  
requirements of FCA Material Standard FPW9.55535-G1.  
You can be badly injured working on or around a  
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you  
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you  
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service  
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 233  
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil  
Identification Symbol  
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 1.4L LA Engine  
SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to FCA Material Standard  
FPW9.55535-G1 such as Pennzoil, Shell Helix or equivalent  
is recommended for all operating temperatures. This en-  
gine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel  
economy.  
This symbol means that the oil has  
been certified by the American Pe-  
troleum Institute (API). The manu-  
facturer only recommends API Cer-  
tified engine oils.  
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended  
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on  
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-  
ment” in this section.  
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20,  
0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine  
oils.  
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certifi-  
cation mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number  
should not be used.  
8
CAUTION!  
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the  
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not  
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.  
Synthetic Engine Oils  
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-  
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-  
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are  
followed.  
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine oil  
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade  
number should not be used.  
234 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Materials Added To Engine Oil  
Engine Air Cleaner Filter  
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addi-  
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the  
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its  
performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.  
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the  
proper maintenance intervals.  
NOTE: Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”  
maintenance interval if applicable.  
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters  
WARNING!  
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and  
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,  
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the  
environment. Contact an authorized dealer, service station  
or governmental agency for advice on how and where used  
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.  
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can  
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine  
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air  
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary  
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is  
near the engine compartment before starting the ve-  
hicle with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,  
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in serious  
personal injury.  
Engine Oil Filter  
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at  
every engine oil change.  
Engine Oil Filter Selection  
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection  
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-  
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The  
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only  
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient  
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality oil filters  
and are recommended.  
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters varies  
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to  
assure most efficient service. Mopar engine air cleaner  
filters are a high quality filter and are recommended.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 235  
Air Conditioner Maintenance  
CAUTION!  
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should  
be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer at the  
start of each warm season. This service should include  
cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.  
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.  
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning  
system as the chemicals can damage your air condition-  
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the  
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.  
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling R134a —  
If Equipped  
WARNING!  
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants ap-  
proved by the manufacturer for your air conditioning  
system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flam-  
mable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap-  
proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the sys-  
tem to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to  
Warranty Information Book, located in your owner’s  
information kit, for further warranty information.  
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant un-  
der high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or  
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any  
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be  
done by an experienced technician.  
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-  
carbon (HFC) that is an ozone-saving product. However,  
the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning ser-  
vice be performed by authorized dealer or other service  
facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.  
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NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C system PAG  
compressor oil and refrigerants.  
236 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling — R–1234yf  
The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet on the  
lower right of center console. Perform the following pro-  
cedure to replace the filter:  
R–1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluo-  
roolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by the Environmental  
Protection Agency and is an ozone-friendly substance with  
a low global-warming potential. The manufacturer recom-  
mends that air conditioning service be performed by an  
authorized dealer using recovery and recycling equipment.  
1. Remove the Torx screw that secures the passenger side  
console closeout cover.  
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C system  
PAG compressor oil, and refrigerants.  
A/C Air Filter  
WARNING!  
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the vehicle is  
running, or while the ignition is in the ACC or ON/  
RUN mode. With the cabin air filter removed and the  
blower operating, the blower can contact hands and  
may propel dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in  
personal injury.  
Torx Screw Location  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 237  
2. Pull the console closeout cover rearward to disengage  
the front retaining tab and remove the cover.  
3. Remove the two 5.5 mm screws (1 and 2) that secure the  
particulate air filter cover to the HVAC housing.  
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Console Closeout Panel  
Air Filter Cover Screw Locations  
238 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
4. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight out of the  
housing. Take note of the air filter position indicators.  
6. Install the passenger side console closeout.  
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-  
nance intervals.  
Body Lubrication  
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as  
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,  
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be  
lubricated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as  
Mopar Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation  
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the applica-  
tion of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped  
clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil  
and grease should be removed. Particular attention should  
also be given to hood latching components to ensure  
proper function. When performing other underhood ser-  
vices, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch  
should be cleaned and lubricated.  
A/C Air Filter  
5. Install the A/C air filter with the air filter position  
indicators pointing in the same direction as removal.  
CAUTION!  
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a  
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small  
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar Lock  
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.  
The cabin air filter is identified with an arrow to  
indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure to  
properly install the filter will result in the need to  
replace it more often.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 239  
Windshield Wiper Blades  
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected  
periodically, not just when wiper performance problems  
are experienced. This inspection should include the follow-  
ing points:  
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the  
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a  
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations  
of salt or road film.  
Wear or uneven edges  
Foreign material  
Hardening or cracking  
Deformation or fatigue  
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may  
cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer  
fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a  
dry windshield.  
If a wiper blade or wiper arm is damaged, replace the  
affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not  
attempt to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged.  
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from  
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with  
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.  
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NOTE: Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending  
on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor perfor-  
mance of blades may be present with chattering, marks,  
water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions are  
present, clean the wiper blades or replace as necessary.  
240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Rear Wiper Blade Removal/Installation  
3. Grab the bottom of the wiper blade and rotate it forward  
to unsnap the blade pivot pin from the wiper blade  
holder.  
1. Lift the pivot cap on the rear wiper arm upward, this  
will allow the rear wiper blade to be raised off of the  
liftgate glass.  
Removing The Wiper Blade  
1 — Wiper Blade  
2 — Blade Pivot Pin  
3 — Wiper Arm  
4 — Wiper Blade Holder  
Lifting The Pivot Cap  
1 — Wiper Arm  
2 — Pivot Cap  
4. Install the wiper blade pivot pin into the wiper blade  
holder at the end of the wiper arm, and firmly press the  
wiper blade until it snaps into place.  
NOTE: The rear wiper arm cannot be raised fully upward  
unless the pivot cap is raised first.  
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot cap into  
place.  
2. Lift the rear wiper arm upward to raise the wiper blade  
off of the liftgate glass.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 241  
Exhaust System  
WARNING! (Continued)  
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the  
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust  
system.  
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over  
materials that can burn. Such materials might be  
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust  
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas  
where your exhaust system can contact anything that  
can burn.  
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;  
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;  
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;  
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-  
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-  
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or  
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into  
the passenger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust  
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-  
cation or oil change. Replace as required.  
CAUTION!  
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded  
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-  
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device  
and may seriously reduce engine performance and  
cause serious damage to the engine.  
8
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your  
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.  
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly  
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of  
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.  
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe  
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,  
resulting in possible damage to the converter and  
vehicle.  
WARNING!  
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon  
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.  
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can  
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer  
to “Safety Tips” in “Safety” for further information.  
(Continued)  
242 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter  
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to  
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst  
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.  
Cooling System  
WARNING!  
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine  
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If  
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,  
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time  
to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure cap  
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.  
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from  
the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The  
fan starts automatically and may start at any time,  
whether the engine is running or not.  
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-  
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against  
you.  
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning  
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and  
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the  
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,  
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,  
should be obtained immediately.  
When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-  
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the  
OFF mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can  
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.  
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:  
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in  
gear and the vehicle is in motion.  
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the  
Coolant Checks  
vehicle.  
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12  
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-  
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in  
Do not idle the engine with any ignition components  
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic  
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle  
or malfunctioning operating conditions.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 243  
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and  
refilled with fresh engine coolant (antifreeze). Check the  
front of the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs,  
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a  
garden hose vertically down the face of the condenser.  
NOTE:  
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than speci-  
fied Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant  
(antifreeze), may result in engine damage and may  
decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Tech-  
nology (OAT) engine coolant is different and should not  
be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology  
(HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally  
compatible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine  
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system  
in an emergency, the cooling system will need to be  
drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT coolant  
(conforming to MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as  
soon as possible.  
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill  
NOTE: Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant  
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to  
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed to  
be added to the system please contact an authorized dealer.  
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible  
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with  
OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS.90032).  
8
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant  
(antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors  
or antirust products, as they may not be compatible with  
the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.  
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the  
proper maintenance intervals.  
Selection Of Coolant  
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-  
tions” for further information.  
This vehicle has not been designed for use with propyl-  
ene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze). Use of  
propylene glycolbased engine coolant (antifreeze) is not  
recommended.  
244 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-  
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to  
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed  
to be added to the system please contact an authorized  
dealer.  
Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant  
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard  
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations  
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34°F (−37°C)  
are anticipated. Please contact an authorized dealer for  
assistance.  
Adding Coolant  
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized  
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-  
freeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will  
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine  
cooling system.  
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine  
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that allows  
extended maintenance intervals. This engine coolant (anti-  
freeze) can be used up to ten years or 150,000 miles  
(240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this  
extended maintenance period, it is important that you use  
the same engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to  
MS.90032) throughout the life of your vehicle.  
NOTE:  
It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper  
level of protection against freezing according to the  
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is  
operated.  
Please review these recommendations for using Organic  
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze)  
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard  
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):  
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-  
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to  
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed  
to be added to the system, please contact a local autho-  
rized dealer.  
We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10  
Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT (Organic  
Additive Technology) that meets the requirements of  
FCA Material Standard MS.90032.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 245  
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-  
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If  
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have  
a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT  
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as possible.  
WARNING! (Continued)  
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-  
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine  
damage may result.  
Cooling System Pressure Cap  
Disposal Of Used Coolant  
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine  
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant  
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant  
expansion bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.  
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-  
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your  
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your  
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,  
do not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open contain-  
ers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If  
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance  
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.  
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any  
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.  
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WARNING!  
Coolant Level  
Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add  
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-  
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an  
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up  
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,  
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is  
hot or under pressure.  
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual  
method for determining that the coolant level is adequate.  
With the engine off and cold, the level of the coolant  
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the “MAX” and  
“MIN” lines marked on the bottle.  
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,  
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.  
(Continued)  
246 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
When additional coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain  
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.  
Do not overfill.  
If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are  
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested  
for leaks.  
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a  
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)  
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your  
engine which contains aluminum components.  
See an authorized dealer for service.  
Points To Remember  
NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/  
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming  
from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally  
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity  
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when  
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-  
freeze) to enter the radiator.  
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is  
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the  
condenser clean.  
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter  
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY  
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in  
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,  
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.  
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no  
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be  
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.  
Brake System  
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.  
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake  
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer  
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper  
maintenance intervals.  
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the  
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)  
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion  
bottle must also be protected against freezing.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 247  
WARNING!  
WARNING!  
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-  
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding  
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake  
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible  
brake damage. You would not have your full braking  
capacity in an emergency.  
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.  
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical  
Specifications” for further information. Using the  
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your  
brake system and/or impair its performance. The  
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also  
identified on the original factory installed hydraulic  
master cylinder reservoir.  
Brake Master Cylinder  
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-  
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been  
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-  
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in  
a open container absorbs moisture from the air  
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it  
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-  
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could  
result in a collision.  
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in  
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the  
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage  
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to  
avoid its contact with these surfaces.  
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when  
performing under hood services or immediately if the  
“Brake Warning Light” is illuminated.  
8
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before  
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid  
level up to the requirements described on the brake fluid  
reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to  
fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be  
checked when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level  
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.  
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer  
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”  
for further information.  
(Continued)  
248 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Frequency Of Fluid Change  
WARNING! (Continued)  
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at  
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of  
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless lubri-  
cant has become contaminated with water.  
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate  
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be  
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.  
This could result in a collision.  
NOTE: If contaminated with water, the fluid should be  
changed immediately.  
Manual Transmission — If Equipped  
Lubricant Selection  
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped  
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission  
fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical  
Specifications” for further information.  
Selection Of Lubricant  
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to  
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use  
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer  
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”  
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the  
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-  
mended fluid.  
Please see an authorized dealer for service.  
Fluid Level Check  
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid  
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a  
point not more than 3/16 inch (4.7 mm) below the bottom  
of the hole.  
NOTE: No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-  
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.  
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.  
Please see an authorized dealer for service.  
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 249  
Fluid Level Check  
CAUTION!  
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require  
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine  
fluid level checks are not required; therefore the transmis-  
sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your  
transmission fluid level using special service tools. If you  
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit an  
authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission  
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an im-  
proper fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.  
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-  
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in  
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter  
shudder. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-  
cal Specifications” for fluid specifications.  
Special Additives  
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any  
special additives in the transmission.  
CAUTION!  
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered  
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-  
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives  
to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the  
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using  
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.  
8
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized  
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may  
occur. An authorized dealer has the proper tools to  
adjust the fluid level accurately.  
Fluid And Filter Changes  
CAUTION!  
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at  
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life  
of the vehicle.  
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as  
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-  
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle  
Limited Warranty.