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CAR MAINTENANCE -> BATTERY for Your Fiat Punto SUV 1999-2010

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 through the indicator (where fitted)  
set on the battery cover 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).  
F0I0058m  
Bright white colour  
Top up electrolyte  
Low charge level  
Contact Fiat Dealership  
Dark colour  
without green area in the centre  
Charge the battery (advisable to  
contact Fiat Dealership)  
Dark colour  
Electrolyte level and charge sufficient  
No action  
with green area in the centre  
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  
WARNING  
Running the battery with low fluid level can damage the battery beyond repair and  
could also cause its explosion.  
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CHANGING THE BATTERY  
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  
If required, replace the battery with a genuine spare  
part having the same specifications.  
instructions provided by the battery manufacturer.  
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, sound system, 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.  
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.  
If the car is left inactive for long periods at cold, remove the battery and store it in  
WARNING  
WARNING  
.
a warm place to prevent freezing  
When working on the battery or near it, always wear the proper goggles.  
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USEFUL ADVICE FOR  
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF YOUR  
BATTERY  
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, 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.  
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;  
In fact, since these devices continue absorbing energy  
even when the ignition key is off, they gradually run  
down the battery.  
do not keep accessories (e.g.: sound system, hazard  
lights, etc.) switched on for a long time when the  
engine is not running;  
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:  
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).  
Battery  
Maximum admitted  
stand-by intake  
40 Ah  
44 Ah  
50 Ah  
24 mA  
27 mA  
30 mA  
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