Fiat 500X Owner's Handbook Manual page 158

Replacing the battery
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the same
specifications. Follow the battery
Manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
Useful advice for extending
the life of your battery
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
❒ when you park the vehicle, ensure
that the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly, to prevent any 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 interior lights off automatically;
❒ do not keep accessories (e.g. 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.
156
If, after purchasing the vehicle, you wish
to install electrical accessories which
require permanent electrical supply (e.g.
alarm, etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact a Fiat Dealership,
whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
65)
IMPORTANT After the battery is
disconnected, the steering must be
initialised. The warning light on the
instrument panel (or symbol on the
display) switches on to indicate this. To
carry out this procedure, simply turn
the steering wheel all the way from one
end to the other or drive in a straight
line for about a hundred metres.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery
is damaged by sulphation, reducing
its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery is also more prone to the
risk of freezing (at temperatures of
-10°C). Refer to the "Vehicle inactivity"
paragraph in "Starting and driving"
chapter if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time.
WARNING
156) Never smoke when performing
operations in the engine compartment.
Flammable gases and fumes may be
present and risk igniting.
157) Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine
is hot: you may get burned.
158) If the engine oil is being topped up,
wait for the engine to cool down before
loosening the filler plug, particularly for
vehicles with aluminium plug (where
provided). CAUTION: risk of burns!
159) The cooling system is pressurised. If
the cap needs replacing, do so with
another original or the effectiveness of the
system may be compromised. Do not
remove the cap from the reservoir when
the engine is hot: danger of scalding.
160) Do not travel if the windscreen washer
reservoir is empty: using the windscreen
washer is essential for improving visibility.
Repeated operation of the system without
fluid could damage or cause rapid
deterioration of some system components.
161) Certain commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluids are inflammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may set it on fire.
162) Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. In the case of swallowing
immediately call a doctor.