Fiat Punto: Battery

Fiat Punto Owners Manual

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).

Bright white colour	Top up electrolyte	Contact Fiat Dealership
Dark colour without green area in the centre	Low charge level	Charge the battery (advisable to contact Fiat Dealership)
Dark colour with green area in the centre	Electrolyte level and charge sufficient	No action

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.

Running the battery with low fluid level can damage the battery beyond repair and could also cause its explosion.

CHANGING THE BATTERY

If required, replace the battery with a genuine spare part having the same specifications.

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 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 a warm place to prevent freezing.

When working on the battery or near it, always wear the proper goggles.

USEFUL ADVICE FOR LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF YOUR 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;
• do not keep accessories (e.g.: sound system, hazard lights, etc.) switched on for a long time when the engine is not running;
• 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).

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.

In fact, since these devices continue absorbing energy even when the ignition key is off, they gradually run down the battery.

The total intake of these systems (factory and aftermarket) must be less than 0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery) as shown in the following table: