2020 Fiat 124 Spider Engine Oil and Fluids
The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is a sporty convertible automobile that embodies Italian automotive design and engineering. The engine oil and fluids are one of the essential parts that keep this amazing vehicle running properly. We’ll delve into the significance of engine oil and fluids in this introduction in order to preserve the functionality and durability of the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. The lifeblood of any car’s engine is engine oil, and the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is no different. The appropriate engine oil is crucial for maintaining the performance of this roadster’s lively and effective engine. It reduces friction and heat generation by lubricating the engine’s moving parts and aids in maintaining ideal operating temperatures. Additionally, it is essential for halting wear and tear, giving a longer lifespan for the engine in your Fiat 124 Spider.
Other than engine oil, many fluids are equally essential to the overall efficiency and safety of the vehicle. For instance, the transmission fluid is in charge of ensuring that gears move smoothly and that power is transferred from the engine to the wheels. Your braking system’s efficiency and safety are ensured by brake fluid, while coolant controls engine temperature to prevent overheating. Maintaining these fluids properly, including routine inspections, replacements, and top-ups as necessary, is essential to keeping your 2020 Fiat 124 Spider operating at full efficiency. Missing out on these vital fluids might result in diminished performance, lower efficiency, and even long-term damage. In this manual, we’ll go over the particular fluids your Fiat 124 Spider needs, the best times to change them, and how crucial it is to follow these instructions. Understanding the relevance of engine oil and fluids will help you appreciate the amazing driving experience that the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider has to offer, whether you’re a proud owner of this Italian classic or considering joining the ranks.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Checking Levels
- Window Washer Reservoir
- Engine Oil Dipstick
- Engine Oil Cap
- Engine Coolant Reservoir
- Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir Cap
- Battery
Engine Oil
WARNING
- Be very careful when working in the engine compartment when the engine is hot: you may get burned.
- Do not get too close to the radiator cooling fan: the electric fan may start; danger of injury.
- Loose clothing might be pulled by moving parts.
Recommended Oil
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech-nical Specifications” for further information.
Inspecting engine oil level
Proceed as follows:
- Be sure the vehicle is on a level surface.
- Warm up the engine to normal operatin g temperature.
- Turn the engine off and wait at least fiv e minutes for the oil to return to the sump.
- Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, an d reinsert it fully.
Engine Compartment
- Engine Oil Dipstick
- Engine Oil Cap
- Pull the dipstick out again and examin e the level. The level is normal if it is between Low and Full. If it is near o r below Low, open the engine oil cap an d add enough oil to bring the level to Full.
NOTE:
Do not overfill the engine oil. This may caus e engine damage. - Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick i s positioned properly before reinserting the dipstick.
- Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine Oil Consumption
During the initial period of use the engine oil consumption conditions should stabilize after the first 3,000 – 3,500 miles (5,000 –6,000 km).
Engine Coolant
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, d o not open the hood until the radiator ha s had time to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator o r 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.
- When working near the radiator cooling fan, disconnect the fan motor lead o r turn the ignition to the OFF mode. Th e fan is temperature controlled and ca n start at any time the ignition is in the O N mode.
Inspecting Coolant Level
NOTE:
Changing the coolant should be done by a n authorized dealer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and coolant level in the coolant reservoir at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before traveling where temperatures ma y drop below freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of all cooling system and heater hoses. Replace any that are worn or deteriorated.
WARNING
- Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-heated engine. Heat causes pressure t o build up in the cooling system. T o prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
- Do not use a pressure cap other than the one specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine damage may result.
The coolant should be at full in the radiator and between the F (Full) and L (Low) mark s on the coolant reservoir when the engine i s cool.
Coolant Reservoir
If it is at or near L (Low), add coolant b y mixing a minimum solution of 50% Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate for FIA T Spider. Use higher concentrations (not t o exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34° F (−37°C) are anticipated. Bring the level to F (Full). Please contact an authorized dealer for assistance. Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tan k cap after adding coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or ne w coolant is required frequently, contact a n authorized dealer.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
- The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the same reservoir.
- Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir regularly.
- It should be kept between the MAX and MIN lines.
- The level normally drops with accumulated use, a condition associated wit h wear of brake and clutch linings. If it i s excessively low, have the brake/clutc h system inspected. Contact an authorize d dealer.
Brake Fluid Reservoir
WARNING
- Use only manufacturer’s recommende d 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 it s performance. The proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also identified o n the original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
- To avoid contamination from foreign matter or moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylinder 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 unexpect-edly during hard or prolonged braking, 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 take n to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
- 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.
Windshield And Headlight Washer Fluid
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid resevoir, open the cap and add fluid if necessary.
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Use plain water if washer fluid is unavail-able. But use only washer fluid in col d weather to prevent it from freezing.
Automatic Transmission Control Unit
The transmission oil level should only b e checked at an authorized dealer.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
- Keep it securely mounted.
- Keep the top clean and dry.
- Keep terminals and connections clean , tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
- Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
- If the vehicle will not be used for a n extended time, disconnect the battery leads and charge the battery every six weeks.
Battery Replacement
Contact an authorized dealer to purchase a replacement battery.
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.
- Battery posts, terminals, and relate d accessories contain lead and lea d compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Pressure Washing
CAUTION
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high pressure washer is not recommended . Precautions have been taken to safeguard all parts and connections however, the pressures generated by these machines i s such that complete protection against water ingress cannot be guaranteed.
FAQs
Full synthetic 5W-30 engine oil is generally used in the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider.
Every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first, Fiat advises changing the engine oil. However, it’s wise to consult your owner’s manual for more detailed advice.
Full synthetic oil is always recommended since it offers superior performance and protection, especially in high-performance engines like the 124 Spider’s.
With a filter replacement, the oil volume is normally in the range of 4.3 quarts (4.1 liters).
Through the settings menu of the car, you may typically reset the oil change indicator. For further information, consult your owner’s handbook.
Use a high-quality coolant with an ethylene glycol basis that is mixed 50/50 with purified water.
Regularly check the coolant level, especially before lengthy excursions. It’s a good idea to check it every time you change the oil.
For automatic transmissions and manual transmissions, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider normally uses automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Transmission fluid should typically be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for the majority of automobiles, though the intervals can vary. For further instructions, consult your owner’s handbook.
Use transmission fluid that is suggested by Fiat or that adheres to the manufacturer’s requirements if possible.
DOT 4 brake fluid is generally used in the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. To be sure, see your owner’s manual.
The owner’s manual or every two years is the suggested time frame for changing the brake fluid.
It is not a good idea to combine brake fluid from several brands. Use only one brand and one kind of brake fluid.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is commonly used as power steering fluid in the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. Check your owner’s manual to confirm this.
Check the power steering fluid level frequently, and top it off as necessary. Although there is no set period, it is a good habit to check while performing routine maintenance.
Useful Links
View full PDF: 2020 Fiat 124 Spider User Manual
2020 Fiat 124 Spider Specifications Guidelines