General A newbie to the 'Panda Party!' - What's under my bonnet? (pics included)

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General A newbie to the 'Panda Party!' - What's under my bonnet? (pics included)

Lady Eleganza

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Hi all! First time Panda Eleganza owner here (first time 'any car' owner, in fact!), popping in to say hello, and to ask my first new owner question to enable me to do all my fluid checks & top ups correctly before embarking on a big trip to Wales:

Q. "What can be found, and where, under my bonnet?!" :confused: What I can see doesn't match the diagrams in my Panda manual, and I'm worried about making a rookie mistake and filling up the wrong reservoir with the wrong fluid!

1st pic - Whole engine bay
_DSC3532.JPG

The top right reservoir cap mentions 'Dot 4' fluid - this would be for brakes, right?
And the top left reservoir cap also mentions a 'Dot' fluid (Can't pick it out from the photo, but I remember it not being 'Dot 4') - what would this fluid be for?


2nd Pic - Coolant reservoir?
_DSC3535.JPG

I know where the oil is, and the windscreen wash is the lower reservoir with the tiny blue cap. I'm fairly sure that the remaining reservoir with the bright blue and yellow cap must be for the coolant - is this correct?

If so, my issue with this reservoir is that it's reeeally difficult to actually see any hint of the coolant level, since the plastic is such a thick opaque white, and the reservoir body itself is awkwardly placed / not very accessible.. Any tips on how best to spot the coolant? :shrug: I'm making the assumption that the two rigid lines on the reservoir are the Min / Max fill lines...


If anyone's read this far and can help share some pointers, "Thank you, thank you!" :D
 
The small reserve is for the hydraulic clutch. It uses brake fluid to operate the clutch when you press the pedal.
 
I have the same problem checking coolant level and have resorted to a homemade dipstick
 
Last edited:
A small funnel to help fill the screen wash is also a good idea - it's very awkward.

The Haynes manual for the Panda is quite helpful if you're planning on tackling the basics.
 
Hi all! First time Panda Eleganza owner here (first time 'any car' owner, in fact!), popping in to say hello, and to ask my first new owner question to enable me to do all my fluid checks & top ups correctly before embarking on a big trip to Wales:

Q. "What can be found, and where, under my bonnet?!" :confused: What I can see doesn't match the diagrams in my Panda manual, and I'm worried about making a rookie mistake and filling up the wrong reservoir with the wrong fluid!

1st pic - Whole engine bay
View attachment 169762

The top right reservoir cap mentions 'Dot 4' fluid - this would be for brakes, right?
And the top left reservoir cap also mentions a 'Dot' fluid (Can't pick it out from the photo, but I remember it not being 'Dot 4') - what would this fluid be for?


2nd Pic - Coolant reservoir?
View attachment 169763

I know where the oil is, and the windscreen wash is the lower reservoir with the tiny blue cap. I'm fairly sure that the remaining reservoir with the bright blue and yellow cap must be for the coolant - is this correct?

If so, my issue with this reservoir is that it's reeeally difficult to actually see any hint of the coolant level, since the plastic is such a thick opaque white, and the reservoir body itself is awkwardly placed / not very accessible.. Any tips on how best to spot the coolant? :shrug: I'm making the assumption that the two rigid lines on the reservoir are the Min / Max fill lines...


If anyone's read this far and can help share some pointers, "Thank you, thank you!" :D

Hi, and welcome to FF,:)

fluids;
REAR -
YELLOW CAP on white pot = Brakes - DOT4

WHITE CAP on WHITE pot = Clutch - DOT4

Front -

Small PUSH BLUE cap = Screenwash ( funnel is a good idea) tank is BIG and near RH wheel,
you can see the level by crouching looking at engine area from under front of panda. filler next is narrow and FROTH will pour out as approaching FULL

Large Screw-on BLUE cap ( Yellow Pericolo - Danger label) = Antifreeze / Coolant ,
this is the radiator expansion tank ,

easiest way to see the level is as my previous posts, ;)

Charlie 2004 Panda 1.1 Active
 
Wow, thank you so much for all of your responses - I really very much appreciate it. (y)

Actually, I've a confession; when considering which car to get, and narrowing it down to a half a dozen (including the Panda), it was stumbling upon this forum and the community spirit and positivity you guys have at extolling the virtues of these little characterful cars which helped swing my decision. It seems like a great, welcoming community you've got here!

I've topped her up with coolant and fuel, and the Eleganza is enjoying a very contented sleep until next we drive. :)
 
Welcome to Fiat Forum!

Any question you have, search for and if you can't find the answer be sure to ask.

Also if you have more questions about anything on your Panda a picture or video as you've done already is a great way to let everyone help!

Very helpful when diagnosing problems, finding parts and all sorts!
 
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