VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
221
It is however wise to remember that Pro-
grammed Maintenance does not complete-
ly cover all the car’s requirements: also in
the initial period before the 20,000 km ser-
vice coupon and later, between one coupon
and another, ordinary care is still necessary
such as for example routinely checking and
topping up the level of fluids, checking the
tyre pressure, etc...
IMPORTANTThe Programmed Mainte-
nance coupons are specified by the Manu-
facturer. The failure to have them carried out
may invalidate the warranty.
The Programmed Maintenance service is
carried out by all Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vices, at pre-established times.If during each operation, in addition to the
ones programmed, the need arises for fur-
ther replacements or repairs, these may be
carried out only with the explicit agreement
of the customer.
IMPORTANTYou are advised to contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services in the event
of any minor operating faults, without wait-
ing for the next service coupon. SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct maintenance is determinate in en-
suring long vehicle life under the best con-
ditions.
This is why Alfa Romeo has programmed
a series of checks and maintenance opera-
tions every 20,000 km.
IMPORTANTOn versions fitted with re-
configurable multifunction display, at 2000
km from the maintenance deadline, the dis-
play will show “REFER TO SERVICE MANU-
AL” which is shown again turning the igni-
tion key to MAR, every 200 km. For fur-
ther details, see “Service” in the “Recon-
figurable multifunction display” paragraph.
V V
E E
H H
I I
C C
L L
E E
M M
A A
I I
N N
T T
E E
N N
A A
N N
C C
E E
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
225
IMPORTANT
Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy condi-
tions:
– trailer or caravan towing
– dusty roads
– frequently idling engines or long distance
low speed driving or in case of a long term
inactivity
– short distances (less than 7-8 km) re-
peated and with external temperatures be-
low zero replace engine oil more frequent-
ly than required on Service Schedule.
IMPORTANT
Air cleaner
Using the car on dusty roads change the
air cleaner more frequently than specified in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
For any doubts concerning the intervals be-
tween engine oil and air cleaner replacement
in relation to how the vehicle is used, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.IMPORTANT
Battery
It is advisable to check the battery charge,
preferably at the onset of winter, to prevent
the possibility of the electrolyte freezing.
This check should be carried out more fre-
quently if the car is used mainly for short
trips, or if it is fitted with accessories that
permanently absorb electricity even with the
ignition key removed, especially in the case
of after market accessories.
If the vehicle is used in hot climates or par-
ticularly harsh conditions it is wise to check
the level of the battery fluid (electrolyte)
more frequently than specified in the Sched-
uled Maintenance Programme.Vehicle maintenance should
be entrusted to Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. For
routine and minor maintenance op-
erations you wish to carry out your-
self, always make sure you have the
proper equipment, genuine Alfa
Romeo spares and the necessary flu-
ids;do not however carry out these
operations if you have no experi-
ence.IMPORTANT
Pollen filter
If the vehicle is used frequently in dusty or
heavily polluted environments it is advisable
to replace the filtering element more fre-
quently; in particular it should be replaced
if a reduction of the amount of air admitted
to the passenger compartment is noted.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
228
SELESPEED TRANSMISSION
OIL
(fig. 4)
The Selespeed transmission oil should be
checked with the vehicle on a level surface
and with the engine stopped and cold.
To check the level, proceed as follows:
– turn the ignition key to MAR;
– disconnect the breather tube and re-
move the cap (A) checking that the level
corresponds with the MAXmark on the dip-
stick integrated with the cap;– if the oil is below the MAXmark, top
up to reach the correct level;
– after refitting the cap, insert the breather
tube firmly on the housing on the cap and
turn the ignition key to STOP.
Used gearbox oil contains
dangerous substances for
the environment. For chang-
ing the oil we advise contacting Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Services who
are equipped for disposing of used
oil respecting nature and the law.Do not add oil with spec-
ifications other than that
already in the gearbox.
fig. 4
A0A00197m
Be very careful working in-
side the engine compart-
ment if the engine is hot: danger of
burns. Remember that the fan may
cut in if the engine is very hot: dan-
ger of injury.
WARNING
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
235
You are also reminded that services with
high current absorption switched on by the
user, such as for example: baby bottle warm-
ers, vacuum cleaner, mobile phone, mini
fridge, etc., quicken the battery draining
processif they are turned on with
the engine offor running at idle speed.
IMPORTANT When installing addition-
al systems on the vehicle, bear in mind that
improper branches on connections of the ve-
hicle wiring are dangerous, particularly if
safety devices are involved.
Battery
60 Ah
70 AhMaximum permissible
loadless absorption
36 mA
42 mA
The maximum absorption of all the ac-
cessories (standard and fitted afterwards)
should be 0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery), as
shown in the following table:CHANGING THE BATTERY
When changing the battery it should be re-
placed with another original one with the
same characteristics. If it is replaced by a
battery with different characteristics, the
maintenance intervals given in the Sched-
uled Maintenance Programme in this chap-
ter are no longer valid and for maintenance
it will be necessary to follow the battery
Manufacturer’s instructions.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid rapidly draining the battery and
ensure that it continues to work correctly,
the following should be noted:
– The terminals must always be firmly
tightened.
– Within reason, avoid using electrical de-
vices for a long time when the engine is
switched off (radio, hazard warning lights,
parking lights, etc.).– When the vehicle is parked in a garage,
ensure that the doors, bonnet, boot and in-
ner lids are closed properly so that the lights
do not stay on permanently.
– Before carrying out any work on the
electric system, disconnect the negative ca-
ble from the battery.
– If after buying the car, you wish to in-
stall electric accessories which require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, voice feature,
radionavigator with satellite antitheft func-
tion etc.) or accessories that burden the elec-
tric system, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
services whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices belonging to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
will evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding the load re-
quired, or whether it should be integrated
with a more powerful battery. In fact, as
some of these devices continue absorbing
energy even when the ignition key is off (car
stationary, engine off), they gradually drain
the battery.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
236
– Do not check for current in the cables by
short-circuiting the ends.
– If electric welding is to be carried out on
the body, remember to disconnect the elec-
tronic control units, or remove them if the
work involves high temperatures.ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNITS
With normal use of the vehicle. no partic-
ular precautions need to be taken.
In the event of work on the electric system
or emergency starting, the instructions giv-
en below must absolutely be adhered to:
– Always switch off the engine before dis-
connecting the battery from the electric sys-
tem.
– If it is necessary to charge the battery,
always disconnect it from the electric sys-
tem.
– When starting in an emergency, only
use an auxiliary battery and not a battery
charger.
– Check that the bias is correct and that
the connections between the battery and
the electric system are in efficient conditions.
– Before disconnecting or connecting the
terminals of electronic units, ensure that the
ignition key is not in the MARposition.
WHEELS AND TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Check the tyre pressure of every wheel, in-
cluding the spare.
The pressure should be checked with the
tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is in use. Should it become
necessary to restore the pressure with the
tyre hot, bear in mind that the pressure
should be +0.3 bar compared with the spec-
ified rating.
For the correct tyre inflation pressure, see
wheels in the “Technical Specifications”
chapter.
Alterations or repairs to
the electric system carried
out incorrectly and without taking
account of the specifications of the
system, may cause operating faults
with the risk of fire.
WARNING
Remember that vehicle
road holding also depends
on correct tyre inflation pressure.
WARNING
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
242
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS
– Remove dried on dirt with a lightly
moistened chamois leather or cloth with-
out pressing too hard.
– Remove liquid and grease stains with
a dry absorbent cloth without rubbing. Then
wipe with a soft cloth or chamois leather
with water and neutral soap. If the stain per-
sists, use specific products, carefully follow-
ing the instructions for use.
IMPORTANTNever use alcohol. Make
sure that cleaning products do not contain
alcohol and alcohol derivatives even at low
strength.
INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTS
Use appropriate products designed to pre-
serve the appearance of components.
IMPORTANTNever use spirit or petro-
leum to clean the instrument cluster. Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed, with-
out directing the jet against electronic con-
trol units. Contact a specialised workshop to
have this done.
INTERIOR FITTINGS
Periodically check that water is not trapped
under the mats (due to water dripping off
shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which could cause ox-
idisation of the sheet metal.
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the en-
gine compartment should
be washed in areas equipped for
collecting and purifying the liquid
used in the washing process.
IMPORTANTThe vehicle should washed
with the engine cold and the ignition key at
STOP. After washing make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
various covers) have not been damaged or
removed.CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS
– Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to
remove dust. Velvet is cleaned better if the
brush is moistened.
– Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral deter-
gent.
Never use inflammable
products like fuel oil ether
or rectified petrol for cleaning inside
the car. The electrostatic charges
generated when rubbing to clean
may cause fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in
the car. They might ex-
plode. Aerosol cans must never be
exposed to a temperature above
50°C. The temperature inside the
car exposed to the sun may go well
beyond that figure.
WARNING
RIGHT HAND DRIVE VERSION
260
DASHBOARD
1. Side swivel air vents - 2. Fixed side window air vents - 3. Passenger’s front Air bag - 4. Tailgate release button - 5. Card holder - 6. Radio -
7. Centre swivel air vents - 8. Fixed upper vent - 9. Glass holder - 10. Fog lamp button - 11. Hazard warning light switch - 12. Rear fog guard
button - 13. Outer light control lever - 14. Speedometer with mileage recorder and trip recorder and headlamp aiming display - 15. Fuel level
gauge with reserve warning light - 16. Multifunction display - 17. Engine coolant fluid temperature gauge - 18. Rev counter - 19. Wind-
screen/rearscreen wiper control lever - 20. Bonnet opening lever - 21. Set of controls: trip meter reset, headlamp aiming device, trip comput-
er - 22. Ignition key and switch - 23. Horn - 24. Steering wheel locking/release lever - 25. Driver’s front Air bag - 26. Door locking button -
27. Controls for heating, ventilation and climate control - 28. Ashtray - 29. Cigar lighter - 30. Temperature sensor - 31Glovebox.
fig. 1A0A0475m
RIGHT HAND DRIVE VERSION
262
RECONFIGURABLE MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY
CONTROL BUTTONS (fig. 3-4)
To make use of the information that the digital display (with the ignition key at MAR) is capable of providing, it is firstly necessary to familia-
rise with the corresponding control buttons, to be found on the panel at the side of the steering column and on the top of the right lever. You are
also advised to read through the corresponding description in the chapter “Getting to know your car” before doing anything at all.
Press for less than 1 second (pulse) indicated with
Tin the following dia-
grams to move to the next screen
Press for more than 4 seconds indicated with
Uin the following diagrams, to
reset and then start a new journey
To scroll the display and the related options, upwards or to increase the value
displayed depending on the case
To scroll the display and the related options, downwards or decrease the value
displayed according to the case Press for less than 1 second (pulse) indicated with
Qin the following dia-
grams to confirm the choice required and move to the next screen
Press for more than 2 seconds indicated with
Rin the following diagrams
to confirm the choice required and return to the standard screen
fig. 3
A0A0305m
fig. 4
A0A0021m
IMPORTANTButtonsâandãactivate different functions depending on the following
situations:
- When the standard screen is activated, they allow adjustment of the inner lighting
- Within the menu they allow scrolling up or down
- They make it possible to increase or decrease during setting operations.