2005 Alfa Romeo 147 Owner handbook (in English)

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
231
To avoid damaging the
pump motor, do not use
the windscreen/rearscreen
washers when the reservoir is
empty.
IMPORTANTBrake and hydraulic clutch
fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it absorbs moisture).
For this reason, if the car is mainly used in
areas with a high degree of atmospheric hu-
midity, the fluid should be replaced at more
frequent intervals than specified in the
Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN/
HEADLIGHT WASHER FLUID
(fig. 8)
Open the cap (A) and check the level in
the reservoir.
If necessary top up using a mixture of wa-
ter and TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC
35fluid as follows:
– 30% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 70% water in summer;
– 50% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 50% water in winter;
– in the case of temperatures below -20°C
useTUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35
fluid neat.
fig. 8
A0A0242m
Theπsymbol on the con-
tainer indicates synthetic
brake fluid, distinguishing it from
the mineral kind. Using mineral flu-
ids irreversibly damages the spe-
cial braking system rubber seals.
WARNING
Brake and clutch fluid is
poisonous and highly cor-
rosive. In the event of accidental
contact, wash the parts concerned
immediately with neutral soap and
water, then rinse thoroughly. See
a doctor at once if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reser-
voir empty: the action of the wind-
screen washer is fundamental for
improving vision.
WARNING
Some commercial additives
for windscreen washers
are inflammable. The engine com-
partment contains hot components
which may set it on fire.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
232
AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is connected to the tem-
perature and air flow sensors which send
to the control unit the electric signals need-
ed for correct operation of the injection and
ignition system.
It must therefore always be in perfect con-
ditions, to ensure correct operation of the
engine, low consumption and exhaust emis-
sion levels.
If the operations concern-
ing cleaner replacement
are not carried out correct-
ly and with the due precautions,
they may compromise the travel-
ling safety of the vehicle. You are
recommended to have this opera-
tion carried out by Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services.
Any attempt to clean the
cleaner may damage it,
leading to serious engine
damage.If the car is habitually
used in dusty areas, the
cleaner should be replaced
at shorter intervals than those
specified in the Programmed Main-
tenance Schedule.
POLLEN FILTER
This has a mechanical/electrostatic air fil-
tering action, provided that the windows and
doors are shut.
Have the dust/pollen filter checked once
a year by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services,
preferably at the onset of summer.
If the car is mainly used in dusty or heav-
ily polluted areas, the filter should be
changed at more frequent intervals than
specified in the Scheduled Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
IMPORTANTThe failure to replace the
pollen filter can considerably reduce the ef-
fectiveness of the climate control system.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
233fig. 10
A0A0393m
BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited Mainte-
nance” type and is fitted with an optical in-
dicator (A-fig. 9) for checking the elec-
trolyte level and charge.
Under normal conditions of use the elec-
trolyte does not need topping up with distilled
water. To make sure that it is in efficient con-
ditions, at routine intervals check the indica-
tor on the battery cover which should be dark
in colour with a green central area.
If the indicator is a bright light colour, or
dark without the green central area, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
fig. 9
A0A0224m
Batteries contain harmful
substances for the environ-
ment. To change the bat-
tery we advise contacting Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services who
are equipped for disposal respect-
ing nature and the law.
The incorrect installation
of electric accessories may
cause serious damage to
the vehicle. If after buying the car
you wish to install accessories
(alarm, radio, radiotelephone etc.)
contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services who will be able to sug-
gest the most suitable devices and
above all advise about the need to
use a more powerful battery.
If the car is to remain in-
active for a long time in
very cold conditions, re-
move the battery and take it to a
warm place, otherwise it may
freeze.
The liquid contained in the
battery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the
skin or eyes. The battery should be
charged in a well ventilated place
away from naked flames or pos-
sible sources of sparks: danger of
explosion and fire.
WARNING
When working on the bat-
tery or near to it, always
protect the eyes with goggles.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
234
CHARGING THE BATTERY
IMPORTANTThe battery charging pro-
cedure is described only for information pur-
poses. This operation should be carried out
by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
Charging should be slow at a low amp rat-
ing for 24 hours. Charging for a longer time
may damage the battery.
Charge the battery as follows:
– Disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal (–).
– Connect the charger cables to the bat-
tery terminals ensuring that the bias is cor-
rect.
– Turn on the charger.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
The battery charge may be checked satis-
factorily using the indicator, and acting ac-
cording to the colour the indicator shows.
Refer to the table below or to the label
(fig. 10) on the battery itself.
Brilliantwhite colour
Dark colour without green
area in the centre
Dark colour with green area in the centreTop up the electrolyte
Low charge level
Sufficient electrolyte
level and chargeContact Authorised Alfa Romeo
Services
Charge the battery
(you are advised to contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services)
No action
– After charging, turn off the charger be-
fore disconnecting it from the battery.
– Re-connect the battery negative termi-
nal (–).
IMPORTANTIf the battery is kept with
a charge of below 50% it is damaged by sul-
phation, its starting capability is reduced and
it is also more subject to the possibility of
freezing (this may occur already at -10 °C).
In the event of prolonged inactivity, refer
to the paragraph “Vehicle inactivity”, in the
chapter “Correct use of the car”.
Never attempt to charge a
frozen battery: it must
firstly be thawed, otherwise it
may burst. If freezing has occurred,
the battery should be checked be-
fore charging by specialised per-
sonnel, to make sure that the in-
ternal elements are not damaged
and that the body is not cracked,
with the risk of leaking poisonous
and corrosive acid.
WARNING
Working with a low fluid
level may damage the bat-
tery irreversibly, even causing it to
burst.
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
237
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wear (fig. 11):
A- Normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
B- Low pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
C- High pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
Tyres should be changed when the tread
thickness is reduced to 1.6 mm. In any case
follow local regulations.
fig. 11
A0A0225m
IMPORTANT
Where possible, avoid suddent braking,
tyre squealing starts, etc.
Particularly avoid violent bumps against
kerbs, potholes or obstacles of various kinds.
Prolonged driving on rough roads may dam-
age the tyres. Routinely check the tyres for
cuts on the sides, swellings or uneven tread
wear. If necessary contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services.
Avoid overloading the vehicle when trav-
elling: this may cause serious damage to the
wheels and tyres.
If a tyre is punctured, stop immediately
and change it to avoid damage to the tyre
itself, the rim, suspensions and steering sys-
tem. Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are a sign
of aging. In any case, if the tyres have been
on the vehicle for over 6 years, they should
be checked by specialised personnel, to see
if they can still be used.In the case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those of dubious origin.
The
Alfa 147 GTAuses Tubeless
tyres. Never use an inner tube with these
tyres.
If a tyre is changed, also change the infla-
tion valve.
To allow even wear between the front and
rear tyres it is advisable to change over every
10-15 thousand kilometres, keeping them
on the same side of the car so as not to re-
verse the direction of rotation (fig. 12).
fig. 12
A0A0459m
Excessively low pressure
causes overheating of the
tyre with the possibility of serious
damage to it.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
238
WINDSCREEN/
REARSCREEN WIPERS
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using spe-
cial products; TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35is recommended.
If the rubber blades are bent or worn they
should be replaced. In any case they should
be changed once a year.
A few simple notions can reduce the pos-
sibility of damage to the blades:
– If the temperature falls below zero,
make sure that ice has not frozen the rub-
ber against the glass. If necessary, thaw us-
ing an antifreeze product.
– Remove any snow from the glass: in ad-
dition to protecting the blades, this prevents
effort on the motor and overheating.
– Do not operate the windscreen and
rearscreen wipers on dry glass.
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel sup-
ply rubber hoses are concerned, carefully fol-
low the Scheduled Maintenance Programme
of this chapter. Indeed, ozone, high tem-
peratures and the prolonged lack of fluid in
the system may cause hardening and crack-
ing of the hoses, with possible leaks. Care-
ful control is therefore necessary.
Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from
the right of the car to the left and
vice versa.
WARNING
Alloy rim painting involving
temperatures exceeding
150°C should be avoided since
wheel mechanical characteristics
could be impaired.
WARNING