Page 54 of 291

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
52
IMPORTANTThe temperature of the en-
gine coolant may rise towards the maximum
values (red zone) when the vehicle is dri-
ven at low speeds, especially when the am-
bient air temperature is high. In this case it
is advisable to stop the vehicle and switch
off the engine for a few minutes, after which
the journey can be resumed, preferably at
a higher speed.ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
TEMPERATURE GAUGE WITH
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
WARNING LIGHT
This shows the temperature of the engine
coolant fluid and begins when the fluid tem-
perature exceeds approx. 50°C.
Normally the pointer should be towards
the middle of the scale. If the pointer reach-
es the higher temperatures of the scale (red
area) the request for vehicle performance
should be decreased.
The turning on of the
uwarning light (on
some versions together with the message
shown on the reconfigurablemultifunction
display) indicates that the coolant fluid tem-
perature is too high; in this case, stop the
engine and contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WITH
RESERVE INDICATOR
This shows the amount of fuel left in the
fuel tank.
The warning light
Kturns on to indicate that
approx. 7 litres of fuel are left in the tank.
IMPORTANTUnder certain conditions
(heavy slopes, for instance), the reading on
the gauge may differ from the actual amount
of fuel in the tank and changes in level may
be indicated late.
This condition falls within the operation log-
ics of the electronic control circuit to avoid
highly unstable readings due to swaying of
the fuel when travelling.
IMPORTANTRefuelling shall always be
performed with engine off and ignition key
toSTOP. If the engine is off but the key
is to MAR, a wrong fuel level could tem-
porarily be indicated. This is due to the in-
ternal system control logic and cannot be
considered as a system malfunctioning.
Page 214 of 291
IN AN EMERGENCY
212
Hazard warning light
Right dipped-beam headlight
Left dipped-beam headlight
Main-beam headlight
Foglight
Braking light
Reversing light
+30 direction indicators10
10
10
15
15
10
7.5
10 F53
F12
F13
F2
F30
F37
F35
F53 52
52
52
53
53
52
52
52
LIGHTS FIGURE FUSE AMPERES
FUSE SUMMARY TABLE
30
30
10
7.5
15
7.5
7.5 IGN (MAXI-FUSE)
F13
F31
F39
F1
F31 54
54
52
52
52
53
52
SERVICES FIGURE FUSE AMPERES
Selespeed transmission pump
Ignition switch
Headlight aiming device
Climate control system
Climate control system
Climate control compressor
Heater unit relay coils
Page 235 of 291

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
Page 236 of 291

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