2006 Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider Owner handbook (in English)

215
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
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OF THE CAR
fig. 3 - 2.4 JTDMversionsA0F0203m
1.Engine oil - 2. Battery
3.Brake fluid - 4.Windscreen washer
fluid - 5.Engine coolant
6.Power steering fluid

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MAINTENANCE
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CORRECT USE
OF THE CARENGINE OIL
Fig. 4: 2.2 JTS versions
Fig. 5: 3.2 JTS versions
Fig. 6: 2.4 JTD
MversionsChecking engine oil
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with
the car parked on level ground.
A0F0018mfig. 4A0F0069mfig. 5A0F0202mfig. 6
Remove the dipstick Aand clean it, put
it back in completely, remove it and
check that the level is within the MIN
and MAXmarks on the dipstick. The
gap between the MINand MAX
marks corresponds to about one litre of
oil.

217
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Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually
400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil con-
sumption can only be considered sta-
bilised after the first 5000 - 6000 km.
IMPORTANTThe oil consumption de-
pends on driving style and the conditions
under which the car is used.
IMPORTANTDo not add oil with
specifications other than that already
in the engine. Topping up engine oil
If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filler
neck B, until reaching the MAXmark.
Oil level shall never exceed the MAX
mark.
IMPORTANT If a routine check re-
veals that the oil level is above the
MAXmark, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the correct lev-
el restored.
IMPORTANT After adding or chang-
ing the oil, let the engine turn over for
a few seconds and wait a few minutes
after turning it off before you check the
level.
When the engine is hot,
take care when work-
ing inside the engine compart-
ment to avoid burns. Remem-
ber that when the engine is
hot, the fan may cut in: danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
WARNING
Used engine oil and fil-
ter contain harmful sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the oil
and filter changed.

218
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The cooling system uses
PARAFLU UP that shall
be used for topping up
and that cannot be mixed with
other types of fluids. Should
other fluids be added, do not
start the engine and contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible.
Do not remove the
reservoir cap when the
engine is hot: you risk scalding
yourself.
WARNING
The cooling system is
pressurised. If neces-
sary, replace the cap only with
another genuine one, other-
wise system efficiency could
be compromised.
WARNING
ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
fig. 7
If the level is low, pour slowly a mixture
of 50% distilled water and 50%
PARAFLU UPthrough the filler neck
A.
A 50% mixture of distilled water and
PARAFLU UP gives freeze protection
to –35°C.
A0F0017mfig. 7

219
SAFETY
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OF THE CARWINDSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHER FLUID fig. 8
To top up, remove the cap Aand then
pour a mixture of water and TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC 35, in the fol-
lowing concentrations:
❒30% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 70% water in summer;
❒50% TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35 and 50% water in winter.
In case of temperatures below –20°C,
use undiluted TUTELA PROFES-
SIONAL SC 35.
A0F0029mfig. 8
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer
reservoir empty. The wind-
screen washer is fundamental
for improving visibility.
WARNING
Certain commercial ad-
ditives for windscreen
washers are inflammable. The
engine compartment contains
hot components which may set
it on fire.
WARNING

220
SAFETY
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EMERGENCY
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CORRECT USE
OF THE CARPOWER STEERING FLUID
fig. 9-10
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum level: this operation shall
be carried out with the car on level sur-
face, engine not running and cold.
Check that the fluid level is at the MAX
mark on the reservoir or at the top mark
(maximum level) shown on the dipstick
under the reservoir cap.
A0F0027mfig. 9 2.2 JTS - 2.4 JTDMversionsA0F0234mfig. 10 3.2 JTS versions
If the fluid level in the reservoir is below
the specified level, top up as follows:
❒start the engine and wait until the
fluid level in the reservoir has stabi-
lized;
❒with the engine started, turn re-
peatedly the steering wheel fully
rightwards and leftwards;
❒top up until reaching the MAX
mark then refit the cap.
Do not allow the pow-
er steering fluid to
touch the hot parts of the en-
gine: it is inflammable.
WARNING
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

221
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Brake fluid is poisonous
and highly corrosive. In
the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts involved im-
mediately with neutral soap
and water, then rinse thor-
oughly. Call the doctor imme-
diately if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID fig. 11
Unscrew cap Aand check that the flu-
id level in the reservoir is at maximum.
Fluid level in the reservoir shall not ex-
ceed the MAXmark.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
A0F0016mfig. 11
Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
From time to time, check the instrument
panel warning light
x: pressing on cap
A(with key fitted into the ignition de-
vice) the warning light shall turn on.
IMPORTANTBrake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the car is
mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should
be replaced at more frequent intervals
than specified in the Service Schedule.

222
SAFETY
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Symbol πon the con-
tainer indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid, distinguish-
ing it from the mineral kind.
Using mineral fluids irre-
versibly damages the special
braking system rubber seals.
WARNINGAIR FILTER/ POLLEN
FILTER
Air cleaner or pollen filter replacement
shall be carried out at Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
DIESEL FUEL FILTER
DRAINING THE CONDENSE
The presence of water in
the fuel circuit can se-
verely damage the in-
jection system and make the en-
gine misfire. If the warning light
cturns on (together with a
message on the display) contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible to have the
bleeding operation carried out.
Should the warning light turn on
after refuelling, water has
probably been poured into the
tank: turn the engine off imme-
diately and contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.