Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.
Always remove the igni-
tion key when leaving the vehicle
and take it with you.To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possible draining of the
battery, never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position when
the engine is not running.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
203
PARKING
When the vehicle is parked, proceed as
follows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the vehicle is faced
uphill or reverse if the vehicle is facing
downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the vehi-
cle will immediately come to a halt if the
handbrake slips.
REDUCING RUNNING
COSTS AND
ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save vehicle running costs
and reduce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance
have the checks and adjustments carried
out in accordance with the “Scheduled
Maintenance Programme”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely
at an interval of no more than 4 weeks: if
the pressure is too low consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the
boot. The weight of the vehicle (especial-
ly in urban traffic), and its geometry heav-
ily affect consumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rearscreen heating, addi-
tional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further
load bearing heavily on the engine induc-
ing higher consumption levels(up to
+20% on average). Outside temperature
permitting, preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.
IN AN EMERGENCY
223
Halogen bulbs must be
handled touching only the
metallic part. If the trans-
parent bulb is touched with the
fingers, its lighting intensity is
reduced and the life of the bulb
may be compromised. If touched
accidentally, rub the bulb with a
cloth moistened with methylated
spirit and allow to dry.
Halogen bulbs contain
pressurised gas, in the
case of breakage they
may burst.WHEN NEEDING TO
CHANGE A BULB
Alterations or repairs to
the electric system not
carried out correctly and
without taking account of the
system specifications may cause
failures and the risk of fire.
Where possible, it is
advisable to have bulbs
changed c/o Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. The correct
operation and aiming of the outer
lights are vital to the safety of
the vehicle and its passengers
and the subject of specific laws.
Due to high voltage, the
bulb of (Xenon) gas-dis-
charge headlights must on-
ly be replaced by experts: danger
of death! Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
IN AN EMERGENCY
226
IF AN EXTERIOR
LIGHT GOES OUT
XENON LIGHTS
Due to high voltage, the
bulb of (Xenon) gas-dis-
charge headlights must on-
ly be replaced by experts: danger
of death! Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
HALOGEN HEADLIGHTSThe bulbs are arranged inside the light
unit as follows (fig. 22):
(A) Fog lights.
(B) Dipped beam headlights.
(C) Sidelights.
(D) Main beam headlights.
To change the bulbs of the sidelights, low
beams and main beams it is necessary to
remove the cover (A-fig. 23) releasing
the catches (B).
To change the fog lights, remove the
cover (C) turning counter-clockwise. IMPORTANTSee the previous chapter
“When needing to change a bulb” for the
type of bulb and power rating.
The front light units contain the sidelight,
the dipped beam, main beam and fog
light bulbs.
fig. 22
A0A0159b
fig. 23
A0A0160b
IN AN EMERGENCY
228
Dipped beam headlights
(fig. 25)
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
– Remove the protective cover releasing
the catches.
– Disconnect the electric connector (A).
– Release the bulb catch (B).
– Remove the bulb and replace it.
– Fit a new bulb, making the tabs of the
metallic part coincide with the grooves on
the reflector, then hook the bulb holder
catch (B).
– Re-connect the electric connector (A).
– Refit the protective cover correctly.
fig. 25
A0A0162b
Main beam headlights
(fig. 27)
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
– Remove the protective cover releasing
the catches.
– Disconnect the electric connector (A).
– Release the bulb catch (B).
– Remove the bulb and replace it.
– Fit a new bulb, making the tabs of the
metallic part coincide with the grooves on
the reflector, then hook the bulb holder
catch (B).
– Re-connect the electric connector (A).
– Refit the protective cover correctly.
fig. 27
A0A0164b
Front side lights(fig. 26)
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
– Remove the protective cover releasing
the catches.
– Using the extension (A), integral with
the bulb holder (B), withdraw the bulb
holder itself which is snap-fitted.
– Remove the bulb (C), pushing gently
and turning counter-clockwise.
– Change the bulb and re-insert the bulb
holder making sure that it clicks into
place; also check that the bulb is in the
correct position looking at the lamp from
outside.
– Refit the protective cover correctly.
fig. 26
A0A0342b
IN AN EMERGENCY
246
other crashes is high. Leave the car imme-
diately and go beyond the guard-rail.
– If doors are blocked, do not try to get
out of the car breaking the windscreen
which is stratified. The windows and rear
screen are easier to break.
– Remove the ignition key of the vehi-
cles involved.
– If you note a smell of fuel or other
chemical products, do not smoke and
have a cigarette stubbed out.
– To put out fires, even small ones, use
the extinguisher, blankets, sand, or earth.
Never use water.
– If use of the lighting system is not nec-
essary, disconnect the battery negative
terminal (–).IN THE EVENT
OF AN ACCIDENT
– It is important to keep calm.
– If you are not directly involved, stop at
least a few dozen metres away from the
accident.
– On motorways, stop without blocking
the emergency lane.
– Turn the engine off and the hazard
warning lights on.
– At night, illuminate the place of the
accident with the headlights.
– Take care, do not risk being run over.
– Signal the accident placing the trian-
gle at regulation distance in a clearly visi-
ble place.
– Call the emergency organisation, giv-
ing the most accurate information possi-
ble. On motorways use the special phones
provided.
– In motorways pileups, especially with
poor visibility, the risk of being involved in
IF PEOPLE ARE INJURED
– An injured person must never be aban-
doned. Helping is compulsory also for per-
sons not directly involved in the accident.
– Do not crowd around injured people.
– Reassure the injured person that help
is on the way, and stay near to overcome
any panic.
– Release or cut the seat belt restraining
injured persons.
– Do not give injured persons anything
to drink.
– An injured person should never be
moved except in the following circum-
stances.
– Remove an injured person from the
car only in danger of fire, sinking or
falling. When removing an injured person:
do not pull the limbs or bend the head and
keep the body as horizontal as possible.
FIRST AID KIT
In addition to the first-aid kit, it is also
wise to keep an extinguisher and a blan-
ket in the car.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
248
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180Thousands of km
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure if necessary
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction indicators, hazard warning
lights, boot, passenger compartment, glovebox lights, warning lights, etc..)
Check operation of windscreen washer system, adjust spray jets
Check position/wear of windscreen/rearscreen wiper blades
Check operation of front disk brake pad wear indicator
Check wear conditions of rear disk brake pads
Sight check the conditions of: body exterior, underbody protection, stiff pipes
and hoses (exhaust - fuel supply - brakes), rubber parts
(boots - sleeves - bushes etc..)
Check for bonnet and boot lock cleanness, lever cleanness and lubrication
Sight check for accessory drive belt conditions
Check handbrake lever stroke adjustment
Check antievaporation system (petrol versions)
Change air cleaner cartridge (petrol versions)
Change air cleaner cartridge (JTD versions)
Top up fluid levels (engine coolant, brakes, windscreen washer, battery, etc..)
Check and if necessary top up the Selespeed automatic transmission oil level
(2.0 JTS versions)
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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
250
ADDITIONAL
OPERATIONS
Every 1000 kmor before long jour-
neys, check and if necessary top up:
– engine coolant fluid level
– brake/hydraulic clutch control fluid
level
– power steering fluid level
– windscreen and headlamp washer
fluid level
– tyre pressure and conditions.
Every 3000 kmcheck and if necessary
top up the engine oil level.
The use of FL Seleniaproducts is rec-
ommended which have been designed
and made expressly for Alfa Romeo cars
(see “Refuelling” in the “Technical
Specifications” chapter).
ANNUAL INSPECTION
PROGRAMME
For cars with an annual mileage
of below 20,000 km (for exam-
ple about 10,000 km) the follow-
ing yearly inspection programme
is advised:
– Check tyre conditions/wear and if
necessary adjust the pressure (including
spare wheel)
– Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, boot, passenger compart-
ment, glovebox lights, warning lights,
etc.)
– Check operation of windscreen wiper
system, spray jet adjustment
– Check position/wear of windscreen
– Check front disk brake pad conditions
and wear– Sight check for conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes (exhaust -
fuel supply - brakes), rubber parts (boots
- sleeves - bushes etc..), brake and fuel
supply system hoses
– Check for bonnet and boot lock clean-
ness, lever cleanness and lubrication
– Check battery charge
– Sight check for conditions of various
drive belts
– Check and if necessary top up fluid
levels (engine coolant, brakes, wind-
screen washer, battery etc. )
– Change engine oil and engine oil filter
– Change pollen filter.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
268
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the
vehicle should be washed
in areas equipped for collecting
and purifying the liquid used in
the washing process.Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substances many species
release give the paint a dull appearance
and increase the possibility of triggering
the rust processes.
IMPORTANTBird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
To correctly wash the car:
1) Remove the aerial from the roof to pre-
vent damage to it if the car is washed in
an automatic system.
2) Spray the vehicle with a low pressure
jet of water.
3) Pass a sponge moistened with a light
detergent solution, rinsing the sponge fre-
quently.
4) Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with
the less visible parts like door surrounds,
bonnet and around the headlights where
water may stagnate. The vehicle should
not be taken to a closed area immediate-
ly, but left in the open so that residual
water can evaporate.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has been
left in the sun or with the bonnet hot: this
may alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle. ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK
Paint
The paintwork does not only serve an
aestethic purpose but also protects the
underlying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores,
you are advised to have the necessary
touching up carried out immediately to
avoid the formation fo rust.
Only original products should be used for
touching up paint (see “Body paint identi-
fication plate” in the “Technical
Specifications” chapter).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the
conditions and environment of use. For
example, in highly polluted areas, or if the
roads are sprayed with salt, it is wise to
wash the car more frequently.