VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
252
Vehicle maintenance
should be entrusted to
Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services. For routine and minor
maintenance operations you wish
to carry out yourself, always
make sure you have the proper
equipment, genuine Alfa Romeo
spares and the necessary fluids;
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 frequently; in particular it should be
replaced if a reduction of the amount of
air admitted to the passenger compart-
ment is noted. 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
frequently 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
particularly harsh conditions it is wise to
check the level of the battery fluid (elec-
trolyte) more frequently than specified in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
260
DIESEL FUEL FILTER
(JTD16Vversions)
DRAINING CONDENSATION
WATER
The presence of water in
the supply circuit may
cause serious damage to
the entire injection system and
cause irregular running of the
engine. If the
cwarning light
turns on together with the mes-
sage on the reconfigurable multi-
function display, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services as
soon as possible to have the sys-
tem relieved.
AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is connected to the tem-
perature and air flow sensors which send
to the control unit the electric signals
needed for correct operation of the injec-
tion and ignition system.
It must therefore always be in perfect
conditions, to ensure correct operation of
the engine, low consumption and exhaust
emission levels.
If the operations con-
cerning cleaner replace-
ment described below are
not carried out correctly and with
the due precautions, they may
compromise the travelling safety
of the vehicle. You are recom-
mended to have this operation
carried out by Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
If the car is habitually
used in dusty areas, the
cleaner should be replaced
at shorter intervals than those
specified in the Programmed
Maintenance Schedule.
Any attempt to clean the
cleaner may damage it,
leading to serious engine
damage.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
261
BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited
Maintenance” type and is fitted with an
optical indicator (A-fig. 12) for check-
ing the electrolyte level and charge.
Under normal conditions of use the elec-
trolyte does not need topping up with dis-
tilled water. To make sure that it is in effi-
cient conditions, at routine intervals check
the indicator on the battery cover which
should be dark in colour with a green cen-
tral area.
If the indicator is a bright light colour, or
dark without the green central area, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
fig. 12
A0A0224b
Batteries contain harmful
substances for the envi-
ronment. To change the
battery 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 dam-
age to the vehicle. If, after buy-
ing the car, you wish to install
accessories (alarm, radio,
radiotelephone, etc.) contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services who
will be able to suggest the most
suitable devices and above all
advise about the need to use a
more powerful battery.
If the car is to remain
inactive for a long time in
very cold conditions,
remove the battery and take it to
a warm place, otherwise it may
freeze.
POLLEN FILTER
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
Programme.
IMPORTANTThe failure to replace
the pollen filter can considerably reduce
the effectiveness of the climate control
system.
When working on the
battery or near to it,
always protect the eyes
with goggles.
The liquid contained in
the battery is poisonous
and corrosive. Avoid con-
tact with the skin or eyes. The
battery should be charged in a
well ventilated place away from
naked flames or possible sources
of sparks: danger of explosion
and fire.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
263
2.close the driver's window completely
keepingthe button pressedfor at
least 3 seconds after window closing (win-
dow upper stop);
3.repeat the same procedure (point 1
and 2) also for the front passenger's win-
dow;
4.check for proper initialisation by oper-
ating the windows automatically.
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.). IMPORTANTIf the battery is kept
with a charge of below 50% it is damaged
by sulphation, 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 a pro-
longed inactivity, refer to the paragraph
“Vehicle inactivity”, in the chapter
“Correct use of the car”.
CHANGING THE BATTERY
When changing the battery it should be
replaced with another original one with
the same characteristics. If it is replaced
by a battery with different characteristics,
the maintenance intervals given in the
Scheduled Maintenance Programme in
this chapter are no longer valid and for
maintenance it will be necessary to follow
the battery Manufacturer’s instructions.
IMPORTANTAfter control unit power
disconnection (battery replacement or dis-
connection and replacement of power win-
dow control unit protection fuses), the
power window automatism shall be
restored.
Proceed as follows with doors closed:
1.open the driver's window completely
keepingthe button pressedfor at
least 3 seconds after window opening
(window lower stop);– 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
265
Alloy rim painting
involving temperatures
exceeding 150 °C should
be avoided since wheel mechani-
cal characteristics could be
impaired.Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from
the right of the car to the
left and vice versa.Excessive low pressure
causes overheating of the
tyre with the possibility
of serious damage to it.Remember that vehicle
road holding also depends
on correct tyre inflation
pressure.
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel sup-
ply rubber hoses are concerned, carefully
follow the Scheduled Maintenance
Programme. Indeed, ozone, high temper-
atures and the prolonged lack of fluid in
the system may cause hardening and
cracking of the hoses, with possible leaks.
Careful control is therefore necessary. IMPORTANTS
– Where possible, avoid sudden brak-
ing, tyre squealing starts, violent bumps
against kerbs, potholes or obstacles of var-
ious kinds. Prolonged driving on rough
roads may damage the tyres;
– Routinely check the tyres for cuts on
the sides, swellings or uneven tread wear.
If necessary contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services;
– Avoid overloading the vehicle when
travelling: this may cause serious damage
to the wheels and tyres;
– If a tyre is punctured, stop immedi-
ately and change it to avoid damage to
the tyre itself, the rim, suspensions and
steering system;
– 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 per-
sonnel, to see if they can still be used.
Also remember to check the compact
spare wheel;
– In case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those of dubious origin;
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
284
Use Fluid and lubricant specifications Genuine fluids Change
for correct car operation and lubricants intervals
Lubricants for
petrol engines
1.8 T.SPARK
Lubricants for
petrol engines
2.0 JTS - 3.2 V6
Lubricants for
Multijet engines
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS AND THEIR SPECIFICATIONS
Synthetic-based engine oils, grade SAE 10W-40,
FIAT 9.55535-G2qualification
Synthetic-based engine oils, grade SAE 10W-60,
FIAT 9.55535-H3qualification
Synthetic-based engine oils, grade SAE 5W-40,
FIAT 9.55535-M2qualification
Should non-genuine products be used, lubricants with minimum ACEA A3 properties for petrol engines and ACEA B4 for Diesel engines are tolerated; in this
event top engine performance is not guaranteed.
Using low-quality products, not compliant with ACEA A3 and ACEA B4 properties could cause engine damages not covered by warranty.
For very cold temperatures, consult Alfa Romeo Authorized Services for the proper Seleniaproduct to use
SELENIA 20K
ALFA ROMEO
SELENIA RACING
SELENIA WRAs per Service Schedule
As per Service Schedule
As per Service Schedule