Page 257 of 307

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
255
ENGINE OIL (fig. 4-4a-5-6)
The engine oil should be checked with
the vehicle on a level surface a few min-
utes (about 5) after the engine has been
switched off.
Remove the dipstick (A), clean it, put it
back in completely, remove it and check
that the level is within the MINand
MAXmarks on the dipstick. The interval
between the MINandMAXmarks cor-
respond to about one litre of oil.When the engine is hot,
take care when working
inside the engine com-
partment to avoid burns.
Remember that when the engine
is hot, the fan may cut in: danger
of injury.
Do not add oil with spec-
ifications (classification,
viscosity) other than
those of the oil already in the
engine.
fig. 4 - 1.8 T. SPARK version
A0A0737b
fig. 6 - JTD 16Vversion
A0A0398b
AB
fig. 5 - 3.2 V6version
A0A0406b
If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filter neck
(B), until reaching the MAXmark.
IMPORTANTIf a routine check
reveals that the level is above the MAX
mark, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services to have the correct level restored.
IMPORTANTAfter topping up the oil,
before checking the level again, run the
engine a few seconds and wait for a few
minutes ater stopping it.
fig. 4a - 2.0 JTS version
A0A0682b
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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
256
Used engine oil and filter
contain harmful sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services to have the
oil and the filter changed, as they
are equipped to dispose of the
waste oil and filters respecting
nature and the law.
SELESPEED TRANSMISSION
OIL
(fig. 7)
The Selespeed transmission oil should be
checked with the vehicle on a level sur-
face and with the engine stopped and
cold.
To check the level, proceed as follows:
– turn the ignition key to MAR;
– disconnect the breather tube and
remove the cap (A) checking that the
level corresponds with the MAXmark on
the dipstick integrated with the cap;
– if the oil is below the MAXmark, top
up to reach the correct level;Do not add oil with spec-
ifications other than that
already in the gearbox.
fig. 7
A0A0197b
Used gearbox oil con-
tains dangerous sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. For changing the oil we
advise contacting Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services who are
equipped for disposing of used oil
respecting nature and the law.
Be very careful working
inside the engine com-
partment if the engine is
hot: danger of burns. Remember
that the fan may cut in if the
engine is very hot: danger of
injury.
Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually
400 grams every 1000 km.
During the initial period of use the
engine settles, therefore engine oil con-
sumption may be considered stabilised
only after the first 5000 ÷ 6000 km.
IMPORTANTEngine oil consumption
depends on the way of driving and the
conditions of use of the vehicle.– after refitting the cap, insert the
breather tube firmly on the housing on the
cap and turn the ignition key to STOP.
Page 259 of 307

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
257
The cooling system is
pressurised. If necessary,
replace the cap only with
another genuine one, otherwise
the system efficiency could be
compromised. Do not remove the
tank cap with the engine hot:
danger of burns.
The engine cooling sys-
tem uses antifreeze pro-
tective fluid PARAFLU UP.
For topping up use the same type
of fluid contained in the cooling
system. The PARAFLU UP fluid
cannot be mixed with any other
type of fluid. Should it occur,
never start the engine and contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
(fig. 8)
Do not remove the cap
when the engine is hot:
danger of burns.
The level of the coolant in the header
tank (reservoir) should be checked with
the engine cold and the car on a level sur-
face and it should be between the MIN
andMAXmarks on the tank.
fig. 8
A0A0240b
If the level is low, loosen the header tank
cap (A) and slowly pour a mixture of 50%
distilled water and 50% PARAFLU UP
FL Seleniathrough the filler neck until
nearing the MAXmark.
The antifreeze mixture of 50%
PARAFLU UPand 50% distilled water
guarantees protection down to –35 °C.
Page 260 of 307

Oil consumption is very
low; if topping up again is
needed shortly after-
wards, have the system checked
for possible leaks by Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
258
When loosening the
reservoir cap do not
allow the fluid to come
into contact with painted parts. If
it does, wash it off immediately
with water. Do not allow the power
steering fluid to touch hot
parts of the engine: it is
inflammable.
fig. 10
A0A0217b
fig. 9
A0A0400b
BRAKE AND HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH FLUID
(fig. 10)
Slacken the cap (A) and check that the
fluid contained in the reservoir reaches the
maximum mark.
POWER STEERING FLUID
(fig. 9)
Check that the level of the oil in the
reservoir is at maximum.
This operation should be carried out with
the vehicle on a level surface and the
engine switched off and cold.
Check that the level reaches the MAX
mark on the reservoir or coincides with the
upper notch (maximum level) on the dip-
stick (A) integral with the reservoir cap.
If the oil level in the reservoir is below
the specified one, top up only with one of
the products listed in the “Fluid and lubri-
cant Specification” table in the “Technical
Specifications” chapter proceeding as fol-
lows:– Start the engine and wait for the oil
level in the reservoir to stabilise.
– With the engine running, turn the
steering wheel lock to lock a few times.
– Top up to the MAXlevel notch, then
refit the cap.
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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
259
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reser-
voir empty: the action of
the windscreen washer is funda-
mental for improving vision.
To avoid damaging the
pump motor, do not use the
windscreen/rearscreen
washers when the reservoir is
empty.
Some commercial addi-
tives for windscreen wash-
ers are inflammable. The
engine compartment contains hot
components which may set it on
fire.
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 humidity, the fluid should be
replaced at more frequent intervals than
specified in the Scheduled Maintenance
Programme.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN
HEADLIGHT WASHER FLUID
(fig. 11)
Open the cap (A) and check the level in
the reservoir.
If necessary top up using a mixture of
water 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 use TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35fluid neat. 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 swallowed.
Theπsymbol on the
container indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid, distin-
guishing it from the mineral kind.
Using mineral fluids irreversibly
damages the special braking sys-
tem rubber seals.
fig. 11
A0A0242b
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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.
Page 263 of 307

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.
Page 264 of 307

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
262
– Turn on the charger.
– After charging, turn off the charger
before disconnecting it from the battery.
– Re-connect the battery negative termi-
nal (–).
Never attempt to charge
a frozen battery: it must
firstly be thawed, other-
wise it may burst. If freezing has
occurred, the battery should be
checked before charging by spe-
cialised personnel, to make sure
that the internal elements are not
damaged and that the body is not
cracked, with the risk of leaking
poisonous and corrosive acid.CHARGING THE BATTERY
IMPORTANTThe battery charging
procedure is described only for information
purposes. This operation should be carried
out by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
Charging should be slow at a low amp
rating 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 terminal ensuring that the bias is cor-
rect.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
The battery charge may be checked sat-
isfactorily using the indicator, and acting
according to the colour the indicator
shows.
Refer to the table below or to the label
(fig. 13) on the battery itself.Working with a low fluid
level may damage the
battery irreversibly, even
causing it to burst.
Brilliantwhite colour
Dark colour
without green
area in the centre
Dark colour with green
area in the centre
Top up the electrolyte
Low charge level
Sufficient electrolyte level and chargeContact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services
Charge the battery
(you are advised to contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services)
No action
fig. 13
A0A0393b