Page 209 of 272
208
When topping up take
care not to confuse the
various types of fluids:
they are all incompatible and
could seriously damage the car.
If the vehicle is fre-
quently used for towing
trailers, the interval be-
tween one programmed mainte-
nance and the next should be re-
duced.
Vehicle maintenance
should be entrusted to
the Alfa Romeo Service
Network. For ordinary and minor
operations you can do yourself,
always make sure you have ade-
quate tools, original Alfa Romeo
spares and the correct fluids. Do
not carry out these operations if
you have no experience.
Never smoke during
work in the engine com-
partment: there is the possibility
of inflammable gas and vapours
with the risk of fire.
WARNING
Page 210 of 272
209
3.2 V6 24V version
fig. 1
k
1)engine oil
π
2)brake and
clutch fluid
+
3)windscreen
washer fluid
n
4)engine coolant
fluid
∂
5)power steering
fluid
A0D0099m
CHECKING LEVELS
Page 211 of 272
210
JTD 20V Multijet version
fig. 2
k
1)engine oil
π
2)brake and
clutch fluid
+
3)windscreen
washer fluid
n
4)engine coolant
fluid
∂
5)power steering
fluid
A0D0112m
Page 212 of 272

211
PROTECTIVE SHIELD UNDER
ENGINE
The car is fitted with a protective shield
under the engine.
IMPORTANTWhen changing the en-
gine oil and filter, checking and changing
the gearbox and differential oil, this pro-
tection should be removed. This operation
should be carried out by Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Fig. 3:3.2 V6 24V version
Fig. 4:JTD 20V Multijet version
The engine oil level should be checked
when the vehicle is standing on a level
surface a few minutes (about 5) after the
engine has been switched off.
Remove the dipstick (A), clean it, then
re-insert it completely, remove it once again
and check that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.The interval between the MIN and MAX
marks corresponds to approximately 1
litre of oil.
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.
fig. 3 - 3.2 V6 24V version
424PGSm
fig. 4 - JTD 20V Multijet version
A0D0113m
Page 213 of 272
212
fig. 6 - JTD 20V Multijet version
A0D0114m
The oil consumption depends on driving
style and the conditions under which the
car is used.
fig. 5 - 3.2 V6 24V versionTOPPING UP ENGINE OIL
Fig. 5:3.2 V6 24V version
Fig. 6:JTD 20V Multijet version
When the level falls to the MIN mark,
cap (B) should be removed and the sys-
tem topped up to the MAX mark through
the filler neck.
Do not exceed the MAX mark when top-
ping up with engine oil.IMPORTANT After topping up the en-
gine oil, before checking the level, run the
engine a few seconds and wait for a few
minutes (approx. 5) after stopping it.
To avoid burns particular
care should be taken
when working inside the engine
compartment when the engine is
warm.
WARNING
556PGSm
Page 214 of 272
213
Never add oil with
characteristics (classifi-
cation, viscosity) which
are different from those of the
oil already in the circuit.
Remember that when the
engine is warm the elec-
tric fan, which is operated on the
basis of the engine coolant tem-
perature, could cut-in automatical-
ly and cause injury.
WARNING
Never exceed the MAX
level when topping up or
changing engine oil. Too much en-
gine oil would cause it to be tak-
en in through the blow-by cylinder.
For JTD versions this can rapidly in-
crease the engine speed (no longer
controllable, in this case, by re-
leasing the accelerator pedal and
moving the ignition key to STOP)
and damage to the engine with the
risk of seizing or fire.
WARNING
Page 215 of 272
214
The antifreeze mixture
contained in the cooling
circuit guarantees pro-
tection down to –35°C.
CHECKING AND TOPPING-UP
ENGINE COOLANT
(fig. 7)
Periodically check that the level of fluid
in the expansion tank when cold and with
the car on level ground, is between
“MIN” and “MAX”.
If the level is too low, unscrew cap (A)
on the expansion tank and top-up. Top up only with the
same fluid contained in
the cooling circuit.
A0D0100m
fig. 7
The cooling system is
pressurised. If necessary
replace the cap only with another
original one, otherwise the effi-
ciency of the system could be com-
promised.
WARNING
To avoid being burnt,
when the engine is hot do
not remove the cap from the ex-
pansion tank.
WARNING
Page 216 of 272

215
CHECKING POWER STEERING
OIL LEVEL
Fig. 8:JTD 20V Multijet version
Fig. 9:JTD 20V Multijet version
Fig. 10:3.2 V6 24V version
Check that the oil in the reservoir is at
the maximum level.
This operation must be carried out with
the car on level ground and when the en-
gine is stationary and cold.
fig. 8 - JTD 20V Multijet versionfig. 9 - JTD 20V Multijet versionfig. 10 - 3.2 V6 24V version On JTD 20V Multijet versions access to
the reservoir is gained by removing the cov-
er (A-fig. 8) after turning the fastening
pins withdraw the tube (B-fig. 9).
Slacken the cap (C-fig. 9-10) and
check that the level corresponds to the
reference notch of the maximum level on
the dipstick which is an integral part of
the cap.
TOPPING UP THE POWER
STEERING OIL
If the level of the oil in the power steer-
ing reservoir falls below the specified lev-
el, top up only with one of the products
listed in he table of “Fluids and lubri-
cants” in the “Technical specifications”
chapter as follows.
– Start the engine and allow the oil in
the reservoir to settle.
– When the engine is running turn the
steering wheel lock to lock a few times.
– Top up the MAX level notch and then
replace the cover.
A0D0115mA0D0101mA0D0116m