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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
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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
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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
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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
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When the cap (B) is
screwed off the reser-
voir ensure that the
electrical connections are not dis-
connected. Make sure that the
highly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the paint-
work. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
IMPORTANT Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services for maintenance and re-
pair operations.Oil consumption is very
low; if topping up again
is needed shortly after-
wards, have the system checked
for possible leaks by Alfa Romeo
Authorized services.
CHECKING AND TOPPING UP
THE BRAKE AND CLUTCH
FLUID
(fig. 11)
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum. Top up with the brake flu-
id specified in the table “Fluids and lubri-
cants” (see section “Technical Specifica-
tions ").
NOTEClean accurately the tank cap A
and the surrounding surface. When open-
ing the cap take the utmost care to pre-
vent impurities entering the tank. When
topping up, always use a funnel with
built-in filter with mesh equal to or lower
than 0.12 mm. On JTD 20V Multijet versions insert the
tube on the cap and refit the cover fasten-
ing with the three screws.
Do not allow power
steering fluid to touch hot
engine parts: it is inflammable.
WARNING
A0D0102m
fig. 11
216
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
From time to time check the instrument
panel warning light by pressing cover (B)
of the reservoir (A) (with the ignition
key at MAR) the instrument warning
panel light
xshould come on.
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225
– Application of enamels with greater
resistance to atmospheric pollutants.
– Adoption of “open” boxed parts to
prevent condensation from triggering cor-
rosion from the inside.
The underbody is treated with the appli-
cation of a special protective material.
If this protective layer requires restora-
tion the exhaust system, lambda probe
and catalytic converter must be left free
of any wax, oil, plastic and/or inflamma-
ble product.
This should therefore be carried out by
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.SPRAY JETS
Make sure that the windscreen and
headlight washer jets deliver a jet of fluid
which is adequate and correctly directed.
If the spray devices are not working
check that the supply circuit is not
blocked. If necessary unclog the nozzles
using a needle.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
Alfa Romeo employs manufacturing
technologies which are designed to pro-
tect the bodywork against chemical corro-
sion caused by various factors, for exam-
ple:
– atmospheric pollution.
– Salty air and humidity (coastal areas,
hot-humid climates).
– Road surfaces covered with salt and
de-icing products during the winter.
To further increase resistance against
corrosion the following procedures have
been adopted:
– painting system and paint products
which render the vehicle particularly resis-
tant to corrosion and abrasion.
– Wide use of sheet metal which is ex-
tremely resistant to corrosion.
– Spraying of the underbody, engine
bay, wheel arches and boxed parts with
suitable products which adhere strongly
to the metal parts and have a high pro-
tection capability.
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226
The characteristics of these products are
compatible with the type of paint, gas-
kets and trim of all Alfa Romeo vehicles.
The application of these products should
however be carried out by Alfa Romeo
personnel who will be able to guarantee
the best results and avoid problems which
may compromise the bodywork warranty
cover.
To correctly wash the car, proceed as fol-
lows:
1) Spray the vehicle with a low pres-
sure jet of water.
2) Pass a sponge moistened with a
light detergent solution (2-4% shampoo
in water) over the bodywork rinsing the
sponge frequently.
3) Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or chamois leather.Detergents cause water
pollution. The car should
therefore be washed in
areas equipped for the collection
and purification of the liquid used
in the washing processes.RECOMMENDATIONS TO
PRESERVE THE BODYWORK
Particular care should be taken to en-
sure that residual deposits of industrial
dust, tar spots, dead insects etc. do not
remain on the bodywork.
Where possible do not park under trees
as, during certain seasons, residues, buds
and leaves containing chemical sub-
stances which are harmful to the paint
may fall onto the vehicle.
When topping up ensure that petrol, lu-
bricating oil, brake fluid, liquid for the
cooling system, battery electrolyte solu-
tion etc. is not splashed onto the body-
work.
If this should occur however, clean the
area immediately and wash the vehicle
as soon as possible.
PAINT
The paintwork does not only serve an
aesthetic 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 by a
specialised workshop to avoid the forma-
tion of rust.
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the
conditions and environment of use.
For example:
– in areas with high atmospheric pollu-
tion.
– Roads sprayed with salt.
– Parking under trees that release
resinous substances.
It is wise to wash the car more frequently.
Alfa Romeo markets a complete series
of products specifically designed for the
care and cleanliness of its vehicles (sham-
poo, wax, touch-up paint stick, stain re-
mover, polish etc.).
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228 INTERIOR FITTINGS
Periodically check that water is not
trapped under the carpets (due to water
dripping off shoes, umbrellas etc.) which
could cause oxidisation of the sheet metal.
CLEANING SEATS AND CLOTH
PA R T S
– For the seats and parts in fabric (vel-
vet, suede, etc.)dust may be removed us-
ing a soft brush.
– To remove grease stains specific prod-
ucts may be used closely following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
– For more accurate cleaning, rub the
seats with a sponge moistened with a so-
lution of water and neutral detergent in
the proportions stated on the package.Never use spirit or alco-
hol-based products.
CLEANING LEATHER PARTS
– Remove dried on dirt with a chamois
leather or a lightly moistened cloth with-
out pressing too hard.
– Remove liquid and grease stains with
a dry absorbent cloth without rubbing.
Following this wipe with a soft cloth or
chamois leather moistened with water
and neutral soap.
If the stain persists use specific products
in accordance with the instructions for
use.
Never use inflammable
products such as fuel oil
ether or rectified petrol. The elec-
trostatic charges generated by rub-
bing when cleaning may cause fire.
WARNING
Upholstery of your car
has been designed to
withstand wear deriv-
ing from common use of
the car. You are however recom-
mended to avoid strong and/or
continuous scratching with cloth-
ing accessories such as metallic
buckles, studs, Velcro fastenings
and the like, since these items
cause circumscribed stress of the
cover fabric that could lead to
yarn breaking, and damage the
cover as a consequence.