CAR MAINTENANCE
228
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 hu-
midity, the fluid should be replaced at more
frequent intervals than specified in the
Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN
HEADLIGHT WASHER FLUID
(fig. 13)
Open the cap (A) and check the level in
the reservoir.
If necessary top up using a mixture of wa-
ter and TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC
35fluid as follows:
– 30% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 70% water in summer; Brake and clutch fluid is
poisonous and highly cor-
rosive. In the event of ac-
cidental contact, wash the parts
concerned immediately with neu-
tral soap and water, then rinse
thoroughly. See a doctor at once if
the fluid is swallowed.
Theπsymbol on the con-
tainer indicates synthetic
brake fluid, distinguishing
it from the mineral kind. Using min-
eral fluids irreversibly damages the
special braking system rubber
seals.
fig. 13
A0A0242b
– 50% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 50% water in winter;
– in the case of temperatures below
–20°C use TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35fluid neat. Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
CAR MAINTENANCE
236
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
(fig. 19)
Regularly check that the spray jets are in-
tact and clean.
If it is necessary to direct the jet, contact
an Alfa Romeo Authorized Service.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are:
– atmospheric pollution
– salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or
hot humid climates)
– seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
and sand and mud and gravel raised by oth-
er cars.
On your car, Alfa Romeo has implement-
ed the best manufacturing technologies to
effectively protect the bodywork against cor-
rosion.
fig. 19
A0A0704b
These include:
– Painting products and systems which
give the car particular resistance to corrosion
and abrasion.
– Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corrosion.
– Spraying of the underbody, engine com-
partment, wheel arches and other parts with
highly protective wax products.
– Spraying of plastic parts, with a protec-
tive function, in the more exposed points:
underdoor, inner wheel arch linings, etc.
– Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of moisture
from triggering rust inside.
CAR EXTERIOR AND
UNDERBODY WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against
perforation due to rust of any original ele-
ment of the structure or body. For the gen-
eral terms of this warranty, refer to Alfa
Romeo Warranty booklet.
CAR MAINTENANCE
237
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the car
should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and purify-
ing the liquid used in the washing
process.Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substances many species re-
lease 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 car 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, bon-
net and around the headlights where wa-
ter may stagnate. The car should not be tak-
en to a closed area immediately, but left in
the open so that residual water can evapo-
rate.
Do not wash the car 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 car.ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK
Paint
The paintwork does not only serve an
aestethic purpose but also protects the un-
derlying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you
are advised to have the necessary touch-
ing up carried out immediately to avoid the
formation of rust.
Only original products should be used for
touching up paint (see “Body paint identi-
fication plate” in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” chapter).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the con-
ditions and environment of use. For exam-
ple, in highly polluted areas, or if the roads
are sprayed with salt, it is wise to wash the
car more frequently.
CAR MAINTENANCE
238
Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed, with-
out directing the jet against electronic con-
trol units. Contact a specialised workshop to
have this done.
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the en-
gine compartment should
be washed in areas equipped for
collecting and purifying the liquid
used in the washing process.
IMPORTANTThe car should be washed
with the engine cold and the ignition key at
STOP. After washing make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
various covers) have not been damaged or
removed. Windows
Use specific products to clean the windows.
Use clean cloths to avoid scratching or al-
tering the transparency of the glass.
IMPORTANTThe inside of the
rearscreen should be wiped gently with a
cloth in the direction of the filaments to
avoid damaging the heating device.
Front headlights
IMPORTANTDo not use aromatic sub-
stances (e.g. petroleum) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) to clean the front headlight plas-
tic transparents.
Never use inflammable
products like fuel oil ether
or rectified petrol for clean-
ing inside the car. The electrostat-
ic charges generated when rubbing
to clean may cause fire.
INTERIOR FITTINGS
Periodically check that water is not trapped
under the mats (due to water dripping off
shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which could cause
oxidisation on the sheet metal.
CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS
– Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to
remove dust. Velvet is cleaned better if the
brush is moistened.
– Rub the seat with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral deter-
gent.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
261
Dashboard ................................ 52
Diesel fuel filter ........................... 229
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) ........ 167
Digital multifunction display .......... 58
Dimensions ................................ 250
Direction indicators
- changing front bulbs ................ 198
- changing rear bulbs ................. 199
- changing side bulbs ................. 198
- switching on .......................... 46
Door locking system .................... 107
Door mirrors ............................... 23
Doors ........................................ 15
Electronic alarm system .............. 11
Emergency starting ...................... 179
- coasting ................................ 181
- starting with an auxiliary
battery .................................. 180
Engine codes/body versions ......... 241
Engine
- identification codes ................. 241
- marking ................................ 241
- specifications ......................... 242
Engine compartment - bonnet .................................. 131
- washing ................................ 238
Engine oil consumption ................ 224
Engine starting ........................... 169
Environmental protection .............. 168
EOBD (system) ........................... 140
External lights (switching on) ....... 44
First-aid kit ................................ 215
Fix &Go Automatic (device) ......... 186
Flashing high beams .................... 45
Fluids and lubricants .................... 253
Follow me home device ............... 46
Foglights
- changing bulbs ....................... 196
- switching on .......................... 106
Front ceiling light ........................ 121
- changing bulbs ....................... 201
Front fog lights
- changing bulbs ....................... 196
- switching on .......................... 106
Fuel consumption ........................ 255
Fuel flap .................................... 167
Fuel supply ................................ 243
Fuses ........................................ 205
Getting to know your car... 6
Glove compartment ..................... 121
Glove compartment light
- changing bulbs ....................... 203
Handbrake ............................... 108
Hazard warning lights
- switching on .......................... 106
Headlamp beam adjustment ......... 108
Headlight washers ................. 49-236
Headlights
- adjustment abroad .................. 133
- compensation for tilt .......... 108-132
Headrests
- front ..................................... 18
- rear ...................................... 21
Heating and climate
control system ......................... 81
Hoses ........................................ 234
Identification data ...................... 240
Ignition device ............................ 14
Ignition switch and
steering lock ....................... 14-15
In an emergency.................... 179
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
262
Inertial fuel cut off switch ............. 107
Installation of electric/
electronic devices ..................... 127
Instrument cluster ....................... 53
In the event of an accident ........... 215
Intelligent washing (windscreen) ... 47
Interior fittings (cleaning) ............. 238
Internal fittings .......................... 121
Keys ........................................ 6
Levers (steering wheel) .............. 44
Lights ........................................ 44
Load limiters .............................. 29
Low beam headlights
- changing bulbs ....................... 197
- switching on ..................... 44-45
Luggage restrainer net ................. 22
Main beam headlights
- changing bulbs ....................... 197
- switching on .......................... 45
Maintenance
- additional operations ............... 229 - annual inspection programme ... 219
- scheduled maintenance ........... 216
- scheduled maintenance
programme ............................ 217
Manual heater ............................ 83
Mechanical gearbox ..................... 109
Number plate lights
- changing bulbs ....................... 200
Oddment recesses ..................... 126
Paintwork ................................ 237
Parking ...................................... 172
Parking sensor ............................ 105
Performance ............................... 249
Pockets ..................................... 125
Pollen filter ................................ 230
Power windows .......................... 24
Pretensioners .............................. 28
Puddle lights .............................. 123
- changing bulbs ....................... 201
Radio transmitters and cellular
telephones .............................. 127
Radio ........................................ 141 Rain sensor ................................ 48
Raising the car ............................ 214
Rear ceiling light ......................... 123
- changing bulbs ....................... 202
Rear fog guards
- changing bulbs ....................... 199
- switching on .......................... 106
Rearview mirror .......................... 23
Reconfigurable multifunction
display .................................... 61
Reducing running costs ................ 172
Refuelling ............................. 166-252
Remote control ........................... 7
Rev counter ................................ 56
Reversing light
- changing bulbs ....................... 199
Rims ......................................... 247
Seat belts ................................. 26
- carrying children safety ............ 31
- front belt height adjustment ..... 27
- general instructions ................. 29
- load limiters ........................... 29
- maintenance .......................... 31
- pretensioners ......................... 28