219
DUST/POLLEN FILTER
The filter mechanically/electrostatically
filters the air provided that the windows
are shut.
The dust/pollen filter should be checked
over once a year by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Service station preferably at the be-
ginning of the summer.
If the vehicle is habitually driven in
cities, motorways or on dusty roads the
system should be checked over more of-
ten than specified in the Programmed
Maintenance Schedule.
IMPORTANT If the filter is not re-
placed the efficiency of the climate con-
trol system may be seriously compro-
mised.
DIESEL FILTER
DRAINING CONDENSATION
WATER
BATTERY
The battery is housed on the left-hand
side of the boot, protected by a cover.
On versions without navigation system
and without CD player, access to the bat-
tery is gained by slackening the knob
(A-fig. 14) and removing the battery
cover.
On versions with navigation system and
/or CD player, access to the battery is
gained by slackening the knobs (A-fig.
15) and removing the cover (B). Water in the supply cir-
cuit can seriously dam-
age the whole injection
system and cause malfunctions
to engine operation. Should the
warning lamp c, contact as
soon as possible the Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service for drainage
operations.
fig. 14
341PGSm
220
Serious damage may be
caused to the vehicle if
electrical accessories
are incorrectly installed. If, after
purchasing your vehicle, you
wish to install accessories (theft
alarm, voice feature, satellite ra-
dio-navigator with antitheft
function, etc.) contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel in ad-
dition to being able to recom-
mend the most suitable devices
from Lineaccessori will determine
whether it will be necessary to
install a more powerful battery.
If the car is to remain
stationary for a long
time in very cold weath-
er, remove the battery and take it
to a warm place, otherwise it
might freeze.
The battery adopted is of the “Limited
Maintenance” type and under normal
conditions of use will not require topping
up.
The level of the electrolyte solution
must however be between the MIN and
MAX reference marks when the vehicle is
stationary on a level surface (fig. 16).
If the level is low, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.The batteries contain
substances which are
extremely harmful to
the environment. Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services should be
contacted when equipped to dis-
pose of the batteries respecting
both the environment and legal
requirements.
3101CAm
fig. 16
A0D0107m
fig. 15
222
– Before doing any work on the electric
system, disconnect the battery negative
terminal.
If after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which need a
permanent electrical supply (alarm,
hands-free phone, radio-navigator with
satellite anti-theft function, etc.) contact
Authorised Alfa Romeo Services whose
qualified personnel, in addition to sug-
gesting the most suitable devices from
Lineaccessori will be able to evaluate the
total electrical absorption, checking
whether the car’s electric system is able
to support the load required or whether a
battery with higher capacity is necessary.
In fact, these devices continue to absorb
current with the ignition key off (car
parked, engine off) and may gradually
drain the battery. IMPORTANT A battery kept at below
50% of its capacity is damaged by sul-
phation, the capacity is reduced and start-
ing is difficult, there is also more possibili-
ty of freezing (this can occur at –10°C).
In the event of a prolonged stop, refer to
“Vehicle inactivity”.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid quickly draining the battery
and to preserve its operating conditions
over the course of time, carefully follow
the instructions below.
– The terminals must always be tight-
ened.
– As far as possible avoid keeping ser-
vices on for a long time with the engine
stopped (radio, hazard warning lights,
parking lights, etc.).
– When leaving the vehicle parked in a
garage, make sure that the doors, bon-
net, boot and interior lids are properly
shut to prevent lights from staying on.
The fluid contained in the
battery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the
skin or eyes. The battery should be
charged in a ventilated place away
from naked flames or possible
sources of sparks: danger of ex-
plosion and fire.
WARNING
Never attempt to charge
a frozen battery before
thawing it, the danger of explosion
exists. If it has frozen, always
check that the inside elements are
not broken (risk of short circuit)
and that the body is not cracked,
with the risk of acid coming out
which is poisonous and corrosive.
WARNING
