2008 Alfa Romeo 8C check engine

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2
5
3
1
4MAINTENANCE
LEVEL CHECKS1) Engine oil
2) Engine coolant
3) Windscreen washer fluid
4) Brake fluid
5) Power steering fluid

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8
A
MAXMIN
ENGINE OIL
The level must be checked when the engine is
warm, following the procedure below:
- start the vehicle and warm it up until the
temperature stabilises;
- turn off the engine, remove the fi ller cap
A
and wait 5 minutes to allow the oil to fl ow
into the sump;
- measure the level and top up if necessary.
The oil level must be between the MIN and MAX
notches on the dipstick.
The interval between MIN and MAX corresponds
to approximately 1.5 litres of oil.
WARNING: Do not exceed the MAX level!
If the oil level is close to or below the MIN notch,
add oil through the filler neck
A positioned next
to the dipstick until reaching the MAX notch. The
oil level must never exceed the MAX reference
notch.
WARNING: Do not top up with oil having
characteristics other than those of the oil already
used in the engine.After topping up or replacing the oil, check its
level once again.
WARNING: The engine oil used and the oil filter
changed contain substances that are dangerous
for the environment. To replace the oil and
filters, we advise you to contact an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network where all the necessary equipment is
available to dispose of the used oil and filters in
compliance with applicable legislation and in an
environment-friendly manner.

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MAXMIN
B
MAINTENANCE
GEARBOX OIL
Have the oil level checked at an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network.WARNING: Do not top up with oil having
characteristics other than those of the oil already
used in the engine.
WARNING: Waste transmission oil contains
substances that are dangerous for the
environment. To have the oil changed, we advise
you to contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network, where all the
necessary equipment is available to dispose
of the used oil and filters in compliance with
applicable legislation and in an environment-
friendly manner.
ENGINE COOLANT
CAUTION
When the engine is very hot, do
not remove the cap from the pan: risk
of burns!
The fluid level must be checked with the engine
cold and must be between the MIN and MAX
reference notches visible on the tank.
If the level is too low, slowly pour the
recommended fluid through the pan filler neck
until the level is near to the MAX reference
notch.WINDSCREEN/
HEADLIGHT WASHER
FLUID
For topping-up, open the cover
B, extract the
filler neck extension and pour in a mixture of
water and detergent in the proportion indicated
on the package.
WARNING: If the temperature is below 20°C,
use pure detergent fluid.
WARNING: Do not drive with the windscreen
washer tank empty: the action of the washer is
essential for improving visibility.

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MAX
MA
X MAX
MIN MIN
POWER STEERING FLUIDWARNING: Make sure that the power steering
fluid does not come in touch with the engine hot
parts as it is flammable.Check that the fluid level, with the vehicle on a
level ground and the engine cold, is in position
with the MAX notch shown on the dipstick.
For inspection, unscrew the cap, clean the
dipstick, tighten the cap back on tight, remove it
again and check the level.
When the oil is hot the level may also exceed the
MAX notch.If necessary, top up with fluid making sure that it
has the same characteristics as the one already
used in the system.
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid level in the tank is at the
maximum level. If the level goes below the
minimum, with the ignition key in position MAR,
the relative warning light
will illuminate on
the instrument panel.
If fluid is needed for topping up, use only the
type classified as DOT4.
WARNING: The brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e.
it absorbs humidity). For this reason, if the
vehicle is used mainly in areas with a high rate
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should be
changed more frequently than indicated in the
Maintenance Schedule.
WARNING: Do not let the brake fluid, which
is highly corrosive, come into contact with the
paintwork. If this should happen, wash the
paintwork immediately with water.
WARNING: The symbol
on the container
identifies the synthetic type of brake fluid,
distinguishing it from the mineral type. Using
mineral fluids irreparably damages the special
rubber linings of the braking system.

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A
B
C
BATTERYThe battery is of the “low maintenance” type,
and is located on the right side of the luggage
compartment
To access the battery lift the shelf and
A and the
box cover
B releasing the hooks.
C.
With the vehicle standing on a flat surface, the
battery fluid level (electrolyte) must be between
the MIN and MAX reference notches shown on
the battery.
If the level is lower than the MIN reference
notch, contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network to have it
checked.To recharge the battery, see the section “In an
emergency”.
CAUTION
The fluid contained in the
battery is poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
Do not approach the battery with open
flames or possible sources of sparks:
risk of explosion and fire!
Batteries contain substances that are very
harmful for the environment. We advise you
to have the battery replaced at an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network, where all the necessary equipment
is available to dispose of the used parts in compliance with applicable legislation and in an
environment-friendly manner.
WARNING: Incorrect assembly of electrical and
electronic accessories can cause serious damage
to the vehicle.USEFUL HINTS FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
THE BATTERY
When parking the vehicle, make sure that the
doors, luggage and engine compartment lids
are properly closed. All interior lights should be
off. When the engine is off, do not keep the
connected devices switched on for a long time
(for example the radio, the hazard warning
lights, the fan, etc.).

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MAINTENANCE
WARNING: If the battery charge remains
below 50% for a long period of time, it will be
damaged due to sulphating: this will reduce its
performance and starting power and the battery
will be more subject to freezing (this can happen
even at -10°C).We recommend that you have the battery charge
condition checked, preferably at the beginning of
the cold season, to prevent the electrolyte from
freezing.
This check should be performed more frequently
if the vehicle is used mainly for short trips or if it
is equipped with power absorbing devices that
remain permanently on even if when the ignition
key is removed. This applies above all if these
devices have been fitted “after market”.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods of time,
please refer to chapter “If the vehicle is laid up
for long periods”, in this section.WARNING: If additional systems have to be
fitted in the vehicle, there is the risk of creating
dangerous branches on the electric wiring, in
particular if the safety devices are involved.
ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNITSNo special precautions are required for the
normal use of the vehicle.
In the event of repairs to the electrical system
or in an emergency starting, the following
instructions must be strictly followed:
- Never disconnect the battery from the
electrical system when the engine is
running.
- Disconnect the battery from the electrical
system when recharging it (see page 168
“If the battery is fl at”). WARNING: When the battery is disconnected,
you must first detach the negative pole terminal
(–) and then the positive pole one (+).
WARNING: The battery is secured inside the
vehicle by means of a metal box, therefore, be
extremely careful not to let the battery charger
clips come into contact with it.WARNING: When the battery is reconnected,
you must first attach the positive pole (+),
remembering to cover it with the cap provided,
and then the negative one (–).
- Never perform the emergency starting
procedure using a battery charger: always
use an auxiliary battery.
- Take special care when connecting the
battery to the electrical system, checking
both that polarity is correct and that the
connection is properly working.
- Do not connect or disconnect the terminals
of the ECUs when the ignition key is at
MAR.
- Do not check the electric polarities through
sparking.
- Disconnect the ECUs in the event of
electrical welding on the vehicle body.
Remove them if the temperature is
over 80°C (special interventions on the
bodywork, etc.).

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MAINTENANCE
the Authorised Service Centres of the
Manufacturer’s Network). Do not use
thick plastic sheets, which do not allow
the humidity on the vehicle surface to
evaporate.
- Infl ate the tyres up to a pressure which
must be 0.5 bar higher than the normally
prescribed one, and check it at regular
intervals.
CAUTION
The tyre pressure must be
brought back to the prescribed value
before reusing the vehicle.
- Do not drain the engine cooling system. BATTERY CONDITIONER
SOCKET
Located under the left-hand seat, it can be
accessed by moving the seat forward and folding
down the backrest.
IF THE VEHICLE
IS LAID UP FOR
LONG PERIODS- If the vehicle is not used for several months,
take the following precautions:
- Wash and dry the vehicle thoroughly.
- Store the vehicle in a covered, dry and, if
possible, ventilated area.
- Engage a gear.
- Disconnect the battery (see page 168).
- Check the battery charge condition. This
check should be carried out monthly while
the vehicle is idle. Recharge the battery if
the load-free voltage is below 12.5 V.
- Check that the electric parking brake is not
applied.
- Clean and protect the painted parts applying
protective waxes.
- Clean and protect polished metal parts with
specifi c products available on the market.
- Talc the windscreen wiper blades and raise
them from the windscreen.
- Cover the vehicle with a fabric sheet
to allow transpiration (available at all

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Precautions and warnings
- Make sure that the cables are not crushed
or come into contact with hot surfaces or
sharp edges.
- Do not cover the battery conditioner.
- Make sure that the mains connector is not
exposed to water.
- Never recharge a frozen battery.
- Never recharge a damaged battery.
- The connection to the mains must be
in compliance with domestic legislation
regarding high voltage.
- Always check the cables of the battery
conditioner before use: check that the
cables and external sheath are not cracked.
- Never use the battery conditioner if its
cables are damaged.
- Store and use the battery conditioner away
from children; do not allow children to play
with the device.Overheating protection
The battery conditioner is protected against
overheating.
If the ambient temperature rises, the output
power is reduced.
Maintenance
The battery conditioner does not require
maintenance.
The battery conditioner may not be
disassembled.
The casing of the device can be cleaned with a
soft and moist cloth or with neutral detergent.
Always disconnect the battery conditioner before
cleaning it.RESTARTING THE
VEHICLE
Before restarting the vehicle after a long period
of inactivity, we recommend that you perform
the following operations:
CAUTION
Check the tyres for pressure
and for any damages, cuts or cracks. If
this is the case, have them replaced.
- Do not dry-dust the exterior of the vehicle.
- Visually inspect if there are any fl uid leaks
(oil, brake and clutch fl uid, engine coolant
etc.).
- Have the engine oil and fi lter replaced.
- Check the fl uid levels in the braking system,
as well as the engine coolant level.
- Check the air fi lter and replace it if
necessary.
- Check the conditions of the engine belts.