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
229
DIESEL FUEL FILTER
(diesel versions)
DRAINING CONDENSATION
WATER
The presence of water in
the supply circuit may
cause serious damage to
the entire injection system and
cause irregular running of the en-
gine. If the warning message +
symbol are shown on the recon-
figurable multifunction display con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices as soon as possible to have
the system relieved. If warning in-
dications turn on after refuelling,
water has probably been poured
into the tank: turn the engine off
immediately and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is connected to the tem-
perature and air flow sensors which send
to the control unit the electric signals need-
ed for correct operation of the injection and
ignition system.
It must therefore always be in perfect con-
ditions, to ensure correct operation of the
engine, low consumption and exhaust emis-
sion levels.
If the operations concern-
ing cleaner replacement de-
scribed below are not car-
ried out correctly and with the due
precautions, they may compromise
the travelling safety of the car. You
are recommended to have this op-
eration carried out by Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
If the car is habitually
used in dusty areas, the
cleaner should be replaced
at shorter intervals than those
specified in the Programmed Main-
tenance Schedule.
Any attempt to clean the
cleaner may damage it,
leading to serious engine
damage.
CAR MAINTENANCE
230
Incorrect fitting of electri-
cal accessories can serious-
ly damage the car. If after
buying the car, you wish to install
electric accessories (alarm, sound
system, radiotelephone, etc.) con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices who will be able to suggest
the most suitable devices and
above all advise about the need to
use a more powerful battery.
BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited mainte-
nance” type: under normal conditions of use
the electrolyte does not need topping up
with distilled water.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to
have the battery checked/replaced.
fig. 14
A0A0224b
Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very harm-
ful for the environment. You
are advised to have the battery
changed at Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services, which are properly
equipped for disposing of used bat-
teries respecting nature and the law.
If the car is to remain sta-
tionary for a long time in
very cold weather, remove
the battery and take it to a warm
place, otherwise it might freeze.
POLLEN FILTER
Have the dust/pollen filter checked once
a year by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services,
preferably at the onset of summer.
If the car is mainly used in dusty or heav-
ily polluted areas, the filter should be
changed at more frequent intervals than
specified in the Scheduled Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
IMPORTANTThe failure to replace the
pollen filter can considerably reduce the ef-
fectiveness of the climate control system.
When doing any work on
the battery or near it, al-
ways wear special protec-
tive goggles.
The liquid in the battery is
poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with eyes
and skin. Do not bring naked
flames or possible sources of
sparks near to the battery: risk of
fire and explosion.
CAR MAINTENANCE
234
Alloy rim painting involv-
ing temperatures exceed-
ing 150 °C should be
avoided since wheel mechanical
characteristics could be impaired. Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from
the right of the car to the
left and vice versa.Excessive low pressure
causes overheating of the
tyre with the possibility of
serious damage to it.Remember that car road
holding also depends on
correct tyre inflation pres-
sure.
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel sup-
ply rubber hoses are concerned, carefully fol-
low the Scheduled Maintenance Pro-
gramme. Indeed, ozone, high temperatures
and the prolonged lack of fluid in the sys-
tem may cause hardening and cracking of
the hoses, with possible leaks. Careful con-
trol is therefore necessary.
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Where possible, avoid sudden braking,
tyre squealing starts, violent bumps against
kerbs, potholes or obstacles of various kinds.
Prolonged driving on rough roads may dam-
age the tyres;
– Routinely check the tyres for cuts on the
sides, swellings or uneven tread wear. If nec-
essary contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vices;
– Avoid overloading the car when travel-
ling: this may cause serious damage to the
wheels and tyres;
– If a tyre is punctured, stop immediate-
ly and change it to avoid damage to the tyre
itself, the rim, suspensions and steering sys-
tem;
– Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are a sign
of aging. In any case, if the tyres have been
on the car for over 6 years, they should be
checked by specialised personnel, to see if
they can still be used. Also remember to
check the compact spare wheel;
– In case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those of dubious origin;
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