2009 Alfa Romeo 147 maintenance

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
226
A0A0405m
fig. 1
CHECKING LEVELS
1Engine oil - 2Battery - 3Brake fluid - 4Power steering fluid - 5Windscreen/rearscreen/head-
lamp washer fluid - 6Engine coolant fluid When topping up take
care not to confuse the var-
ious types of fluids: they
are all incompatible with one an-
other and could seriously damage
the vehicle.
Never smoke while work-
ing in the engine compart-
ment; gas and inflammable vapours
may be present, with the risk of
fire.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
227
Used engine oil and filter
contain harmful substances
for the environment. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vices, to have the oil and filter
changed as they are equipped to
dispose of the waste oil and filters
respecting nature and the law.
ENGINE OIL (fig. 3)
The engine oil should be checked with the
vehicle on a level surface a few minutes
(about 5) after the engine has been
switched off.
Remove the dipstick (A) clean it, put it
back in completely, remove it and check that
the level is within the MINandMAX
marks on the dipstick. The interval between
theMINandMAXmarks corresponds to
about one litre of oil.If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filler neck
(B), until reaching the MAXmark.
IMPORTANTIf a routine check reveals
that the level is above the MAXmark, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to have
the correct level restored.
IMPORTANTAfter topping up the oil,
before checking the level again, run the en-
gine a few seconds and wait for a few min-
utes after stopping it.Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually 400
grams every 1000 km.
During the initial period of use the engine
settles, therefore engine oil consumption
may be considered stabilised only after the
first 5000 ÷ 6000 km.
IMPORTANTEngine oil consumption de-
pends on the way of driving and the condi-
tions of use of the vehicle.
fig. 3
A0A0406m
Do not add oil with spec-
ifications (classification,
viscosity) other than those
of the oil already in the engine.
When the engine is hot,
take care when working
inside the engine compartment to
avoid burns. Remember that when
the engine is hot, the fan may cut
in: danger of injury.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
228
SELESPEED TRANSMISSION
OIL
(fig. 4)
The Selespeed transmission oil should be
checked with the vehicle on a level surface
and with the engine stopped and cold.
To check the level, proceed as follows:
– turn the ignition key to MAR;
– disconnect the breather tube and re-
move the cap (A) checking that the level
corresponds with the MAXmark on the dip-
stick integrated with the cap;– if the oil is below the MAXmark, top
up to reach the correct level;
– after refitting the cap, insert the breather
tube firmly on the housing on the cap and
turn the ignition key to STOP.
Used gearbox oil contains
dangerous substances for
the environment. For chang-
ing the oil we advise contacting Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Services who
are equipped for disposing of used
oil respecting nature and the law.Do not add oil with spec-
ifications other than that
already in the gearbox.
fig. 4
A0A00197m
Be very careful working in-
side the engine compart-
ment if the engine is hot: danger of
burns. Remember that the fan may
cut in if the engine is very hot: dan-
ger of injury.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
229
POWER STEERING FLUID
(fig. 6)
Check that the level of the oil in the reser-
voir is at maximum.
This operation should be carried out with
the vehicle on a level surface and the en-
gine switched off and cold.
Check that the level reaches the MAX
mark on the reservoir or coincides with the
upper notch (maximum level) on the dip-
stick (A) integral with the reservoir cap. The cooling system is
pressurised. If necessary,
replace the cap only with
another genuine one, otherwise
system efficiency could be compro-
mised.
Top up only with the same
fluid contained in the cool-
ing circuit. PARAFLU UP
(red) cannot be mixed with
PARAFLU 11 (blue) or with other
fluids. Should this take place, do
not start the engine and contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Service.
fig. 6
A0A0407m
ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
(fig. 5)
The level of the coolant in the header tank
(reservoir) should be checked with the en-
gine cold and the car on a level surface and
it should be between the MINandMAX
marks on the tank.
If the level is low, loosen the header tank
cap (A) and slowly pour a mixture of the
fluid specified in the ”Fluids and lubricants”
table in section “Technical Specifications”,
through the filler neck until nearing the
MAXmark; have this operation carried out
at Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
fig. 5
A0A0240m
The antifreeze mixture contained in the
cooling circuit guarantees protection down
to –40°C.
Do not remove the cap
when the engine is hot:
danger of burns.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
230
If the oil level in the reservoir is below the
specified one, top up only with one of the
products listed in the “Fluids and lubricants”
table in the “Technical Specifications” chap-
ter proceeding as follows.
– Start the engine and wait for the oil lev-
el in the reservoir to stabilise.
– With the engine running, turn the steer-
ing wheel lock to lock a few times.
– Top up to the MAXlevel notch, then
refit the cap.
Oil consumption is very
low, if topping up again is
needed shortly afterwards,
have the system checked for pos-
sible leaks by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services.BRAKE AND HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH FLUID
(fig. 7)
Slacken the cap (A) and check that the
fluid contained in the reservoir reaches the
maximum mark.
fig. 7
A0A0408m
When loosening the
reservoir cap do not allow
the fluid to come into con-
tact with painted parts. If it does,
wash it off immediately with wa-
ter.
Do not allow the power
steering fluid to touch hot
parts of the engine: it is inflam-
mable.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
231
To avoid damaging the
pump motor, do not use
the windscreen/rearscreen
washers when the reservoir is
empty.
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. 8)
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;
– 50% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 50% water in winter;
– in the case of temperatures below -20°C
useTUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35
fluid neat.
fig. 8
A0A0242m
Theπsymbol on the con-
tainer indicates synthetic
brake fluid, distinguishing it from
the mineral kind. Using mineral flu-
ids irreversibly damages the spe-
cial braking system rubber seals.
WARNING
Brake and clutch fluid is
poisonous and highly cor-
rosive. In the event of accidental
contact, wash the parts concerned
immediately with neutral soap and
water, then rinse thoroughly. See
a doctor at once if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reser-
voir empty: the action of the wind-
screen washer is fundamental for
improving vision.
WARNING
Some commercial additives
for windscreen washers
are inflammable. The engine com-
partment contains hot components
which may set it on fire.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
232
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
are not carried out correct-
ly and with the due precautions,
they may compromise the travel-
ling safety of the vehicle. You are
recommended to have this opera-
tion carried out by Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services.
Any attempt to clean the
cleaner may damage it,
leading to serious engine
damage.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.
POLLEN FILTER
This has a mechanical/electrostatic air fil-
tering action, provided that the windows and
doors are shut.
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.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
233fig. 10
A0A0393m
BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited Mainte-
nance” type and is fitted with an optical in-
dicator (A-fig. 9) for checking the elec-
trolyte level and charge.
Under normal conditions of use the elec-
trolyte does not need topping up with distilled
water. To make sure that it is in efficient con-
ditions, at routine intervals check the indica-
tor on the battery cover which should be dark
in colour with a green central area.
If the indicator is a bright light colour, or
dark without the green central area, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
fig. 9
A0A0224m
Batteries contain harmful
substances for the environ-
ment. To change the bat-
tery we advise contacting Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services who
are equipped for disposal respect-
ing nature and the law.
The incorrect installation
of electric accessories may
cause serious damage to
the vehicle. If after buying the car
you wish to install accessories
(alarm, radio, radiotelephone etc.)
contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services who will be able to sug-
gest the most suitable devices and
above all advise about the need to
use a more powerful battery.
If the car is to remain in-
active for a long time in
very cold conditions, re-
move the battery and take it to a
warm place, otherwise it may
freeze.
The liquid contained in the
battery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the
skin or eyes. The battery should be
charged in a well ventilated place
away from naked flames or pos-
sible sources of sparks: danger of
explosion and fire.
WARNING
When working on the bat-
tery or near to it, always
protect the eyes with goggles.
WARNING