VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
235
You are also reminded that services with
high current absorption switched on by the
user, such as for example: baby bottle warm-
ers, vacuum cleaner, mobile phone, mini
fridge, etc., quicken the battery draining
processif they are turned on with
the engine offor running at idle speed.
IMPORTANT When installing addition-
al systems on the vehicle, bear in mind that
improper branches on connections of the ve-
hicle wiring are dangerous, particularly if
safety devices are involved.
Battery
60 Ah
70 AhMaximum permissible
loadless absorption
36 mA
42 mA
The maximum absorption of all the ac-
cessories (standard and fitted afterwards)
should be 0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery), as
shown in the following table:CHANGING THE BATTERY
When changing the battery it should be re-
placed with another original one with the
same characteristics. If it is replaced by a
battery with different characteristics, the
maintenance intervals given in the Sched-
uled Maintenance Programme in this chap-
ter are no longer valid and for maintenance
it will be necessary to follow the battery
Manufacturer’s instructions.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid rapidly draining the battery and
ensure that it continues to work correctly,
the following should be noted:
– The terminals must always be firmly
tightened.
– Within reason, avoid using electrical de-
vices for a long time when the engine is
switched off (radio, hazard warning lights,
parking lights, etc.).– When the vehicle is parked in a garage,
ensure that the doors, bonnet, boot and in-
ner lids are closed properly so that the lights
do not stay on permanently.
– Before carrying out any work on the
electric system, disconnect the negative ca-
ble from the battery.
– If after buying the car, you wish to in-
stall electric accessories which require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, voice feature,
radionavigator with satellite antitheft func-
tion etc.) or accessories that burden the elec-
tric system, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
services whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices belonging to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
will evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding the load re-
quired, or whether it should be integrated
with a more powerful battery. In fact, as
some of these devices continue absorbing
energy even when the ignition key is off (car
stationary, engine off), they gradually drain
the battery.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
241
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK
Paint
The paintwork does not only serve an aes-
thetic purpose but also protects the under-
lying 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.Do not wash the vehicle 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 vehicle.
Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substance many species release
give the paint a dull appearance and in-
crease the possibility of triggering rust
processes.
IMPORTANTBird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly aggres-
sive.
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. Detersives pollute water.
The car should therefore be
washed in areas equipped
for the collection and purification
of the liquid used in the washing
process.
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 vehicle 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 vehicle should not be
taken to a closed area immediately, but left
in the open so that residual water can evap-
orate.
RIGHT HAND DRIVE VERSION
272
HEADLIGHTS
COMPENSATION FOR TILT
(fig. 25)
When the vehicle is loaded, the beam from
the headlights is raised due to the backwards
tilt of the vehicle.
In this case the headlights must be ad-
justed correctly.
To do this, use the rocker button (A), on
the plate at the side of the steering column:
– pressing the button in correspondence
with the arrow (
A) increases by one posi-
tion (e.g.: 0
➟1➟ 2➟3);
– pressing the button in correspondence
with the arrow (
S) decreases by one posi-
tion (e.g.: 3
➟2➟1➟0);
The display (B) in the speedometer shows
the position while adjustment takes place.
fig. 25
A0A0320m
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 26)
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the ve-
hicle is marketed. In countries with opposite
circulation, to avoid glaring oncoming vehi-
cles it is necessary to cover the areas of the
headlight as shown below; this is done us-
ing non-transparent sticker tape.
The illustration refers to the passage from
left-hand drive to right-hand drive.
fig. 26
A0A0321m
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maaximum per-
missible load all stowed in
the boot
Check headlight aiming
every time the load carried
changes.
WARNING
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
275
Brake and clutch hydraulic fluid
- checking level and topping up.... 230
Brakes
- checking fluid level and
topping up .............................. 230
- handbrake .............................. 108
- specifications .......................... 247
Braking lights
- changing bulbs ........................ 205
Bulbs
- general instructions .................. 196
- replacement............................ 198
- types of bulbs ......................... 196
Card holder ................................ 123
Catalyst ...................................... 174
Cell phones (provision) ................. 125
Changing battery of key with
remote control .......................... 10
Changing bulbs- general information.................. 196
- types of bulbs ......................... 196
Checking levels ............................ 226
- checking level and topping
up brake and clutch fluid........... 230
- checking level and topping
up coolant fluid ....................... 229
- checking level and topping
up engine oil ........................... 227
- checking level and topping
up power steering oil................ 229
- checking level and topping up
windscreen/rearscreen/
headlamp washer fluid ............. 231
Children (carrying safely) .............. 31
Cigar lighter ................................ 122
Cleaning and maintenance
- body ...................................... 240
- car interior .............................. 242
- engine compartment ................ 242- leather seats ........................... 242
- plastic parts ............................ 242
- windows ................................ 241
Climate control, automatic
two-zone.................................. 91
Climate control system.............. 89
- air vents ........................ 89-90
- controls .................................. 93
Clock.......................................... 60
Clutch
- checking fluid level and
topping up .............................. 230
CO
2emissions ............................. 258
CODE card................................... 7
Controls ...................................... 106
Correct use of the car............ 175
Courtesy light .............................. 121
- changing bulbs ........................ 207
Cruise control .............................. 47
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
277
- marking ................................. 244
- specifications .......................... 245
Engine codes ............................... 244
Engine compartment
- bonnet ................................... 130
- washing ................................. 242
Engine coolant fluid
- checking level
and topping up ........................ 231
- temperature gauge and
warning light........................... 52
Engine oil
- checking the level and
topping up .............................. 227
- consumption ........................... 227
Engine starting ............................ 175
- emergency starting .................. 177
- ignition switch ......................... 14
- switching off ........................... 176
- warming the engine ................. 176Engine oil consumption ................. 227
EOBD (system)............................ 139
Environment (safeguarding) .......... 174
- emission reducing devices ......... 174
- reducing running costs
and environment pollution......... 181
- running economy ..................... 183
- safeguarding emission
reduction devices ..................... 184
- use of non-toxic materials ......... 174
Extending the luggage compartment
- partial .................................... 20
- total ...................................... 19
External lights (switching on) ........ 42
First-aid kit................................. 220
Flashing high beams..................... 43
Fluids (specifications) ................... 255
Fluids and lubricants.............. 255-256
Follow me home device ................ 44Foglights
- changing bulbs................. 199-201
- switching on ........................... 106
Front ceiling light ......................... 120
- changing bulbs ........................ 206
Fuel
- automatic shut off switch .......... 107
- consumption ........................... 257
- fuel cap.................................. 173
- level gauge and reserve
warning light........................... 52
- refilling .................................. 173
Fuel flap ..................................... 173
Fuel reserve ................................ 52
Fuel supply (technical data)........... 246
Fuses
- in control box in engine
compartment .......................... 210
- in control box on battery post .... 211
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
278
- in control box on
dashboard ......................... 210
- generalities ............................. 209
- list of protected devices ............ 212
Gearshift lever ........................... 109
Getting to know your car .... 6
Glass stand ................................. 123
Glove compartment ...................... 119
Glove compartment light
- changing bulbs ........................ 208
Grab handles ............................... 119
Handbrake
- lever ...................................... 108
Hazard lights
- switching on ........................... 106
Headlamp beam adjustment .......... 132
Headlight washers .................. 46-240
Headlights ............................. 132
- adjustment abroad.............. 132- changing bulbs ................... 198
- compensation for tilt ................ 133
Headrests
- rear ....................................... 21
Heated rearscreen ........................ 105
HI-FI system (Bose) ..................... 172
Hoses......................................... 238
Ignition device ............................ 14
Ignition switch and steering
lock ................................... 14-15
In an emergency..................... 188
In the event of an accident ............ 219
- first aid kit .............................. 220
- if anybody is injured ................. 220
Inertial fuel cut off switch......... 107
Instrument panel .................... 50
Intelligent washing ....................... 45
Interior (cleaning) ........................ 242
Interior fittings........................ 119Interior lighting
- boot lighting ........................... 129
- front lighting ........................... 120
- rear lighting ............................ 121
Key/remote control .................... 6-7
- changing remote control battery 10
- request for additional keys
with remote control.................. 11
Levers at steering wheel .............. 42
Load limiters (seat belts) .............. 27
Low beam headlights
- changing bulbs................. 199-201
- switching on ........................... 42
Lubricants (specifications) ............. 255
Luggage rack connections.............. 131
Luggage restrainer net .................. 21
Main beam headlights
- changing bulbs................. 200-202
- switching on ........................... 42
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
279
Maintenance
- additional operations ................ 224
- annual inspection programme .... 224
- checking levels ........................ 226
- precautions and warnings.......... 225
- scheduled maintenance ............ 221
- scheduled maintenance
programme............................. 222
Mechanical gearbox
- lever ...................................... 109
Number plate lights
- changing bulbs ........................ 205
Paintwork (maintenance) ............ 241
- colour label ............................. 244
Parking....................................... 177
Performance................................ 251
Pockets on doors.......................... 124
Pollen filter ................................ 232
Power steering oil- checking level and topping up.... 229
Power windows ........................... 24
Pretensioners............................... 28
Radio transmitters
and cell phones ......................... 126
Radio
- presetting system ................... 140
Radio with CD player .................... 141
- advice .................................... 141
- aerial ..................................... 171
- antitheft protection .................. 144
- cautions ................................. 144
- CD changer ............................. 168
- CD player section ..................... 165
- controls at steering wheel ......... 149
- controls on front panel.............. 148
- functions and adjustments......... 150
- general .................................. 143
- glossary ................................. 145- protection fuse ........................ 171
- radio section ........................... 153
- speakers ................................ 171
- telephone provision .................. 153
Rain sensor ................................. 45
Raising the car
- with arm lift or workshop
lift ......................................... 220
Rear ceiling light .......................... 121
- changing bulbs ........................ 207
Rear fog guards
- changing bulbs ........................ 203
- switching on ........................... 107
Rear oddment pockets .................. 124
Rearscreen heating ....................... 105
Rearscreen washer ....................... 46
- spray jet ................................. 239
Rearscreen wiper
- blade replacement ................... 239
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
280
- operation................................ 46
Rearview mirrors
- external ................................. 23
- internal .................................. 22
Reducing running costs
and environment pollution .......... 181
Refuelling
- specifications .......................... 254
Remote control ............................ 7
- additional remote controls ......... 11
- alarm system .......................... 11
- battery changing ..................... 10
- door opening-closing ................ 7
- ministerial homologation........... 14
- tailgate opening ...................... 8
Restraining the load...................... 129
Rev counter................................. 51
Reversing light ............................. 203
Right hand drive.................... 259Roof rack (provision) .................... 131
Running economy ........................ 183
Safe driving ............................... 178
Safeguarding emission reduction
devices .................................... 184
Safeguarding the environment ....... 174
Scheduled maintenance
programme .............................. 222
Seat belts ................................... 25
- carrying children safety ............. 31
- front belt height adjustment ...... 27
- general instructions .................. 29
- load limiters............................ 27
- maintenance ........................... 30
- pretensioners .......................... 28
- use of belts............................. 25
Seats for children ......................... 31
Seats, front............................ 16
- adjustments....................... 17
- centre armrest......................... 18- heating .................................. 18
- rear pockets ............................ 18
- tilting the back rest .................. 17
Seats, rear .................................. 19
- boot extension ........................ 19
- centre armrest......................... 21
- headrest ................................. 21
Sidelights
- changing front bulbs................. 202
- changing rear bulbs.................. 204
- changing side bulbs.................. 203
- switching on ........................... 43
Snow chains................................ 186
Spark plugs (technical data) .......... 247
Speakers ................................... 171
Speedometer............................... 51
Spray jets
- windscreen/rearscreen ............. 239