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Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-
90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion protec-
tion of your engine which contains aluminum compo-
nents.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273
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CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality. Refer to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid
specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Transmission fluid is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunc-
tion, visit your authorized dealer immediately to have
the transmission fluid level checked. Operating the ve-
hicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279
Page 315 of 348

•Short, repeated trips (less than 4-5 miles or 7-8 km) at
sub-zero temperatures
•Allowing the engine to idle for extended periods of
time
•Driving for long distances at low speeds
•Allowing the vehicle to sit for long periods of inactiv-
ity
Under any of the above circumstances, the following
checks need to be performed more frequently than indi-
cated in the Maintenance Schedule:
•Check front and rear disc brake pad condition and
wear
•Check cleanliness of tailgate locks.
•Check cleanliness and lubrication of chassis and steer-
ing linkage•Visually inspect condition of: engine, gearbox, trans-
mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes) and rubber elements (gaiters - sleeves - bushes
- etc.)
•Check battery charge and battery fluid level (electro-
lyte)
•Visually inspect condition of the auxiliary drive belts
•Check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace
oil filter
•Check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner
Using the car on track should be regarded as an excep-
tion. The car has been designed and produced for road
use.
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 313
Page 316 of 348
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty environment
the engine air filter has to be changed every 6500 miles
(10,000 km).
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip/Periodic Checks
Every 600 miles (1,000 km) or before long trips, check
and, if necessary, top off the following:
•Check engine oil level
•Check brake fluid level
•Check windshield washer fluid level•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and
brake master cylinder reservoir, and add as needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
•Check screen wash/wipe system and positioning/
wear of windscreen
Every 2000 miles (3000 km) check and, if necessary, top
up: engine oil level
314 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Check and adjust hand brake.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road
conditions.
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 315
Page 319 of 348
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72
Or Kilometers:
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
Check cleanliness of hood and deck lid locks, as well as cleanli-
ness and lubrication of associated linkagesXX X X X X
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, carbon monocoque,
aerodynamic bottom, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel supply system,
brakes), rubber elements (boots, driveshaft boots, sleeves, bushes,
etc.)XX X X X X
Check condition and wear of front brake pads and discs, and op-
eration of pad wear indicatorXX X X X X
Check condition and wear of rear brake pads and discs, and opera-
tion of pad wear indicatorXX X X X X
Check and top off, if required, fluid levels (engine coolant, brake/
hydraulic clutch fluid, windscreen washer fluid, battery fluid, etc)XX X X X X
Visually inspect the condition of accessory drive belt(s) X
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 317
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Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72
Or Kilometers:
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
Check condition of timing belt X
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if necessary (or every 12
months)XX X X X X
Check exhaust gas emissions, or as required by applicable laws X X X
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic tool) X X X X X X
Check and, if necessary, top off oil level of dual clutch automatic
transmissionX
Replace accessory drive belt(s)X
Replace spark plugs (#) X X
Replace toothed timing drive belt (*)X
Change engine oil and oil filter (**)
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months) X X X
318 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72
Or Kilometers:
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
Replace air filter cartridge (***) X X X X X X
(⌂) Recommend using Midtronics tester to check charge
status and, if necessary, recharge battery.
(#) The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply. The following are essential
to ensure correct operation and prevent serious damage
to the engine:
•Only use spark plugs of the same make and type
which are specially certified for such engines (refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information).•Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement inter-
val given in the maintenance schedule for spark plug
replacement.
•Contact your Alfa Romeo Dealer if you have questions.
(*) Regardless of the distance covered, the timing belt
must be changed every 4 years for particularly demand-
ing use (cold climates, city driving, long periods of
idling) or at least every 5 years.
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 319