2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Owner handbook (in English)

ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick A
fig. 121.
For this check, take out the dipstick
from its seat, clean it with a lint-free
cloth, reinsert the dipstick; take it out
again and check the oil level.
121)
If the level of the oil is close to or below
the MIN mark, add oil via the filler fitting
B fig. 121 until the MAX mark is
reached.
23)
To unscrew and re-tighten the filler cap
it is necessary to use the tool A shown
in fig. 123, found in the car.
Take out the engine oil dipstick A, clean
it with a lint-free cloth and reinsert it.
Extract the engine oil dipstick again and
check that the level is between the MIN
and MAX marks on the dipstick.
121)
WARNING Make sure that the oilcap is tightened properly in its seat
after topping the oil up.
Once the cap has been tightened,
before closing the engine bonnet,
remove the tool A fig. 123and
replace it in its housing to prevent losing
it or damaging the engine.
The range between the MIN and MAX
levels corresponds to approximately 1
litre of oil.
Engine oil consumption
24)3)
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to be run in; therefore the engine oil
consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5,000 -
6,000 km.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine run for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
stopping it before you check the level.
ENGINE COOLANT
122)
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is too low, unscrew reservoir
plug C fig. 121 and add the fluid
described in the "Fluids and lubricants"
paragraph of the "TechnicalSpecifications" chapter.
WINDSCREEN WASHER
FLUID
123) 124)
To check the windscreen washer fluid
level, proceed as follows:
to avoid any interference during the
procedure, lift the windscreen wiper
blade according to the "Windscreen
wiper" paragraph in the "Maintenance
and care" chapter;
loosen the 4 self-tapping screws A
fig. 124 using the supplied screwdriver.
Remove the engine cover grille;
release the plug from the opening;
leaving the plug close to the opening,
put a finger on the central hole B
fig. 125 in the plug and remove it: the
level can be seen on the control pipe C
fig. 126 due to capillarity;
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
25)

after the check, reinsert the plug B
with the control pipe C in the initial
position;
reposition the engine cover grille and
tighten the 4 self-tapping screws A.
WARNING Re-close the plug holding it
horizontally (not directed towards the
engine cover) to prevent the opening
tang from remaining locked in a position
difficult to reach.
It is recommended to check the
windscreen washer fluid regularly, in
particular in driving conditions needing
a heavier use of the windscreen washer.
If the level is not sufficient, namely if
there is no fluid inside the pipe, proceed
as follows:
to avoid any interference during the
procedure, lift the windscreen wiper
blade according to the "Windscreen
wiper" paragraph in the "Maintenance
and care" chapter;
loosen the 4 self-tapping screws A
fig. 124 using the supplied screwdriver.
Remove the engine cover grille;
take the white funnel D fig. 127 fortopping up the windscreen washer
fluid/fuel and its extension pipe from the
service kit in the luggage compartment;
take out the plug B fig. 125 with the
fluid control pipe through the engine
cover opening on the grille;
introduce the funnel D fig. 127 and
its extension pipe in the reservoir neck
and top up;
after topping up, remove the funnel
D with the extension pipe;
refit the plug B with the dipstick;
reposition the engine cover grille and
tighten the 4 self-tapping screws A.
BRAKE FLUID
125) 126)
26) 27)
To check the brake fluid level, proceed
as follows:
loosen the 2 self-tapping screws E
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fig. 128 and remove the protection
panel;
check that the fluid is at the max.
level.
after checking, reposition the
protection panel and tighten the 2
self-tapping screws E.
If the fluid level in the reservoir is not
sufficient, proceed as follows:
take the black funnel for topping up
the brake fluid and its extension pipe
from the service kit in the luggage
compartment;
loosen the reservoir plug and
introduce the funnel F fig. 129 with the
extension pipe in the reservoir inlet;
after topping up, remove the funnel
F with the extension pipe;
tighten the reservoir plug;
reposition the protection panel and
tighten the 2 self-tapping screws E.WARNING Be very careful while
removing the plug from the opening to
prevent the plug from falling inside the
vehicle body.
IMPORTANT
22)Be careful not to confuse the various
types of fluids while topping up: they are
not compatible with each other! Topping up
with an unsuitable fluid could severely
damage your vehicle.
23)The oil level must never exceed the
MAX reference.
24)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already in the engine.25)PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze fluid is used in
the engine cooling system; use the same
fluid type as that already in the cooling
system when topping up. PARAFLU
UP
may not be mixed with other types of
anti-freeze fluids. In the event of topping up
with an unsuitable product, under no
circumstances start the engine and contact
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
26)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
27)Be very careful while topping up the
brake fluid, as it could drip from the
extension pipe inside the vehicle
under-bonnet and on parts of the body and
windscreen, corroding and damaging
them. Adopt suitable protection (e.g
absorbing paper) to reduce this risk as
much as possible.
WARNING
118)The Alfa Romeo 4C is designed and
produced for road use, in compliance with
the current regulations. Vehicle use in the
track must be considered as occasional
and in any case under the responsibility of
the user. The vehicle CANNOT be modified
or tampered with for any reason; this
would alter the Manufacturer homologation
and/or safety requirements. Using a
modified or tampered product relieves the
Manufacturer from any responsibility on the
product and may expose people to serious
risks.
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119)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of
fire.
120)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned.
121)If the engine oil is being topped up,
wait for the engine to cool down before
loosening the filler plug, particularly for
vehicles with aluminium plug (for
versions/markets, where provided).
WARNING: risk of burns!
122)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
123)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Repeated operation of
the system without fluid could damage or
cause rapid deterioration of some system
components.
124)Some commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluid are flammable.
The engine compartment contains hot
components which may start a fire.
125)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if
swallowed.
126)The symbol
, on the brake fluid
container indicates if a brake fluid is
synthetic or mineral-based. Use of mineral
type fluids will damage the special rubber
seals of the braking system beyond repair.
IMPORTANT
3)Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. You are advised to go to a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership to have
the oil and filters changed.
AIR CLEANER
For cleaner replacement, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
137

BATTERY
Battery A fig. 130 does not require the
electrolyte to be topped up with distilled
water. A periodic check carried out at a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership is,
however, necessary to check efficiency.
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
127) 128) 129) 130)
28)
4)
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the same
specifications. Follow the battery
manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery rapidly
and maintain its efficiency over time,
carefully observe the following
instructions:
when you park the car, ensure that
the doors and tailgate are properly
closed, to prevent roof lights inside the
passenger and luggage compartments
respectively from staying on;
switch off the roof lights; the car is,
however, equipped with a system which
switches the interior lights off
automatically;
do not keep accessories (e.g. radio,
hazard warning lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP and having closed the
driver side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the
electrical supply from the battery. When
reconnecting the electrical supply to the
battery, make sure that the ignition key
is in the STOP position and the driver
side door is closed.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the batteryis damaged by sulphation, reducing its
capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
-10°C). Refer to the “Car inactivity”
paragraph in “Starting and driving” if the
car is left parked for a long time.
If, after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which
require permanent electrical supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership, whose qualified
staff will evaluate the overall electrical
consumption.
WARNING
127)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin and
eyes. Keep open flames away from the
battery and do not use objects that might
create sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
128)Using the battery with insufficient fluid
irreparably damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
129)If the car will be unused for an
extended period of time in extremely cold
weather conditions, remove the battery
and store it in a heated area to prevent it
from freezing.
130)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
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IMPORTANT
28)Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. Contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership if you want to install
accessories (anti-theft systems, etc.) after
purchasing the car. They can suggest the
most suitable devices and above all advise
you whether a higher capacity battery
needs to be installed.
IMPORTANT
4)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Before embarking on a long trip, and
every two weeks, check the tyre
inflation pressure. Check the tyres when
cold.
131) 132) 133) 134) 135)
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in
the “Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 131:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn;
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges;
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In anycase, follow the laws in force in the
country where you are driving.
IMPORTANT NOTES
For versions/markets, where provided,
the 4C may be equipped with
high-performance tyres able to
guarantee superior grip; this results,
however, in increased wear. Alfa
Romeo, together with Pirelli, has indeed
developed special tyres for 4C: a
dedicated series of Pirelli PZero,
initialled AR, meeting the technical
specifications necessary to get the car
best performance.
Take the following precautions to
prevent damage to the tyres:
avoid violent impact against the
kerb, potholes or obstacles as well as
driving for extended periods on uneven
road surfaces;
periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tread wear;
avoid travelling with the vehicle
overloaded. If a tyre is punctured, stop
immediately and change it;
tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread and on the
sidewalls are a sign of ageing. Have the
tyres checked by specialised personnel
if they have been fitted for longer than 6
years;
in the case of replacement, always
fit new tyres, avoiding those of
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unknown origin;
if a tyre is changed, also change the
inflation valve.
WARNING
131)The road holding qualities of the car
also depend on the correct inflation
pressure of the tyres.
132)If tyre pressure is too low, the tyre
may overheat and be severely damaged as
a result.
133)Do not switch tyres from the left to
the right side and vice versa, in order to
prevent inversion of the rotation direction.
134)Do not repaint alloy wheel rims at
temperatures higher than 150°C. The
mechanical characteristics of the wheels
might be compromised.
135)The car is always equipped with front
and rear wheels of different dimensions. It
is not therefore possible to move the
wheels from the front to the back and vice
versa.
It is advisable to replace the blade
about once a year.
136)
A few simple precautions can reduce
the possibility of damage to the blade:
if the temperature falls below zero,
make sure that ice has not frozen the
rubber to the glass. Use an antifreeze
product to release it if required;
remove any snow from the glass;
do not operate the windscreen wiper
on dry glass.
IMPORTANT Do not lift the arm of the
windscreen wiper when it is in its initial
rest position. Refer to the following
instructions to lift the windscreen wiper
blade correctly.
Lifting blade
If it is necessary to lift the blade from
the windscreen (e.g. in the event of
snow or if the blade needs
replacement) proceed as follows:
turn ring nut A fig. 132 to(wiper
off);
turn the ignition key to MAR-ON and
then to STOP;
after turning the ignition key to
STOP, within 2 minutes move the right
stalk upwards, into unstable
("anti-panic") position, for at least half a
second. The windscreen wiper then
executes part of a stroke; at each
command, approximately 1/3 of a
normal wiper stroke is triggered.
the previous operation can be
repeated up to 3 times, in order to
move the blade to the most suitable
position;
lift the blade from the windscreen
and proceed with the required
operation;
lower the blade, bringing it into
contact with the windscreen;
bring the blade to the initial rest
position, turning the ignition key to
MAR-ON.
29)
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Replacing the
windscreen wiper blade
Proceed as follows:lift the windscreen wiper blade,
following the instructions given
preciously;
press tab A fig. 133 of the
attachment spring and remove the
blade from the arm;
fit the new blade, inserting the tab in
the dedicated housing in the arm and
checking that it is locked;
lower the wiper arm onto the
windscreen.
NOZZLES
Screen washer
The windscreen washer nozzles are
adjustable fig. 134. They are originally
adjusted at the factory. Should it be
necessary to adjust them again,
contact a dedicated Alfa RomeoDealership.
If there is no jet of fluid, firstly check that
there is some fluid in the reservoir (see
paragraph "Checking fluid levels" in this
chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.
WARNING
136)Driving with a worn wiper blade is a
serious hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather.
IMPORTANT
29)Do not operate the screen wiper with
the blades lifted from the windscreen.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION AGAINST
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The car features advanced
technological solutions for effective
protection of the exterior bodywork and
structure.
The best products and best painting
systems lend the exterior bodywork
particularly high resistance to
atmospheric agents (solar radiation,
acid rain, etc.) and gravel, through
specific protections.
The chassis too, in light,
corrosion-resistant alloy, is treated to
prevent the formation of surface
oxidation.
CAR CORROSION
WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against
perforation, due to rust, of any original
element of the structure. For the
general terms of this warranty, refer to
the Warranty Booklet.
PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paintwork5)30)
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of
washing the car: the frequency
depends on the conditions and
environment where the car is used. For
example, in highly polluted areas, or if
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31)