Page 265 of 371
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1750 TURBO . . . .265
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .266
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ....................... .266
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .267
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................269
 DEALER SERVICE ..................... .269
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........270
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .270▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... .272
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................273
▫ Engine Cover ....................... .273
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............274
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............275
▫ Body Lubrication .....................276
▫ Wiper Blades ....................... .277
▫ Windshield Washer Nozzles ..............280
▫ Adding Washer Solvent .................280
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .284
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        Page 274 of 371

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for tur-
bocharged engines under all types of operating condi-
tions, the manufacturer recommends synthetic engine
oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS-12991.
Engine Oil Viscosity — 1750 Turbo Engine (SAE
Grade)
SAE 5W-40 full synthetic engine oil is recommended for
all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low
temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) tothe engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 275 of 371

quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR engine oil filters are high quality oil
filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in the “Mainte-
nance Schedules” section for the proper maintenance
intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-
mended.
Engine Cover
To avoid possible damage to the engine cover, please
disconnect each of the four mounting studs by pulling
the engine cover upward, and then lift off the complete
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273 
     
        
        Page 333 of 371

•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 vehicle on a track should be regarded as an
exception. The vehicle has been designed and manufac-
tured for road use.
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 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.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 331 
     
        
        Page 334 of 371
If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty environment
the engine air filter has to be changed every 6,500 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 2,000 miles (3,000 km) check and, if necessary, top
up: engine oil level
332 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 
     
        
        Page 335 of 371
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 OilChange 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.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 333 
     
        
        Page 342 of 371
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156
Or Kilometers:
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
220,000
240,000
260,000
Replace spark plugs (#) XX X X
Replace toothed timing
drive belt (*) XX
Change engine oil and oil
filter (**)
Change brake fluid (or ev-
ery 24 months) XXXXXX
Replace air filter cartridge
(***) XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Recommend using Midtronics tester to check
charge status and, if necessary, recharge battery.
340 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 
     
        
        Page 343 of 371

(#) 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.
(**) The actual interval for changing the oil and replacing
the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage condi-
tions and is signalled by the warning light or message (if
present) on the instrument panel or every 12 months.
(***) If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty
environment the engine air filter has to be changed every
6,500 miles (10,000 km).
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 341