2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider engine overheat

1. Temperature Gauge•The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The digital gauge will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather, or up moun-
tain grades. It should not be allowed to exceed the
upper limits of the normal operating range.
NOTE: Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. The digital warning light may
switch on (together with a message on the display) to
indicate that the coolant temperature is too high; in this
case, stop the engine and contact a dedicated authorized
dealership.WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your
Vehicle.” Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
2. Tachometer •This gauge measures engine revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000). Before the pointer reaches the red area,
ease up on the accelerator to prevent engine damage.
3. Speedometer •Indicates vehicle speed.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 121

Red TelltaleLight What It Means
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emer-
gencies.”
Engine Temperature Warning Light
Red Warning Light What It Means
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. As engine coolant temperatures rise and
the gauge approaches
H, this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after
reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will cause a continuous chime sound for 4
minutes, or until the engine is allowed to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system
is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tem-
perature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for ser-
vice. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further infor-
mation.
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

economy, reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle perfor-
mance. Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline con-
tains a higher level of detergents to further aide in
minimizing engine and fuel system deposits. When avail-
able the usage of Top Tier Detergent gasoline is recom-
mended. Visit www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should
be avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum
and varnish removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket
and diaphragm materials.Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine per-
formance and damage the emissions control sys-
tem.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate ser-
vice. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 239

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER ...........246
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............246
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... .247
▫ Torque Specifications ...................248
 TIRE SERVICE KIT ..................... .249
 JUMP-STARTING ..................... .254
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............254▫
Jump-Starting Procedure ................256
 FRONT TOW EYE USAGE ................258
 FIRE EXTINGUISHER — IF EQUIPPED .......261
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ............................. .262
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ...........262
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
center console.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
246 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Trip Button........................... .158
Trip Computer ........................ .158
Trip Functions ........................ .159
Units (Set Units) ....................... .154
Values Displayed ...................... .161
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................246
Jump Starting ......................... .254
Overheating .......................... .246
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........267
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .273
Break-In Recommendations .................67
Checking Oil Level ..................... .270
Compartment ......................... .265
Cooling ............................. .286
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................68, 240
Fails To Start ......................... .177
Flooded, Starting ...................... .177Fuel Requirements
..................... .236
Jump Starting ......................... .254
Oil ............................. .270, 325
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .272
Oil Filter ............................ .272
Oil Selection .......................... .272
Overheating .......................... .246
Starting ............................. .176
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........51, 262
Ethanol ............................... .237
Euro Twin Clutch Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .298
Event Data Recorder ........................55
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................68, 240
Exhaust System ....................... .68, 284
Exterior Lights ............................70
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .273
358 INDEX