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Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by
gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems properly
could lead to severe internal engine damage. If any
coolant is needed to be added to the system, please
contact your local authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains
visible sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and
flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to
MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine cool-
ant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT)
engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally com-
patible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system will
need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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may result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnor-
mally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear, and possible brake damage. Riding the
brakes may also reduce braking capacity in an
emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” is on.Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may
be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Frequent fluid level checks are not required, but have
your authorized dealer check the fluid level as specified
in the Maintenance Schedule to ensure proper transmis-
sion function and longevity. The transmission has no
dipstick, but your authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools. If
you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
Fluid Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed
at the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for
the life of the vehicle. However, change the fluid if it
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will en-
able you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant – 1750 Turbo Engine We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive
Technology) or equivalent meeting the requirements of
FCA Material Standard MS.90032.
Engine Oil – 1750 Turbo Engine We recommend you use SAE 5W-40 API Certified
Synthetic Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS-12991.
Engine Oil Filter – 1750 Turbo Engine We recommend you use MOPAR Engine Oil Filter.
Spark Plugs – 1750 Turbo Engine We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs. *
Fuel Selection – 1750 Turbo Engine Use Only 91 Octane or higher, 0-10% Ethanol.
NOTE: * 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 strictly comply
with the spark plug replacement interval given in the
maintenance schedule. For spark plug replacement, it is
advisable to contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealer-
ship. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” section for
the required spark plug intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ............260▫Maintenance Chart ...................262
8
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate in the instrument
cluster. This means that an engine oil and engine oil
filter change is required for your vehicle. Operating
conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow,
extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will influ-
ence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can
cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500
miles (805 km).
The Wrench Warning Light may appear in the cluster as
a service reminder when vehicle maintenance is re-
quired, according to the scheduled maintenance mile-
age. The maintenance schedule intervals are set by the
manufacturer. Failure to have them carried out may
void your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.NOTE:
The actual interval for changing the oil and
replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle
usage conditions and is signalled by the warning light
or message (if present) on the instrument panel or every
12 months.
Severe Duty All Models
In addition, if your vehicle is used under demanding
conditions, including:
• On the track.
• On dusty roads.
• 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 inac-
tivity.
260 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Under any of the above circumstances, the following
checks need to be performed more frequently than
indicated 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
steering 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 re-
place oil filter.
• Check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter. 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.
If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty environ-
ment 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.8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 261
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•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for un-
usual 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 windshield.
Every 2,000 miles (3,000 km) check and, if necessary, top
up: engine oil level.Maintenance Chart
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 filter if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES