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
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
* The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply. The following are essen-
tial 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 “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information).
• Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement
interval given in the maintenance schedule for spark
plug replacement.
• Contact your Alfa Romeo Dealer if you have ques-
tions.
** 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 replac-
ing 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. **** 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).
***** DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every two
years regardless of mileage.
WARNING!
•
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to
perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your
vehicle could result in a component malfunction
and effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 267
Passing..............................72
Seat Belt Reminder ......................97
Service ............................. .246
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ...........100
Turn Signal ....................... .59, 107
Warning (Instrument Cluster
Description) ...................... .99, 107
Loading Vehicle Tires .............................. .162
Locks .................................18
Auto Unlock ..........................19
Door ................................18
Power Door ...........................18
Lubrication, Body ....................... .218
Lug Nuts ............................. .193
Maintenance Free Battery ...................216
Maintenance, General .....................213
Maintenance Procedures ...................213
Maintenance Schedule .....................260
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .....................105, 211
Manual, Service ........................ .273
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection .....................258 Master Cylinder (Brakes)
...................230
Methanol ............................. .184
Mirrors ................................63
Electric Remote ........................64
Heated ..............................65
Outside ..............................64
Rearview .............................63
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ..............6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ...............179
MTBE/ETBE .......................... .184
Multi-Function Control Lever ................71
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................55
Occupant Restraints .......................24
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ...............183
Oil, Engine ..................... .214, 256, 257
Capacity ........................... .256
Change Interval ...................... .214
Checking ........................... .214
Disposal ............................ .215
Filter .............................. .215
Filter
Disposal ....................... .215
Materials Added To ....................215
Pressure Warning Light ...................96
10
INDEX 281
Safety Tips..............................56
Schedule, Maintenance ....................260
Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) ..........32
Energy Management Feature ...............32
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ..............29
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................27
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ..............31
Pregnant Women .......................31
Seat Belt Pretensioner ....................32
Seat Belt Reminder ......................25
Seat Belt Maintenance .....................240
Seat Belt Reminder ........................25
Seat Belts ........................... .25, 57
Child Restraint .........................46
Front Seat ...................... .25, 27, 29
Inspection ............................57
Operating Instructions ...................29
Pregnant Women .......................31
Pretensioners ..........................32
Rear Seat .............................27
Reminder ............................97
Untwisting Procedure ....................31
Seats ..................................65
Adjustment ........................ .65, 66Reclining
.............................66
Security Alarm ...........................12
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ....................11
Service Assistance ....................... .270
Service Contract ........................ .271
Service Manuals ........................ .273
Shoulder Belts ...........................27
Signals, Turn ........................ .59, 107
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ..................177
Snow Tires ............................ .171
Spare Tire ....................171, 172, 173, 174
Spark Plugs ........................... .257
Speed Control Accel/Decel ...........................79
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...............77
Starting .............................. .134
Automatic Transmission .................134
Cold Weather ........................ .135
Engine Fails To Start ....................135
Steering Column
Lock ..........................76
Tilt Column ...........................76
Wheel, Tilt ............................76
Storage .............................. .244
Storage, Vehicle ........................ .244
10
INDEX 283