WINDSHIELD
WIPERS
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper stalk is located on
the right side of the steering wheel.
The windshield wipers will only operate
with the ignition turned ON.
Caution!
Turn the windshield wipers off when
driving through an automatic car wash.
Damage to the windshield wipers may
result if the wiper control is left in any
position other than off.
In cold weather, always turn off the
wiper switch and allow the wipers to return
to the “Park” position before turning off the
engine. If the wiper switch is left on and the
wipers freeze to the windshield, damage to
the wiper motor may occur when the
vehicle is restarted.
Always remove any buildup of snow that
prevents the windshield wiper blades from
returning to the off position. If the
windshield wiper control is turned off and
the blades cannot return to the off position,
damage to the wiper motor may occur.
Windshield Wiper/
Washers
Operation: The switch on the wiper
stalk can be set to the following
positions:
Windshield Wiper Off.
Low Sensitivity Rain Sensing.
High Sensitivity Rain Sensing.
Low Continuous Wiper Speed.
High Continuous Wiper Speed.
Windshield Wiper Operation
Rotating the switch to the
position
activates the first (low) level continuous
speed of the windshield wipers in
manual mode.
Rotating the switch to the
position
activates the second (high) level
continuous speed of the windshield
wipers in manual mode. Rain Sensors
Rotating the switch to the
position,
activates the first, less sensitive level of
the Rain Sensing function.
Rotating the switch to the
position,
activates the second, more sensitive
level of the Rain Sensing function. Refer
to “Rain Sensor” in this section for more
information on how this system
functions.
Windshield Washer Operation
Pull the stalk toward the steering wheel
to operate the windshield washer.
Keep the stalk pulled to activate both the
windshield washer jet and the windshield
wiper with a single movement. The wipers
and washers will continue to operate until
you let go of the stalk.
The windshield wiper stops working
three strokes after the stalk is released,
followed by a final stroke six seconds
later to complete the cycle.
Mist
Use this feature when weather
conditions make occasional usage of
the wipers necessary. Push the stalk
upward to the MIST position and
release for a single wiping cycle. This
function is useful to remove small
deposits of dust from the windshield or
morning dew.
Note: This function does not activate
the windshield washer. To spray
windshield washer fluid onto the
windshield, the washing function must
be used.
GUID-04146S0001EMWindshield Wiper Switch
40
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Warning!
Sudden loss of visibility through the
windshield could lead to a collision. You
might not see other vehicles or other
obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of the
windshield during freezing weather, warm
the windshield with the defroster before
and during windshield washer use.
Rain Sensor
The Rain Sensor is located behind the
interior rear view mirror. This feature
senses moisture on the windshield and
automatically activates the wipers for
the driver.
The feature is especially useful for road
splash or over spray from the
windshield washers of the vehicleahead. Rotate the end of the
multifunction lever to one of four
settings to activate this feature.
The sensor has an adjustment range
that varies progressively from wiper still
(no stroke) when the windshield is dry,
to wiper at continuous speed (fast
operation) with intense rain.
Activation
Rotating the wiper switch to position
oractivates the rain sensor.
The activation of the rain sensor system
is done by tapping the wiper stalk
upwards while the switch is in the
orposition.
The variation in sensitivity during rain
sensor operation is also signaled by a
stroke of the wiper (command acquired
and implemented). This stroke is also
executed with the windshield dry.
If the windshield washer is used with
the rain sensor activated, the normal
washing cycle is performed, after which
the rain sensor resumes its normal
automatic operation.
Note: Keep the glass in the sensor
area clean.
Deactivation
Use the wiper switch or turn the ignition
to STOP.
If the ignition is moved to the STOP
position and the wiper switch is left in
orposition, no wiping cycle will
occur even if it rains when the vehicle is
next started (ignition at ON). This prevents accidental activation of
the rain sensor when the engine is
started (e.g. when the windshield is
being washed by hand or the wipers
are stuck to the windshield by ice).
You can restore the automatic functioning
of the rain sensor by lifting the windshield
wiper control (anti-panic function).
When the rain sensor is reactivated using
any of the functions described above,
reactivation is indicated by a single tap of
the windshield wipers, regardless of the
condition of the windshield.
In the event of malfunction of the rain
sensor while it is active, the windshield
wiper operates intermittently at a speed
consistent with the sensitivity setting of
the rain sensor, whether there is rain on
the glass, while the sensor failure is
indicated on the display.
The sensor continues to operate and it
is possible to set the windshield wiper
to continuous mode
or.The
failure indication remains for as long as
the sensor is active.
The rain sensor is able to recognize and
automatically adjust itself in the
presence of the following conditions:
Presence of dirt on the controlled
surface (e.g. salt, dirt, etc.).
Presence of streaks of water caused
by the worn window wiper blades.
Difference between day and night.
GUID-04146S0002EMRain Sensor
41
SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has
planned a series of checks and services
for your vehicle at fixed intervals based
on distance and time, as described in
the Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always
necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
fluids, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by an
authorized dealer according to a set
time schedule. If, during each
operation, in addition to the ones
scheduled, the need arises for further
replacements or repairs, these may be
carried out with owners explicit consent
only.
Note:
Scheduled Servicing intervals are
required by the Manufacturer. Failure to
have them carried out may invalidate
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
You are advised to inform your
authorized dealer of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
Periodic Checks
Every month or every600miles
( 1,000 km) or before long trips check
and, if necessary, top off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level (if insufficient, see
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible).
Windshield washer fluid level.
Tire inflation pressure and condition.
Operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.).
Operation of windshield
washing/wiping system and
positioning/wear of wiper blades.
Every 2,000 miles ( 3,000km), check
and top off if required:
Engine oil level.
Heavy Usage Of The Car
If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions:
Dusty roads.
Short, repeated journeys less than
4 miles (7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures.
Engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity.
In the event of a long period of
inactivity. The following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
Check cleanliness of hood and trunk
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of
linkage.
Visually inspect conditions of: engine,
transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and
rubber elements (sleeves/bushes, etc.).
Check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte).
Visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts.
Check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace
cabin air filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a
dusty and off-road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only
very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
203
Warning!
Use only refrigerants and compressor
lubricants approved by the manufacturer
for your air conditioning system. Some
unapproved refrigerants are flammable and
can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can
cause the system to fail, requiring costly
repairs. Refer to Warranty Information
Book, located in your owner’s information
kit, for further warranty information.
Lubricating Moving
Parts Of The Bodywork
Ensure that the locks and bodywork
junction points, including components
such as the seat guides, door hinges
(and rollers), trunk and hood are
periodically lubricated with
lithium-based grease to ensure correct,
silent operation and to protect them
from rust and wear.
Thoroughly clean the components,
eliminating every trace of dirt and dust.
After lubricating, eliminate excess oil
and grease. Also pay particular
attention to the hood closing devices,
to ensure correct operation. During
operations on the hood, to be carried
out with the engine cold, also
remember to check, clean and lubricate
the locking, release and safety devices.Lubricate the external lock barrels twice
a year. Apply a small amount of
high-quality lubricant directly into the
lock barrel.
If necessary, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Windshield Wiper
Periodically clean the windshield and
rear window and rubber profile of the
windshield wiper blades, using a
sponge or a soft cloth and a
non-abrasive detergent. This eliminates
the salt or impurities accumulated when
driving.
Prolonged operation of the windshield
window wipers with dry glass may
cause the deterioration of the blades, in
addition to abrasion of the surface of
the glass. To eliminate the impurities on
the dry glass, always operate the
windshield washers.
In the event of very low outdoor
temperatures, below zero degrees,
ensure that the movement of the rubber
part in contact with the glass is not
obstructed. Use a suitable deicing
product to release it if required.
Avoid using the windshield wipers to
remove frost or ice.
Also avoid contact of the rubber profile
of the blades with petroleum derivatives
such as engine oil, gas, etc.
Warning!
Driving with worn windshield wiper blades
is a serious hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather conditions.
Note:
The life of the windshield wiper blades
varies according to the usage
frequency. In any case, it is advised to
replace the blades approximately once
a year. When the blades are worn,
noise, marks on the glass or streaks of
water may be noticed. In the presence
of these conditions, clean the
windshield wiper blades or, if necessary,
replace them.
R
aising The Windshield Wiper Blades
("Service Position" Function)
The "service position" function allows
the driver to replace the windshield
wiper blades more easily. It is also
recommended to activate this function
when it is snowing and to make it easier
to remove any dirt deposits in the area
where the blades are normally
positioned, when washing.
Activation Of The Function
To activate this function, disable the
windshield wiper before setting the
ignition device to STOP.
213
This function can only be activated
within two minutes of cycling the
ignition to STOP.
To activate this function, move the lever
upward for at least three seconds.
Function deactivation
The function is deactivated if:
Wait for longer than two minutes
before turning the ignition to the STOP
position, after having raised the lever
and starting the service procedure in
this way.
The ignition is cycled to position ON
and the windshield wiper control.
If, after using the function, the ignition is
set back to ON with the blades in a
position other than rest position (at the
base of the windshield), they will only
return to rest position following a
command given using the stalk (stalk upwards, into unstable position) or
when a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) is
exceeded.
Replacing The Windshield Wiper
Blades
Proceed as follows:
Raise the wiper arm, press tab 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 windshield.
Note:
Do not operate the windshield
wiper with the blades lifted from the
windshield. Windshield Washer
The window washer nozzles are fixed.
If there is no jet of fluid, first check that
there is fluid in the reservoir (see
paragraph “Engine compartment” in
this chapter).
Then, check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.
Exhaust System
Adequate maintenance of the engine
exhaust system represents the best
protection against leaks of carbon
monoxide into the passenger
compartment.
If an unusual noise from the exhaust or
the presence of smoke in the
passenger compartment is identified, or
GUID-09046S0001EMMultifunction Lever
GUID-09046S0002EMWiper Release Tab
GUID-09046S0003EMWindshield Washers
1 — Washer Nozzles
214
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat,
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance,
which all passenger vehicle tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by
law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
STORING THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle is left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be observed:
Parkthecarinanareathatis
covered and dry, and well-ventilated if
possible. Slightly open the windows.
Check that the electric park brake is
not activated.
Carry out the procedure: “manual
trunk opening device” procedure
described in this paragraph.
Disconnect the negative battery
terminal and check the battery charge.
Repeat this check once every three
months during storage.
If the battery is not disconnected
from the electrical system, check its
state of charge every thirty days.
Clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax.
Clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds
available commercially.
Sprinkle talcum powder on the
windshield wiper rubber blades, and lift
them off the glass.
Cover the vehicle with a fabric or
perforated plastic sheet, paying
particular care not to damage the
painted surface by dragging any dust
that may have accumulated on it.
233
Corrosion Warranty
Your vehicle is covered by Corrosion
Warranty against perforation due to rust
of any original element of the structure
or bodywork. For the general terms of
this warranty, refer to the Warranty
Booklet.
Preserving The
Bodywork
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of
washing the car: the frequency
depends on the conditions and
environment where the car is used. For
example, it is advisable to wash the
vehicle more often in areas with high
levels of atmospheric pollution or salted
roads.
Some parts of the vehicle may be
covered with a matt paint which, in
order to be maintained intact, requires
special care.
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
If high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a
distance of at least 15 inches (40 cm)
from the bodywork to avoid damage or
alteration. Build up of water could cause
damage to the vehicle in the long term.
To make it easier to remove any dirt
deposits in the area where the blades
are normally located it is recommended
to position the windshield wipers
vertically (service position), for more
information, refer to “Dealer Service” in
this chapter.
Wash the bodywork using a low
pressure jet of water if possible.
Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge.
Rinse well with water and dry with a
leather chamois.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door
frames, hood, headlight frames, etc.)
with special care, as water may
stagnate more easily in these areas. Do
not wash the car after it has been left in
the sun or with the hood hot: this may
alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle.
If washing the car in a service that moves
the car, for cars with automatic
transmissions, PARK (P) must be cut out.
You have to shut off the engine in the
following conditions: car stopped,
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), press the
starter button for at least three seconds.
Note:
Avoid parking under trees; the resin
dropped by trees makes the paintwork
go opaque and increases the possibility
of corrosion.
Windows
Use specific detergents and clean
cloths to prevent scratching or altering
the transparency.
Caution!
Wipe the rear window inside gently with a
cloth following the direction of the filaments
to avoid damaging the heating device.
Front headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and
detergent for washing cars.
Note:
Never use aromatic substances
(e.g. gasoline) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) for cleaning the plastic lenses
of the headlights.
When cleaning with a pressure
washer, keep the pressure washer at
least eight inches (20 cm) away from
the headlights.
235
Supplemental Restraint System -AirBag ................ .116
Suspension ............... .243
Symbols ....................6
Telescoping Steering Column .....31
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo .........54
Tilt Steering Column ...........31
Tire And Loading Information Placard ................ .222
Tire Markings ...............218
Tire Safety Information .........218
Tire Service Kit ..............191
Tires...............225,229,232 Aging (Life Of Tires) .........231
Air Pressure .............229
Changing ...............218
Compact Spare ...........225
Flat Changing ............191
General Information ......225,229
High Speed .............230
Inflation Pressures .........229
Jacking ............... .218
Life Of Tires .............231
Load Capacity ............222
Quality Grading ...........232 Radial
................ .230
Replacement .............231
Safety ..............218,229
Snow Tires ..............228
Spare Tire ............225,226
Spinning ...............230
Tread Wear Indicators .......231
ToOpenHood...............52
Tow Hooks, Emergency ........200
Towing Disabled Vehicle ...........198
Towing trailers ..............174
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ................ .106
Traction Control System (TCS) .....97
Transmission ...............241
Transporting animals ..........175
Transporting passengers ........175
T
ransporting Pets ............133
Tread Wear Indicators ..........231
Turn Signals .................36
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .....232
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt . . .112
Use of the Owner’s Manual ........5
Vehicle changes/alterations.......3
Vehicle identification number .....238
Vehicle Loading ...........173,222
Vent Operation ...............42
Warning Flasher, Hazard .......179
Warranty Information ..........256
Washer fluid for windshield/headlights ........209
Washers, Windshield ...........40
Weights ................. .247
Wheel And Wheel Trim .........226
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ......226
Wheels and tires .............218
Windows (cleaning) ...........235
Windshield wiper .............40
replacing blades ...........214
Windshield wiper/washer Smart washing function .......40
Windshield Wipers ............40
Wrecker Towing .............198