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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
Check condition and wear
of rear brake pads and
discs, and operation of
pad wear indicator XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Check and top off, if re-
quired, fluid levels (engine
coolant, brake/hydraulic
clutch fluid, windscreen
washer fluid, battery fluid,
etc) XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Visually inspect the condi-
tion of accessory drive
belt(s) XX X X
Check condition of timing
belt XX X
Check handbrake lever
travel and adjust, if neces-
sary (or every 12 months) XXXXXXXXXXXXX
192 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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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
Check engine control sys-
tem operation (via diag-
nostic tool) XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Check and, if necessary,
top off oil level of twin
clutch transmission XX
Replace accessory drive
belt(s) XX
Replace spark plugs * X X X X
Replace toothed timing
drive belt ** XX
Change engine oil and oil
filter ***
Change brake fluid every
24 months***** XXX X X X
Replace air filter car-
tridge**** XXXXXXXXXXXXX
# Recommend using Midtronics tester to check charge
status and, if necessary, recharge battery.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 193
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* 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 And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information).
• Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement
interval given in the maintenance plan 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 four years for particularly
demanding use (cold climates, city driving, long peri-
ods of idling) or at least every five 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.
194 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals. The best time to check the engine oil
level is before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight.
Do not check oil level when the engine is warm.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is warm will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and
has sat overnight, will improve the accuracy of the oil
level readings. Maintain the oil level between the range
markings on the dipstick. The safe range is indicated by a
crosshatch zone. Adding 1 quart of oil when the reading
is at the low end of the indicated range will result in the
oil level at the full end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
temperature. This loss of oil pressure and increased
oil temperature could damage your engine.
Adding Washer Solvent
To check the windshield washer solvent level, proceed
as follows:
1. To avoid any interference during the procedure, liftthe windshield wiper blade.
1 — Brake Fluid Access Panel
2 — Washer Solvent Access Panel
196 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs
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 Plan” in this section 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. You would not
have your full 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.
212 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants ” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech-
nical Specifications” for further information. Us-
ing the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its per-
formance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden
brake failure. This could result in a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 213
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Checking Brake Fluid
To check the brake fluid level, proceed as follows:
1. Loosen the two screws and remove the brake fluidprotection panel. 2. Check that the fluid is at the max. level.
3. After checking, reposition the brake fluid protection
panel and tighten the two screws.
1 — Brake Fluid Protection Panel
2 — Washer Solvent Protection Panel
Brake Fluid Protection Panel
1 — Screw Locations
214 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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Adding Brake Fluid
If the fluid level in the reservoir is not sufficient,
proceed as follows:
1. Take the black funnel for topping up the brake fluidand its extension pipe from the service kit in the
luggage compartment.
2. Loosen the reservoir plug and introduce the funnel with the extension pipe in the reservoir inlet.
3. After topping up, remove the funnel with the exten- sion pipe.
4. Tighten the reservoir plug. 5. Reposition the brake fluid protection panel and
tighten the two screws.
NOTE: Be very careful while removing the plug from
the opening to prevent the plug from falling inside the
vehicle body.
Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality. Refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for fluid
specifications.
Brake Fluid Funnel
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 215