2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider engine overheat

Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Temperature Gauge•The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range
indicates that the engine cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily.
• The digital gauge will likely indicate a higher
temperature when driving in hot weather, or up
mountain 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 autho-
rized 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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide
to look under the hood yourself, see “Servicing And
Maintenance.” Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
2. Tachometer •This gauge measures engine revolutions per min-
ute (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. Fuel Gauge •The digital display shows the amount of fuel in the
tank.
• The switching on of the digital warning light
indicates that 1 – 1.3 gallons of fuel are left in the
tank; in this situation, refuel as soon as possible.
• Do not travel with the fuel tank almost empty; any
gaps in fuel delivery could damage the catalytic
converter.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 63

may be a malfunction with the charging system. Con-
tact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component.
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If
the engine coolant temperature is too high, this indica-
tor will illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the
temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous
chime will be sound for four minutes or until the engine
is able 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 temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
Yellow Warning Lights
— Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a message is dis-
played to indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss
is occurring. In these cases, optimal tire duration and
fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned
above, the display will show the indications corre-
sponding to each tire in sequence.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires
as handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle,
avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tire punc-
ture occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated
tire repair kit and contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires.)
80 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER ..........166
 BULB REPLACEMENT .................166
▫ Replacement Bulbs ...................166
▫ Replacing Exterior Bulbs ...............167
 FUSES ............................ .177
▫ General Information ...................178
▫ Engine Compartment Fuses .............179
▫ Dashboard Fuse Box ..................181
 TIRE SERVICE KIT .....................182
▫ Tire Service Kit Storage Location ..........182
▫ Tire Service Kit Components And Operation .183
▫ Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .........187
JUMP STARTING .....................187
▫ Preparations For Jump Start .............188
▫ Jump Starting Procedure ...............189
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ..........191
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ..........192
▫ Front Tow Eye Usage .................192
 FIRE EXTINGUISHER — IF EQUIPPED ......195
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ............................ .195
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ..........195
7

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate
action.
•On highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmis-
sion 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 maxi-
mum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower
control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off
until the coolant temperature drops back into the
normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). The digital
warning light may switch on (together with a mes-
sage on the instrument cluster display) to indicate
that the coolant temperature is too high; in this case,
stop the engine and call for service.7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 191

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance 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 dam-
age to the converter and vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is
important 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 specifi-
cations, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing
the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 219

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 expansion bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
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.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based 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
animals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
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.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be
between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed
to maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 223

CAUTION!(Continued)
performance and damage the emissions control
system.
• 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
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer and may void or not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions con-
trol system can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.
• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 265

Radiator Cap........................ .223
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........221
Corrosion Protection ..................... .253
Cruise Light .............................84
Cupholders .............................57
Customer Assistance ..................... .274
Daytime Running Lights ....................31
Dealer Service .......................... .212
Deck Lid, Release .........................51
Defroster, Windshield .....................133
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................34
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................85
Dimmer Control ..........................34
Disabled Vehicle Towing ...................192
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............223
Door Locks Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors .....23
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ......................24
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water .............................. .163
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) .......58Electrical Power Outlets
....................58
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................29
Electronic Brake Control System ...............91
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .......153
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........78
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher .................166
Jacking ............................ .229
Jump Starting ........................ .187
Overheating ......................... .191
Towing ............................ .192
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........86
Engine ............................... .207
Air Cleaner ......................... .213
Break-In Recommendations ...............141
Checking Oil Level .....................208
Compartment ........................ .207
Cooling ............................ .220
Exhaust Gas Caution ................132, 265
Fails To Start ........................ .140
Flooded,

Starting ..................... .140
Fuel Requirements .....................262
Jump Starting ........................ .187
Oil ............................ .212, 266
Oil Filler Cap ..................... .207, 213
282 INDEX