
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as
the total weight of the vehicle with all
fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no
occupants or cargo loaded into the
vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your
vehicle on a commercial scale before any
occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of
the front and rear of your vehicle at the
ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready
for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed
on a commercial scale to insure that the
GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the
vehicle should then be determined
separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and
rear axle. Weighing the vehicle may show
that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total
load is within the specified GVWR.If so, weight must be shifted from front
to rear or rear to front as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are
met. Store the heavier items down low
and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely
before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have
an adverse effect on the way your vehicle
steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.Caution!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing is not recommended for
this vehicle.
167

SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING
Saving Fuel
Below are some suggestions which may
help you save fuel and lower the amount
of harmful emissions released into the
atmosphere.
Vehicle Maintenance
Checks and operations should be carried
out in accordance with the Maintenance
Plan. Refer to "Scheduled Servicing" in
"Servicing And Maintenance" for further
information.
Tires
Check the tire pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is too
low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary Loads
Do not travel with an overloaded trunk.
The weight of the vehicle and its
arrangement greatly affect fuel
consumption and stability.
Electric Devices
Use electrical systems only for the
amount of time needed. The rear window
defroster, additional headlights,
windshield wipers and heater blower fan
require a considerable amount of energy;
increasing the current uptake increases
fuel consumption (by up to +25% when
city driving).Climate Control System
Using the climate control system will
increase consumption: use standard
ventilation when the temperature
outside permits.
Devices for Aerodynamic Control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and consumption levels.
Driving Style
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high
revs when the vehicle is stationary; this
causes the engine to warm up more
slowly, thereby increasing fuel
consumption and emissions. It is
therefore advisable to drive off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high
speeds: by doing this the engine will
warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary Actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine.
This action is unnecessary and causes
increased fuel consumption and pollution.
Gear Selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road
conditions allow it. Using a low gear for
faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption. Improper use of a high gear
increases consumption, emissions and
engine wear.Max. Speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
as speed increases. Maintain a constant
speed, avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration, which cost in terms of both
fuel consumption and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects
consumption and emissions: acceleration
should be gradual and should not exceed
the maximum torque.
Conditions Of Use
Cold Starting
Short trips and frequent cold starts will
not allow the engine to reach optimum
operating temperature. This results in a
significant increase in consumption
levels (from +15 to +30% in city driving)
and emissions.
Traffic And Road Conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy
traffic, for instance when travelling in
traffic with frequent use of low gears or
in cities with many traffic lights. Winding
mountain roads and rough road surfaces
also adversely affect consumption.
Stops In Traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. railway
crossings) turn off the engine.
168
STARTING AND OPERATING

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Have a flat tire or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem such as these may
interfere with your driving experience.
The section on emergencies can help you
to deal with critical situations
independently.
In an emergency, we recommend that you
call the phone number found in the
Warranty Book.
You may also consider contacting an
authorized dealer.HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS.....172
BULB REPLACEMENT .........172
FUSES .................. .177
TIRE SERVICE KIT ............183
JUMP STARTING ............186
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY .....188
ENGINE OVERHEATING ........189
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE . . .190
TOW EYES ............... .191
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) .............192
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) . . .192
171

Cable Disconnection
Once the engine is started, remove the
connection cables in reverse sequence,
as described below:
1. Disconnect the negative (-) jumper
cable from the remote negative (-) post
of the discharged vehicle.
2. Disconnect the negative end (-) of the
jumper cable from the negative (-) post of
the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the opposite end of the
positive (+) jumper cable from the
positive (+) post of the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to
start your vehicle, you should have the
battery and charging system inspected at
your authorized dealer.
Caution!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s
battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular
phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough without engine operation, the
vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent the
engine from starting.
Bump Starting
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.
Note:You cannot start a vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing it.
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY
Refueling in an emergency is described in
"Refueling The Vehicle" in "Starting And
Operating".
188
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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 the
owner’s 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 every 600miles
( 1,000 km) or before long trips check
and, if necessary, top off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level (if insufficient, see an
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 Vehicle
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.
194
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Plan (2.9 V6 Engine)
Thousands of miles10
20 30
40 50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers16
32 48
64 80
96
112
128
144
160
176
192
208
224
240
Check battery charge status with the proper instrument. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if necessary.
Check the tire repair kit recharge condition and expiration
date. ●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel warning
lights, etc.). ●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels.
(1)●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic tool). ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes),
rubber elements (sleeves, bushes, etc.). ●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade. ●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer system and
adjust nozzles, if necessary. ●●●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage. ●●●●●●●
(1) Top up using the fluids indicated in the “Fluids And Lubricants” section of the “Technical Specifications” chapter only after checking that the system is intact.
195

Thousands of miles10
20 30
40 50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers16
32 48
64 80
96
112
128
144
160
176
192
208
224
240
Visually inspect conditions and wear of front/rear disc brake
pads and operation of pad wear indicators. ●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●
Brake disc wear status check with diagnostic tool. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect the brake discs surface and edge. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Brake pads/brake discs replacement.
(2)
Visually inspect the condition and tensioning of the
accessory drive belt(s). ●●● ●●● ●●● ●●●
Change engine coolant ●
Change engine oil and replace oil filter. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Replace accessory drive belt/s.
(3)
Replace air cleaner cartridge(4)●●●●●●●
Replace the additional fuel filter (if equipped). ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
(2) The actual interval for changing the brake pads and the carbon ceramic brake discs depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signaled by the warning light or
message on the instrument panel. It is advisable to check brake disc weight and thickness after each intensive use.
(3) Areas that are not dusty: recommended maximum mileage 36,000 miles (60,00 km). Regardless of the mileage, the belt must be replaced every 4 years. Dusty areas and/or demanding use of the vehicle (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling): advised maximum mileage 18,000 miles (30,000 km). Regardless of the mileage,
the belt must be replaced every 2 years.
(4) If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
196
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of
your vehicle. Four primary areas are
affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety and Vehicle Stability
Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort
Safety
Warning!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous
and can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result in
tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of
the vehicle to the other can cause the
vehicle to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation
affect the stability of the vehicle and can
produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
Note:
Unequal tire pressures from side to
side may cause erratic and
unpredictable steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to
side may cause the vehicle to drift left or
right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire
rolling resistance resulting in higher fuel
consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can
cause abnormal wear patterns and
reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation
produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is
listed on the driver's side B-Pillar or rear
edge of the driver's side door.
At least once a month:
Check and adjust tire pressure with a
good quality pocket-type pressure gauge.
Do not make a visual judgement when
determining proper inflation. Tires may
look properly inflated even when they are
under-inflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or
visible damage.
Caution!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire
pressure, always reinstall the valve stem
cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the
placard are always “cold tire inflation
pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the
vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of
three hours. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire
sidewall.
216
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE